January
Spar Ocean Racing Series – Port Elizabeth
An action-packed event which is part of South Africa’s top watersport series. Swimming, running and paddling races are included
February
Chili Festival – Port Elizabeth
This annual festival features all things chili-related
Spar Redhouse River Mile – Port Elizabeth
A family open water swimming event just a few minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth
Old Car Show – George
If you have an appreciation for age-old vintage cars then you better not miss out on the annual George Old Car Show
TransCape MTB 2017 – Knysna
The TransCape MTB is an iconic seven-day South African mountain biking journey over 675km taking 130 intrepid adventurers over seven incredible stages and 12 000m of vertical ascent from the picturesque Garden Route town of Knysna to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.
March
Prickly Pear Festival – Uitenhage
The festival offers fun for all the family, with thousands of visitors coming to enjoy the traditional food and drink on offer.
Knysna Literary Festival – Knysna
Presented by Pam Golding Properties Knysna to promote South Africa’s rich literary heritage.
Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees – Oudtshoorn
The KKNK, as it is known for short is a predominantly Afrikaans language event with some English incorporated into the festival programme. The week-long event is considered one of South Africa’s largest arts and culture festivals.
Cheese and Wine Festival – Wilderness
The Wilderness Wine and Cheese Festival, formerly known as the Vodacom Wine and Cheese Festival, makes its return to the South Cape village for a three-day extravaganza of wine tasting, cheese tasting, and good music by local musicians.
Slow Festival – Sedgefield
The town of Sedgefield is known for its slow-paced lifestyle and is South Africa’s only official Cittaslow town. For those who aren’t in the know, Cittaslow is an international movement that rejects fast paced city living for a more fulfilling quality of life in slow moving towns, and encourages residents to make time for pleasure and leisure.
Scifest Africa – Grahamstown
Scifest Africa was established by the Grahamstown Foundation in 1996 to promote the public awareness, understanding and appreciation of science, technology and innovation in South Africa.
FNB Eastern Cape Wine Show – East London
The show is presented by wine authority Michael Fridjhon and the team which organises the country’s premier national and regional wine
April
Splash Festival – Port Elizabeth
During the Splash Festival, thousands of local, national and international visitors flock to Hobie Beach to enjoy the festivities.
Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa – Port Elizabeth
There’s plenty of entertainment for both spectators and racers, including dancers, musicians and a pasta party
May
Addo Elephant Marathon – Addo
This marathon offers something a little different for the runners who take part. The venue is a national wildlife park with the route following trails through the African bush
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras – Knysna
This popular celebration is a highlight on the international Gay Calendar and offers four days of non-stop entertainment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people as well as anybody looking for a fun and fabulous time.
Jaguar Simola Hillclimb – Knysna
Whether you are a petrol head, speed lover or just someone who just loves a good time – don’t miss out – you will leave satisfied and enthralled at the spectacle.
June
Kirkwood Wildlife Festival – Kirkwood
Visitors can enjoy a mix of conservation, wildlife and entertainment, with wine tasting events, as well as hundreds of stalls, music performances and an annual auction.
Oyster festival – Knysna
The Knysna Oyster Festival is one of the most popular annual events in the Western Cape. It is a celebration of the good life, with sport and oysters as its focus points.
Winter Festival – Calitzdorp
The Calitzdorp Winter Festival, formerly known at the Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival, is a celebration of the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Wacky Wine Weekend – Robertson
he primary goal of the weekend in Robertson and surrounds is based on the sentiment of sharing and acquiring greater insight and appreciation of the Robertson Wine Valley’s wines.
National Arts Festival – Grahamstown
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival, organised by the Grahamstown Foundation attracts over 50 000 people each year and is South Africa’s biggest arts and culture festival to date.
July
Jbay Winterfest – Jeffereys Bay
The annual Jbay Winterfest usually runs in the month of July and promises some spectacular entertainment!
August
Citrus Festival – Kirkwood
With lots of stalls selling citrus products
Radio Controlled Model Airshow – Port Elizabeth
A family event hosted by the Port Elizabeth Radio Flyers on an airfield near St Albans. The day features everything from helicopters to jets.
Slow Food & Wine Festival – Robertson
Satisfy your wanderlust and head out to the country on the scenic Route 62. Explore a wealth of history and authentic wine experiences at the Robertson Wine Valley’s eleventh annual Slow Food & Wine Festival in partnership with WESGRO.
Barrydale in Bloom – Barrydale
Remember the sun? Of course you do, we live in Cape Town and the sun shines even in winter. Well, with spring officially underway the flowers are out in full bloom in Barrydale, a village on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo region.
September
Rainbow Festival – Steytlerville
A rich variety of cultural entertainment, including traditional arts and crafts, food and music
Whale Festival – Hermanus
Hermanus, known as the best land-based whale watching destination in the world, plays host to thousands of visitors who flock to the seaside town to exhilarate in the unique natural environment, watching the whales while revelling in live music performances.
Calamari Classic Festival – St. Francis
The Port St Francis Calamari Classic Festival has been running for 17 years and takes place st the Port in St. Francis Bay. This is one of the Eastern Cape’s most popular and loved annual events.
October
Sherwood Garden Centre Spring Festival – Port Elizabeth
A gardening exhibition which showcases the region’s floral expertise to tourists and locals
The Sasfin Plett Wine and Bubbly Festival – Plettenberg Bay
Visitors can exchange with winemakers, sample local wines and bubbly and indulge in gourmet foods prepared by Plettenberg Bay’s top restaurant at the event’s main attraction, The Grand Tasting.
The Strawberry Festival – George
The festival promises a perfect day out with the family in the fresh farm air with the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop.
November
Toy Run – Port Elizabeth
One of the biggest motorcycle charity events in the world, the Port Elizabeth Toy Run attracts on-road and off-road bikers who all have one aim in mind, to deliver thousands of toys to children in the Nelson Mandela Bay area
River Republic – Swellendam
If you’re looking for a non-stop weekend of sun-basking and music listening, breakaway from city life with the River Republic Festival.
December
Ox Braai – Bathurst
Bathurst Ox Braai takes place late December at the Bathurst Showgrounds.
Uncle Jumbos Christmas Party – Port Elizabeth
Come and enjoy a magical world again a farm backdrop with Noddy with his car, Mr Plod, Big Earts, fairies, princesses and many more fun characters what will keep you entertained and not forgetting Father Christmas.
