While headline acts continue to draw thousands to the stages, there is far more to the MTN Bushfire 19th edition experience than music alone. Across the festival grounds, certain fashion trends, food choices and performances have emerged as clear favourites among festivalgoers.
From crochet outfits and cowboy hats to loaded fries and Amapiano beats, here's a look at some of the biggest trends spotted during the first two days of MTN Bushfire 2026.
TOP 5 THINGS WORN AT BUSHFIRE
1. Crochet and knitted outfits
.jpeg)
Crochet fashion has been impossible to miss this year. Festivalgoers embraced handmade-inspired tops, dresses, matching sets and cover-ups in a variety of colours and patterns. The relaxed, artistic aesthetic perfectly matched the Bushfire atmosphere and quickly became one of the weekend's defining fashion statements.
2. Denim on Denim
Denim remains a festival favourite. Double denim combinations featuring oversized jackets, jeans, skirts and matching sets appeared throughout the grounds. Whether dressed up or down, the timeless fabric proved once again why it continues to dominate festival fashion.
3. African Print Designs
Traditional and contemporary African fashion made a strong showing across the festival. Ankara prints, Shweshwe-inspired garments and locally designed pieces added colour and cultural pride to the MTN Bushfire landscape. Many festivalgoers used fashion to celebrate their identities while embracing the festival spirit.
4. Cowboy hats..but styled
One accessory that stood out above all others was, the wide-brimmed cowboy hat. Popularised by global stars (Beyonce Formation) and festival culture alike, the hats were visible throughout the venue. Besides making a fashion statement, they also provided welcome protection from the daytime sun.
5. Mini skirts and casual festival wear
.jpeg)
Mini skirts paired with boots, sneakers, oversized shirts and crop tops were another popular choice among attendees. Comfort remained a priority for many festivalgoers, who spent long hours on their feet while moving between stages and activities.
TOP 5 THINGS EATEN AT BUSHFIRE
Food remains one of the major attractions at MTN Bushfire, with thousands of visitors exploring the various food environments spread across the grounds.
1. Burgers
Burgers were among the most sought-after items throughout the festival. Food stalls selling gourmet, beef and chicken burgers consistently attracted long queues as attendees looked for filling meals between performances.
2. Hot dogs
.jpeg)
Simple, convenient and easy to eat while moving between stages, hot dogs remained a favourite choice among festivalgoers. Their popularity was especially noticeable during peak performance hours.
3. Loaded fries
.jpeg)
Loaded fries proved to be one of the standout festival snacks. Topped with various sauces, meats and garnishes, they became a popular option among younger attendees looking for something quick and satisfying.
4. Tacos
.jpeg)
Festivalgoers showed a strong appetite for tacos, with several food vendors reporting steady demand throughout the day. The combination of flavour, portability and variety made them an easy favourite.
5. Ice Cream
.jpeg)
As temperatures rose during the day, ice cream became one of the most purchased treats at the festival. Long queues formed at several dessert stalls as attendees searched for relief from the afternoon heat.
The introduction of the MTN Bushfire Food Passport has also encouraged visitors to sample food from different areas of the festival grounds, turning meals into part of the overall Bushfire experience.
TOP 5 THINGS WATCHED AT BUSHFIRE
Music remains the heartbeat of the MTN Bushfire, but the festival experience extends beyond the Main Stage. Across multiple performance spaces, festivalgoers have embraced a wide variety of entertainment offerings.
1. Amapiano Performances
Amapiano has once again proven to be the dominant sound of the festival. Crowds gathered in large numbers for performances linked to the genre, with many of the biggest audience reactions coming during Amapiano sets. The popularity of artists such as Uncle Waffles further highlighted the genre's continued influence.
2. House Music sets
House music maintained a strong presence throughout the weekend. Its energetic rhythms kept crowds dancing across multiple stages and attracted audiences from different age groups.
3. Afro-Soul Performances
Afro-soul artists provided some of the festival's most intimate and emotionally engaging moments. Festivalgoers could often be seen singing along, swaying and connecting with the music in a different way from the high-energy dance performances.
4. Dance and cultural performances
.jpeg)
Traditional and contemporary dance groups continued to attract significant attention. Performances celebrating African culture, heritage and storytelling drew large crowds throughout the daytime programme and reinforced Bushfire's cultural identity.
5. Fashion and people watching
Not everything being watched was happening on a stage. Many festivalgoers spent time simply observing the creative outfits, artistic expression and diverse personalities moving through the grounds. For some attendees, the people themselves became part of the entertainment.
Beyond the music, MTN Bushfire continues to offer a unique blend of culture, food, fashion and creativity. As thousands of visitors gather in Malkerns from across the world, the festival remains as much about the experiences between performances as it is about the artists on stage.
With today being another evening of music I honeslty think the MTN Bushfire is not just being heard. It is being worn, tasted and experienced in every corner of the festival grounds. Next time buy your ticket and come see all I'm talking about.
