Hey there, festival lover! If you’re planning a trip to Mbombela (yes, the place we used to call Nelspruit), you’ve picked the perfect destination. This city knows how to throw a party all year round! I’ve been to most of these events myself, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Mbombela’s vibrant culture firsthand.
I’ve danced in the crowds, tasted the local flavours, snapped photos with performers, and felt the pulse of this city in every drumbeat. There’s an energy here that wraps around you, the kind that makes you want to stay a little longer, laugh a little louder, and lose yourself in the moment.
So pack your festival fits, bring your curiosity, and get ready to be swept up in the magic. Mbombela’s calling, and trust me, you don’t want to miss the vibe.
When Spring Sprungs (September-November)
Remember that feeling when winter finally ends? In Mbombela, we celebrate with two can’t-miss events.
Top on the agenda is the Nelspruit Beer Festival, my absolute favourite way to welcome spring! Picture this, golden late-afternoon sun, the hum of happy chatter, and ice-cold craft beer that’s brewed locally here in Mpumalanga. In 2017, I discovered this amazing citrus-flavoured beer that tasted like drinking sunshine in a glass. The food stalls are not to be left behind either, cheese, baked pretzels, and gourmet burgers that’ll have your taste buds jiving!
And then there’s the Mpumalanga Show, where the whole province converges on one spot. Seeing those perfectly coiffed cattle close up is something else! The kids (and let’s face it, adults too) love the fairground rides.
Tip: try the “koeksisters” (South African doughnuts) from the stand near the entrance, they’re famous.
Mbombela Summer Vibes & Winter Wonders
Well, now for something newcomers usually get confused about, our world-famous Innibos Arts Festival is hosted in winter (June/July). But trust me, the atmosphere is anything but chilly! I still remember the first night of last year, the streets were alive with performers, the smell of grilled boerewors (South African sausage) filled the air, and wherever you turned, there were smiling faces. Craft fair is my happiness destination, I still hold the wooden bowl bought there three years ago.
Rain or shine, I’m at the Mbombela Farmers Market held at the beautiful Lowveld National Botanical Garden every first Saturday of the month. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s less about hay bales and fresh veggies, and all about curated vibes, gourmet street food, craft cocktails, local fashion, live music, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay all day.
This is Mbombela’s answer to the Fourways Farmers Market, stylish, social, and seriously fun. Think laid-back picnic blankets, artisanal burgers, designer donuts, handcrafted décor, Afro-chic fashion, and music that makes you groove while you sip a mimosa under the trees.
It’s where the cool crowd meets the creative scene, and the Mbombela city comes alive in colour, taste, and sound.
Mbombela Autumn’s Aerial Spectacle (March-May)
Lowveld Airshow is one of those experiences you’ll never forget. I can recall lounging on grass last year with head back, gazing at these incredible pilots and their life-threatening stunts. The vintage airplanes are time machines, you can almost hear the stories they would tell. Take sunscreen and a hat, your neck will be twisted all day!
There’s something surreal about watching vintage aircraft glide across the Mbombela sky. They’re more than just machines, they’re flying pieces of history, time machines with propellers, whispering stories of a bygone era. When they pass overhead, you don’t just watch, you feel something stir in your chest.
Crowds gasp, kids point up in wide-eyed wonder, and somewhere in the background, someone’s cheering with an ice-cold drink in hand. The vibe? Electric. Community, excitement, and nostalgia all wrapped into one sky-high spectacle.
Pro tip: bring a blanket, plenty of sunscreen, a good hat, and something cold to sip on. Your neck will be craned toward the sky all day, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a single twist, dive, or barrel roll.
Winter’s Ultimate Challenge (June-August)
Even if you’re not participating in the Kruger2Canyon Challenge, it’s worth watching. The determination on those competitors’ faces as they push along the course is just motivating. I like finding a good vantage point with a warm drink and shouting them on, it’s one of my winter highlights now.
The scenery alone is worth the outing, rolling hills, dramatic landscapes, and the occasional wildlife spotting if you’re lucky. And as the sun rises over the course, casting golden light across the valleys, there’s a quiet reminder that you’re witnessing something raw and real.
Why Coyotes Hotel is My Go-To
After a day of festival-going, nothing beats coming “home” at Coyotes Hotel. I’ve spent three events there so far, and here’s why I come back:
- That little piece of heaven when you realize your bed is just a quick 10-minute drive from all the fun
- The sheer bliss of sinking into their ridiculously comfortable beds after tromping miles between festival sites
- Not having to worry about parking (a blessing during peak event periods)
- The breakfasts that give the perfect energy boost for a day of sightseeing
Final Thoughts From a Festival Regular
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of attending Mbombela’s events:
- Book accommodation early, the good ones get taken quickly!
- Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll thank me later)
- Talk to locals, they know all the best spots and secret events
- Try something new at each festival, that’s how I developed my love for craft beer!
So what are you waiting for? Mbombela’s festivals are calling your name, and Coyotes Hotel is ready to host you. Believe me, you’re going to love it here. See you at the next event!
