Events in South Africa to plan for

South Africa, a country of many cultures, has many events which show this. Most of these are held annually and include music festivals to heritage celebrations that exhibit the unique national character. There is always something happening either in the lively streets of Cape Town or the bustling townships of Johannesburg.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

This annual event is known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering and attracts jazz lovers from around the globe. Another highlight on the calendar is Heritage Day also known as National Braai Day when South Africans indulge in barbecues and cultural performances to mark their origins.

We hope you appreciate our efforts to cover all major events that take place in South Africa, but if there are more events we need to add please let us know at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We add events on a continuous basis. So if you want to stay informed of the latest information, please bookmark this page.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Held every year during late March or early April, Cape Town International Jazz Festival is a significant event in South Africa’s cultural calendar. In two days’ time this festival referred to as “Africa’s grandest gathering,” brings together jazz enthusiasts from far corners of the earth.

They enjoy diverse styles of jazz including traditional and contemporary delivered by different local and international artists.

National Arts Festival

One of the largest and most diverse arts festivals in Africa takes place over June/July annually in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape Province. The 11 day long festival hosts an amazing variety of shows incorporating theatre, dance, music and visual arts. This colorful occasion commemorates with emerging talents joining established ones as they potently express their culture.

Hermanus Whale Festival

Based in Hermanus, a pretty town situated along our coastline, The Hermanus Whale Festival is an annual celebration running towards late September which highlights marine life and coastal environment. Being a unique eco-marine festival worldwide it coincides with peak whale watching season bringing visitors right up close to Southern Right Whales within their reach. These festivals include educational talks, live music performances, art exhibits arts & crafts stalls and delicious local catering.