Cape Winelands Events Calendar ~ Festivals are BACK with a Bang and we’re getting out for weekends, celebrating and enjoying life. โค๏ธ
And the Cape Winelands is where many Capetonians are heading to this year, to get their festivals on. Join us at these – we’ve listed the most popular ones we’ve been told about.
We will keep updating this page as new events, details and dates are released, so bookmark us for checking future Cape Winelands events and festival information.
Solms-Delta Oesfees – Franschhoek ๐
If youโre a music lover and into vineyard vibes, diarise the 6 April 2024! The popular Oesfees is returning to Franschhoek and promises to yet again become a highlight on the Winelandsโ event calendar.
- Date: Saturday, March 29th 2025 (2026 dates to be confirmed)
- Time: Starts at 11h00 to 18h30
- Venue: Solms Delta Wine Farm, Delta Road, R45, Franschhoek
- Overnight at: Franschhoek accommodation
- Tickets: Via Plankton
This unique event on the South African cultural calendar brings together farm workers and owners from the valley and beyond to celebrate and share their hard work and the Capeโs rich cultural heritage.
Experience traditional Boland Rural music and โKaapsekosโ (Cape food) while enjoying the Solms-Delta wines and offerings from food vendors. Casual and fun! We love this one!
Spier Light Art Festival in Stellenbosch ๐จ
The Spier Light Art Festival is an annual event that was launched in December 2018, when the 18 light art installations were showcased to more than 10 000 spectators. Itโs no wonder itโs become an annual affair.
- Date: 21 March to 21 April 2025
- Time: From 18h30
- Venues: Spier Wine Farm
- Overnight: The Spier Hotel or see other Stellenbosch accommodation
- Tickets: Spier Light Art is free to the public
These art installations are anything but ordinary or average, though. Some are interactive, some convey a message, and some are just plain impressive.
Bring your best friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and kidsโthis beloved yearly celebration has plenty to offer everyone. Featuring experimental light, music, and video artworks by both local and international artists, it’s an immersive, nighttime trip.
And of course there will also be an abundance of fine wine and cuisine. See you there!
Franschhoek Literary Festival ๐
For three days in May, the streets of Franschhoek come alive with the energy of avid book enthusiasts, weaving their way between an array of quaint village venues, all conveniently within strolling distance of each other.
- Dates: 16 to 18 May, 2025
- Venues: Various venues throughout Franschhoek
- Overnight: Franschhoek accommodation
- Tickets: Bookings via Webtickets
Mark your calendars for the annual Franschhoek Literary Festival, a three-day event held on the third weekend of May, commencing on Friday and concluding on Sunday.
Tulbagh Christmas in Winter ๐
This year, Christmas arrives early once more as Tulbagh dons its winter cape in June and invites the rest of the nation to join them for a weekend full of fantastic winter warmers.
- Date: 27 to 29 June, 2025
- Venue: Venues throughout Tulbagh
- Overnight at Tulbagh accommodation
- Tickets: via Tixsa
Admire the variety of holiday dรฉcor and sparkling lights, and peruse the handicrafts, galleries, and charming stores. Savour tastings of cheese and olives.
The kids will be entertained with face painting, pony rides, jumping castles, and tractor rides, to name a few. There are interesting stops along the way of a picturesque tractor ride up the historic Oudekloof Pass.
Take a horseback ride through the picturesque scenery to appreciate the peace and beauty of the natural world, or venture further into the Valley on a zip line adventure.
International Chamber Music Festival ๐ป
This special festival features performances by renowned local and international artists along with student coaching. Ten days of exquisite music – both well-known and obscure – are in store.
Dates: 4-13 July, 2025
Venue: Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University, Neethling Street, Stellenbosch
Overnight at Stellenbosch Guest Houses
Tickets: Online via Webtickets
Every day concludes with a festival concert featuring pieces by contemporary composers as well as Mozart performed by world-class soloists; the final three evenings feature complete symphony concerts conducted by special guests.
Leading figures in the field of classical music are also available for public attendance at masterclasses, rehearsals, ‘In Conversation With’ talks and lunchtime recitals.
Franschhoek Bastille Festival ๐ฅ
This year’s Bastille Day celebration will take place over the weekend of July 12 and 13, 2025, at the Franschhoek Wine Valley, the Cape’s very own French outpost.
- Dates: 12 to 13 July, 2025
- Venues: Various venues throughout Franschhoek
- Overnight At: Recommended Franschhoek accommodation
- Tickets: Book tickets via Webtickets
With a weekend full of decadent cuisine and Franschhoek wines, the valley is expected to be a hive of activity and French flair. Tickets are available through Webtickets and include eight tokens for wine tasting.
Put on your red, white, and blue ensemble, including a beret, and enjoy the French atmosphere. On Saturday the 13th, there will be amazing prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed. Prescient is pleased to be a part of this year’s Bastille Festival, including all of its Main Street events and celebrations.
Stellenbosch Wine Festival ๐ท
Visit the Stellenbosch Wine Festival to get a glimpse of the heart of the Cape Winelands. Experience the finest produce from these vineyards in this breathtaking region in Stellenbosch, which was chosen as the International Wine Region of the Year.
- Dates: 1-2 August, 2025
- Venues: Stellenbosch Town Hall
- Overnight at Stellenbosch hotels
- Tickets: Online via Plankton
The festival, which coincides with the yearly harvest, offers you the chance to take part in the celebrations, discover more about the locals and their history, indulge in some delectable cuisine, and sip some amazing wines.
A street celebration in the historic Church Street, a harvest parade, cultivar showcases, specialty tours and tastings, art exhibitions, dining-in-the-vine experiences, and other unique events are all part of the Festival schedule.
Franschhoek Open Gardens ๐ผ
Thereโs something so special and grounding about being in the blossoms and bouquet of somebodyโs hard planting and pruning work. The Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival in November, showcases the exquisite work of avid gardeners in this beautiful little part of the Cape Winelands.
- Dates: 7-9 November, 2025
- Venues: Throughout Franschhoek
- Overnight: Franschhoek accommodation
- Tickets: Online through Webtickets or from the office in Main Street, Franschhoek.
A number of different gardens are showcased for this festival – from sprawling farm gardens to little gardens in the village that have an enchanting charm. Maps and brochures are provided so that you get to enjoy the full experience.
In 2023, there were 11 gorgeous gardens on display. Five of these were new, five hadnโt featured in two or more years, and one was from the 2022 festival. This gives visitors an opportunity to see the full array of colourful gardens while also getting to experience the picturesque prettiness of Franschhoek.
Franschhoek Cap Classique Festival ๐ฅ
Starry eyed lovers, champagne aficionados, merrymakers, curiosity cats and anyone who simply loves the good life will be heading to Franschhoek for this “Magic of Bubbles” festival.
- Dates: 29-30 November, 2025
- Venues: The Hugenot Monument in Franschhoek
- Overnight: Franschhoek Hotels
- Tickets: Available online via Webtickets.
The culinary capital of South Africa has a dazzling array of outstanding eateries. Restaurants will compile special menus to complement the bubbly and awaken your senses to the Valley’s outstanding cuisine.
A shopper’s seventh heaven, Franschhoek’s stylish boutiques will entice festive-season shoppers! Of course bubbly in all its guises will be on sale throughout the festivities, a perfect Christmas gift.
Submit your Winelands Events! Let us know of any noteworthy Cape Winelands events or festivals that are not on our calendar, that you think will appeal to a broad audience, especially the ones you plan to attend. โค๏ธ
