Spring is synonymous with getting outdoors and celebrating life. What better way to do it than at a festival? From wine to beer, food and art – these 10 festivals that are guaranteed to help you make the most of your spring.
Wine on the River. Photo supplied.
1. Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair
How cute are these wooden heirloom toys from Houtkappers. Photo from Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair.
The Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair is a three-day event hosted at at the Rooftop of Hyde Park Corner shopping centre in Johannesburg. The event aims to bring together food and wine lovers, owners of hotels and restaurants and leading experts related to food and beverage industry.
Date: 12-14 October 2018
Contact: 10times.com/sanlam-food-wine
2. VivaUnnamed Music Festival
Photograph by Teagan Cunniffe.
VivaUnnamed is a weekend-long music festival where you can camp out. Bring your own tent and enjoy non-stop music with food at the Cullinan Open Air Venue. Entrance for the whole weekend (excluding tent) is from R250.
Rugby Field, Montlahla Street.
Date: 12-14 October 2018
Contact: facebook.com/events/249388409009165/
3. RMB WinX Show
Image: Matthew Sterne
The wine premier show which has been running for 18 years now attracts over 150 exhibitors ranging from boutique wineries, wine routes, imported glassware, wine accessories and wine storage systems. The event is a must for any wine lover residing in Johannesburg. The event will also host bespoke wine tasting for small groups and visitors will get the chance to buy their favourite wines from the show, to be delivered to their homes.
Date: 24-26 October 2018
Contact: winex.co.za
4. Tshwane Food Fest 2018
The 3rd annual Tshwane Food Festival aims to celebrate the diversity of South African culture by offering a variety of food, dance, song, games and festivities. The festival will be hosted at The Fountains Valley, a recreational resort at the southern entrance to Pretoria. Tickets range from R50 to R450
Date: 27 October 2018.
Contact: facebook.com/Tshwanefoodfest/
5. Robertson Wine on the River
Wine on the River.
Taking place right on the banks of the Breede River, Robertson’s Wine on the River is a must on the event calendar, that will offer any wine lover an unforgettable experience. The festival has over 300 tasting options, from olives and cheese to wine and chocolate. There will also be a Wine Safari truck taking visitors to surrounding wine farms. Festival goers can also enjoy horse rides and boat cruises. Plus, there’s also a kiddies play area. Tickets range from R120 to R300.
Date: 26 and 28 October 2018
Contact: wineonriver.com
Win: Enter here to stand a chance to win two full weekend passes to the Wine on the River Festival.
6. Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival
Photograph by Raw Pixel.
This Cape Winelands is known for its viticulture, however, the region also produces a number of craft beers. The Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival is a bi-annual event which showcases some of the best local microbreweries, craft distilleries, food trucks, and artists. The event is hosted at the Jan Marais Nature Reserve, in the heart of Stellenbosch. The event promises a full day of enjoyment for everyone with a kiddies area that includes jungle gyms, swings, jumping castles, face painting and plenty more activities. There is ample parking available adjacent to the venue and it is wheelchair accessible.
Date: 13 October 2018
Contact: winelandsweb.co.za/stellenbosch-craft-beer-fest/
7. The Bubbly Festival Champagne and Bubbly
Photograph by Raw Pixel.
The bubbly festival promises a fun day out of celebrating champagne and bubbly at the scenic Meerendal Wine Estate. Artists lined up to provide live music include Freshlyground and Flat Stanley. There’ll also be a fashion show, a sabrage performed by a well-known winemaker, a Glam Bar to touch-up make-up and hair with accessories on sale. The festival will also host a photo-booth, a DJ set and for those who participate in the theme (Gold, White with a touch of Green) and a prize for the best dressed.
Date: 27 October 2018
Contact: darlingcellars.co.za
8. Cape Town International Kite Festival
Image by Brenton Geach.
Africa’s biggest kite festival, promises a colourful and fun-filled day for everyone. This year’s theme is ‘Rise Up’ and the 24th Cape Town International Kite Festival will offer kite-making workshops, entertainment, food trucks and joy rides. The festival will be held in Muizenberg, in support of the local non-profit organisation Cape Mental Health. Pets are not allowed.
Date: 27 and 28 October 2018
Contact: facebook.com/events/1597424910327152/
9. Makhelwane Festival
Photo by Vonecia Carswell.
Derived from a Zulu word that means neighbour, Makhelwane Festival is an event that sees Soweto residents transforming their homes into galleries, eateries and fashion boutiques. The event will be hosted on Poka Street in Orlando West which will be transformed into a commercial hub for the three days of the festival. The festival is a great way to explore Soweto and it’s offering as it aims to embrace the spirit of community.
Date: 15 December 2018
Contact: facebook.com/MakhelwaneFest or purchase tickets on Webticket.
10. Cape Town Festival of Beer
With over 200 different beers on display, the Cape Town Festival of Beer brings together local and international brewers and beer drinkers in a celebration of beer. In addition to the variety of beers and interacting with the brewers, beer enthusiasts attending the event can expect beer tours and food pairings.
Date: 30 November to 02 December 2018
Contact: capetownfestivalofbeer.co.za
