Update, 3 September 2026: Organisers have postponed the Soweto Kota Festival, three days before it was due to take place. SID Entertainment Pty Ltd confirmed the ninth edition will now run on 12 and 13 September, still at the Elkah Cricket Oval in Rockville, following consultations with stakeholders and a severe weather advisory issued by authorities for the original weekend. The organisers said the call was made “with the safety and enjoyment of our attendees in mind,” and confirmed existing tickets remain valid for the new dates, with refund details to be shared separately for anyone who can’t make the rescheduled weekend. The story below was reported and written ahead of that announcement, when the festival was still scheduled for 5 and 6 September. The lineup, vendors, ticket prices, the Best Kota Competition and the 50th-anniversary tribute to June 16, 1976 all carry over to the new dates unchanged — only the calendar has moved. Treat every reference to “this weekend” or “5 and 6 September” below as now applying to 12 and 13 September instead.
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