… vendors called for flea market, food and kids stalls
MBABANE – The October International Theatre Festival will end on a high note this year as it brings music, theatre and culture to Dzeliwe Street from October 1 – 3 2026, with free entry for everyone between 9am and 10pm each day.
Supported by Genesis Ekucaleni Media, the Street Festival is designed to take the arts out of traditional venues and into the community, giving audiences a chance to watch performances while also eating, shopping and connecting with local businesses. The final day on October 3 is set to be the biggest draw of the weekend.
South Africa’s Umlazi Gospel Choir Original will open the evening with a powerful spiritual performance, before Botswana’s DJ GeesPeezy and DJ T-MAN take to the decks to close the festival with back-to-back sets.
Organisers say the regional lineup reflects OITF’s goal of celebrating both Eswatini talent and artists from across Southern Africa.
At the same time, OITF has opened applications for stall holders who would like to be part of the experience. Space is available for a wide range of exhibitors including flea market traders selling arts, crafts, fashion and accessories, food and beverage vendors offering local dishes and drinks, operators of kids games and entertainment, and corporates and NGOs whose work links to arts, youth and culture.
Other stalls such as books, publishers and creative services are also welcome. Priority will be given to locally made products and businesses that promote Eswatini culture.
Festival organisers say the street festival is about more than just performances. “We want people to come for the theatre and stay for the whole experience,” said Larry Mhlanga.
“This is an opportunity for small businesses, creatives and corporates to meet thousands of theatre lovers, families, students and tourists over three days.”
Stall packages will include trading space for the duration of the festival, basic setup and visibility in festival programmes and on OITF’s social media pages. Interested vendors are urged to contact the OITF team as soon as possible as space is limited. With theatre, music, food, shopping and family activities all in one place, the October Theatre Festival on Dzeliwe Street promises to be one of Eswatini’s biggest cultural gatherings this year. Do not just watch the show, be part of it.
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