From the 31st of October to the 1st of November 2025, the Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) returns to the streets of Windhoek for its fifth edition, offering two full days of live public performances, community storytelling, and artistic exchanges, all taking place at Zoo Park in the city centre.
This year’s theme is “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through the Arts.” It focuses on connecting people through creativity. OLAF highlights the importance of artists, audiences, and the stories that bring them together. The festival aims to keep live art accessible, relevant, and connected to shared public experiences.
“This year’s theme, A Garden of Expression, explores the idea of nurturing artists and planting the seeds of creativity that will eventually lead to a blossoming creative artistic scene in Windhoek,” says Michelle Namases, Festival Co-Director.
Produced jointly by the Goethe-Institut Namibia (GI) and the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN), with support from the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), in partnership with Energy 100, OLAF unites a diverse group of creatives and collectives across various disciplines.
The programme is spread over two days, each with its own mood and focus. Day one, themed ‘Planting the Seeds,’ will ease festival goers into the weekend with a blend of dance, acoustic music, spoken word, and live bands.
Performers include, Elizabeth McLaren, Kula Rodrigues, Zingerwingz, Ori, Steven Afrikaner, The Botselo Band, and One Blood.
On day two, under the theme ‘Full Bloom,’ the energy shifts into collective storytelling and movement. Audiences can look forward to a participatory performance circle with NAJAH, performance art by Mavetjiua Haimbodi, a dance piece by Maria Anita, an interdisciplinary storytelling session by Soul Express, and spoken word by Frogman K. The day also features live sets from Lela, O.U_Slow and, TAPZ to close off the weekend.
“OLAF reminds us that public art belongs to everyone. Each year, the festival transforms everyday spaces into creative meeting points, bridging the arts with everyday life. This year, we are curating works that spark dynamic conversations on sustainability in the arts, communities, and our environment,” says Nelago Shilongoh of the National Theatre of Namibia.
OLAF is a free public festival. No tickets. No gates. Just people, stories, and open space. Find the full programme here!
Whether you're an art lover or someone who seeks unique experiences in the city, OLAF invites you to visit, be present, and participate.
See you there!
