Your Garden Route Event Guide - 17 September

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Spring has properly arrived on the Garden Route, and the diary has filled up to match it. The next fortnight brings Heritage Day celebrations from Wilderness Station to the Old Rectory, two ten-day arts festivals opening in Knysna and Plett, a world tug-of-war championship in Hartenbos, and the Cape Pioneer crossing the Outeniquas into the Klein Karoo. The Otter African Trail Run takes on the coast between Storms River and Nature's Valley, and there is comedy, ballet, blues guitar, orchids and open-air art besides. Very little excuse to stay indoors.

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay Sport and Recreation Festival

A rolling town-wide programme of more than fifty sporting codes and recreation activities, taking in rugby, cycling, athletics and water sports. Schools, clubs and casual participants are all catered for.

Date: 27 August to 18 October
Time: Daily from 08:00 to 17:00
Venue: Various venues, Mossel Bay

TWIF Tug-of-War World Championships

Mossel Bay hosts the outdoor world championships of tug of war, drawing national teams from across the globe to Hartenbos for four days of pulling. Spectators are welcome for what is a rare chance to see an international championship on local soil.

Date: 16 to 19 September
Time: From 08:00 daily, finishing 13:00 on the final day
Venue: Hartenbos, Mossel Bay

NSRI Golf Day at Pinnacle Point

A fundraising golf day in aid of the National Sea Rescue Institute, played over one of the most dramatic clifftop courses in the country.

Date: 18 September
Time: 11:00 to 14:00
Venue: Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay

Bart's Bash

The Mossel Bay Sailing Club joins the global fundraising regatta held each year in memory of Olympic sailor Andrew "Bart" Simpson, 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. Results are ranked against participants worldwide, and entrants can raise funds for the Andrew Simpson Foundation or their own club. Register online before you go.

Date: Postposed to 19 and 20 September
Time: 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, 10:00 to 13:30 on Sunday
Venue: Mossel Bay Waterfront, Short Street, Mossel Bay Harbour, 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: 20 September
Time: From 07:00
Venue: 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
Time: Times vary by programme
Venue: Various venues, Mossel Bay

Roan Ash Live at Twin Trees

The Nashville-based South African singer-songwriter brings an intimate solo acoustic set of country-rock, including "Whiskey to My Soul" and "If I Ever Saw Heaven". Seating is limited and booking is advised.

Date: 23 September
Time: 19:00
Venue: Twin Trees, 29 Long Street, Great Brak River, Mossel Bay
Cost: From R290

MuseFees

A three-day celebration of music and the arts running over the Heritage Day weekend, with a programme built around local performers and makers.

Date: 24 to 26 September
Time: Times vary by programme
Venue: Mossel Bay

Droomwoud Heritage Trail Run and Family Festival

Heritage Day trail running in the forest, with a family festival built around it for those who would rather spectate than run.

Date: 24 September
Time: Morning through the afternoon
Venue: Mossel Bay

Garden Route Wedding Expo

Four days of wedding suppliers, venues, stylists and service providers under one roof, aimed at couples planning anywhere along the Garden Route.

Date: 24 to 27 September
Time: From 11:00 on the opening day, closing 17:00 on the final day
Venue: NG Church grounds, Mossel Bay

KykNet Buitelug Expo

The kykNET outdoor lifestyle and recreation expo returns with hunting, fishing, camping and adventure gear exhibitors over a three-day run.

Date: 25 to 27 September
Time: Times vary by day
Venue: ATKV Hartenbos, Mossel Bay

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, so it is worth catching before it comes down.

Date: Until 19 September
Time: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday 09:00 to 12:00
Venue: Sayers Auditorium, George Museum, George

Orchid Society of the Southern Cape Spring Show

Three days of orchid displays, daily potting demonstrations, plants for sale and expert advice from growers happy to talk at length about their obsession. Free to browse and genuinely worth the visit even for non-gardeners.

Date: 17 to 19 September
Time: 09:00 to 17:00 on the first two days, 09:00 to 14:00 on the final day
Venue: George Presbyterian Church Hall, George

Jak de Priester: Van Sally tot Somerset-Wes

Twenty-five years after his breakout hit "Sally Williams Nougat", the singer-songwriter 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, with stories along the way.

Date: 17 September
Time: 19:00
Venue: George Arts Theatre, 125 York Street, George

Coppélia

Elvinia's Dance Academy presents the classic comic ballet over two nights. A dinner show option includes front-block seating and a meal in partnership with Hussar Grill. Book on WhatsApp on 083 725 4215.

Date: 18 and 19 September
Time: 18:30 on Friday, 15:00 and 18:30 on Saturday
Venue: George Arts Theatre, 125 York Street, George
Cost: R160 general, R380 dinner show

Cape Pioneer Trek

The multi-day mountain bike stage race known as the Race With Soul rolls out from the singletrack of Saasveld and heads inland across the Outeniquas towards the Klein Karoo. Five stages, roughly 430 kilometres and 9 000 metres of climbing, with a UCI S1 field lining up alongside amateur riders.

Date: 22 to 26 September
Time: Stage starts each morning
Venue: Starting from the Saasveld trails, George

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: 19 September
Time: 09:30 to 12:30
Venue: Engen 1plus and Pick n Pay, Sedgefield

Sedgefield Art Society Open Air Exhibition

Local artists hang their work outdoors in The Village for a single Saturday morning. Browsing is free, the setting is relaxed, and the artists are on hand to talk about their work.

Date: 26 September
Time: 08:00 to 13:00
Venue: 1 Swallow Drive, The Village, Sedgefield

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. Rated PG, booking essential.

Date: 17 September
Time: 19:30, doors open 18:30
Venue: Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa, Knysna
Cost: R200 for adults and teens

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. Gates open early so you can settle in over dinner first.

Date: 19 September
Time: 19:30, gates open 17:30
Venue: Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna
Cost: R180 general, R150 early bird, R100 for ages 13 to 17

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: 23 September
Time: 19:00
Venue: Knysna Gin, Knysna

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival

South Africa's leading LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural celebration has moved to align with Heritage Day, running under the theme Rainbow Heritage: United in Diversity. Expect four days of parades, live performances, art exhibitions, heritage workshops and wellness events.

Date: 24 to 27 September
Time: Times vary by programme
Venue: Venues around Knysna

KAWS 75th Anniversary Party

The Knysna Animal Welfare Society turns seventy-five and is marking it with a seventies and eighties night with DJ Feel Good Inc. Dress the part, and every rand goes to the animals.

Date: 25 September
Time: 19:00, gates open 17:30
Venue: Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna
Cost: R75

Steve Grahams: Tribute to Pink Floyd

A full-scale Floyd experience built on precise guitar work and a visual production to match, staged in the Simola ballroom.

Date: 26 September
Time: 19:00 (Doors open 18:30)
Venue: Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa, Knysna

Lions Karoo to Coast

The twenty-fifth edition of one of South Africa's most loved point-to-point rides takes on 97 kilometres from Uniondale over the Prince Alfred's Pass and down into the Knysna forests. Proceeds support the Lions Clubs of Knysna and Uniondale, and the finish line party is part of the draw.

Date: 27 September
Time: 05:00 from Uniondale Showgrounds
Venue: Starts at Uniondale Show Grounds, finishes in Knysna

Braaibroodjies, Wyn and Samesyn with Escape Wines

A fortnightly Saturday kuier at Blackwaters River Lodge, pairing braaibroodjies with the Escape Wines tasting range. Rain or shine, booking required.

Date: Every second Saturday
Time: Saturday afternoons
Venue: Blackwaters River Lodge, N2 between Knysna and Sedgefield, Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

Plett ARTS Festival

Ten days of music, fine art, jazz, poetry, film, comedy, workshops and talks, opening with the traditional Twilight Meander down Main Street and taking in the Plett Land Art Route. The festival was saved this year by local artists, venue owners and volunteers who pulled it together largely on goodwill, which makes turning up feel like the right thing to do.

Date: 25 September to 4 October
Time: 07:00 to 22:00, varying by programme
Venue: Venues around 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: 23 September
Time: From 20:00 until 02:00
Venue: The Quarter Club, Plettenberg Bay

Vineyards Fiesta

A first outing for Bitou Vineyards' afternoon fiesta, with live music, food and wine in the vines as the light drops.

Date: 26 September
Time: 14:00 to 19:30
Venue: Bitou Vineyards, Plettenberg Bay
Cost: R400 single, R750 per pair

Heritage Braai Day

Heritage Day celebrations extended into the weekend, under the milkwoods. Sirloin, lamb chops, line fish and peri-peri prawns come off the fire all afternoon, with live music from Maphiko of JazzTrainLive. Bookings essential.

Date: 26 September
Time: 12:00 to 16:00
Venue: The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa, Plettenberg Bay
Cost: R650 including a welcome drink

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 42 kilometres of the Otter Trail and a swim across the Bloukrans River. Well worth a walk down to watch them come in.

Date: 23 to 25 September
Time: Finishers arriving through each day
Venue: Nature's Valley beach, Nature's Valley

Storms River and Tsitsikamma

Otter African Trail Run

South Africa's premier marathon-distance trail race sets off from Storms River Mouth, running 42 kilometres 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: 23 to 25 September
Time: Early morning starts across the three days
Venue: Starting at Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikamma

Oudtshoorn

Maskerbal

A masked ball with dinner and dancing. Enquiries and bookings on 044 272 5605 or 044 272 6054.

Date: 18 September
Time: 18:00 for 19:00
Venue: Oudtshoorn Vaardigheidskool, Oudtshoorn
Cost: R300 per person, R500 per couple

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 and the signature summit finish atop Swartberg Pass, still the only mountain-top stage finish in South African mountain biking. Roadside supporters are part of the atmosphere.

Date: 22 to 26 September
Time: Stage finishes through each afternoon
Venue: Oudtshoorn and surrounds

That’s a wrap!

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Save The Date

Timothy Kieswetter: Tietelogie en Tottiekunde — A new Afrikaans stand-up show over three nights. George Arts Theatre, George. 1 to 3 October.
Psyshores Festival — Four days of music, art and coastal camping on the bay. Buffalo Bay, Knysna. 1 to 5 October.
Roan Ash Live — The Nashville-based South African songwriter, solo and acoustic. Simola Hotel, Knysna. 2 October.
Wine Pairing Evening at La Bosca — A three-course dinner paired with the ESC Lifestyle Range, bookings closing 29 September. Luna Verde Farm, Barrington Road, Sedgefield. 2 October.
Windhoek Home of Golf Cup, Round 10 — Two-ball series round on the championship Montagu Course. Fancourt, George. 2 October.
Moonshine Distill Oktoberfest — Beer specials, live music, dancing and German-inspired food, free entry. Sedgefield. 3 October.
Hartenbos Oktoberfest — Live oompah music and German-style festivities in aid of local care homes. ATKV Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Mossel Bay. 3 October.
Eden Rock and Soul Reimagined — A rock, soul and jazz musical festival. George. 3 October.
Garden Route Kids Expo — A full day of entertainment and hands-on activities for children. Asado Fire Grill, Plettenberg Bay. 3 October.
Carpe Musicam: Magnificent Movie Music — An afternoon of orchestral and choral film favourites. Sedgefield. 4 October.
Wilderness Arts Festival — Four days of visual, musical and literary work from local creatives, free to the public. Fairy Knowe Hotel and village venues, Wilderness. 8 to 11 October.
Meiringspoort Half Marathon — One of the country's most scenic road races, run through the rock cliffs of the poort. De Rust and Oudtshoorn. 10 October.
Country Sokkie Evening at La Bosca — A country sokkie night on the farm. Luna Verde Farm, Barrington Road, Sedgefield. 10 October.
South Cape Coin Show — Mossel Bay's first coin show, with dealer tables and displays. Mossel Bay. 10 October.
Jo Black at ReedValley — An evening of Afrikaans music on the wine estate. ReedValley, Mossel Bay. 10 October.
Wilderness Chess960 Tournament — Five rounds of freestyle chess for adults and juniors. Fairy Knowe Hotel, Wilderness. 11 October.
Fancourt Marathon — A scenic full and half marathon that has drawn elite fields in past years. George. 17 October.
Plett Games — A high-energy team challenge festival for families, friends and businesses. Plettenberg Bay. 17 October.
Klein Karoo Dust 4 Glory Challenge — The region's premier obstacle course race. Wilgewandel Holiday Farm, Oudtshoorn. 17 October.
Sedgefield Pink Walk — A 4.5km community walk for breast cancer awareness in aid of Hospice Sedgefield. Sedgefield. 17 October.
RE/MAX Garden Route Kite Festival — Tenth edition, with kite flyers and makers from nine countries. Scarab Village, Sedgefield. 18 October.
Schalk Bezuidenhout: Hey Hey Divorcé — Raw, personal stand-up from his acclaimed new hour. Simola Hotel, Knysna on 20 October and George Arts Theatre, George on 21 October.
Bitou Birding Festival — A week of guided birding and conservation talks. Plettenberg Bay. 23 to 30 October.
Eden Meander Fun Run and Walk — Ten and five kilometre routes in support of Carpe Diem School. George. 24 October.
Chicago: The Musical — The 1920s scandal-and-fame musical on tour. George Arts Theatre, George. 28 October.
Dryland Traverse — A multi-day endurance race from the Cango Caves to the peaks of the Swartberg. Oudtshoorn. 29 October to 1 November.
Henry Ate: 30 Years of Slap in the Face — Anniversary tour of the album that defined a generation. Blend Country Restaurant, Knysna. 4 November.
Louvain Burn Music and Arts Festival — Four days of live music, fire arts and forest camping in the Langkloof valley. Louvain Guest Farm, Oudtshoorn. 6 to 9 November.
Knysna Extreme Triathlon — Billed as Africa's toughest triathlon, with a 5km estuary swim, 174km cycle and 50km run. Knysna. 7 November.
Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash — The Johnny Cash story told through his songs. Knysna Gin, Knysna. 7 November.
Leisure Isle Festival — A community fundraising festival with stalls, food and family activities. Knysna. 7 and 8 November.
Holistic Expo — Wellness practitioners, healers and makers under one roof. Plettenberg Bay. 7 and 8 November.
Spoilt Knysna Gift Fair — Summer gift fair with new brands and foodie stalls. Villa Castollini, Knysna. 20 and 21 November.
Rest and Restore — A three-day women's retreat on a sustainability farm. Good Earth Farm, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay. 20 to 22 November.
Woodstock and Beyond: 1965–1975 — A nostalgic tour through folk, psychedelia and protest song. Simola Hotel, Knysna. 21 November.
ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 Mossel Bay — A half-distance triathlon combining a sea swim, coastal cycle and run through the town. Mossel Bay. 22 November.
MosJazz — A multi-day jazz festival with South African and international artists. Mossel Bay. 26 to 29 November.
Plett Rage — The school-leavers' festival returns, with live music, beach days and celebrations. Plettenberg Bay. 27 November to 3 December.
Matriekbaai — A week of beach parties and live entertainment for school-leavers. Mossel Bay. 27 November to 5 December.
Spoegwolf — The band brings its live show to the amphitheatre. ATKV Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Mossel Bay. 4 December.
Float Fest SA — Floating, live music, food and summer on the river. Groot Brak River. December.
Kevin Fraser: Decadance — Ten years of characters and accents on stage. 34 Waenhout, Knysna. 12 December.
AiG-Buitelug Hartenbos GrootFees — Open-air Afrikaans music festival. Hartenbos, Mossel Bay. 19 December.
TOWER2SEA — Sunrise trail run from the Buffelsnek Fire Tower down to the sea. Knysna. 20 December.
Paradisco: On The Island — Summer island party. Stanley Island, Plettenberg Bay. 27 December.
Alternatief is Groot — Alternative Afrikaans line-up to close the year. Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Mossel Bay. 29 December.