Tulbagh Goes Dutch is held in the quaint town of Tulbagh in the Western Cape. This two-day Dutch Festival is described as "a Gezellig Feestje for the whole family", filled with cultural activities, food and drinks, as well as a traditional Dutch beer garden and a tulip exhibition.
Every April, the Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees in Oudtshoorn features well-known and up-and-coming artists in dance and theatre. It is in Afrikaans, alternative and offers over 200 different shows on three different stages.
MAY
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras is a gay festival held in the beautiful coastal town of Knysna in May. The Mardi Gras offers four days of non-stop entertainment for anyone who enjoys a party.
JULY
South Africa’s oldest and largest festival, the National Arts Festival is held in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Held in late June or early July every year, the 10-day event offers an indulgence of theatre, music, song, dance, film and a whole lot more.
SEPTEMBER
Arts Alive in Johannesburg is held every September and features a mix of dance, visual art, poetry and music at venues in the Joburg inner city. Over 600 artists perform during the four-day festival, with most shows at various venues in Newtown.
The Aardklop Arts Festival in Potchefstroom has over 90 productions, with classical music, jazz, hard rock, cabaret, visual arts, theatre, circus performances, opera, African and World music, poetry and ends with the OppiAarde rock festival on the final day.
The Gariep Kunstefees held in Kimberley in the Northern Cape boasts an impressive line-up of local musicians, a film festival showcasing South Africa's new film-makers, as well as art exhibitions and children's theatre.
Macufe in Bloemfontein in the Free State is a 10-day Mangaung African Cultural Festival, showcasing top African and international talent. It features jazz, gospel, kwaito, hip-hop, R&B, rock and classical music, as well as dance, drama, cabaret, musical theatre, poetry, fine art and traditional arts and crafts.
Prince Albert Agricultural Show takes place very September in Prince Albert in the Western Cape. This is a celebration of their agricultural heritage and offers crafts, art, flowers, horses, motorbike obstacle route, sheep and angora goat competitions, local products, delicious food, bar facilities and entertainment for young and old.
OCTOBER
The Bosman Weekend in Groot Marico in the North West is in honour of Herman Charles Bosman, one of South Africa's greatest writers. The weekend festival celebrates his work in the dry town of Groot Marico, the setting for many of his stories. Some of South Africa's top actors read from and perform Bosman's work. On offer is also good food and mampoer a locally made moonshine.
NOVEMBER
Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal is a six-day event featuring fine dining, elegant black-tie affairs, art and photographic exhibitions, opera, classical music and more.
DECEMBER
The Spier Summer Festival held in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape offers four months of music, opera, dance, stand-up comedy and theatre. First held in 1995, the festival runs from December to March.
