rAge returns as Nedbank rAge Nation 2026 from 27 to 29 November at Fourways Mall, Level 8, in Johannesburg. The festival opens from 09:00 to 18:00 each day, bringing gaming, esports, tech, cosplay and digital culture together. The Orbit BYOC LAN runs alongside it, with separate General and Super passes.
Last checked: 11 October 2026. Ticket availability and the programme may change; check the official links before booking.
What is new for 2026?
Nedbank has been announced as headline sponsor, with Mettlestate as rAge Nation’s strategic partner. This year’s retrofuturism theme accompanies a broader festival: competitive gaming, creator-led experiences, live entertainment, technology showcases, anime, cosplay, local game development and tabletop activities.
Festival tickets and opening hours
Venue: Fourways Mall rooftop, Level 8, 11 Ruby Close, Witkoppen, Sandton. Dates: Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2026, 09:00 to 18:00 daily.
| Standard day ticket | R220 for one festival day |
|---|---|
| Standard weekend ticket | R460 for all three festival days |
| Children under 7 | Free festival entry |
Early-bird tickets are sold out. Family ticket options are also listed on Howler. These are the currently displayed ticket rates; check the final booking total and availability at checkout. A festival ticket does not include entry to the secured BYOC LAN.
Orbit BYOC LAN: choose your arrival time
- General Pass: R950. Entry from Friday 27 November at 06:00; the LAN ends Sunday 29 November at 15:00.
- Super Pass: R1,250. Early entry from Thursday 26 November at 18:00; the LAN ends Sunday 29 November at 15:00.
Both LAN passes include access to all three festival days, a shared table and chair, two power outlets, network access, technical support and dedicated free LAN parking. Seating is first come, first served. Orbit casual cups run during the weekend, and showers, lockers and a sleep/chill area are available.
Bring your PC, console or laptop, monitor, peripherals, headphones and games. Bring your own towel and toiletries if using the showers, a lock for a locker, and a pillow or sleeping bag if staying overnight. A customised gamer T-shirt is an optional paid preorder.
Esports and planning your visit
The detailed programme and tournament timetable are still to be announced. Check the official schedule for confirmed brackets, teams and session times as they are released.
Festival visitors use paid mall parking on Levels 0 to 6 and take the lifts or escalators to Level 8. LAN parking is included with a LAN pass. For more South African gaming events, visit Cinga’s event calendar, or find somewhere to practise in Play Spots.
Official sources: festival listing and tickets; LAN listing and tickets; official LAN guide; Nedbank announcement, 1 October 2026. Body photography: rAge Nation official website.