South Africa Events

This 11-day festival aims to celebrate artistic innovation and excellence and showcase new work. Virtually all art forms are represented – crafts, student theatre, jazz, street theatre and children's arts have been added to established categories like opera and drama. Book fairs, workshops and demonstrations are also in the line-up.

One for die-hard music fans who don’t mind a little mud with their melodies. Bands of varying fame and varying talent perform on seven different stages, representing a wide range of genres. Most people camp since it happens on a farm, so comfy accommodation is scarce, but camaraderie is abundant.

The event has built up around the hoardes of visitors that pour into town for the best whale sightings in the country – some say in the world. The annual festival has expanded to include the usual suspects of theatre and dance on the sidelines but focuses on promoting the preservation of whales in particular and the environment in general.

The self-proclaimed cherry capital of the world, the country town of Fickburg comes alive for the annual Cherry Festival. Eclectic events include a pip-spitting competition, a horse-shoeing demonstration, skydivers, photography workshops, concerts, tours of the area, a beer tent, and mountain biking, golfing and cup cake decorating competitions.

This gruelling 108-km (67-mile) race is billed as the world's largest timed cycling race and attracts at least 35,000 entrants. The pack heads out from the city centre around the Cape Peninsula. The event attracts Tour de France greats as well people cycling in rhino suits to support anti-poaching charities.

Klein Karoo Arts Festival is an Afrikaans arts and culture festival in the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. New Afrikaans dramas often debut here, and there’s a strong programme of classical music including choirs. Art displays, arts lectures and discussions about the productions and exhibitions on show let everyone have their say.

A gruelling athletic mix of swimming biking and running takes place each year as a qualifying event for the overall Ironman finals held in Hawaii. Competitors must swim 3.86 km (2.4 miles), cycle 180.25 km (112 miles) and run 42.2 km (26.2 miles) without a break. The 2012 Ironman South Africa drew 1,744 entrants from 35 nations.