Your Garden Route Event Guide - 18 June

Welcome to your guide to the Garden Route. Despite the winter chill, the region is buzzing with activity over the next two weeks. Highlights include Prime Circle performing live in George, the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro, the inaugural Sedgefield En Route Arts Festival, and warm mid-winter solstice gatherings. Read on to find out what is happening near you.

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Let’s dive in:

George

Dozi Live on Stage

Afrikaans country-rocker Dozi performs a full-band set at the bush-lapa venue.

• Date: Thursday, 19 June 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Venue: Die Bush Lapa, George

The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro

A premier double-header surfing contest held at the iconic right-hand point-break of Victoria Bay, which is widely considered one of South Africa's most scenic and consistent waves. This competitive surfing gathering draws top national athletes and enthusiastic local spectators alike for a weekend of elite boardriding and coastal celebration.

• Date: Friday, June 19, 2026 to Sunday, June 21, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM daily
• Venue: Victoria Bay, George

Thriller - The Michael Jackson Dance Tribute

A high-octane live stage production celebrating the legendary choreography, timeless music, and unmatched legacy of the King of Pop. Featuring local dance talents, stunning replica costuming, and energetic synchronized routines, this performance delivers a spectacular journey through Michael Jackson's greatest hits.

• Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Venue: George Arts Theatre, George

Footloose - The Musical

Opening on the final day of this fortnight's calendar, this stellar local theatrical production brings the classic, high-energy 1980s musical to life. Following the story of a teenager who challenges a small town's ban on dancing and rock music, this show features timeless anthems, stellar choreography, and a talented local cast.

• Date: From 1 July, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Venue: George Arts Theatre, George

Solstice Reflections for the Longest Night - George

A reflective and peaceful winter solstice evening offering participants a quiet space to slow down, practice mindfulness, and celebrate the return of the light. Featuring atmospheric live acoustic accompaniment and creative readings, this gathering is designed to warm the spirit during the coldest part of the year.

• Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Venue: Attic Atelier, George

Moonlight Maze 2026

Evening maize-maze experience with lanterns, food stalls and live acoustic music on the farm.

• Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
• Time: 5:30–9:00 PM
• Venue: Redberry Farm, George

Rope Rescue Challenge

An engaging public demonstration showcasing emergency response teams and technical rescue professionals as they test their ropework, safety setups, and extraction skills in a series of highly technical, simulated rescue scenarios.

• Date: June 27, 2026 - July 12, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Venue: The Market @ Transnet Transport Museum, George

The Ultimate RNB & Jazz Festival

A soulful, day-to-night open-air gathering bringing together leading regional R&B vocalists, jazz bands, and local DJs. It offers a premium festival environment complete with food stalls and chill-out zones, catering to all music lovers who enjoy smooth rhythms and live instrumentation.

• Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Venue: Outeniqua Park, George

Mossel Bay

Richard van der Westhuizen met Andrew Roos

An intimate live music performance by celebrated South African singer-songwriter Richard van der Westhuizen, accompanied by Andrew Roos. Showcasing soulful folk-rock melodies, poetic storytelling, and warm acoustic arrangements, this performance is set against the backdrop of a scenic boutique vineyard.

• Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM
• Venue: ReedValley, Mossel Bay

Food and Wine Pairing Evening

An intimate culinary evening matching thoughtfully selected regional wines with a multi-course gourmet menu. Led by expert sommeliers and culinary chefs, this gathering offers food lovers an educational and delicious taste journey set against the backdrop of the coastline.

• Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Bahia Bleu Restaurant, Diaz Hotel & Resort, Mossel Bay

Solstice Reflections for the Longest Night - Mossel Bay

A beautiful acoustic and storytelling gathering held within a historic museum complex, celebrating the mid-winter solstice. Locals and travelers are invited to enjoy warm seasonal beverages, reflective readings, and live local acoustic performances in an atmospheric setting.

• Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Venue: Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, Mossel Bay

Junie Langarm Dans

A lively and traditional social dance featuring the beloved live music of Rachus Muller. Perfect for local couples and visitors wanting to participate in South African partner dancing culture, the evening promises continuous movement, local hospitality, and a beautiful seaside train setting.

• Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Venue: The Stage Coach at Santos Express, Mossel Bay

Wilderness

Dance for Animals Fundraiser

A spirited community-driven fundraising social organized to support the critical work of the Garden Route SPCA. Guests can enjoy delicious food, great live music, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere while contributing directly to animal welfare and shelter efforts in the region.

• Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Venue: Salinas Beach Restaurant, Wilderness

Wildfarm Winter Festival

A weekend of live music, DJs, yoga mornings and techno nights set on a working farm. Tickets include camping and breakfast, with family-friendly activities throughout.

• Date: Friday–Sunday, 27–29 June 2026
• Time: all weekend
• Venue: Wildfarm, Wilderness 

Sedgefield

En Route Arts Festival

The inaugural edition of Sedgefield's very own dedicated arts festival, spanning six days of immersive creative programming. This event transforms the town with independent theatre, stand-up comedy, live acoustic music, local art exhibitions, guided heritage walks, and interactive creative workshops for all ages.

• Date: Friday, June 19, 2026 to Wednesday, June 24, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM daily
• Venue: Various Venues, Sedgefield
• Full list of events: https://www.enroutefestival.co.za

Glitter & Groove Disco – The 9PM Club

An early-night disco aimed at women who want a high-energy dance floor without a late finish. Dress code is sparkle, silver, black and disco glam.

• Date: Wednesday, 24 June 2026
• Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
• Venue: VDM Bistro, Sedgefield 

Knysna

Hospice Shift to Thrift Pop-Up Shop

A community-focused pop-up thrift boutique organizing affordable, curated, high-quality pre-loved clothing and fashion accessories. All proceeds raised during this two-day market go directly toward supporting the palliative care services provided by Knysna Sedgefield Hospice.

• Date: Friday, June 26, 2026, to Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Venue: Knysna Mall, Knysna

Youth Month Music Festival

A vibrant municipal-led outdoor music celebration bringing together young people and the broader community in a celebration of youth, talent, culture, and unity. Organized by the Knysna Municipality and rescheduled from the traditional mid-month public holiday to accommodate local student examinations, this lively festival features performances by talented local artists, cultural showcases, and interactive community-building displays with music at its heart.

• Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Time: 12:00 PM onwards
• Venue: Loerie Park Sportsfield, Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

Open Plan Pictures presents Wuthering Heights

A nostalgic indoor cinema screening of the celebrated romantic period drama. Hosted in a charming creative hub, this cozy event offers movie lovers a relaxed evening out with local wine and artisanal snacks available on-site.

• Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Venue: Global Village Gift Shop, Plettenberg Bay

Open Plan Pictures presents Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

A special cinema screening showcasing the dramatic and lavish conclusion of the beloved British historical drama. Visitors can enjoy the film inside a beautiful boutique garden center setting, surrounded by unique crafts and artisanal food offerings.

• Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Venue: Global Village Gift Shop, Plettenberg Bay

The Michael Jackson Tribute Show

A world-class, high-energy live stage production starring Eagan Feb as he delivers an uncanny tribute to the King of Pop. Backed by powerhouse professional dancers and featuring live vocals, this performance takes the audience on a musical journey through decades of iconic hits, moves, and costuming.

• Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM
• Venue: The White House Theater, Plettenberg Bay

Dear Books Storytelling Creative Workshop

An interactive and engaging afternoon designed for parents and children to explore the world of storytelling, basic illustration, and creative expression. This collaborative hands-on session is aimed at inspiring a lifelong love of literature in the youth.

• Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Venue: Market Off Main, Plettenberg Bay

That's it for this week!

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Save The Date

Here is your forward-looking guide to major, not-to-be-missed experiences coming up in the Garden Route over the next six months:

• Knysna Oyster Festival: A legendary 10-day winter celebration featuring sports tournaments, the famous forest marathon, cycle tours, live entertainment, and oyster-shucking contests. Knysna. July 3 to July 12, 2026.
• Plett Ocean Festival: A vibrant coastal celebration focusing on marine conservation, featuring a Marine Science Symposium, beach cleanups, guided tours, and family-friendly activities. Plettenberg Bay. July 3 to July 12, 2026.
• Prime Circle Live on Stage: A highly anticipated rock show featuring one of South Africa's most prominent bands performing their chart-topping hits at a forest-canopied venue. George. July 11, 2026.
• Winter with Carpe Musicam!: A heartwarming mid-winter concert featuring the full Concert Orchestra and Choir performing a rich, vibrant program of classical masterworks and popular winter melodies. Sedgefield. July 5, 2026.
• Winter with Carpe Musicam!: A grand choral and orchestral showcase celebrating the cozy winter season with classical highlights, theatrical favorites, and modern arrangements. George. July 10, 2026.
• Winter with Carpe Musicam!: A spectacular afternoon performance by the region's premier concert orchestra and choir, bringing beloved classical standards and uplifting contemporary melodies to life. Mossel Bay. July 12, 2026.
• Oudtshoorn Youth Festival: A premier multi-discipline youth cycling tournament highlighting the country's rising cycling stars competing in road racing, criteriums, and mountain biking. Oudtshoorn. July 15 to July 17, 2026.
• Steve Hofmeyr Live on Stage: An acoustic musical concert featuring one of South Africa's most prominent solo artists performing his biggest classic hits. George. July 24, 2026.
• Glacier Storms River Traverse: An extraordinary three-stage mountain bike adventure that exposes riders to the rugged and beautiful coastal forests of the Tsitsikamma region. Storms River Village. July 30 to August 2, 2026.
• Wilderness presented by Audi: A spectacular premium lifestyle festival offering live music, curated culinary dining experiences, a wellness sanctuary, and forest arts installations. Wilderness. July 30 to August 2, 2026.
• Craig Hinds Live: An intimate acoustic evening of live music with the legendary frontman of the South African band Watershed at a spectacular coastal estate. Mossel Bay. August 20, 2026.
• Lions Karoo to Coast: An iconic 100km off-road mountain bike challenge that takes riders over the majestic Prince Alfred Pass from Uniondale down to the coast. Uniondale and Knysna. September 27, 2026.
• Wilderness Arts Festival: A prestigious annual celebration showcasing visual arts, photography, physical sculptures, and local craftsmanship at an iconic local hotel. Wilderness. October 17, 2026.