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I remember the first one I went to. My friend and I were in university and we decided to go to Rustlers Valley Festival on a last whim so we were totally unprepared and it was disastrous.
By the third night we had run out of food, humour and a general tolerance for any discomfort.
I think we may even have cried big tears for our warm, clean and dry beds along with a proper meal as we fell asleep.
Since then I've been to a handful over the last few decades, missed a lot more and figured out what kind of festival goer I am.
For starters, I don't like crowds. Secondly, there have to be warm showers and enough clean toilets dotted around so you don't have to sit in queues or walk to the other side of the property and miss your favourite acts.
Lastly I like dressing up and having certain conveniences like well-prepared food and organisers who pay attention to detail.
Cue Littlegig.
LITTLEGIG
I've been twice and it's the perfect kind of gathering for me. It's a 24-hour festival (okay, well the music does get shut off for a few hours in the wee morning while most revellers get a tiny bit of shut eye) and you pay a package fee that includes food and drink and accommodation if you want to stay over.
You can leave your wallet behind because it's all-inclusive.
Apart from the musicians and DJs, they have a fashion concept store (okay it may be a good idea to take a debit card to shop a few items here), work with artists on installations, collaborate with wine and spirit makers plus chefs for special dinners, tastings and the fare that's available for everyone.
It's smaller and more intimate than most festivals and attracts an older, more mature set. Major plus for me. The next one takes place 17 - 18 Feb 2018 at Wiesenhof Farm, Stellenbosch and tickets are still available.
Their music lineup?
Blinky Bill, Nonku Phiri, Umlilo and the Stash Crew, Just Themba, Tha Muzik, Zara Julius, Tommy Gun, Johnny Cradle and a lot more talented performers.
If you're feeling fancy, check out their glamping package...
What to wear:
Anything from Marianne Fassler's new Boudoir collection. Get in touch with them here. Or shop items at the fashion concept store on the weekend.
Also in Feb next year, this time from the 3rd to the 4th and in Mpumalanga at a mansion about an hour away from Joburg, the Bacardi Holiday Club is taking place for the first time.
BACARDI HOLIDAY CLUB
Swizz Beatz, Cassper Nyovest and Mafikizolo are the headline acts in this also (all-inclusive festival).
Head to Welgelegen Manor, bring your camping gear or choose the glamping option. Either way, your food and drinks are also included so it's another you-can-leave-your-wallet-at-home situation.
What to wear:
Red volume sleeve Bardot Dress, Style Republic, R399. Shop the frock at Spree.
And this month it's Afropunk.
AFROPUNK
Solange, Anderson Paak, Laura Mvula, Petite Noir, Jojo Abot, Nakhane, Spoek Mathambo... That's just the iceberg. Two days of international and local acts.
Two days of art and culture and I think a gathering of people wearing the best looks we'll have seen in one space in a long time.
Starts on the 30th and ends New Years Day... at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg.
What to wear:
Rich Mnisi Belted Tribal Satin Jumpsuit, Style by SA, R1 399. Find it at Woolworths.
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