31/01/2026
Ten years ago, in the heart of Bloemfontein, a simple but powerful idea was born.
At The Thoughts Lounge, we believed that families deserved more than just another event, they deserved a space to breathe, to laugh, to connect, and to create memories together. A space where children could play freely, parents could relax, local brands could shine, and music could bring everyone together. That belief led us to the Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens.
In December 2015, the vision came to life.
It wasn’t just a one-day gathering. It was a two-day family experience.
On 04 December 2015, families woke up early and came together for a Family Fun Walk/Run. It was about health, unity, and togetherness and for many, it was also the first step into what the Family Picnic would become.
Early supporters bought tickets not just for access, but for belief in something new.
Then came 05 December 2015 - the main event.
The gardens transformed into a living, breathing celebration. Children ran freely through a buzzing kiddies village filled with rides, slides, play stations and laughter. Parents laid out picnic blankets under the trees. Music floated through the air as DJs and artists from across South Africa took turns on stage. A fashion show added style and flair, while Free State brands proudly exhibited their products and services, showing that homegrown excellence deserved a spotlight.
And the most beautiful part?
Kids entered for free.
Because family was always the priority.
What started as the 1st Annual Family Picnic quickly became more than an event, it became a tradition.
06 December 2016, the 2nd Family Picnic returned, bigger and stronger. The crowds grew, the experience expanded, and the impact was undeniable. That year, the Family Picnic was officially recognised, winning a Golden Bean Award for Best Picnic. A moment that confirmed what the people already knew — something special had been created.
Then the world changed.
COVID-19 arrived and, like many dreams across the globe, live events were forced to pause. Programmes were stopped. Silence replaced music. But the vision never faded. The spirit of the Family Picnic lived on in memory, in stories, and in the hearts of those who were there from the beginning.
Now, a decade later, the story continues.
In 2026, The Thoughts Lounge is bringing back the Family Picnic to where it all began - Free State Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens. Not just as a comeback, but as a celebration of resilience, community building, and legacy ya Chairman.
This is more than nostalgia.
This is about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building the future.
The blankets will return.
The laughter will return.
The music will return.
And once again, families will gather under the trees - together.
The Thoughts Lounge
Good People, Good Music, Good Food
Where memories are made, and traditions are born.
