Rocking the Daisies 2026 Cancelled: What You Need to Know About Refunds and the New One-Day Shows
In a surprising turn of events, the organisers of South Africa’s iconic music and lifestyle festival, Rocking the Daisies, have officially cancelled the highly anticipated 2026 edition. The decision, announced on Friday, 24 July 2026, has left many fans disappointed, but the team has assured that the music will go on through a series of alternative one-day events .
Why Was the 2026 Festival Cancelled?
According to an official statement released by the festival organisers, the cancellation was due to “a number of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” . Despite multiple attempts to find workable solutions, it became impossible for the multi-day festival at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling to proceed as planned . The team emphasised that the decision was not made lightly, extending their gratitude to patrons, artists, and partners for their support during this difficult time .
What Happens to My Tickets?
If you had already purchased tickets for the 2026 Rocking the Daisies, the refund process is straightforward and hassle-free. The organisers have confirmed that all ticket refunds will be processed automatically. Patrons can expect the funds to reflect in their accounts within one to three business days, with no action required from the ticket holders .
The Good News: A New One-Day Show
While the traditional three-day festival won’t be happening, the organisers are pivoting to a new format. They will be hosting an alternative 1-day show via the IN THE CITY platform . These events are set to take place in both Johannesburg (JHB) and Cape Town (CPT), featuring a curated line-up of international and local favourites .
Who Will Be Performing at In The City?
Some of the artists originally booked for the main festival are expected to still perform at the one-day events. American rapper Isaiah Rashad and UK singer-songwriter Jorja Smith were originally announced as headliners for the 2026 edition . While it has been confirmed that Isaiah Rashad will still perform in South Africa as part of the In The City series , confirmation regarding Jorja Smith’s participation is still pending .
Local favourites such as Shekhinah, Lordkez, Nasty C, and Mi Casa were also part of the 2026 line-up and are expected to be part of the new shows .
Ticket Sales and More Details
Tickets for these alternative one-day shows went on sale today. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the official Rocking the Daisies (RTD) and IN THE CITY social media platforms and websites for further details regarding venues, line-ups, and schedules .
A Legacy of Music and Culture
Rocking the Daisies has been a cornerstone of the South African summer calendar since its inception in 2005 . Known for bringing global stars like Stormzy, Mac Miller, and Summer Walker to local stages, the festival has grown into a celebration of music, fashion, art, and community . While the 2026 pause is a blow, the introduction of the IN THE CITY spin-off offers a new way for fans to experience the essence of the Daisies in a more intimate setting
Rocking the Daisies 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions regarding the cancellation of Rocking the Daisies 2026, ticket refunds, and the new one‑day shows.
1. General Event Questions
Q: Is Rocking the Daisies 2026 happening?
A: No. The multi‑day festival scheduled for 2026 has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the organisers’ control. The decision was not made lightly.
Q: Why was the festival cancelled?
A: The official statement cites a number of unforeseen issues that made it impossible to proceed, despite multiple attempts to find workable solutions.
Q: Will Rocking the Daisies return in 2027?
A: No official announcement has been made regarding 2027. The organisers are currently focused on the alternative one‑day shows.
2. Ticket Refunds
Q: I bought tickets for Rocking the Daisies 2026. Will I get a refund?
A: Yes. All ticket refunds will be processed automatically.
Q: Do I need to do anything to get my refund?
A: No action is required from ticket holders. Refunds are being handled automatically.
Q: How long will the refund take?
A: Funds are expected to reflect in your account within one to three business days from the date of the announcement (24 July 2026).
Q: What if my refund doesn’t appear after three business days?
A: If you do not see your refund after the stated timeframe, contact the official ticketing partner or the festival’s support channel directly for assistance.
Q: Will I be refunded the full ticket price, including fees?
A: The statement confirms that all ticket refunds will be processed. For specific details on service fees, refer to the ticketing platform’s refund policy.
3. The Alternative One‑Day Shows (“In The City”)
Q: Is there any event happening instead of the festival?
A: Yes. The organisers are hosting alternative 1‑day shows under the IN THE CITY platform, taking place in Johannesburg (JHB) and Cape Town (CPT).
Q: Who will be performing at these one‑day shows?
A: The shows will feature a line‑up of both international and local favourites. Confirmed international artists include Isaiah Rashad (US rapper). Local artists expected to appear include Shekhinah, Lordkez, Nasty C, and Mi Casa. Further artists are yet to be announced.
Q: Are these shows replacing the full festival?
A: They are an alternative offering for 2026, not a full replacement of the multi‑day experience. They offer a condensed, one‑day format.
Q: When do tickets for the one‑day shows go on sale?
A: Tickets went on sale today (25 July 2026).
Q: Where can I buy tickets for In The City?
A: Follow the official Rocking the Daisies (RTD) and IN THE CITY social media platforms and websites for ticketing links, venue information, and line‑up updates.
Q: Are the one‑day shows in JHB and CPT on the same day?
A: Specific dates and venues have not yet been released. Stay tuned to official channels for the full schedule.
4. Artist and Line‑Up Questions
Q: Will Jorja Smith still perform?
A: Jorja Smith was originally announced for the main festival, but her participation in the In The City shows has not yet been confirmed.
Q: What about other international artists?
A: Further international names will be announced as the organisers finalise the line‑up for the one‑day events.
Q: Will local artists from the original line‑up still appear?
A: Yes, several local favourites from the original bill are expected to be part of the one‑day shows.
5. Contact and Support
Q: Who do I contact for refund issues?
A: Reach out to the official ticketing partner you purchased from, or check the Rocking the Daisies website for dedicated support channels.
Q: Where can I find official updates?
A: Follow Rocking the Daisies and IN THE CITY on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X) and visit their official websites for the latest news.
Q: Can I transfer my festival ticket to the one‑day show?
A: The statement does not mention ticket transfers. All festival tickets are being refunded, and the one‑day shows require separate ticket purchases.
Q: Is there a customer service hotline?
A: Official contact details will be shared via the festival’s website and social pages. For now, monitor those channels for updated information.
6. Additional Questions
Q: What happens to VIP, camping, or add‑on packages?
A: All ticket types, including add‑ons, are expected to be refunded automatically. If you have specific concerns, contact the ticketing partner.
Q: Will the one‑day shows include camping?
A: No. These are one‑day events, and camping is not part of the format.
Q: Is the “In The City” platform new?
A: The organisers are using this platform specifically for these alternative events. More details about the platform will be released soon.
Q: Where are the venues?
A: Venues for Johannesburg and Cape Town have not yet been announced. Check official channels for updates.
Last updated: 25 July 2026
For the most current information, always refer to official Rocking the Daisies and IN THE CITY communications.
