GET READY TO ROCK. SUMMER FESTIVALS ARE LOOKING DELICIOUS.

Words by Jamal Grootboom | Images: Getty Images

This summer is the first one where we’re officially back outside after an almost 3-year hiatus. As a result, festival season is also making a grand return. As many of the annual events are back by popular demand, it also means it’s time to update your festival outfits as many new trends have since popped up.

While we can’t name every festival for the summer season, we’ve compiled a list of the ones kicking the festivities off.

These will inspire you to update your wardrobe just in time to land on those ‘best dressed’ lists.

As one of the most diverse festivals in terms of its music offering, the DStv Delicious International Food + Music Festival serves the purpose of being both a family outing and a daytime party affair taking place from 24 to 25 September at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Joburg. This year’s line-up features Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy, making his much-anticipated return to SA shores along with R+B legend Babyface to entertain both older and younger audiences. Since this doubles as a music and food festival, being comfortable should be high on your priority list. A pair of jeans or pants with an elastic band that has a good stretch to them paired with a pair of sneakers, will keep you going from day to night. Add a graphic tee and conversation-starting accessories.

As one of the biggest annual festivals in the country, Rocking The Daisies has gone from an alternative rock music and EDM-based affair to a multi-genre festival - including amapiano and Hip Hop - where several stages are set up for your preferred beat. This year, the Cape Town weekend affair is taking place at the Cloof Wine Estate from 7 to 9 October. Much like Coachella, #RTD is also content creation heaven. And it’s sure to have some of your fave internet personalities making an appearance too. Even as a regular attendee, this is the time to give your IG feed some love and give those at home a taste of the fun with IG Reels and TikTok videos. The venue for this festival is a bit tricky since it’s scorching during the day and very nippy at night, so pack wisely. Find a middle ground between function and fashion. Look to your trusty festival basics like shorts, crochet tops + dresses, durable shoes and sleeveless shirts. But you also need a couple of jackets and long-sleeved shirts for when the nighttime cold strikes.

Hip hop culture is still alive and thriving and Back To The City brings some of the biggest rappers and DJs in the country at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown Park, Joburg on 1 October. The headliners for this year’s edition include SAMAs award-winning artist Blxckie, SA Hip Hop award-winning rapper A-Reece, the beloved ‘Bragga’ Nadia Nakai, and many more of your fave acts. Drip is very much high on the agenda - grab a pair of fresh kicks, baggy jeans, cargo pants, bucket hats and fitted tank tops layered with classic shirts.

Beach parties are back in full swing this summer season, and Sexy Groovy Love is bringing the daytime vibes to the Mother City. Taking place at the Grand Cafe + Beach on 24 September with Afrohouse DJ Caiiro, DJ Abby Nurock and other acts. This is where you get to show off some skin in beach attire that you can still party in until the early hours of the morning. Mesh beach dresses, Birkenstock sandals, resort wear shirts, Bermuda shorts and lightweight shirts.

The electronic music scene is still going strong for those who enjoy this carefree genre of music and the festivities that come with it. The Innocence Outdoor Music Festival is hosting some of the hottest DJs in the EDM space, including Das Kapital, Pascal and Pearce, Lady M and many more artists. Taking place on 1 October at Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town, it’s set to be a night of fist-pumping and losing your mind with every beat drop. A modern raver look is what you’ll be aiming for with shorts, crop tops, sneakers, resort shirts and trendy backpacks.