January Festivals
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (aka Kaapse Klopse)
Greenpoint, Cape Town, 5 January 2026
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.
Delheim Harvest Festival
Stellenbosch, 30 Jan – 1 Feb 2026
Family-friendly wine harvest event with grape stomping, tractor rides, live music, and a harvest feast.
Origin
Helderstroom, 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2026
One of Africa’s leading psychedelic music, art, and culture events, known for conscious party ethics and respect for nature.
February Festivals
Up the Creek
Swellendam, 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!
Calabash South Africa – CANCELLED
Johannesburg: 7 Feb 2026
Cape Town: 11 Feb 2026
Rock festival at FNB Stadium / Greenpoint Stadium featuring international acts alongside South African talent. This year’s lineup includes: Muse, A Day To Remember, Simple Plan, Nothing But Thieves. JHB will have local artists Prime Circle and Van Pletzen; CT will have local artists Die Heuwels Fantasties.
Black Coffee Weekender
Cape Town, 27 Feb – 1 March 2026
Three-day culture and music festival with local and international artists, hosted by DJ and producer Black Coffee.
March Festivals
Cape Town Carnival
Cape Town, 21 March 2026
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.
AfrikaBurn
Tankwa Karoo, 27 April – 3 May 2026
A festival of art, music and elaborate costumes, out in the middle of nowhere. Bring your own water and leave nothing behind.
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, 25 June – 5 July 2026
Prestigious festival showcasing theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
July Festivals
Innibos Laeveld Nasionale Kunstefees
Nelspruit, 2-5 July 2026
Afrikaans arts festival with theatre, music, exhibitions, and lifestyle showcases.
Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna, 3-12 July 2026
Winter festival featuring oysters, sports, live music, food markets, and family activities.
August Festivals
Stellenbosch Wine Festival
Stellenbosch, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Premium regional wines paired with food and live entertainment.
Parklive Festival
Johannesburg, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Popular music festival with local and international artists, food trucks, and drinks.
Hey Neighbour
Pretoria, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Pan-African music festival with top artists and family-friendly atmosphere.
September Festivals
Lentedag Music Festival
Pretoria, (2026 dates still to be announced)
The ultimate spring break experience for university students.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Johannesburg, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Premier jazz festival featuring legendary local and international jazz artists.
Folklore Festival
Johannesburg, (2026 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, 2-4 Oct 2026
One of South Africa’s biggest multi-genre music and lifestyle festivals, blending local and international music, art, fashion and food.
Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus, (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, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Gourmet event featuring top winemakers and chefs with unlimited tastings.
Spring Fiesta
Ekurhuleni, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Day and night music festival celebrating local music, culture, and togetherness across multiple stages.
November Festivals
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Cape Town, Nov – March annually
Running from November to March each year, the summer sunset concerts are a local favourite. Enjoy sunset in the botanical gardens, watching South African talent alongside global stars.
December Festivals
Pietermaritzburg International Music Festival
Pietermaritzburg, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Family orientated music festival featuring well-known local and international artists.
Kranskop Exhibition – Picnic and Music Festival
Kranskop, Durban, 27 Dec 2026
Family orientated art, picnic and music festival.
Newcastle Amcor Dam Music Festival
Newcastle, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Annual music festival featuring some of South Africa’s favourite DJs.
Get Lucky Summer
Garden Route and Cape Town, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Annual Garden Route music festival with a big line up.
2025 New Years Eve Events
Smoking Dragon
Northern Drakensberg, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Featuring live music and art surrounded by majestic mountain landscapes.
Secrets of Summer New Year’s Eve
Cape Town, (2026 dates still to be announced)
One of South Africa’s biggest New Years Eve parties, featuring local and international artists and South Africa’s first-ever 180° main stage.
Revolution NYE
Magaliesburg, (2026 dates still to be announced)
A popular 3-day electronic music celebration to bring in the new year.
Wild Waters Boksburg NYE Festival
Boksburg, (2026 dates still to be announced)
A NYE extravaganza of entertainment, food and live music.
The Carnival of Dreams
Rivonia, (2026 dates still to be announced)
A carnival-themed party to close out the year, with magic, music and memorable moments.
Alcazar NYE Jungle Fever
Cape Town, (2026 dates still to be announced)
A NYE electronic music festival experience with a “Jungle meets Saturday Night Fever” theme.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset NYE Concert
Cape Town, (2026 dates still to be announced)
Enjoy sunset in the botanical gardens, with Mango Groove and The Billy Joel Experience.
Get Lucky Summer NYE
Robberg, Plettenberg Bay, (2026 dates still to be announced)
A Garden Route NYE music festival with a big line up.
Hopefully Returning in 2026 / 2027
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.
Cotton Fest
Johannesburg, (dates unknown)
Youth culture festival featuring local and upcoming South African talent across multiple stages.
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 – sometimes months in advance.
- 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; make it a road trip.
- Use local guides: Especially valuable at cultural festivals.
- Travel responsibly: Respect communities and cultures, and support local vendors.
- Travel safely: Keep your valuables out of site and carry only what you need.
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