Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Up The Creek from Cape Town?

230 km (A beautiful 2.5 hour drive). Check out the Contact page for the map directing you to Up The Creek from Cape Town.

What times are the festival gates open?

Thursday 11:00am – 00:00

Friday 08:00am – 00:00

Saturday 08:00am – 14:00

Can I come into the festival on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning?

Unfortunately no matter how many emails you send we just can’t help you here. Our event is run along the required health & safety laws SA has put in place and we are only ready for the public to enter on Thursday at 11:00am. Please wait patiently and give us the time we need to make sure our venue is prepped and ready to host you all!

How can I pay for food & drinks at the festival?

We run a completely cashless festival – the system we use is called Howler. Every festival attendee wears a fabric wristband with a special barcoded plastic piece, this is your wallet for the festival.

Once you have purchased at ticket to the festival, you can set up your account and preload your festival wristband. You can preload online until the day before OR you can simply load up with your debit/credit card at the Howler Top Up Station inside the festival. You can also top up your Howler ‘wallet’ throughout the weekend. And don’t worry you can tick the Auto-Refund option when you create your account, and any leftover funds will be automatically refunded into the bank account you provide.

We have used Howler since the 2018 festival and it is fantastic! No queues (at the bars or traders) and no need to carry cash and fight with the ATM. It’s an offline system so doesn’t rely on internet signal to work (we all know how bad that is at the Creek!)

Can I camp next to my vehicle?

Yes, there is a designated campsite called Hillbilly for those campers who want to be next to their vehicles. Please make sure you buy an entry ticket to gain access to this campsite with your vehicle. This is the area to go if you have campervans, rooftop tents etc. Be warned, it isn’t a green grass area, only for the rough and ready. If you’re happy to leave your car in the parking lot, you will be rewarded with green grass and can camp very close to the toilets and showers.

Does the campsite have showers and toilets?

Yes! Up The Creek is renowned for its fabulously clean hot showers and flushing toilets. Of course we bring in extra portable toilets and build a rustic outdoor shower block, but if you’re dead set against festivals because of the usual ablutions provided (or not provided)- then Up The Creek is for you! You won’t be disappointed and you’ll be able to stay clean all weekend!

Can I braai on an open fire next to my tent?

Unfortunately no open fires are allowed in the festival. This is for everyone’s safety. Our Fire Marshall runs a tight ship and is there to keep everyone safe – fines will be imposed on those Creekers who don’t follow this rule.

Can I bring my gas skottle or cooker along?

Yes you can, but there are two rules here:

  1. Please, weather conditions permitting- you might have to use them in a designated controlled area. The Fire Marshall will make the final decision and you will be informed on arrival at the gate about whether gas cookers are allowed in the campsite.
  2. You need to bring a 5L water container/ fire extinguisher with you – the Fire Marshall will be roaming the campsite and will check all skottle owners have the right safety precautions in place.

If the wind is strong and we’ve had dry conditions in the run up to the event we might be forced to have a gas cooker area demarcated for the duration of the festival- this space will be monitored and fire extinguishers provided.

No open fires please, the farm we rent is very dry in the peak of summer, and open fires are a very dangerous hazard with so many people and tents.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the festival?

Yes with pleasure, but please no glass bottles, make sure to decant your booze into plastic bottles, or just bring your beer in cans. We have a large variety of food vendors selling all sorts of delicious fare; from pizzas, to burgers, fish and chips, vegan and vegetarians are catered for and of course lots of coffee! Our bars are open daily from 09:00 until 02:00am selling beer, cider, wine, cocktails, etc and cooldrink and water.

Where can I get safe drinking water from during the festival?

We supply a tank with fresh municipal water for free. Alternatively, bottled water can be purchased from the bar.

What to bring?

First and foremost an open mind, a good attitude and of course your ticket. And don’t forget your mates.

And then:

  • Your I.D Book.
  • A Tent, mattresses, sleeping bag/duvet, pillows, camping chairs, torch.
  • The ESSENTIALS: Sun Block, insect repellent, cap/hat, towels, something warm, swimming gear, headache pills, sunglasses!
  • The FUN STUFF: Camera, Oh and of course, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that floats – Lilo, Paddles, Boats – We’d like to see some creativity here.

What NOT to bring?

Firearms, pets, and people who don’t like awesome music, please just leave them at home in front of the television.

I lost my ID. Can I bring my driver’s license/passport/certified copy of my ID instead?

Any national (South African or other country) document with your name or your face is fine, as long as it matches the name on your barcoded festival ticket.