The winter calendar is filling up fast with festivals in the Karoo. And how better to experience country life than with a local celebration?
Stretching across the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape provinces, the Karoo often represents an ideal of South African country life. Its towns benefit from both agricultural bounties and a strong artistic tradition.
These festivals in the Karoo celebrate local culture, traditions, and the unique character of South Africa’s rural communities during the quieter winter months.
1. Upcoming Karoo Festival: Calitzdorp Expressed
Claiming to celebrate “the heart of the Klein Karoo”, Calitzdorp Expressed takes place this coming weekend. The small town, which is four hours from Cape Town, lies along the scenic R62, just outside of Oudtshoorn.
Highlights at this Karoo festival include movie nights under the stars and a trail run through the vineyards and along the riverbanks. Visitors can also enjoy wine and olive tastings, history tours of the town and a traditional church bazaar.
- Location: Calitzdorp, Western Cape
- Dates: 14-15 June
2. Schreiner Karoo Writers Festival
Olive Schreiner’s The Story of an African Farm is widely considered to be South Africa’s first great novel. In her honour, her charming hometown of Nxuba (formerly Cradock) hosts this Karoo literary festival.
On the programme are poetry workshops, walkabouts of the town and literary discussions. The event promises hearty Karoo food and an intimate, hospitable atmosphere. Events take place in historic venues, including Schreiner House, all within walking distance of each other.
- Location: Nxuba (formerly Cradock), Eastern Cape
- Dates: 19-21 June
3. Karoo Winter Wool Festival
The Karoo has long been a source of wool for South Africa, and its sheep are iconic features of the landscape. So it’s no surprise that the town of Middelburg hosts an annual Wool Festival.
This Karoo festival primarily interests farmers, fashion designers and those in the wool industry. However, the programme also offers family-friendly events for the general public. Discover how wool is made, from the shearing of the sheep to the spinning of the yarn.
Visitors are invited to “sit and knit” and participate in farm tours. The gathering is complete with clothing brands selling woollen items, slow-cooked Karoo lamb and music by the fireside.
- Location: Middelburg, Eastern Cape
- Dates: 1-6 July
4. Hantam Vleisfees
Not to be forgotten, the Northern Cape will also host a lively Karoo festival this winter. The historic town of Calvinia, part of the Greater Karoo, will host a gathering that’s all about meat. Lamb, which is farmed in the area, is a particular focus.
There’s also plenty of live music and entertainment on the programme. Previous editions of the festival included traditional Khoisan rieldance performances, as well.
- Location: Calvinia, Northern Cape
- Dates: 29-30 August
Which of these winter festivals in the Karoo would you like to attend?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
