We’ve already given you 20 reasons to love spring, so now we’re giving you 35 events and festivals across South Africa where you can celebrate the new season!
COUNTRYWIDE
1. SANParks Week: 8 – 12* September 2014
The annual SANParks Week gives South African citizens free entry into almost all of the national parks. Some parks have even extended the offer to 13 or 14 September 2014. More info.
2. The Dunlop Hamba Heritage Rally: 19 – 27 September 2014
This 8-day road trip adventure crosses the length and breadth of South Africa, celebrating everything that makes us 100% South African: our history, people, culture, land, sport, and passion for helping our fellow country men and women! More info.
3. Clean Up SA Week: 15 September – 21 September 2014
Show how proudly South African you are by doing your bit for Clean Up SA Week. A highlight of the week is International Coastal Clean Up Day on 20 September 2014.
4. National Braai Day: 24 September 2014
Heritage Day is National Braai Day, so light up a fire at home, spend the day at a public braai spot, or head to one of the many venues hosting Braai Day festivities.
GAUTENG
5. Arts Alive International Festival: 31 August – 10 September 2014
Already underway, Arts Alive is an annual event that celebrates arts and culture. This festival takes place at various venues around Johannesburg and features the best in homegrown theatre, dance, music, visual art, and entertainment. More info.
6. I Heart Joburg Music Festival: 6 September 2014
As much as we love SA music, it’s always exciting when international artists take to our stages. This weekend, Jozi will see the likes of Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, Jason Derulo, Jessie J, and B.O.B. More info.
7. World Orchid Conference & Show: 10 – 14 September 2014
The Sandton Convention Centre will be decked in an array of orchids as one of the world’s biggest flower shows comes to South Africa. A number of other major botanic events will run in conjunction with the World Orchid Conference & Show, including the National Cycad Display, Protea and Fynbos Display, WOSA Wetland Display, Floral Art Competition, and more! More info.
8. Taste of Joburg: 25-28 September 2014
Joburg’s top restaurants will be serving their signature dishes in the Montecasino piazza. Foodies can also enjoy award-winning wines, premium label drinks, and other exhibitors. More info.
WESTERN CAPE
9. Cape Horticultural Society’s Flower and Garden Show: 6–7 September 2014
Head to the Alphen Centre in Constantia to see displays of interesting plants and the latest green-finger gadgets. There will also be talks and demos by gardening experts, and a variety of indigenous and exotic plants on sale. For more info, contact +27 (0)21 531 5713.
10. Tulbagh Arts Festival: 12 – 14 September 2014
Prepare yourself for a feast of fine art, photography, food and wine, live performances, music, and gardens of spring flowers. There will be plenty of kiddies’ entertainment too. More info.
11. Prince Albert Art Festival: 18 – 24 September 2014
This year’s art festival will showcase the work of over 80 artists. There will also be workshops, lectures, and films about art, highlighting the theme of bringing art back home. More info.
12. Darling Wildflower Show: 19 – 21 September 2014
South Africa’s most beautiful blooms will be congregating in a large landscaped hall in Darling. The show also features botanical art by Lynda de Wet, veteran cars and tractors, food stalls, a craft market, indigenous plants at bargain prices, and more! More info.
13. Makiti Family Heritage Festival: 26 – 28 September 2014
Head to Montagu for a fun-filled, family-friendly Heritage weekend. This year’s features include the Makiti Heritage Treasure Hunt, live music, heritage and cultural arts exhibitions, the “Heita Hello Heritage” Carnival, Saturday market, “Great Gatsby” themed dinner at Montagu Country Hotel, a family golf day, and more. More info.
14. Savour Stellenbosch Valley: 27 September
Rich heritage, gourmet cuisine, music, and terroir-driven wines will transform Neethlingshof Estate into a must visit destination on World Tourism Day, when the diverse offerings of Stellenbosch are showcased. More info, plus 14 other reasons to visit Stellenbosch in September.
15. Franschhoek Uncorked: 27 – 28 September 2014
Wine estates in and around the Franschhoek Valley will showcase limited release wines and possibly a new release or two. Look forward to weekend wine specials, cellar and vineyard tours, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions and live entertainment on offer at the various venues. More info.
16. Rocking the Daisies: 2 – 5 October 2014
Expect a bigger festival and campsite this year, with more awesome artists on over 7 stages, more food stalls, and plenty of interactive brand activations and installations. More info.
17. Hermanus Whale Festival: 3 – 6 October 2014
While the whales enjoy the spotlight in the ocean, the festivities on land include over 20 music artists, great food, crafters, sports events, kids entertainment, and a Marine Endangered Species Expo. More info.
EASTERN CAPE
18. Hogsback Garden Tours: 24 September – 25 October 2014
Enjoy guided or self-guide tours through at least 12 landscaped gardens in Hogsback. The open garden tours coincide with the annual Spring Festival from 3 – 5 October 2014. More info.
19. Port St Francis Calamari Classic: 25 – 27 September 2014
Port St Francis will play host to a number of sporting events, from golf and bowls, to running, mountain biking, and surfski. The Friday night market includes a calamari cookout, live music, and entertainment. For more info, contact +27(0)42 294-0121 or email [email protected].
20. Camdeboo Rally: 26 – 27 September 2014
From the “Ride Up” parties in Bloemfontein and Oudtshoorn to the drag races and timed runs at the Graaff-Reinet airstrip, this promises to be a thrilling weekend! More info.
21. Karoo-lus: 3 – 4 October 2014
This art, culture, and music festival in Graaff-Reinet promises entertainment for all! Kids will love seeing Lollos, rugby fans can catch the SA vs New Zealand game, and all weekend long you can enjoy the musical talents of the likes of aKing, Jay du Plessis, and Karlien van Jaarsveld. More info.
22. Seal Point Wildflower Festival: 9 – 12 October 2014
Plan a trip to Cape St Francis Resort for a festival of wildflowers! UPDATE: The Seal Point Wildflower Festival has been cancelled for 2014.
KWAZULU-NATAL
23. Hilton Arts Festival: 18 – 21 September 2014
Head to KZN’s largest theatrical event for free music, perspective art, exhibitions, street theatre, workshops, and a craft market. More info.
24. Sunday Tribune Garden Show: 19 – 21 September 2014
South Africa’s largest and oldest horticultural event takes place at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg. The show coincides with the International Clivia Conference & Exhibition and will also feature the award-winning Chelsea SA National Kirstenbosch exhibit. Visitors can look forward to the Orange River Cellars wine garden, Kidzone, live music, and more. More info.
25. White Mountain Festival: 24 – 28 September 2014
Taking place at White Mountain Lodge near Giant’s Castle, this 4-day acoustic folk festival offers great music, food, kids’ entertainment, and a number of adventure activities, from abseiling and paintball to a fuffi slide, helicopter flights, fishing, hikes, and more. More info.
NORTHERN CAPE
26. Kalahari Kuierfees: 25 – 27 September 2014
The banks of the Orange River in Upington will play host to this lekker family-friendly kuier. The festival promotes music, culture, sports, and tourism in the Northern Cape. Look forward to live music performances by Heinz Winckler, Black Byrd, Kurt Darren, and many more! More info.
NORTH WEST
27. Aardklop National Arts Festival: 7 – 11 October 2014
Get to Potchefstroom for a festival of theatre, dance, arts, debate, and music. From the sounds of acappella to classical, rock, jazz, and Afrikaans favourites, there is something for every ear! More info.
28. Bosrumoer Festival: 10-12 October 2014
Doornrivier 4×4 in Zeerust is the place to be for a weekend of relaxation and fun! Enjoy live music and food stalls, and adventure activities like off-road cycling, horse riding, 4×4’ing, and quad biking. There will also be a Sniper .22, strong man, baby, and Miss Zeerust competition. More info.
29. Herman Charles Bosman Weekend: 17 – 19 October 2014
Enjoy the best of the bush, art, and literature at this annual weekend festival in Groot Marico. The weekend features an interesting variety of performances, lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, music by well-known artists, and authentic bushveld culinary fare. More info.
FREE STATE
30. Santam Landbou Boertjie Kontreifees: 4 – 6 September 2014
This year’s festival in Bultfontein will see the likes of David Fourie, Theuns Jordaan, Kurt Darren, Dillon Lerm, Liza Bröhnner, Mwah!, Adam, André van Hannon, and Tjiff en Tjaff. More info.
31. Macufe: 3 – 12 October 2014
This African culture festival showcases the best of African arts and culture. Be inspired by jazz, gospel, kwaito, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and classical music from local and international acts such as Earl Klugh, Chantay Savage, and Chrisette Michele. The festival also features dance, drama, cabaret, poetry, fine art, and traditional arts and crafts. More info.
32. Memel Festival: 18 October 2014
Enjoy a fun farm-style festival in the quaint town of Memel. Program highlights include sheep shearing and sheep dog herding demos, motor bike and horseback fun rides, a dog show, live music, and an Octoberfest beer tent. More info.
LIMPOPO
33. The kykNET Buite Ekspo: 19 – 21 September 2014
This event is the largest outdoor expo of its kind in South Africa and promises a good time for the whole family. There will be over 120 outdoor-related exhibitors as well as plenty of activities like rally rides, 4×4 extreme events, kids play areas, a CANSA funwalk in the bushveld, live music, game drives, and food vendors. More info.
34. Magoebaskloof Spring Festival: 20 – 28 September 2014
Enjoy springtime festivities in the pretty village of Haenertsburg. There will be arts and crafts, mouth-watering food, flower displays, and plenty of eateries to relax at. Put your Potjie to the test at the Potjiekos competition at Magoebaskloof Hotel on 20 September, and get to Haenertsburg a day early for their Octoberfest on 19 September. For more info, contact +27 (0)82 883 4449.
35. Rocking the Rhinos: 26 – 28 September 2014
This annual festival continues to merge conservation, entertainment, and the public with one united aim – to save the rhino in an innovative way. Each ticket is a donation to save the rhino. The festival takes place at Franklyn Park on the outskirts of Hoedspruit. More info.
What events will you be heading to this spring? If you’re coming from out of town and need a place to stay, TravelGround offers accommodation across South Africa!
If we’ve left any out any events, please let us know in the comments below!
Feature image courtesy of Franschhoek Uncorked
