Your Garden Route Event Guide - 24 September

Spring has properly arrived, and the calendar has arrived with it. The next two weeks carry a long Heritage Day weekend, two of the region's biggest arts festivals opening within a day of each other, the Otter running along the Tsitsikamma coast, a beer festival, and one of South Africa's most loved mountain bike rides finishing on the Knysna waterfront.

Let's dive in!

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: Continues until 18 October
• Time: Daily from 08:00 to 17:00
• 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
• 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. He plays a second Garden Route date at Simola the following week.

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

Arts and Craft Mini Market

A compact market of local makers and craft stalls running across two days, timed for the Heritage weekend crowd. An easy stop for handmade gifts and a browse.

• Date: 23 and 24 September
• Time: 09:00 to 16:00
• Venue: Mossel Bay

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. It takes in the Rusbank Kuiers sessions and a talk with author Isabella Niehaus, Ontwaak die Muse in Jou.

• Date: 24 to 26 September
• Time: Rusbank Kuiers 10:00 to 14:00 on 24 September; Isabella Niehaus 10:30 to 12:00 on 25 September
• Venue: Mossel Bay

Muse Festival Flower and Craft Day

A daytime celebration of flowers, decor and craft forming part of the wider MuseFees programme. Good for anyone who likes a slow wander with coffee in hand.

• Date: 24 September
• Time: 10:00 to 15:00
• 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

Heritage Train Experience

Vintage rail returns to the Garden Route for Heritage Day, with three departures across the day. A straightforward, scenic outing that works well for families and rail enthusiasts alike.

• Date: 24 September
• Time: Departures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00
• Venue: Mossel Bay

Braai Long Weekend at Hart and Bosch

The Hartenbos family market leans into Heritage Day with a full braai weekend: fires going, stalls open and a family-friendly setup through the long weekend.

• Date: 24 and 25 September
• Time: 09:00 to 18:00 daily
• Venue: Hart and Bosch Village, Hartenbos, 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

Oyster Catcher Trail Run

A coastal trail run tracing the well-known Oyster Catcher route, with sea views for most of the course. An early start and a genuinely beautiful stretch of shoreline.

• Date: 25 September
• Time: 08:00 to 12:00
• Venue: Mossel Bay

Live Music at Reedvalley

An evening of live music paired with food and award-winning wine at the Reedvalley farm estate, in the hospitable style the venue has built its reputation on.

• Date: 25 September
• Venue: Reedvalley Farm, R327, Mossel Bay

Hartenbos Oktoberfest

Live oompah music and German-style festivities at the amphitheatre, run in aid of local care homes.

• Date: 3 October
• Venue: ATKV Hartenbos Amphitheatre, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay

George

Heritage Soccer Festival

Geolfa hosts its annual Heritage Soccer Festival with twenty-three teams competing across three community grounds. Free to watch, with a strong local following, wrapping up on Heritage Day itself.

• Date: Until 24 September
• Time: From 13:00 daily
• Venue: Thembalethu Stadium, Lawaaikamp Stadium and Parkdene Sports Ground, George

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: Until 26 September
• Time: Stage starts each morning
• Venue: Starting from the Saasveld trails, George

Kleinboet to Ouboet 10km Run

A community road run staged on Braai Day itself, starting from the Van Rensburgs Foods store at the Garden Route Mall. Accessible distance, good turnout and a sociable finish.

• Date: 24 September
• Time: From 07:00
• Venue: Van Rensburgs Foods, Garden Route Mall, George

Redberry Farm Market

Two days of stalls from local entrepreneurs, food and treats, live music and a kids play park on the strawberry farm outside town. An easy family fixture for the long weekend.

• Date: 25 and 26 September
• Time: From 09:00 on the opening day, closing 16:00 on the second
• Venue: Redberry Farm, Geelhoutboom Road, George

Strawberry Run

A five or nine kilometre fun run around the farm, with prizes for the best strawberry-inspired outfit and proceeds going to Options Care Centre. Entry is thirty rand, which makes it one of the cheapest mornings out on the calendar.

• Date: 26 September
• Time: From 07:15
• Venue: Redberry Farm, Geelhoutboom Road, George

Tavcor Volkswagen Car-nival

Seventy-five years of Volkswagen marked with a morning of iconic VWs, family activities and a bit of carnival atmosphere at the dealership. Free to attend and over by lunchtime.

• Date: 26 September
• Time: 09:00 to 12:30
• Venue: Tavcor Volkswagen, corner of Kaaimans Boulevard and Knysna Road, George

Timothy Kieswetter: Tietelogie en Tottiekunde

A new Afrikaans stand-up show over three nights, unpacking the science of love with the observational sharpness Kieswetter has built his name on.

• Date: 1 to 3 October
• Time: 19:00
• Venue: George Arts Theatre, 125 York Street, George

Cake and Koek Carnival

The François Ferreira Academy hosts a full day of live baking and decorating demonstrations, competitions and tastings, in partnership with SA Baking Supplies. Sessions cover butter-icing cupcake bouquets, sourdough from scratch and royal icing biscuits.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: From 08:30
• Venue: François Ferreira Academy, George

A Celebration of Wine at The Deacon House

Wines from nineteen premium South African estates poured in a picnic-style garden setting, with gourmet food and live music through the afternoon and evening. Tickets include a tasting glass and food, and bottles are available at below cellar-door pricing.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: Session one 11:00 to 15:00; session two 16:00 to 20:00
• Venue: The Deacon House, 2 Barrie Road, Heatherlands, George

Eden Rock and Soul Reimagined

A rock, soul and jazz musical festival running into the late evening. Tickets are handled through Computicket rather than at the door.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: From 21:00
• Venue: Bodorp, George

Nocturne Edition Three

The third instalment of a low-key after-dark music series, this one themed The Story Book: An Enchanted Fantasy. Built for people who want good music and a bit of mystery rather than a club night.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: 18:00 until late
• Venue: Meade Cafe, George

Bingo and Karaoke Girls Night

A relaxed evening of bingo, karaoke or both, hosted as a fundraiser by Heeltyd Speeltyd preschool. Aimed at groups of friends looking for a low-key night out.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: From 18:30
• Venue: 47 Meade Street, George

Cansa Relay for Life

The overnight relay returns to Pacaltsdorp, with teams walking in shifts from early evening through to sunrise in support of cancer survivors and their families. Spectators and short-shift walkers are welcome.

• Date: 3 and 4 October
• Time: 18:00 through to 06:00
• Venue: Pacaltsdorp Rugby Stadium, George

Monkey Swings Hike

An eight-kilometre youth and family hike at the foot of the Outeniquas, run as an extended special edition of the regular Monkey Swings outing. A full morning on the trails with a sociable finish.

• Date: 5 October
• Time: 08:00 to 13:00
• Venue: Trail Kiosk at GroundZero, George

Wilderness

Heritage Day: A Day at the Station

A community celebration at the historic Wilderness Train Station bringing together local history, food and nature. The day includes the Amazing Clivias exhibition, a showcase of the proudly South African clivia and its place in local heritage, plus a soft launch for Graft and Nan. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

• Date: 24 September
• Time: 10:00 to 15:00
• Venue: Wilderness Train Station, Wilderness

Sip and Paint at Cornerstone Creek

An evening of guided painting just inland at Hoekwil, with canvas and paint supplied, pizza on the table and a complimentary glass of wine. No experience required.

• Date: 1 October
• Time: From 18:00
• Venue: Cornerstone Creek, Hoekwil, near Wilderness

Twilight at Timberlake

A late-afternoon pop-up at Timberlake Village bringing vinyl DJs playing retro, folk and reggae, a craft beer and cocktail garden, a thrift market with African baskets, an acoustic cocoa and chai bar and tarot readings. One of the more characterful evenings on the calendar.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: 16:00 to 20:00
• Venue: Timberlake Village, N2, near Wilderness

Sunday Sessions at Wilderness Beach House

Live music, pizza and beer every Sunday afternoon at the beach house, with free entry. The most reliable regular live music slot in the village.

• Date: Every Sunday, including 27 September and 4 October
• Time: From 15:00
• Venue: Wilderness Beach House, Wilderness

Sedgefield

Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat

A six-day residential retreat returning to Sedgefield, with limited spaces and a programme built around daily practice and mindfulness work. Booking in advance is essential.

• Date: 23 to 28 September
• Venue: Sedgefield

Build a House at Slow Clay

A hands-on pottery workshop where you build your own earthenware cottage from scratch, guided through the process at the studio in Mosaic Village. Suitable for beginners and a nice Heritage Day alternative to the braai.

• Date: 24 September
• Time: From 09:30
• Venue: Slow Clay, Mosaic Village, Sedgefield

Bar 69 Annual Beer Festival

A three-day festival of Windhoek draught, German food, live music, DJs and oompah entertainment, with a supervised kids play area running across the weekend. Tickets include a branded 500ml glass, a first fill and a German meal voucher. The Sunday is given over to rugby in the big tent with free entry.

• Date: 25 to 27 September
• Venue: Bar 69 at Affair, 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

Wine Pairing Evening at La Bosca

A three-course dinner paired course by course with the ESC Lifestyle Range, served on the farm. Bookings close on 29 September.

• Date: 2 October
• Time: From 18:30
• Venue: La Bosca, Luna Verde Farm, Barrington Road, Sedgefield

Moonshine Distill Oktoberfest

Beer specials, live music, dancing and German-inspired food from mid-afternoon until late, with free entry. A smaller, friendlier take on the Oktoberfest formula.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: From 15:00 until late
• Venue: Moonshine Distill, Sedgefield

Carpe Musicam: Magnificent Movie Music

The Garden Route's home-grown orchestra and choir bring an afternoon of orchestral and choral film favourites to the church hall. Carpe Musicam concerts in Sedgefield tend to sell out, so booking early is advised.

• Date: 4 October
• Time: From 15:30
• Venue: Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk, Sedgefield

National Braai Day at PiliPili

PiliPili marks Heritage Day with braai plates from midday, draught and cocktail specials, and a long afternoon set from Albert Frost, playing his second date in two days. Walk-in and relaxed.

• Date: 24 September
• Time: Food from 12:00; live music 17:30 to 20:30
• Venue: PiliPili, Sedgefield

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. Revered as the South African Hendrix and a Fender endorsee of twenty-five years, he blends delta blues, psychedelic rock and Afro rhythms. Their shows at this venue sell out, so book ahead.

• Date: 23 September
• Time: 19:00
• Venue: Knysna Gin, 5 Uil Street, 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, building to the Pride parade and after-party on the final weekend.

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

Artisan Culture Knysna

A multi-week celebration of craftsmanship bringing together a collective of artisans, makers and creatives. The programme mixes hands-on workshops and live demonstrations with curated market experiences and wine encounters, tracing the skill and stories behind handmade, heritage and contemporary craft.

• Date: From 24 September, continuing through October
• Time: From 08:00, varying by session
• Venue: Various venues across greater 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, George Rex Drive, Knysna
• Cost: R75

Waterside Wine Weekend

A weekend celebrating local vintages and regional flavours in a relaxed waterside setting. A good pairing with the Artisan Culture programme running the same weekend.

• Date: 25 and 26 September
• Venue: Knysna

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. Better Live has this listed as sold out, so watch for returns.

• 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: 06:00 from Uniondale Showgrounds
• Venue: Starts at Uniondale Show Grounds, finishes in Knysna

Knysna Makers Market

A free Sunday market gathering local makers and small producers on Gray Street, hosted alongside The Sandwich Shack. Easy, unhurried and worth a morning.

• Date: 27 September
• Time: From 09:00
• Venue: 11 Gray Street, Knysna

Psyshores Festival

Four days of music, art and coastal adventure on the shores of Buffalo Bay, with camping, workshops and a strong creative community feel alongside the sound stages. One of the bigger draws in the greater Knysna area this fortnight.

• Date: 1 to 5 October
• Venue: Buffalo Bay, Knysna

Roan Ash Live at Simola

Visiting from Nashville, the South African singer-songwriter plays an intimate solo acoustic set at Simola, a week after his Great Brak River show. Country-rock songwriting with a border-crossing sound and a strong lyrical streak.

• Date: 2 October
• Time: From 20:00
• Venue: Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa, Knysna

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, 8 Strand Street, Plettenberg Bay

Eden to Addo Festival of Wild Kindness

Three guided outings into the conservation corridors that link the Garden Route to the Addo, each on a different morning and in a different reserve. A rare chance to walk protected land that is usually closed to the public, run as part of the Plett ARTS Festival programme.

• Date: 24, 25 and 26 September
• Time: 09:00 to 12:00 on 24 September; 08:00 to 15:00 on 25 September; 16:00 to 19:30 on 26 September
• Venue: Pietersrivier Nature Reserve in the Keurbooms Corridor, the Robberg Coastal Corridor and Bobbejaanskloof Nature Reserve in the Bitou Corridor, Plettenberg Bay

Soulcraft Intensive

A five-day nature and soul immersion run on the Animas Valley Institute model, held on a retreat property outside town. Pricing is on a sliding scale and places are limited.

• Date: 24 to 29 September
• Venue: Anima Terra, 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

Twilight Meander

The festival's opening night tradition, when Main Street comes alive with art, live music, food and drink, and most of the exhibitions open their doors at once. Openings that evening include Art Home Plett at Plett Realty and The Station, the Raphaeli Waldorf silent auction at Helon Melon, Making Waves at Robberg Estate, an oil and pastel display at Remax and the Scava group show at Choice Properties.

• Date: 25 September
• Time: 15:00 to 20:00
• Venue: Main Street and surrounds, Plettenberg Bay

The White House Collection

The Plettenberg Bay Arts Association's flagship exhibition, a curated gallery show of established artists and collectable work guided by a panel including curator Barbara Lenhard and fine artist Elize Bezuidenhout. The grand opening runs on the first evening, with the show then open daily and free to enter.

• Date: 25 September to 4 October
• Time: 09:00 to 18:00 daily; grand opening 17:00 to 20:00 on 25 September
• Venue: The White House Theatre, Plettenberg Bay

The Festival Exhibition Trail

More than a dozen free exhibitions run across town for the full ten days, turning restaurants, shops and estate agencies into galleries. Highlights include Where Silence Meets Light at Eleven on Main, The Collective Visual at The Palms at Ivory Haus, three shows at Barrington's including Waldemaar van Wyk's Water Music, Beyond Reality at the Lookout Centre, Between Form and Colour at Mulberry Boutique, Marks of Memory at Le Fournil, the Milkwood Gallery festival show and a Sandy Bald and Michelle Mosterd exhibition at Bootleggers.

• Date: 25 September to 4 October
• Time: Generally 09:00 to 17:00, with Eleven on Main and Barrington's open later
• Venue: Venues throughout Plettenberg Bay

Micro Jam at Eleven on Main

A short, early-evening live music session on the opening night of the festival, timed so you can catch it and still do the full Meander afterwards.

• Date: 25 September
• Time: 17:30 to 18:30
• Venue: Eleven on Main, Plettenberg Bay

Afterglow on Main

The Meander's unofficial after-party, running from early evening through to midnight at Slops on Melville's Corner. Free entry.

• Date: 25 September
• Time: 18:00 to midnight
• Venue: Slops, Melville's Corner, Plettenberg Bay

Music with Mitchell

A debut run of two free evening sets in the Plett Quarter courtyard on the opening weekend of the festival.

• Date: 25 and 26 September
• Time: 19:00 to 20:00
• Venue: Plett Quarter, Main Street, Plettenberg Bay

Heritage Braai Day at The Old Rectory

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

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

Beach Mandala Workshop

A free afternoon of collaborative sand mandala making on Lookout Beach, part of the festival's land art strand. Bring sunscreen and a willingness to watch your work wash away.

• Date: 27 September
• Time: 14:00 to 16:00
• Venue: Lookout Beach, Plettenberg Bay

Community Canvas

The open, inclusive counterpart to the White House Collection, with exhibitions, live demonstrations and a market-style atmosphere for artists at every stage. It opens with a grand opening on the Monday evening and then runs daily, free to enter.

• Date: 28 September to 4 October
• Time: 09:00 to 18:00 daily; grand opening 15:00 to 19:00 on 28 September
• Venue: Piesang Valley Community Hall, Plettenberg Bay

The Festival Workshop Programme

Piesang Valley Community Hall and the Garden Route Centre for the Arts host a rolling week of hands-on sessions. These include felting with Christiane Dreismann and a planter pinch pot class, soft oil pastels with Theresa Thirion and tote bag painting, gel plate printing with Gill and a floral design class at Barrington's, plus the launch of the book Creative Intuition, a Christmas wreath workshop and the art of fly tying. Daily neurographic art sessions run at fifty rand throughout. Several teen and children's workshops, including cubist portraits, linocut printing, figure drawing and mandala drawing, are free.

• Date: 28 September to 4 October
• Time: Sessions run from 09:00 through to 17:00, varying by workshop
• Venue: Piesang Valley Community Hall, Garden Route Centre for the Arts and Barrington's, Plettenberg Bay

Sip Into Summer at Barrington's

An afternoon of wine tasting and canapés featuring twenty of South Africa's finest wine brands, easing the town into the summer season.

• Date: 30 September
• Time: 15:00 to 20:00
• Venue: Barrington's, Piesang Valley Road, Plettenberg Bay

Night of 1000 Owls

Raptor Rescue Plettenberg Bay's annual fundraiser, staged as part of the Plett ARTS Festival. Members of the public and school children submit owl-inspired artwork in any medium, all of which is exhibited and offered for sale, with proceeds supporting raptor conservation and wildlife education.

• Date: 3 October
• Venue: Plettenberg Bay

Garden Route Kids Expo

The first edition of a family day built specifically around children rather than around exhibitor stands. A full day of entertainment, interactive shows, hands-on activities and things to explore together. Adults enter free and children are sixty rand.

• Date: 3 October
• Time: 10:00 to 16:00
• Venue: Asado Fire Grill, Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay

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 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: Until 26 September
• Time: Stage finishes through each afternoon
• Venue: Oudtshoorn and surrounds

My Pad met Webber

An Afrikaans one-man production asking where dreams begin and end, and what happens when the colours of your coat begin to change. Staged for the Heritage Day holiday across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

• Date: 24 September
• Venue: Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn

Lions Karoo to Coast Start

The Klein Karoo end of the ride belongs to Uniondale, where the Wine and Wheels Expo, registration dinner and glamping village run through the Saturday before four and a half thousand riders roll out for Knysna at first light on the Sunday. Worth the drive if you want the atmosphere without the ninety-seven kilometres.

• Date: 26 and 27 September
• Time: Riders depart 05:00 on 27 September
• Venue: Uniondale Show Grounds, Oudtshoorn district

Cango Caves Heritage Weekend Tours

Africa's largest show cave system runs guided Standard and Adventure tours through the long weekend, taking visitors into twenty-million-year-old dripstone chambers beneath the Swartberg. The Heritage weekend is one of the busier periods on the Klein Karoo calendar, so pre-booking a slot is sensible.

• Date: Daily throughout the fortnight
• Venue: Cango Caves, Swartberg Mountains, Oudtshoorn

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.