Milk + Cookies 2026: SA’s premier festival returns for its second edition

“Coming back to South Africa for a second year wasn’t about chasing a market, it was about honouring a relationship,” said Chase Freeman, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing. “We saw last year how naturally Atlanta’s hustle blends with SA’s culture. This year is about reinforcing that connection. It’s not us coming in to build something new; it’s us collaborating with what’s already there and putting more resources behind it.”

Ahead of the main concert, the Dot Connect Panel formed part of Milk + Cookies Music Week in Johannesburg, which also featured a writing camp, the Wunna Run Club, a 5K run with Gunna and local creatives, and a merchandise pop-up. The panel convened global executives, innovators, and emerging artists to discuss career longevity, digital strategy, and cross-market collaboration between North America and South Africa.

During the panel, festival organisers shared an ambitious vision: to bring a “Coachella-type” festival to South Africa. Coachella in California is renowned for its star-studded line-ups, trend-setting fashion, and social media influence—an aspiration Milk + Cookies is clearly pursuing.

The festival avoided common pitfalls seen in recent local events. Crowd and time management were smooth, food and beverage queues were well managed and moved efficiently despite high volumes, and sound quality remained strong throughout, aside from minor issues reported at the Cape Town edition. The professional organisation appealed particularly to Millennials and Gen Z audiences seeking a premium festival environment.

A multi-genre musical journey

Hosted at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec), Milk + Cookies offered a diverse musical experience across multiple stages. Attendees explored interactive installations and a sprawling food court, moving fluidly between hip-hop, R&B, alternative soul, and South Africa’s urban music scene.

British-Sudanese singer Elmiene made his South African debut with an intimate and heartfelt performance, connecting instantly with the crowd. Canadian duo Majid Jordan also impressed, with their set culminating in a rendition of Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” prompting Majid Al Maskati to express gratitude for the warmth of South African audiences.

The Move Mzansi Stage, powered by Extreme, showcased Johannesburg’s underground and alternative music scene. Artists including Uncle Party Time, Omagoqa, Asvnte, DJ Capital, Tango Supreme, and Lelowhatsgood performed alongside aerial dancers and surprise appearances from Musa Keys. DJ Asvnte’s set featured hits from today’s leading female MCs, hinting at the possibility of a top female headliner in future editions.

The festival’s highlight was US rapper Gunna, whose energetic performance saw fans rapping along to hit after hit, cementing the night’s high point.

Beyond performances, Milk + Cookies impressed visually, with fashion-forward attendees generating extensive social media buzz. The festival proved itself not just as a musical event but as a cultural moment, signalling that South Africa is ready for globally-minded, premium festival experiences.