Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival set to return to Nkhotakota in Oct

The event, produced by Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE), marks more than two decades of the festival, which showcases Malawian arts, culture and tourism while attracting regional and international audiences.

Organisers said the 2026 edition will be held under the theme Festivals with Purpose – Inspire, Connect, Invest, Celebrate. The programme is expected to include a range of activities spanning music, fashion, visual arts, crafts, film, storytelling and workshops. Musical performances will cover genres such as Afrobeats, amapiano, jazz, rap and R&B.

“Lake of Stars is a catalyst for creativity, community empowerment, tourism business and economic growth,” DOPE director Sharmila Elias-Taijala said. “We are thrilled to unite people from all walks of life to celebrate Malawi’s vibrant cultural heritage, while inspiring young creatives and communities. This festival has always been more than entertainment; it is a transformative platform for development and positive change.”

In the lead-up to the festival, organisers plan to implement a series of community-focused initiatives in Nkhotakota. These include a village football tournament running from 20 September to 4 October, aimed at promoting female participation in sport and inspired by Malawian footballer Temwa Chawinga. The initiative is expected to provide young participants with opportunities to compete and access sports equipment.

A youth-focused Day of Ideas event is also scheduled for 1 October. The programme will bring together secondary school pupils from lakeshore communities for workshops and discussions intended to encourage leadership and creativity.

In addition, the Khalani O Masuka Community Guest Experience will return in 2026. The initiative offers festival attendees accommodation within local households, with organisers stating that it is designed to support local families while encouraging cultural exchange between visitors and residents.

Government officials have also highlighted the festival’s contribution to the country’s cultural and tourism sectors. Humphrey Mpondaminga, director in Malawi’s Department of Arts, said the event has played a role in supporting artists and local communities. “Lake of Stars is a premier arts festival in Malawi that has been shaping artists, empowering communities, and most of all, has redefined the power of the music industry in influencing tourism,” he said.

Since relocating to Nkhotakota in recent years, the festival has contributed to local development, including growth in tourism activity and hospitality infrastructure, according to organisers.

Further details, including ticket sales, partnerships and the artist line-up, are expected to be announced at a later stage.