Your Garden Route Event Guide - 10 September

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Spring is showing up on the calendar this fortnight, and there's plenty to fill a diary with. Parks Week opens the Garden Route National Park to South Africans free of charge until Sunday, and Albert Frost brings the blues to Knysna Gin to round things off. Here's what's on between now and 23 September.

Let's dive in!

Mossel Bay

Friemersheim Heritage Outing

The Simon van der Stel Foundation invites the public on a guided walk through the historic mission village, taking in its story and the colourful murals by Fourie Ackermann. A braai lunch under the old oak tree follows for those who RSVP. R100 per person, cash on registration. Enquiries 083 268 6708.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: Registration 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Venue: The church in Kretzen Street, Friemersheim, near Great Brak River, Mossel Bay

Bart's Bash

The Mossel Bay Sailing Club joins the Skipper Foundation for the thirteenth running of this global event, sailed simultaneously at clubs around the world. Yachts and dinghies are welcome, and so is anything else that floats, including paddleboards, windsurfers, canoes and kayaks. Entrants can fundraise for the Andrew Simpson Foundation or their own club, and results are ranked against participants worldwide. Register online before you go.

Date: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Mossel Bay Waterfront, Short Street, Mossel Bay Harbour, Mossel Bay

Café Gannet Festival of Wine

An afternoon of tasting and good food on the waterfront. Each ticket covers entrance, a gift bag and the tasting experience.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Café Gannet, 1 Market Street, Mossel Bay

Spring Evening at Tau Lifestyle Café

One of the café's spring season evenings, running from early evening until late.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Venue: Tau Lifestyle Café, Mossel Bay

Garden Route Triathlon

A brand new, locally organised addition to the South African Triathlon Series, with sprint, standard and ultra distances on offer.

Date: Sunday, 20 September
Time: From 7:00 AM
Venue: Mossel Bay

Roan Ash Live at Twin Trees

The Nashville-based South African singer-songwriter brings an intimate solo acoustic set, including "Whiskey to My Soul" and "If I Ever Saw Heaven".

Date: Wednesday, 23 September
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Twin Trees, 29 Long Street, Great Brak River, Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay Sport and Recreation Festival

A rolling town-wide programme of sporting codes and recreation activities running right through this fortnight and into the middle of October.

Date: 27 August to 18 October
Venue: Various venues, Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay Arts Festival

Arts Month opens on the eve of Heritage Day and runs for six weeks of exhibitions, performances and workshops across the town.

Date: 23 September to 8 November
Venue: Various venues, Mossel Bay

George

Rock in die Tuin

The annual outdoor rock festival plays out its closing nights, bringing top South African rock acts to the garden stage.

Date: Until Friday, 11 September
Venue: Eden Gemeente, George

Shakespeare Schools Festival

Seven Garden Route schools stage their own creative adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, each running around thirty minutes, over three days of youth theatre. Tickets on Webtickets.

Date: Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Market Community Theatre, George

Spring Cake Fair

A community bake-off and fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this year supporting thirteen-year-old Alba Overbeeke of Mossel Bay.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: From 9:30 AM
Venue: Trail Kiosk, Van Riebeeck Gardens, George

Vibe and Chill: Forest and Floral Edition

The fifth edition of this lifestyle day party, headlined by DJ Masoodah, with food, drinks, colourful fashion and music running from midday into the evening.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Pacaltsdorp Primary School, Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp, George

Because of Success

Multi-award-winning comedian Sifiso Nene brings his new one-man stand-up tour to George. Tickets R250 on Webtickets.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: George Arts Theatre, George

Victoria Bay to Leentjiesklip Hike

An eight-kilometre coastal walk east along the railway line, through two tunnels and across the Kaaimans River mouth at low tide.

Date: Sunday, 13 September
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Victoria Bay Beach parking area, George

Jak de Priester: Van Sally tot Somerset-Wes

Twenty-five years after his breakout hit "Sally Williams Nougat," singer-songwriter Jak de Priester looks back on his career with a concert of favourite songs old and new, backed by guitarist Ruben Davis and drummer Rickardo van der Horst, and stories along the way.

Date: Thursday, 17 September
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: George Arts Theatre, George

Coppélia

Elvinia's Dance Academy presents the classic comic ballet over two nights. General tickets R160, or R380 for the dinner show with front-block seating and a meal in partnership with Hussar Grill. Book on WhatsApp on 083 725 4215.

Date: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September
Time: Friday 6:30 PM; Saturday 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM
Venue: George Arts Theatre, George

Scava Art Exhibition: Almost

The Southern Cape Art Association's latest group exhibition explores the space between what is and what could be. Final week.

Date: Ongoing until 19 September
Time: Museum hours
Venue: Sayers Auditorium, George Museum, George

Cape Pioneer Trek

The multi-day mountain bike stage race known as the Race With Soul rolls out of George, linking the singletrack of Saasveld with the open plains of the Klein Karoo. The opening stages fall inside this fortnight.

Date: Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September
Venue: Starting in George

Wilderness

National Parks Week: Wilderness Section

South African citizens enter free of conservation fees. Canoe the Touw River towards Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher Trail to the waterfall. Six canoes a day are available free on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring valid identification.

Date: Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September
Venue: Wilderness Section, Garden Route National Park, Wilderness

Sedgefield

Iconic Fashion Show

Former model Melissa Watson of ecofashion label MANTRA reveals a collection of one-of-a-kind wearable art, with headpieces by ZANATOA, live music from Garden Route musician Shomon and a guest collection from Anahi of Timberlake Village. Dress to express; prizes for the best-dressed. Book on Quicket.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: 3:30 PM
Venue: St Anthony Catholic Church Hall, Sedgefield

Cupcakes 4 Kids With Cancer

The Sedgefield Lions and Leos run their annual cupcake sale across two points in the village, with everything on the table baked by the Sedgefield community itself. All proceeds go to Cupcakes of Hope, which supports families facing childhood cancer. Buy a box, buy a dozen, and take the "inhale courage, exhale fear" spirit with you.

Date: Saturday, 19 September
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Engen 1plus, Sedgefield, and Pick n Pay Sedgefield

Knysna

National Parks Week: Knysna Section

Free entry for South African citizens. Learn about the endangered Knysna seahorse at the SANParks Thesen Island office, stroll the Garden of Eden, visit the Forest Legends Museum, picnic at the Kranshoek viewpoint or walk the historic mining trails and pools at Jubilee Creek. Knysna Ziplines at Kranshoek is offering fifty percent off during the week.

Date: Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September
Venue: Knysna Section, Garden Route National Park, Knysna

Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist: Planned Pandemonium

After 35 years on stage, Andre returns with unscripted, interactive comedy that turns ordinary audience members into the stars of the show — no two performances are ever the same. Tickets R200, rated PG, booking essential.

Date: Thursday, 17 September
Time: 7:30 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
Venue: Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa, Knysna

Dalin Oliver: Stuck in Dubai

Stand-up from the tour inspired by a four-day layover that spiralled into cancelled flights and live missiles, from South Africa's favourite unofficial international news correspondent.

Date: Saturday, 19 September
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna

Albert Frost Live at Knysna Gin

One of South Africa's finest blues and rock guitarists plays an intimate midweek show at the distillery, brought in by Better Live. Their shows at this venue sell out, so book ahead.

Date: Wednesday, 23 September
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Knysna Gin, Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

The Glorious Music Concert

PAWS welcomes back Cape Town's Trio de Musique for the seventh edition of their Glorious Music Concert, an evening of chamber music in aid of the animal welfare organisation.

Date: Saturday, 12 September
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Venue: Ouland Royale, Plettenberg Bay

Interwoven: The Fabric of Generational Passion and Endeavour

An early-evening event set among the indigenous trees at Old Nick Village, exploring craft, textile and the passing of skill between generations. Tickets R290 through Quicket or at Barney's Kiosk.

Date: Thursday, 17 September
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Nice Neighbour, Old Nick Village, Plettenberg Bay

Raphaeli Seven Lively Arts Festival

A day celebrating the seven arts at the heart of Waldorf education, with performances, hands-on workshops, creative crafting and immersive art experiences. Free entry, with tickets for workshops and token cards for the craft stations.

Date: Saturday, 19 September
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Venue: Raphaeli Waldorf School, Olive Hill Estate, Airport Road, Plettenberg Bay

Stomping Grounds: Heritage Edition

Stomping Grounds returns after a long break and lands in Plett for the first time, on the night before Heritage Day. Expect immersive projections, trippy décor and lighting, a serious sound rig and a fresh underground lineup.

Date: Wednesday, 23 September
Time: From 8:00 PM
Venue: The Quarter Club, Plettenberg Bay

Nature's Valley

National Parks Week at De Vasselot

Nature's Valley sits inside the Tsitsikamma Section, which is fee-free for South African citizens this week. It is the quietest corner of the whole system: canoes can be hired at the rest camp for the Groot River and estuary, where Narina trogon and African finfoot are both possible, and the forest day walks start on the doorstep.

Date: Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September
Venue: De Vasselot, Nature's Valley Rest Camp, Nature's Valley

Otter African Trail Run Finish

The finish line of the Grail of Trail lands on the beach here across three days of racing, with runners arriving after 42km of the Otter Trail and a swim across the Bloukrans River. Well worth a walk down to watch them come in.

Date: Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 September
Venue: Nature's Valley beach, Nature's Valley

Storms River and Tsitsikamma

National Parks Week: Tsitsikamma Section

Free entry for South African citizens gets you onto the newly refurbished Storms River Mouth suspension bridge, into the indigenous forest around the Big Tree, and onto the Waterfall Hiking Trail. Untouched Adventures is running ten percent off its kayak and lilo trip, and Stormsriver Adventures twenty percent off ziplining on production of proof of park entry.

Date: Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 September
Venue: Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and Storms River Village, Tsitsikamma

Otter African Trail Run

South Africa's premier marathon-distance trail race sets off from Storms River Mouth, running 42km along the Otter Trail's rugged coastline and finishing at Nature's Valley. Known as the Grail of Trail, it takes in relentless climbs, river crossings and a swim across the Bloukrans.

Date: Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 September
Venue: Starting at Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikamma

Oudtshoorn

Maskerbal

A masked ball with dinner and dancing, R500 per couple or R300 per person. Enquiries and bookings on 044 272 5605 or 044 272 6054.

Date: Friday, 18 September
Time: 6:00 PM for 7:00 PM
Venue: Oudtshoorn Vaardigheidskool, Oudtshoorn

Cape Pioneer Trek Reaches the Klein Karoo

The Race With Soul crosses the Outeniquas from George and into the Klein Karoo, with stages finishing around Oudtshoorn. Roadside supporters are part of the atmosphere.

Date: Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September
Venue: Oudtshoorn and surrounds

That’s a wrap!

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Listen Live

Save The Date

Heritage Day: A Day at the Station – Community day of history, food and the Amazing Clivias exhibition. Location: Wilderness Train Station, Wilderness. Date: 24 September.
Droomwoud Heritage Trail Run and Family Festival – Trail running and family festival in the forest. Location: Mossel Bay. Date: 24 September.
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival – South Africa's leading LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival, with a street parade, live performances and art exhibitions. Location: Knysna. Date: 24–27 September.
Garden Route Wedding Expo – Four days of wedding suppliers, venues and styling inspiration. Location: NG Church grounds, Mossel Bay. Date: 24–27 September.
MuseFees – Heritage-weekend arts and music festival. Location: Mossel Bay. Date: 24–26 September.
Artisan Culture Knysna – Ten days celebrating the town's makers, distillers and craftspeople. Location: Knysna. Date: 24 September – 4 October.
KAWS 75th Anniversary Celebration – A charity party of 70s and 80s music with DJ Feel Good Inc. Location: Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna. Date: 25 September.
KykNet Buitelug Expo – An outdoor lifestyle and recreation expo covering hunting, fishing, camping and adventure gear. Location: ATKV Hartenbos, Mossel Bay. Date: 25–27 September.
Redberry Farm Market – Two-day farm market with local stalls, food, a kids' play park and live music. Location: George. Date: 25–26 September.
Plett ARTS Festival – Ten days of music, fine art, jazz, theatre and the Plett Land Art Route, saved for 2026 by a community-led fundraising effort. Location: Plettenberg Bay. Date: 25 September – 4 October.
Steve Grahams: Tribute to Pink Floyd – A full-scale Floyd experience of guitar work and visuals. Location: Simola Hotel, Knysna. Date: 26 September.
Sedgefield Art Society Open Air Exhibition – Local artwork shown outdoors on a Saturday morning. Location: 1 Swallow Drive, The Village, Sedgefield. Date: 26 September.
Strawberry Run – Five and nine kilometre fun run on the farm, strawberry-themed outfits encouraged. Location: George. Date: 26 September.
Lions Karoo to Coast – A 25th-anniversary point-to-point mountain bike, gravel and e-bike challenge raising funds for local Lions Clubs. Location: Uniondale to Knysna. Date: 27 September.
ACVV Business Relay – Teams of six take on an evening relay in support of ACVV George. Location: Halfway Toyota, George. Date: 29 September.
Timothy Kieswetter: Tietelogie en Tottiekunde – A new Afrikaans stand-up show over three nights. Location: George Arts Theatre, George. Date: 1–3 October.
Psyshores Festival – Four days of music, art and coastal camping on the bay. Location: Buffalo Bay, Knysna. Date: 1–5 October.
Wine Pairing Evening at La Bosca – A three-course dinner paired with wines from the ESC Lifestyle Range, R450 per person, bookings closing 29 September. Location: Luna Verde Farm, Barrington Road, Sedgefield. Date: 2 October.
Windhoek Home of Golf Cup, Round 10 – Two-ball series round on the championship Montagu Course. Location: Fancourt, George. Date: 2 October.
Moonshine Distill Oktoberfest – Beer specials, live music, dancing and German-inspired food, free entry from 3:00 PM. Location: Sedgefield. Date: 3 October.
Hartenbos Oktoberfest – Live oompah music and German-style festivities in aid of local care homes. Location: ATKV Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Mossel Bay. Date: 3 October.
Eden Rock and Soul Reimagined – A rock, soul and jazz musical festival. Location: George. Date: 3 October.
Garden Route Kids Expo – A full day of entertainment and hands-on activities for children. Location: Asado Fire Grill, Plettenberg Bay. Date: 3 October.
Carpe Musicam: Magnificent Movie Music – An afternoon of orchestral and choral film favourites. Location: Sedgefield. Date: 4 October.
Wilderness Arts Festival – Four days of visual, musical and literary work from local creatives, free to the public. Location: Fairy Knowe Hotel and village venues, Wilderness. Date: 8–11 October.
Meiringspoort Half Marathon – One of the country's most scenic road races, run through the rock cliffs of Meiringspoort. Location: De Rust and Oudtshoorn. Date: 10 October.
Country Sokkie Evening at La Bosca – A country sokkie night on the farm, tickets on Quicket. Location: Luna Verde Farm, Barrington Road, Sedgefield. Date: 10 October.
South Cape Coin Show – Mossel Bay's first coin show, with dealer tables and displays. Location: Mossel Bay. Date: 10 October.
Jo Black at ReedValley – An evening of Afrikaans music on the wine estate. Location: ReedValley, Mossel Bay. Date: 10 October.
Wilderness Chess960 Tournament – A five-round freestyle Chess960 tournament for adults and juniors. Location: Fairy Knowe Hotel, Wilderness. Date: 11 October.
Fancourt Marathon – A scenic full and half marathon that has drawn elite fields in past years. Location: George. Date: 17 October.
Sedgefield Pink Walk – A 4.5km community walk for breast cancer awareness in aid of Hospice Sedgefield. Location: Sedgefield. Date: 17 October.
RE/MAX Garden Route Kite Festival – Tenth edition, with kite flyers and makers from nine countries. Location: Scarab Village, Sedgefield. Date: 18 October.
Schalk Bezuidenhout: Hey Hey Divorcé – Raw, personal stand-up from his acclaimed new hour. Location: Simola Hotel, Knysna. Date: 20 October.
Eden Meander 10km Fun Run and Walk – Ten and five kilometre routes in support of Carpe Diem School. Location: George. Date: 24 October.
Chicago: The Musical – The 1920s scandal-and-fame musical on tour. Location: George Arts Theatre, George. Date: 28 October.
Dryland Traverse – A multi-day endurance race from the Cango Caves to the peaks of the Swartberg. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: 29 October – 1 November.
Henry Ate: 30 Years of Slap in the Face – Anniversary tour of the album that defined a generation. Location: Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna. Date: 4 November.
Louvain Burn Music and Arts Festival – Four days of live music, fire arts and forest camping in the Langkloof valley. Location: Louvain Guest Farm, Oudtshoorn. Date: 6–9 November.
Knysna Extreme Triathlon – Billed as Africa's toughest triathlon, with a 5km estuary swim, 174km cycle and 50km run. Location: Knysna. Date: 7 November.
Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash – Location: Knysna Gin, Knysna. Date: 7 November.
Leisure Isle Festival – A community fundraising festival with stalls, food and family activities. Location: Knysna. Date: 7–8 November.
Spoilt Knysna Gift Fair – Summer gift fair with new brands and foodie stalls. Location: Villa Castollini, Knysna. Date: 20–21 November.
Rest and Restore – A three-day women's retreat on a sustainability farm. Location: Good Earth Farm, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay. Date: 20–22 November.
Woodstock and Beyond: 1965–1975 – A nostalgic tour through folk, psychedelia and protest song. Location: Simola Hotel, Knysna. Date: 21 November.
ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 Mossel Bay – A half-distance triathlon combining a sea swim, coastal cycle and run through the town. Location: Mossel Bay. Date: 22 November.
MosJazz – A multi-day jazz festival with South African and international artists. Location: Mossel Bay. Date: 26–29 November.
Plett Rage – The school-leavers' festival returns, with live music, beach days and celebrations. Location: Plettenberg Bay. Date: 27 November – 3 December.
Matriekbaai – A week of beach parties and live entertainment for school-leavers. Location: Mossel Bay. Date: 27 November – 5 December.
Spoegwolf – Location: ATKV Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Mossel Bay. Date: 4 December.
Kevin Fraser: Decadance – Ten years of characters and accents on stage. Location: 34 Waenhout, Knysna. Date: 12 December.
AiG-Buitelug Hartenbos GrootFees – Open-air Afrikaans music festival. Location: Hartenbos, Mossel Bay. Date: 19 December.
TOWER2SEA – Sunrise trail run from the Buffelsnek Fire Tower down to the sea. Location: Knysna. Date: 20 December.
Paradisco: On The Island – Summer island party. Location: Stanley Island, Plettenberg Bay. Date: 27 December.
Alternatief is Groot – Alternative Afrikaans line-up to close the year. Location: Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Mossel Bay. Date: 29 December.