South Africans are great lovers of music and great sports fans – so you’ll note large numbers of locals attending these types of events whenever they occur.
January Festivals
Origin Festival: this gathering of trance music lovers was first held in 2002, and is reminiscent of hippie festivals held in the 1960s and into the ‘70s. In addition to the music, you’ll come across lots of tie-dyed attire, peace signs and kites. February Festivals
FNB Dance Umbrella: the FNB festival selects several choreographers each year to produce their work for this exhibition. The event was originally designed to introduce the best of South Africa’s dance talent to the international dance community, and it has been extremely successful, as this event brings people in from around the world. March Festivals
Cape Town Jazz Festival: taking centre stage on the country’s events calendar every March is the Cape Town Jazz Festival. The two-day event features around 40 South African and international acts on five different stages. More than 15,000 people attend this event for the jazz and the interesting exhibitions on music, area history and photography. Lambert's Bay Kreeffees: the Afrikaans word for crayfish is ‘kreef’, and ‘fees’ can mean feast or festival. The Kreeffees in Lambert’s Bay is both a feast and a festival, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy as much fresh crayfish as you can eat.
There’s plenty of beer on tap; and rock music, performed by some of the country’s top talent, adds to the festivities. To make sure there’s something for everyone, bungee jumping and aerial displays are also featured. Splashy Fen: this festival, held on a farm in Underberg, has attracted thousands of music lovers since it began in 1989. The focus is on folk and blues, but you’ll hear mainstream rock and pop as well. Interesting items are on display and for sale at the event’s market stalls; and you can take advantage of inviting hospitality of some excellent bed-and-breakfast inns nearby. May Festivals
Prince Albert Olive, Food and Wine Festival: for two days in May, the Swartberg region of the Western Cape hosts its annual festival of food and wine. There’s a lot more on offer here than just the region’s renowned olives and wines, though: visitors can enjoy the art exhibition, historic tours, live music and a cabaret show. Beer is on tap, also, just to make sure everyone is happy. June Festivals
National Arts Festival: held in Grahamstown, the National Arts Festival is the oldest and largest events of its type in the country. The 10-day event provides visitors with great variety in music, dance and theatrical performances, and also previews of recent films. It’s very well attended, and without doubt the most colourful cultural event held in the country. July Festivals
Knysna Oyster Festival: the town of Knysna, which is located on the seacoast, is not only well-known for its birds – but since this annual festival was started, it’s also known for its oysters. The celebration that takes place in July becomes more and more popular each year.
There are oyster-tasting opportunities, oyster-eating competitions, some all-around good food and great music and other entertainment. A number of sporting events are held along with the festival, such as canoeing, cycling and foot races. August Festivals
Joy of Jazz: is Johannesburg's best and biggest annual jazz festival. Although a mix of musical styles are represented, jazz is the main emphasis. Typically, more than 200 local and international musicians perform at selected venues throughout the city – with the most popular being in Newtown. September Festivals
Arts Alive Festival: local music is the focus of this festival, held every September in Jo’burg. Workshops on a variety of South African musical cultures are a favourite with visitors, who come from around the country and abroad. Woodstock: South Africa’s largest music festival for young people was first held in 1999, near Hartbeespoort Dam, in the north-western part of the country. During the four days of events, in addition to the almost non-stop music, there’s a market set up on site, with products geared to alternative lifestyles. October Festivals
Bosman Weekend: the events held over this weekend celebrate the life and work of Herman Charles Bosman, one of greatest writers in South Africa’s history. One highlight of the weekend is a series of readings and performances of his works by the country’s top actors. Good food is always a feature of this well-attended event. December Festivals
Spier Summer Festival: held in the beautiful wine lands of the Western Cape, this annual summer festival is hosted by the Spier Estate. The activities, most of which are held in the estate’s amphitheatre, include comedy, dance, music, opera and theatrical performances. | 
