Festivals and Events in South Africa
January Festivals
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (aka Kaapse Klopse)
Cape Town, 2 January 2026 (usually January 1-2)
A vibrant street parade with costumed minstrels, music, and dance.
Wolfkop Weekender
Citrusdal, 15-19 Jan 2026
Boutique electronic music festival in the Cederberg mountains combining nature, wellness, and music.
Calabash South Africa
Johannesburg and Cape Town, January/February 2026 (dates not yet confirmed)
Rock festival at FNB Stadium / Greenpoint Stadium featuring international acts alongside South African talent.
Delheim Harvest Festival
Stellenbosch, January (dates vary)
Family-friendly wine harvest event with grape stomping, tractor rides, live music, and a harvest feast.
February Festivals
Up the Creek
Cape Town, 5-8 Feb 2026
The second longest-running outdoor music festival in South Africa. Set annually on the banks of the magical Breede River, outside Swellendam. Bring your lilo!
March Festivals
Cape Town Carnival
Cape Town, mid March (currently scheduled for 21 March 2026, dates may change)
Free-entry street carnival with performers, floats and headline acts.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Cape Town, 27-28 March 2026
Africa’s premier jazz festival with top international and local jazz musicians across multiple stages.
April Festivals
Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK)
Oudtshoorn, 28 March – 4 April 2026
Afrikaans arts festival with over 100 theatre, music, and visual arts productions plus markets and entertainment.
Splashy Fen Music Festival
Drakensberg KZN, 2-6 April 2026
South Africa’s longest-running music festival featuring diverse genres in a natural mountain setting.
Freedom Day
Nationwide, April 27
National public holiday celebrating democracy with parades, concerts, and community events.
Cotton Fest
Johannesburg, (dates to be confirmed, usually April)
Youth culture festival featuring local and upcoming South African talent across multiple stages.
Pink Loerie Arts Festival
Knysna, (30 April – 3 May 2026)
One of the most dynamic and exciting LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world.
May Festivals
Vaal Wine Expo
Stonehaven on Vaal, (dates to be confirmed, usually late May)
Wine tasting event on the Vaal River banks, ideal for Gauteng residents.
June Festivals
National Arts Festival
Grahamstown, (dates to be confirmed)
Prestigious 11-day festival showcasing theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
July Festivals
Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna, 4-13 July 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Ten-day winter festival featuring oysters, sports, live music, food markets, and family activities.
Innibos Laeveld Nasionale Kunstefees
Nelspruit, 3-5 July 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Afrikaans arts festival with theatre, music, exhibitions, and lifestyle showcases.
August Festivals
Stellenbosch Wine Festival
Stellenbosch, 1-2 Aug 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Premium regional wines paired with food and live entertainment.
Parklive Festival
Johannesburg, 23 Aug 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Popular music festival with local and international artists, food trucks, and drinks.
Hey Neighbour
Pretoria, 30-31 Aug 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Pan-African music festival with top artists and family-friendly atmosphere.
September Festivals
Lentedag
Pretoria, 10 Sep 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
The ultimate spring break experience for university students.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Johannesburg, 26-28 Sep 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Premier jazz festival featuring legendary local and international jazz artists.
Folklore Festival
Johannesburg, September (dates still to be announced)
Celebration of African culture and music with kid-friendly activities and African crafts.
October Festivals
Rocking the Daisies
Cloof Wine Estate, 2-5 Oct 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
20th anniversary music festival blending music, art installations, and wellness experiences.
Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus, 3-5 Oct 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Eco-marine festival combining whale watching, music, markets, parades, and conservation awareness.
Noble Vice Farm Fest
Kaapzicht Wine Estate near Stellenbosch, 11-12 Oct 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Gourmet event featuring top winemakers and chefs with unlimited tastings.
Spring Fiesta
Ekurhuleni, 4 October 2025 (2026 dates still to be announced)
Day and night music festival celebrating local music, culture, and togetherness across multiple stages.
Hopefully Returning in 2026
Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE)
Bloemfontein (dates unknown)
Free State’s flagship cultural festival returning after a hiatus with gospel, comedy, sports, and traditional arts.
Anjunadeep Open Air South Africa
Johannesburg and Cape Town (dates unknown)
Electronic music festival featuring international and local deep house and melodic techno artists.
South African Cheese Festival
Stellenbosch, most likely in April or September (dates unknown)
Culinary festival highlighting artisanal cheeses, food, and wine in the Winelands.
Wacky Wine Weekend
Robertson Wine Valley, early June (dates unknown)
Family-friendly wine festival with tastings at over 40 estates, live music, crafts, and food.
Suidoosterfees
Cape Town, April–May (dates unknown)
Multilingual arts festival featuring theatre, music, storytelling, and visual arts that reflect South Africa’s diverse cultures.
Royal Bafokeng Art Festival
North West Province (dates unknown)
Cultural celebration showcasing traditional music, dance, arts, and film.
Planning Tips for Festival Lovers
- Book early: Popular events sell out fast.
- Pack smart: Dress for South Africa’s varied weather. Many cities get “four seasons in one day”.
- Stay local: Guesthouses, hostels and local hotels enhance the experience.
- Use local guides: Especially valuable at cultural festivals.
- Travel responsibly: Respect communities and cultures, and support local vendors.
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