Abstract
This study aimed to critically examine rural festival events' leveraging opportunities for tourism and socioeconomic benefits. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design was employed to gather data from a diverse range of Keiskammahoek Music and Art Festival (KMAF) stakeholders to achieve this aim. The first phase of data collection was qualitative data where semi-structured interviews (n=9) were conducted with the event organiser and local businesses. From that set of data, a questionnaire survey was formulated and administered to Keiskammahoek residents (n=326) using a simple random sampling technique. The study findings demonstrate how well-utilised rural festival events can encourage locals to travel and expand their options for domestic travel to rural locations while contributing positively to the economic development of these areas. However, the study highlights the need for enhanced cooperation among the various stakeholders involved in tourism and festival events in rural areas, aiming to maximise their potential contributions. Resultantly, there is a need for effective stakeholder management, and ultimately effective leveraging for the promotion and socioeconomic development of rural spaces through festivalisation.