The highly anticipated Eastrand Kota Festival is gearing up to bring together food lovers, families, entrepreneurs and culture enthusiasts for a vibrant celebration of one of South Africaโs most iconic street foods โ the kota.
Taking place on 28 March 2026 at Willowmoore Park Cricket Stadium, the festival promises a full day of flavour, entertainment and community pride in the East Rand.
The Kota Festival has built a strong reputation for celebrating and elevating the beloved township delicacy across the country. What began as a bold idea in the heart of Newtown has grown into one of South Africaโs most popular food and lifestyle experiences. From its humble beginnings, the festival has expanded to 13 events across seven provinces, even reaching two neighbouring countries.
Reflecting on this journey, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Luvo Limba said the movement continues to build on its legacy while creating new opportunities for communities.
Boosting Local Economy
Beyond its culinary appeal, the festival plays a significant role in economic development. Organisers say the event is focused on empowering communities by offering business education workshops, creating trading opportunities for local vendors, and providing employment for young people.
Statistics from previous tours highlight the festivalโs rapid growth. More than 5,000 jobs were created, marking an increase of over 150% compared to 2024. Attendance also surged, with over 64,000 people attending events โ a 100% increase year-on-year.
Looking ahead, organisers project that employment opportunities linked to the 2026 tour could grow by at least 200%, driven by the continued expansion of the festival.
Strong Partnerships Driving Success
The festival is supported by several major partners, including Albany, which is contributing R110,000 in prizes across 11 events nationwide. Top kota vendors at each event will be rewarded, encouraging quality and innovation using premium ingredients.
Food lovers can also expect rich flavours from Nyama Choma, while Capitec Bank is providing financial guidance and accessible banking solutions to help vendors build sustainable businesses.
What to Expect
Festivalgoers can look forward to a dynamic and immersive experience, including a wide range of kota vendors serving both traditional and gourmet variations, live music performances, and high-quality event production.
Organisers have emphasised that the event will be safe, well-organised and family-friendly, making it suitable for attendees of all ages.
More than just a food festival, the Eastrand Kota Festival celebrates entrepreneurship, youth culture and township excellence โ creating a platform where small businesses can thrive and communities can come together.
Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day filled with great food, music and lasting memories.
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