Destination South Africa
Festivals & Events 2023
The joie de vivre at the top of South Africa is back! After a pandemic break of more than two years, there are numerous festivals and events again in 2023!
As varied as the cultures, languages, landscapes and inhabitants are, as numerous are the events in the individual provinces in the so-called rainbow nation. We show you when and where you can experience some culture on your next trip to South Africa!
Music as far as you can hear!
In South Africa, music is literally played on every corner, because as many different cultures as there are in the rainbow nation, so is the musical spectrum. Accompanied by rhythms and sounds wherever you go, music is specifically played at numerous concerts and festivals. Some of them have international fame, which we now present to you.
27. – 29.01.2023 – Origin Festival
In January, things get psychedelic about 125 km from Cape Town. Because when techno-shamanic groups gather in the valley of the Elandkloof River for a special outdoor event, one of Africa’s most brilliant psychedelic events is celebrated – the Origin Festival!
17 – 18.03.2023 – Cape Town International Jazz Festival
IIn March, the legendary Cape Town International Jazz Festival will return to Cape Town’s International Convention Centre. After a two-year pandemic break, the 21st anniversary will be celebrated with 21 top artists on three stages.
06. – 10.04.2023 – Splashy Fen
South Africa’s oldest music festival, which attracts up to 150,000 guests every year and bears its epithet as the «SA Friendiest Music Festival», is much more than just a music festival. For the Splashy Fen takes place against the backdrop of the southern Drakensberg Mountains in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and offers yoga as well as entertainment for the family and children in addition to music.
24. – 30.04.2023 – Africa Burn
The interdisciplinary cultural event brings together offbeat, fancy artists and visitors of all kinds, with artworks, costumes, dance and music of every variety. Every year in April, a week-long celebration is held in an extraordinary way at Quaggafontein in Tankwa Karoo in the Western Cape. The African Burn is a must for music and art lovers!
Art as far as you can see!
22.06. – 02.07.2023 – National Arts Festival
For culture lovers from all over the world, things will finally get interesting again from 22 June, for almost two weeks! The National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape province opens its doors. With a tradition of almost 50 years, more than 360 events and 1’200 performances, it is the largest arts festival on the African continent! No wonder it is one of the most visited festivals in the world!
11. – 15.07.2023 – Vrystaat Arts Festival
In the Free State province, the Vrystaat Arts Festival takes place over five days under the motto «One Festival, many Stories». It is the only one that follows the Khoi-San protocol and has First Nations culture embedded in its programme.
Culinary delights as far as the eye can see!
01. – 10.07.2023 – KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
With a 40-year tradition, the ten-day Knysna Oyster Festival takes place on the Garden Route in early July. Indulge your taste buds with delicious oyster creations and take part in the famous oyster competition!
Beginning of August 2023 – Stellenbosch Wine Festival
If you want to experience the diversity of Stellenbosch’s wines, the Stellenbosch Wine Festival at the beginning of August is not to be missed. Numerous winegrowers present their creations in the heart of the «Winelands», which you can taste.
If this is too far away or not convenient, we recommend a visit to one of our free wine tastings in Wädenswil (10 times a year). All Stellenbosch wines can also be found in our online shop.
Sport as far as the eye can see!
12.03.2023 – Cape Town Cycle Tour
If you like cycling and occasionally take part yourself, you should not miss this opportunity. Up to 35,000 participants take part in the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour, making it the world’s largest cycling race. The Cape Town Cycle Tour is part of Lifestyle Week, which also includes Junior Tours for 6-12 year olds, Tricycle Tour for 2-6 year olds and a Mountain Bike Challenge.
15. – 16.04.2023 – Two Ocean Marathon
10.06.2023 – Comrades Marathon
The Two Ocean Marathon, which connects two oceans and is thus unique in the world, takes place in Arpil. The Comorades Marathon in June connects Durban with Pietermaritzburg and covers a distance of almost 90 km. It is the ultra-marathon with the largest number of participants in the world!
November 2023 – Betway Summer Cup
If you love equestrian sports, you can’t miss the oldest and most famous horse race, the Betway Summer Cup, in Johannesburg. Athletes, sports enthusiasts, fashion icons, artists and gourmets meet here and it is framed by fashion shows, live music and entertainment in addition to exciting races!