Your Garden Route Event Guide - 16 July

Welcome to your guide to what’s happening across the Garden Route. This week’s lineup brings a massive variety of live music, local history, and sporting action to our towns - from acoustic sessions and rock tributes to national cycling championships.

A quick welcome to all of our new subscribers! We hope you find this guide useful, and if you do, please forward it to a fellow local or anyone visiting our coast this winter.

Here are the top events heading your way!

Mossel Bay

Andriette Norman Live at Reedvalley

Enjoy an evening of incredible live music with this acclaimed South African songstress, known for her powerful vocals and engaging stage presence. She will perform a beautiful selection of her own original hits and popular covers in a warm and inviting setting.

• Date: Friday, 17 July
• Time: 8:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
• Venue: Reedvalley, Mossel Bay

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Join James Marais and Monique Cassells for a spectacular musical trip down memory lane. This dynamic duo will showcase classic hits from the golden eras, bringing nostalgic energy, stunning costumes, and beautiful vocal harmonies to the stage.

• Date: Saturday, 25 July
• Time: 8:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
• Venue: Reedvalley, Mossel Bay

George

Danny Smoke Live on Stage

Catch the highly-energized, multi-talented South African music producer, songwriter, and guitarist Danny Smoke performing live. Expect a spectacular evening of masterful guitar work and popular radio hits.

• Date: Saturday, 18 July
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Venue: Die Bush Lapa, George

Steve Hofmeyr Live on Stage

One of South Africa's most prominent local performers takes the stage at Die Bush Lapa for an energetic evening filled with classic hits, crowd favorites, and rich sing-along anthems.

• Date: Friday, 24 July
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Venue: Die Bush Lapa, George

Selim Kagee's Il Mondo

Step into a heartfelt and elegant musical journey featuring timeless love songs, cinematic ballads, and real-life stories spanning continents and decades. Classical-pop crossover artist Selim Kagee delivers a soaring performance that is sure to leave audiences spellbound.

• Date: Sunday, 26 July
• Time: 3:00 pm
• Venue: George Arts Theatre, George

Wilderness

Funked Up Fairies

Get ready for an energetic outdoor music gathering and social party featuring a lineup of regional electronic music artists and DJs, set against the beautiful rustic backdrop of the Wilderness hills.

• Date: Saturday, 18 July
• Time: 3:00 pm
• Venue: The Wild Farm, Wilderness

Sedgefield

The 70's vs 80's Tribute Show

A high-energy musical showcase celebrating the biggest and most memorable hits of the 1970s and 1980s. Audience members are encouraged to dress up and sing along to classic pop, rock, and disco anthems.

• Date: Sunday, 26 July
• Time: 3:00 pm
• Venue: In Toto Retreat, Sedgefield

Plett

Through The Lens - Werner Jerling - Plett History

Cultural talk by 9th generation descendant of Jan Jacob Jerling sharing unique Plettenberg Bay history through the Jerling family lens, including the Timber Store built in 1786 and the discovery of the 1630 Sao Gonçales survivors camp. Ticket includes main course meal by Barrington's, cash bar. Quicket listing.

• Date: Thursday, 16 July
• Time: 5:30 pm
• Venue: Barrington's, Piesang Valley Road, Plettenberg Bay

Oudtshoorn

SA National Youth Road and Track Cycling Championships

Witness South Africa's premier youth cycling talent compete in a series of high-octane road races and track challenges, drawing young athletes and supporters from across the country to the Klein Karoo.

• Date: 15 to 17 July
• Time: 8:00 am daily
• Venue: Various road and track routes, Oudtshoorn

That’s a wrap!

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The ONTHEROUTE Team

Save The Date

• Songs of Sting & The Police Live in Mossel Bay - James Stewart and John Ellis perform an acoustic tribute show celebrating the legendary music of Sting and The Police. Location: Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay. Date: July 30, 2026.
• Songs of Sting & The Police Live in Wilderness - A captivating live acoustic celebration featuring classic tracks of Sting and the Police. Location: ANEW Resort, Wilderness. Date: July 31, 2026.
• Algoa FM Charity Golf Day - A fun-filled, retro-themed charitable tournament on the greens raising essential funds for local family care in partnership with George Child and Family Welfare. Location: George Golf Club, George. Date: August 13, 2026.
• The Phantom of the Opera - A spectacular local staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary musical, capturing the haunting gothic romance and iconic operatic scores of this timeless Broadway classic. Location: Moedergemeente Kerk, George. Date: September 4, 2026.
• The Fool's Guide with Andrew Buckland - A physical and comedic theatrical journey exploring modern technology through a highly acclaimed solo show. Location: Plettenberg Bay. Date: July 31, 2026.
• Glacier Storms River Traverse - A highly popular and scenic three-day mountain bike stage ride winding through spectacular coastlines, forests, and local farmlands. Location: Storms River. Date: July 31 to August 2, 2026.
• Klein Karoo Klassique - A prestigious winter festival of classical music, art, literature, and regional wines, hosted in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: August 7 to 9, 2026.
• Sox Trail Run - South Africa's premier three-day trail running challenge traversing the coastlines, forests, and mountains of the Wilderness area. Location: Wilderness. Date: August 7 to 9, 2026.
• Chester's Got Talent Live - A lively community talent showcase spotlighting local artists and performers at a cozy pop-up theater. Location: Sedgefield. Date: August 16, 2026.
• Koos van der Merwe – A Tribute - An evocative musical tribute and evening of classic song and storytelling celebrating famous poetic melodies. Location: George. Date: August 22, 2026.
• Tsitsikamma Ultra - A challenging and incredibly scenic 50-kilometer forest ultra-trail run designed for serious endurance athletes. Location: Storms River. Date: August 29, 2026.
• Cape Pioneer Trek - An elite, international multi-stage mountain bike race taking competitors through the rugged Karoo landscapes and lush forests. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: September 22 to 26, 2026.
• 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: October 3, 2026.
• 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: October 2 to 4, 2026.
• 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, near Oudtshoorn. Date: October 10, 2026.
• Die Grootvoël Rally - A legendary gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts featuring custom bike displays, social rides, and outdoor entertainment. Location: Oudtshoorn. Date: December 2 to 5, 2026.