Float to happiness along a river in the Citrusdal valley

A midsummer’s dream at Wolfkop Weekender

Last updated: 11 October 2023

Wolfkop Weekender’s Lilo River Flow is the Western Cape’s midsummer dream. Every January, this little patch of riverbank along the Olifants River comes to life with happy campers, music, dancing and lots of lilos. Here’s what to know about this special weekend festival, including mixes to get you in the mood. 

Peace, love and lilos on the Olifants River. Image: Wolfkop Weekender

WATCH THE 2023 AFTER PARTY VIDEO

Here's a sneak peak of what to expect at Lilo River Flow 2024, and see why people keep coming back for more:

KICK OFF THE YEAR AT AN OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

Wolfkop Weekender’s signature gathering and music event celebrates 10 years in 2024. It’s happening Thursday 18 to Monday 22 January 2024 and is an epic way to kick off the new year with old and new friends (and to tick something off your bucket list in the new year). 

Wolfkop Weekender happens along the Olifants River in the Citrusdal Valley. Image: Wolfkop Weekender 

MINI RETREAT IN THE MOUNTAINS

From Cape Town, it’s an easy 2-hour drive along the N7 to Citrusdal, a small town surrounded by citrus groves and mountains. The festival is hosted at Wolfkop Camping Villages, 450 hectares of private land along the Olifants River, where festival-goers get a proper back-to-nature experience. 

Everybody grooves to their own beat – there’s no rush to get anywhere. Image: Wolfkop Weekender

PARTY ON A RIVER WITH LILOS 

The intimate gathering is a different kind of weekend away with friends. Early morning dips in the river to curb the heat, afternoon grooves on the dance floor, and cool summer evenings doused with camping and dancing. 

For its 10th anniversary, Lilo River Flow is hosting cinema nights, comedy shows, and a champagne breakfast on Sunday. It’s also introducing a third dance floor in the forest that will only be open in the evenings. There’ll also be yoga sessions, walking routes and bodyboarding trips.

Wolfkop Weekender happens along the Olifants River in the Citrusdal valley. Image: Wolfkop Weekender

WOLFKOP WEEKENDER 2024 LINEUP

The 2024 lineup is yet to be announced. Performers from previous years include international artists like Roman Flügel, one of the biggest names on Germany’s electronic music scene, and deep house duo Fish Go Deep. 

Event director and DJ Richard Marshall revealed that a number of international artists who have performed at Wolfkop Weekender will return for the 10th anniversary. See the full Lilo River Flow line-up on Wolfkop Weekender’s Facebook page.

The full line-up of Wolfkop Weekender artists. Image: Wolfkop Weekender 

CAMPING (AND GLAMPING) ON SITE

There are several camping areas for Wolfkop Weekender, from bring-your-own camping options in the Golden Valley area to comfy campsites with tents set up for you in the Lost Valley, Berry Fields, Middelpos and Noordhoek areas. You can also stay at the Wolfkop Nature Reserve.

The majestic Wolfkop Weekender setting. Image: Wolfkop Weekender 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PACK FOOD 

There’s tons of food trucks and mobile bars, including vegan vendors, smoothies, pizzas, burgers and more. Plus, there’s a clothing market with vintage clothes, festival wear and jewellery vendors. 

The food and clothing market has a fair vibe to it. Image: Wolfkop Weekender 

FIND OUT WHY ARTISTS LOVE IT

Some moments that past performers and organisers loved about Lilo River Flow:

• “As a European, the experience of not only the festival, but also discovering the entire Citrusdal Valley area was a solid 10/10 trip.” – Pional
• “I remember a scene of blissed-out clubbers floating in the river, while another crew was smiling ear to ear on the dance floor.” – Tim Sweeney
• “I felt I was somehow sticking my head into the sands of hedonism.” – Frivolous
• “Playing the crowd from daylight to nighttime through the sunset was one of the highlights of the entire tour.” – Nick Warren
• “Idyllic citrus smelling surroundings with a tight group of dedicated music fanatics.” – Daedelus
• “Playing on the Sunday afternoon with Charles Webster was one of the best festival days I can remember.” – Fish Go Deep
• “Very few times in my career can I remember being so well looked after by a promoter, or playing music in such unusual locations.” – Thomas von Party
• “A multicultural experience invested in supporting and introducing local quality electronic music.” – Clarian

Lilo River Flow is a magical way to experience the Citrusdal region. Image: Wolfkop Weekender 

WHAT MUSIC TO EXPECT: SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

The organisers describe the lineup as “multi genre”. Here’s a taste of what to expect at the 2024 festival.

TICKET PRICE FOR LILO RIVER FLOW

Tickets start at R750 for a single day entry (Sundays only), or from R1 395 for BYO camping and a festival pass. See all the options for Wolfkop Weekender and get your tickets before they sell out.

Get Wolfkop Weekender tickets while you still can. Image: Wolfkop Weekender

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WOLFKOP WEEKENDER

Wolfkop Weekender is happening: 18 - 22 January 2024
Find it: Wolfkop Camping Villages | Keerom Road | Citrusdal
Cost: From R750 for a day pass
Book: via Wontom
Contact on: info@wolfkopweekender.co.za, @wolfkopweekender 

By Lara van Zyl

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