Bolé Festival X: A Decade of Fire Marks Monumental Milestone in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt’s premier culinary celebration has officially reached a major milestone. The Bolé Festival X, themed “A Decade of Fire,” kicked off its three-day run on Friday, September 4, and will run through Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

Founded in 2016 by Kennedy Nonso Iwuh, the festival has evolved from a local roadside food gathering into one of Africa's most prominent lifestyle and cultural events. This year's milestone edition has drawn massive crowds, celebrating the iconic South-South street delicacy of fire-roasted plantain, yam, fish, and rich pepper sauce alongside a vibrant showcase of art, music, and fashion.

Speaking on the decade-long journey, organizers noted that the festival has consistently provided a major economic boost for small businesses, local farmers, and emerging lifestyle brands in the region. Beyond the food stalls featuring over a hundred vendors, the 2026 edition features high-energy performances from top-tier Afrobeats and Highlife artists, specialized kids' zones, and experiential brand activations.

With tourism packages bringing in visitors from Lagos, Abuja, and the diaspora, Bolé Festival X continues to reinforce Port Harcourt’s status as a vibrant cultural hub, proving that local street heritage can successfully scale into a world-class institutional event.