Apparently, Zimstock Is My Vibe Now

I think I’m at that point in life where events like the Zimstock Family Festival is my vibe.

When you grow, you also outgrow some things. Yes, I may still find myself at a clurrrb every now and then, but these days, I’m equally excited by an event where there’s good music, food, kids running around, people dressed up, brands showing off their latest things and everyone just having a generally good time.

A few years ago, I probably would have looked at a family festival and thought, “Hmm, not my cuppa tea.” But now? Sign me up!

This was my second Zimstock, having attended last year as well, and while I have to admit that my first experience was a little more top-notch than this year’s, that didn’t take away from the fact that I still had a really good time.

I went with friends, which automatically makes almost any event better.

We danced. We laughed. I discovered music and artists I probably wouldn’t have come across on my own. Shout out to the Saxby Twins, Jeremy Loops and Mann Friday. 

Speaking of Mann Friday… Sewe remix now hits different. I didn’t know Mann and when I heard he’s part of the Sewe remix, I found myself going back to the song. You can check out the song too!

And then there was Simmy! Love her dzown!

That was probably my personal highlight of the day.

Last year, Micasa had me having the time of my life, so I really should have known better than to underestimate what a good live performance could do to me because why was I screaming like Simmy was only there for me? Guys, I screamed my voice out! I had fun.

And here’s one of the other things I like about Zimstock . It doesn’t feel like you’re there simply to watch performances. There’s always something else happening around you.

The cashless thing? Very demure 

I have only encountered this cashless setup at Zimstock, nowhere else! Could be done at other events, angiyali, I’m not that exposed.

No digging through your bag for money. No wondering where you put that $5. But most importantly, no change issues😭because this is a pandemic in Zimbabwe.

You simply tap and pay and keep moving.

The food stalls area deserved its own event.

Now let’s talk about the food! My other favorite part. The food stalls at Zimstock were giving me a little bit of Paris. That’s the closest I’ll probably ever be to Paris. Jokes! I’ll be in Paris for one of my birthdays 🥹

The lights. The different stalls. The whole setup nje. It gave a scene from a movie. Again, I haven’t been exposed to an event that has such aesthetics…you can invite me. Thanks. 

There was something about wandering around, deciding what to eat, looking at what everyone else was having and taking in all the different brands that made the whole experience feel bigger than just music.

And then there was Cookmore. Haaaa weeeh maaah! Me and free food are like this 🤞. That free food? Everything! And before you look at me side ways, I do buy Cook more products in my household, so chill. 

I got to try coconut rice, sampled the different sauces and salmon too. Guys iSalmon dlanini. I’m thanks. I tried, but my pallet refused. I don’t think I’m going to be voluntarily spending my own money on it anytime soon, but I’m glad I tried it.

And the kids were having a BALL

I also have to give the kids’ zone its flowers. It looked so much fun.

The kids seemed genuinely happy, there was plenty happening, and even I eyed some of the activities. Unfortunately, I am now an adult and apparently there are rules.

But watching the kids enjoy themselves was actually one of those small things that reminded me why the Family Festival part of Zimstock works.

It’s not just an event where parents drag their children along. There is actually something for them to enjoy too.

And then there was the timing.

Another thing I appreciated?

They actually stuck to the programme.

The event wrapped up around the advertised time, which I found refreshing.

Because if you’ve been to enough concerts, you know the drill.

Zimstock being a family-oriented event probably helps, but I still appreciated the fact that the day felt well executed and didn’t stretch unnecessarily into the night.

By the end, I was tired, happy and had danced and screamed enough.

And maybe that’s the biggest thing I took away from Zimstock 2026.

My idea of a good time has changed.

I still like a night out. I still enjoy getting dressed up and going somewhere loud. But I’m also very happy spending a Saturday surrounded by music, food, friends, brands, families and a bunch of strangers who are all there for the same reason and that’s to have a good time.

Love & light 🧡