Thumbs up auto fest! Successful debut shows Bulawayo is ready for bigger lifestyle events

Melissa Mpofu, [email protected]

LATELY, Bulawayo’s streets have become a little more captivating. High-end and customised vehicles are an increasingly common sight, turning heads as they glide through the city and leaving many residents curious about the stories behind these impressive machines.

That growing fascination has now found an outlet in Auto Fest, a family-friendly motoring celebration that brings together car culture, custom builds, vintage vehicles and entertainment under one roof.

The event made its Bulawayo debut on August 8 at Hartsfield Tshisanyama, providing motoring enthusiasts and curious visitors alike with a vibrant showcase of automotive creativity and craftsmanship.

From customised kombis and a modified bus to a classic 1960s vintage build and an array of top-tier luxury vehicles, there was something to appeal to virtually every taste. The event also featured specialised automotive subcultures, including desert-inspired Arab Land Cruiser setups, adding another layer of excitement for visitors of all ages.

According to organisers, Auto Fest was born out of a desire to celebrate and recognise individuals who invest significant time, passion and artistry into transforming their vehicles into unique expressions of personality and style.

And if the inaugural edition was anything to go by, Bulawayo’s custom car community has no shortage of stories to share.

The event brought together car collectors, detailers and enthusiasts for a day packed with eye-catching displays, sound compe-titions and lifestyle entertainment. Music, food vendors, rev battles and community networking further enhanced the atmosphere, creating an experience that extended well beyond the vehicles themselves.

For families, it offered a relaxed and enjoyable day out, while automotive enthusiasts were treated to an opportunity to admire machines that embodied countless hours of dedication, creativity and personal expression.

At the heart of the initiative is founder Joel Mpofu, who believes Auto Fest has the potential to grow into something far bigger for both the city and the country.

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub caught up with Mpofu to learn more about the event, its inspiration and his vision for the road ahead.

Q. What inspired you to start Auto Fest in Bulawayo?

A. I really felt Bulawayo needed an event that brought a different kind of energy compared to what’s usually around. My goal and vision was simple, to honour the people who put serious time, passion, and artistry into making their cars stand out.

Bulawayo’s custom car community proved just how deep that culture goes. Beyond just the entertainment, I wanted to give the youth a positive outlet away from substance abuse, while inspiring a genuine passion for a strong local car culture. Seeing the event unfold exactly as I’d pictured, with every single participant getting the recognition they deserved, was an amazing reality check. The event was far more magical than I could have imagined.

Q. What was the response like on the day, particularly from people who may not traditionally consider themselves part of the automotive community?

A. It was amazing, especially for people who weren’t originally into cars. The road convoys of sleek, fancy cars immediately drew attention and got people curious enough to show up. In doing so, I think we sparked a broader appreciation for automotive culture across the city. People realised that every vehicle tells a story, whether you’re looking at a standard kombi, a classic 1960 vintage build, or top-tier luxury cars. Honestly, the crowd exceeded all my expectations. Seeing senior citizens enjoying the show right alongside excited primary school kids proved that we hit our goal: creating an event everyone could relate to.

Q. What were some of the standout moments at the festival?

A. A huge moment for me was seeing a beautifully preserved 1962 Pontiac make an entrance. The owner brought pure passion to the show. We also had a prominent political figure pull up in a modified 79 Series Land Cruiser outfitted with all the bells and whistles. Seeing that level of detail and effort on a build like that proved just how much local passion there is for motorsport culture.

Q. What do you think the popularity of Auto Fest says about Bulawayo’s appetite for new forms of entertainment and lifestyle events?

A. The attendance spoke for itself. People in Bulawayo are simply tired of doing the exact same things every weekend. The success of Auto Fest proves that the demand for diverse, creative lifestyle events is massive. Our city is more than ready for new concepts that push the envelope.

Q. Did you have any challenges hosting the event, and how did you overcome them?

A. Being the inaugural edition, it definitely came with learning curves. Sponsorship was limited, meaning we had to fund most of the event out of our own pockets. On top of that, securing a safe, high-capacity venue was critical. We made it work by leaning on our network in the local entertainment industry. Those relationships paid off massively, people stepped up with great advice and practical strategies to help us navigate every challenge.

Q. Do you see Auto Fest becoming part of Bulawayo’s annual events calendar and spreading to other parts of the country?

A. Without a doubt. Making Auto Fest a staple on Bulawayo’s yearly calendar is top priority, but we don’t plan on stopping there. The goal is to take this experience across the country and build a nationally celebrated platform that automotive lovers everywhere can look forward to.

Q. What opportunities do you see Auto Fest creating for businesses in Bulawayo?

A. The knock-on effect for local business is huge. Now that people have seen what’s possible, there’s a growing appetite to build and modify vehicles, which is fantastic news for aftermarket suppliers and custom fabricators. What we want partners to see is the potential for activation. Partnering with Auto Fest means stepping into a space where your target market is already assembled, enthusiastic, and looking for the best automotive products and services in the region.

Q. Are there plans to bring in exhibitors, performers, competitions or automotive personalities from outside Bulawayo going forward?

A. Definitely. Our goal is to make every event bigger and more exciting than the last. Car culture isn’t one dimensional, it spans everything from intricate car detailing to serious performance upgrades. By bringing in exhibitors and personalities from outside Bulawayo, we can celebrate these diverse styles, elevate the entertainment value, and help grow car culture into a formally recognised sport.