The 2026 Summertides Festival ran July 2 to 4, drawing over 15,000 people for three days of music across two stages, food stalls, and beach access after outgrowing its Diani Beach home. Attendees called it a blast, with videos capturing women in bikinis and beachwear dancing wildly.
Online reactions split sharply:
some labeled the scenes traumatizing and accused women of chasing sponsors or
living beyond means, while defenders noted it's a beach party where such
outfits are normal.
No major incidents occurred, hotels sold out, and the event boosted off-season tourism despite the divides.