The Eswatini Farmers Market is preparing for its fifth edition with an expanded experience that goes beyond food and music on the 10th of October 2026.
The annual event has grown over the years to include fashion, family entertainment, small businesses, lifestyle activities and interactive experiences, with this year’s edition introducing a cowboy theme and a way more dedicated KFC Kids Zone.
Eswatini Farmers Market representative Tebesutfu Methula said the aim is to create an experience that feels different from the moment people arrive.
“We want people to feel like they have stepped into a different world for the day,”
According to Methula, the atmosphere is an important part of the event, from the music and people to the food, fashion, stalls and activities around the venue.
But she said the organisers also want visitors to discover new local brands, a food they have never tried, meeting friends they have not seen in a while or simply spending quality time with family throughout the event.
“By the time they leave, our hope is that they feel they experienced more than just an event, they experienced a community,”
A Bigger Experience
Reaching its fifth edition has allowed the Farmers Market to expand the experience beyond the main stage. These are more lifestyle elements and activities around the venue this year, alongside food, shopping and interactive experiences.
A dedicated Kids Zone has also been introduced through KFC Eswatini, the event’s Official Kids Zone Partner.
“Parents can expect a fun, family-friendly environment with activities and entertainment designed to keep the little ones engaged,”
She also encouraged visitors to move around the venue and explore the traders, food experiences, family activities and activations.
“I think one of the biggest mistakes would be to come to Farmers Market and spend the entire day standing in front of the stage,”
Food
Food continues to be one of the main parts of the Farmers Market experience with options ranging from full meals to snacks and new foods they may want to try.
“What I love about the food offering is that there is something for different tastes and different budgets,”
This creates a mix of familiar products and new discoveries, with visitors encouraged to look out for official vendors who will be displaying Eswatini Farmers Market trading stickers on social media.
An Ecosystem
Small and medium businesses have become an important part of the Farmers Market. Methula said the organisers have learnt that many of the businesses taking part are looking for more than sales on one day.
“They don’t just want to sell for one day, they want exposure, customers, relationships and opportunities to grow,”
The market gives these businesses an opportunity to meet consumers directly and introduce their products to a larger audience leaving with new customers and business opportunities beyond the festival.
This is something the Farmers Market continues to work on as part of its role in creating opportunities for local businesses.
Cowboy Theme
This year’s edition is the “Look Like A Cowboy” theme.
The organisers are encouraging visitors to interpret the theme in their own way rather than treating it as a strict dress code saying that the idea is about having fun with fashion and allowing the crowd to become part of the event.
“Eswatini Farmers Market has grown into a Festival where people don’t just come for the programme, they come to dress up, take pictures, socialise and be part of the atmosphere,”
The cowboy concept gives visitors something playful and distinctive to work with, while adding another element to the overall experience.
On Stage
The music programme will follow a 3Step and Afro Tech theme, bringing together a mix of South African and Eswatini stars. South African acts including Zee Nxumalo, Oscar Mbo, Jnr SA and Argento Dust are among the names on the line-up, alongside a strong selection of local performers like Thubillion, Mandisa Mamba, Sibu Manzini, DJ Cup and Zulu D, among others
The mix of regional and local talent is expected to give the fifth edition its distinct sound while keeping the programme rooted in the Eswatini music scene.“We want to celebrate Eswatini talent while also bringing in regional acts that add something different to the experience,”
The MCs for the event, ensuring vibes are kept on a high were announced as Thando Ntshangase and Thandukwazi ‘Groove General’ Hadebe.
Those in charge of managing the stage are ‘Linye Lingisi’ and Sakhile Masterjack who will ensure on stage activities are not disrupted and flow of activities are followed promptly.
Arrive Early, Stay Late
With the fifth edition offering more to explore, visitors are being encouraged to give themselves enough time to experience the full event. Give yourself time to explore. Walk around the market, discover traders, grab something to eat, check out the activations and settle into the atmosphere before the day gets busy.
The experience changes as the sun goes down. The energy builds, performances get bigger and the crowd really comes alive.
Do not come only for one performance. Dress for the cowboy theme, bring your friends or family, eat, shop, dance, take pictures, discover new businesses and explore everything happening around the venue. Because that is what the fifth edition of Eswatini Farmers Market is really about.
As the Eswatini Farmers Market reaches its fifth edition, its growth is being reflected in the number of experiences being offered around the main stage.
It is not just a market. It is a day out, a festival, a platform for local businesses, a space for families and friends and an experience designed to leave you with something to remember.
Shuttles to ease access to the venue will also be made available on the day following a shared schedule.
From a stronger focus on small businesses and food to the introduction of a Kids Zone and a themed fashion experience, the event continues to develop its identity bringing these different elements together and create a space where people can discover something new, support local businesses and spend time with the people around them.
