You may think you’ll need to forgo outdoor adventures because the weathers gotten nippy, but this list of festivals gives you plenty of reasons to brave the cold! From checking out the latest cars, to enjoying a cheese fondue or live show with your friends, there’s something for everyone enjoy.
May – July – Sardine Run
This much loved annual event takes place between late May / early June up until July, when thousands of Sardines migrate along the eastern coastline along KwaZulu Natal filling themselves on seasonal plankton. However a great many predators tend to follow such as sharks, dolphins, whales, seagulls and fishermen. Make sure to bring a camera to catch the “Greatest Shoal on Earth” and make sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time, as it attracts over 100,000 visitors every year.
7 – 10 June – Wacky Wine Weekend
Another favourite annual event is the Wacky Wine Weekend, which takes place in the Robertson valley.This year over 50 different wineries will be showcasing their products, and there will also be a food extravaganza with choices such as Italian cuisine, potjie kos, and picnics on offer. Entertainment is never lacking for children, with activities such as paintball, face-painting, farmyard tours and fishing. Adults can look forward to sunset game drives, river cruises, and a farmers’ market.
16 – 17 June – Top Gear
The hands-on Top Gear team – consisting of Clarkson, Hammond, May and the STIG crew – will be joining a host of other famous stars and gorgeous cars to bring you the best in the motoring world. There will be some track action going on in the Moses Mabhida stadium, a classic car parade, high speed street races, drifting demonstrations, drag runs and so much more! Other attractions at the event includes the exhibition area which will be jam packed with exotic and expensive cars, luxury gadgets, accessories for vehicles and an Off Road Course.
24 June – 5 August – Delheim Jazz and Cheese Fondue Festival
During the cold season, Delheim Wine Farm extends their hospitality to visitors and offers the perfect winter warmer! Visit their fine establishment in the Stellenbosch winelands to be enchanted by some jazz, as you and your friends stand around a potjie, dipping farm-fresh bread into melted swiss cheese, and enjoy some fresh-brewed glühwein. To take part in the experience, tickets will need to be booked ahead of time and cost R150 per person. A limited child-friendly menu is available during this festival.
28 June – 8 July – National Arts Festival Grahamstown
The Grahamstown Arts Festival is the biggest and oldest art festival within South Africa, where seasoned stars take the stage, performing alongside newcomers, and delighting festival goers. The wide variety of short films, musical theatre shows, visual art displays, and fantastic exhibitions are oh-so popular each year. Several new exhibits are encouraging visitors to enjoy themselves as well as listen carefully to frank discussions on pressing issues, especially at Think!Fest; while SpiritFest celebrates the various art expressions in faith. There is always an abundance of great food on offer, plenty of cultural areas, and tons of art and craft shops.
29 June – 1 July – Mariners Food and Wine Festival
Held right on the beachfront of Port Edwards is an annual cultural festival that celebrates Portuguese heritage, as well as commemorating the São João, which was shipwrecked off the coastline in 1552. Last year, visitors gathered together and took part in activities such as a treasure hunt, traditional folk dancing, a Portuguese Potjie competition, and an educational talk on whales. The great food, warm atmosphere, and friendly locals ensure that this year will follow the trend of being a fantastic fun day for the whole family.
Let us know which events you’ll be checking out, and what festivals have amazed you year-after-year.
