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Festivals in South Africa are tremendously exciting and fun. They range from music festivals to festivals which celebrate history and independence. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival attracts the most talented jazz artists and fans from all over the World, and the National Arts Festival in Makhanda offers theatre, dance, and music in a hot weather season. In September, South Africans take a break to celebrate Heritage Day, which helps to showcase the Native customs and encourages both locals and tourists to take part in fun-filled activities.
The Ultimate Guide To Festivals In South Africa
The festivals in South Africa are vibrant and diverse, showcasing a blend of cultural traditions, music, and art.
1. Freedom Day
Photo: Stephanie Traynor / Wikimedia Commons
Freedom Day is one of the important public holidays in South Africa which people observe every year on the 27th of April. This public holiday pertains to the date of the first free and fair elections following the end of the apartheid, which took place in 1994, and which in return represents a gracious step in the history of political development in South Africa. Several activities such as parades, speeches, live music and many more are conducted in different cities of the country, Johannesburg and Pretoria in particular, in appreciation of the liberation and reminiscing about the better days.
Location: Nationwide, especially Johannesburg and Pretoria
Major Attractions: Parades, speeches, cultural performances
How To Reach: Accessible by air, with major events near large cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town
Suggested Read: Robben Island
2. Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Photo: JCPBFerreira / Wikimedia Commons
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the biggest jazz festivals in Africa, usually held in March or April each year. This festival is ‘Africa’s Grandest Gathering’. It is a jazz competition in Cape Town and invites both famous jazz musicians and young African artists to come perform in the city. Across several stages set up in the centre, guests enjoy different shows ranging from jazz to African. Such an event is not only music-oriented. It also comes with some displays and even music clinics that can be attended by those interested in the art.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Major Attractions: Live jazz performances, workshops, art exhibits
How To Reach: Fly into Cape Town International Airport and take local transport to the venue
3. Knysna Oyster Festival
Photo: Ivan Cuesta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Taking place every July, the Knysna Oyster Festival is famous for food and wine and it presents itself as the main attraction for both the local and the foreign visitors along the Garden Route. The festival is famed for the numerous types of oysters offered and thus it gives food fanatics the opportunity to eat fresh oysters with local wines and champagnes. No wonder, besides culinary experiences, the festival also hosts marathons, cycle racing and even golf matches.
Location: Knysna, Garden Route, South Africa
Major Attractions: Oyster tastings, sports events, wine pairing
How To Reach: Fly to George Airport, then travel by road to Knysna
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Johannesburg
4. South African Cheese Festival
Photo: Sarah Stierch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In the middle of April, the South African Cheese Festival which is found in the now Western Cape province is a heaven for food lovers. This festival, which promotes the various types of cheese available in South Africa, has many craft chefs and farmers who bring cheese and present it, together with local wines, breads, and preserves. For gourmet fans, this is an essential place where they can relish artisanal products in a beautiful ambience, with additional aspects such as children’s games and music.
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Major Attractions: Cheese tastings, wine pairings, live entertainment
How To Reach: Accessible via Cape Town International Airport, with a drive to Stellenbosch
5. Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The “Kaapse Klopse” or the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival takes place every January, colouring and musicalising the city of Cape Town. Visitors come across thousands of performers in bright-colored costumes, marching around the city streets with traditional ‘ghoema’ bands playing in the background. This is an age-old practice whose roots can be traced to the times when enslaved peoples were victoriously emancipated. This festival has been made a living cultural display.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Major Attractions: Parades, colourful costumes, live “ghoema” music
How To Reach: Fly into Cape Town International Airport and use local transport
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Africa
6. Cape Town Pride
Photo: WhoseKnowledge? – Photos / Wikimedia Commons
Cape Town Pride Works is a festival held every February to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and all the accompanying values of love and tolerance. The toggle includes a parade, some cultural activities and parties to explore the city. There are also media, visual arts and educational activities which make this celebratory event worth attending. Cape Town Pride is one of the biggest Pride events in Africa. The event’s participants will find a dynamic happy encouraging atmosphere with lots of bright colours and community spirit all embraced by the openness of Cape Town.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Major Attractions: Pride parade, workshops, cultural events
How To Reach: Fly into Cape Town International Airport and take local transportation
7. The National Arts Festival
Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The festival, which takes place every June in Grahamstown, is the National Arts Festival. This is a part of the largest arts festival that takes place in South Africa. Over 11 days, this performing arts event showcases not only drama but also visual arts and several other disciplines, therefore providing a useful avenue for both aspiring and established cultures. The dynamic occasion receives visitors and renowned artists from around the world. Prizes and awards are given to those who perform in an exemplary way.
Location: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Major Attractions: Theater, dance, visual arts, live performances
How To Reach: Accessible via Port Elizabeth Airport, followed by a road trip to Grahamstown
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Africa In December
8. Cape Town International Kite Festival
Photo: FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫ / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Cape Town International Kite Festival is a family-oriented festival, which takes place in October and is popular among kite lovers from every corner of the world. Located in Muizenberg Beach, the festival also promotes and raises awareness of mental health issues by motivating people to go outside and be artistic. During this festival, the sky is filled with numerous kites in stunning colours and patterns, and visitors may opt to attend kite creation sessions or sit back and appreciate the beautiful designs twirling overhead. Contributions to this kite festival are also accepted.
Location: Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Major Attractions: Kite flying, workshops, beachside activities
How To Reach: Accessible via Cape Town International Airport, with local transport to Muizenberg
9. Oppikoppi Bushveld Music Festival
Photo: Davis Fabrini / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Every year Oppikoppi takes place in the province of the North West. It is one of the most prominent music events in South Africa which honours rock, indie and alternative genres. The festival attracts all corners of the globe and has been able to package a special ‘bushveld’ concept that encompasses live performances. Oppikoppi Music Festivals happen every year in August and are held for several days with multiple stages in the Limpopo Province South Africa.
Location: North West Province, South Africa
Major Attractions: Live music, camping, art installations
How To Reach: Fly into Lanseria or Johannesburg, then travel by road
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10. Splashy Fen Music Festival
Photo: Steven.Karalic / Wikimedia Commons
The Splashy Fen Music Festival, staged every Easter season in the Underberg, South Africa, is the most ancient music festival in the entire country of South Africa featuring the rich diversities of rock, jazz, electronic and African music. This music festival is the longest-running music festival in Africa. Such implementation of community engagement and environmental care is why Splashy Fen is embraced by both locals and foreigners. Some of the artists who have performed here are Kim Churchill, Tony Cox, Chris Chameleon and Steve Newman.
Location: Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Major Attractions: Diverse music performances, art installations, camping
How To Reach: Accessible via Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, followed by a road trip
From swaying to the music at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival to honouring history during Heritage Month at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, all festivals in South Africa are thoroughly enjoyed in the country. Each festival offers a unique experience to visitors. Do not forget to book your vacation with TripXL now, so you see South Africa in a way that you have never done before!
Cover Photo: Assaf Wizman / Wikimedia Commons
