Your Garden Route Event Guide - 13 August
The next fortnight along the Garden Route brings touring comedy, live music and plenty of outdoor sport. Ventriloquist Conrad Koch's Chester's Got Talent tours George, Knysna and Sedgefield on consecutive nights, Watershed's Craig Hinds performs solo sets in Mossel Bay and Knysna, and Wilderness welcomes cyclists finishing the multi-day Cape Country MTB Tour.
Let's dive in!
Mossel Bay
Craig Hinds Live
Craig Hinds, the lead voice and songwriter behind the renowned South African rock group Watershed, brings his acclaimed solo acoustic tour to Mossel Bay. Guests will experience intimate renditions of classic hit songs such as "Indigo Girl" and "Letters," alongside stories from his nearly 25-year musical journey.
- Date: 20 August
- Time: 19:30
- Venue: Pinnacle Point Estate, Mossel Bay
Craig Hinds at Twin Trees
An additional tour stop in Great Brak, presented as part of the Watershed Winter Acoustic Tour.
- Date: 22 Aug
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Twin Trees Restaurant, Great Brak River
Ramon Alexander Live
The acclaimed South African jazz pianist performs an intimate concert in the historic surrounds of the Dias Museum complex.
- Date: 13 August
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Dias Museum, Mossel Bay
Wat Om Te Doen As Die Wêreld Brand
An Afrikaans stage production exploring how ordinary people cope when life feels like it is falling apart, staged in an intimate local theatre setting.
- Date: 13 August
- Time: 18:30
- Venue: The Stage Coach, Mossel Bay
George
Algoa FM Charity Golf Day
Join in the fun at the annual charity golf day, this year featuring a vibrant 80s theme to mark the station's 40th year of broadcasting. All funds raised will support the essential work of the George Child and Family Welfare.
- Date: 13 August
- Time: All day
- Venue: George Golf Club, George
Chester's Got Talent
The stakes are high as internationally acclaimed South African ventriloquist Conrad Koch brings his hilarious comedy show to town. Watch as his infamous puppet, Chester Missing, disrupts the ultimate puppet talent competition.
- Date: 14 August
- Time: 19:30
- Venue: George Arts Theatre, George
Selim Kagee - Il Mondo
Renowned classical crossover tenor Selim Kagee delivers a soulful live vocal performance featuring heartwarming renditions of timeless international classics, pop-opera hits, and romantic ballads.
- Date: 15 August
- Time: 16:00
- Venue: George Arts Theatre, George
Koos Van Der Merwe - A Tribute
A warm, reflective evening of storytelling and music as singer-songwriter Koos Van Der Merwe presents an intimate tribute concert inspired by the classic sounds and nostalgic melodies of the 1970s.
- Date: 22 August
- Time: 18:00
- Venue: Protea Hotel - King George, George
Fierce Hope. Quiet Courage. The Stories We Sing
A theatrical concert in which three women weave personal stories of survival and healing through the music of Miriam Makeba, Alessia Cara and Andra Day.
- Date: 15 August
- Time: 14:00
- Venue: Market Community Theatre, George
The Barn Dance with DJ Wolf
A social Sokkie dance evening with live DJ music, dancing and a relaxed community atmosphere.
- Date: 15 August
- Time: Evening
- Venue: George Riding Club, George
Karoo Kronkels
A concert of Afrikaans art song presented by the Heydenrych Orchestra, paying tribute to composer Prof Chris Lamprecht and featuring regional choirs and soloists.
- Date: 15 August
- Time: 15:00
- Venue: NG Gemeente George, George
Change the World
A dance production spanning modern, tap and hip-hop styles, performed by dancers aged six to twenty-five as part of the Melissa Page School of Dance's annual showcase.
- Date: 21 August
- Time: 15:00
- Venue: George Arts Theatre, George
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Wilderness
Craig Hinds Live
Craig Hinds, the unmistakable voice and acclaimed songwriter behind the legendary South African rock band Watershed, brings his special acoustic tour to the area for an unforgettable night of intimate live music.
- Date: 19 August
- Time: 19:30
- Venue: The Wilderness Hotel, Wilderness
Cape Country MTB
Multi-day mountain-bike stage race through Garden Route forests, based in Wilderness.
- Date: 16 - 21 August
- Venue: Begins at Beaumont Family Wines in Bot River and ends at the Wilderness Hotel.
Sedgefield
Chester's Got Talent
A unique comedy and entertainment show featuring renowned South African ventriloquist Conrad Koch. Expect an afternoon of chaotic fun and laughter as his puppets compete in a talent show led by the outspoken Chester Missing.
- Date: 16 August
- Time: 15:00
- Venue: In Toto Retreat, Sedgefield
Knysna
Chester's Got Talent
An evening of arts and entertainment featuring talented local performers and puppets, hosted by renowned ventriloquist and comedian Conrad Koch.
- Date: 15 August
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Knysna Gin Bar, Knysna
Craig Hinds Live
The acoustic tour of Watershed singer Craig Hinds comes to Knysna, featuring emotive performances of top South African adult-contemporary radio hits in an up-close musical setting.
- Date: 21 August
- Time: 20:00
- Venue: Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa, Knysna
Plettenberg Bay
Craig Hinds at Slops
Craig Hinds is making his way back to Slops for an afternoon with an unforgettable live Watershed acoustic performance.
- Date: 22 August
- Time: 12:00
- Venue: Slops, Plettenberg Bay
That’s a wrap!
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Best,
The ONTHEROUTE Team
eRadio SA - Live from the Garden Route to the World - your digital home for great music, local stories, and engaging conversations.
Save The Date
- Fancourt Winter Wine Festival - A premier showcase of local and national wine estates offering tastings and culinary delights. Location: George. Date: 29 August.
- Land Of The Low Automotive Festival - A car lifestyle showcase featuring custom vehicle builds, fitment displays, and live entertainment. Location: Plettenberg Bay. Date: 29 August.
- Tsitsikamma Ultra - A challenging and incredibly scenic 50-kilometer forest ultra-trail run designed for serious endurance athletes. Location: Storms River. Date: 29 August.
- Crous & Carstens Unplugged - Springbok Nude Girls members Arno Carstens and Theo Crous perform an intimate acoustic rock set. Location: Knysna. Date: 29 August.
- George Agricultural Show - A hallmark regional gathering celebrating agricultural heritage, livestock exhibitions, local equestrian displays, craft markets, and family entertainment. Location: George. Date: 27 – 29 August.
- The Phantom of the Opera - A spectacular local staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary music of Phantom of the Opera and other cinematic masterpieces. Location: Moedergemeente Kerk, George. Date: 4 September.
- Rock in die Tuin - An annual outdoor rock festival featuring top South African rock bands and live stage performances. Location: George. Date: 4 – 11 September.
- The Ultimate RNB & Jazz Festival - A major regional music festival celebrating smooth jazz and R&B with top national talent. Location: George. Date: 6 September.
- Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist - A unique blend of comedy, entertainment, and hypnosis for an evening of chaotic fun. Location: Knysna. Date: 17 September.
- Dalin Oliver - Stuck In Dubai - An evening of fantastic live stand-up comedy straight from the international stage. Location: Knysna. Date: 19 September.
- Cape Pioneer Trek - An elite, international multi-stage mountain bike race taking competitors through the rugged Karoo landscapes and lush forests. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: 22 – 26 September.
- Plett ARTS Festival - A 10-day regional arts celebration featuring land art routes, twilight street meanders, jazz sessions, and gallery exhibits. Location: Plettenberg Bay. Date: 25 September – 4 October.
- Karoo to Coast - A legendary 100km mountain bike race from the arid Karoo down to the coast. Location: Uniondale to Knysna. Date: 27 September.
- Tsitsikamma Adventure Festival - An energetic weekend celebration featuring trail runs, mountain bike races, community street markets, art exhibitions, and live music. Location: Storms River and Tsitsikamma. Date: 2 – 4 October.
- George Musical Festival: Eden Soul & Jazz Reimagined - An outdoor showcase celebrating regional soul and jazz music with multiple performances, local food stalls, and art displays. Location: George. Date: 3 October.
- Meiringspoort Half Marathon - One of the country's most iconic and scenic road races, guiding runners through the majestic towering rock cliffs of Meiringspoort. Location: De Rust / Oudtshoorn. Date: 10 October.
- Klein Karoo Dust 4 Glory Challenge - A high-energy obstacle course racing event navigating raw Klein Karoo terrain and natural obstacles. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: 17 October.
- Pink Walk Sedgefield - A wonderful community walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds for a great cause. Location: Sedgefield. Date: 17 October.
- Wilderness Arts Festival - A celebrated annual gathering featuring local visual artists, sculptors, live acoustic stages, and street craft markets. Location: Wilderness. Date: 17 October.
- Garden Route Kite Festival - A vibrant family outdoor festival celebrating wind sports and raising funds for regional child welfare. Location: Sedgefield. Date: 18 October.
- Leisure Isle Festival - A popular annual craft fair, fine art showcase, and gourmet food market set on Leisure Isle. Location: Knysna. Date: 7 – 8 November.
- Plett Rage - The ultimate summer destination festival for school leavers featuring major live music performances, beach days, and celebrations. Location: Plettenberg Bay. Date: 27 November – 3 December.
- Die Grootvoël Rally - A legendary gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts featuring custom bike displays, social rides, and outdoor entertainment. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: 2 – 5 December.
