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These fun Highveld festivals are warming up the region this winter
It may be winter, but these Highveld festivals radiate creativity and warmth. Spanning Gauteng and the Free State, events are taking place across the colder months.
There's an emphasis on the arts across both provinces, though you'll also find lots of delicious food on the menu. There's even one that's all about champagne and chocolate…
The event programmes are varied, featuring top local performers, as well as a couple of GRAMMY winners. Whether you're for thought-provoking talks or dancing the night away, you can pick and choose from these four festivals.
One of a series in events at Constitution Hill, Basha Uhuru Creative Week runs next week. The four-day festival will host print exhibitions, poetry readings and film screenings. Then there's an amapiano showcase and a market for creative brands.
A big focus is the industry workshops that span multiple art disciplines. Topics include poetry, hemp and cannabis, and the business of fashion. This is a Highveld festival that creatives in the area won't want to miss. 25-28 June
Johannesburg, Gauteng
The Vrystaat Kunste Fees, or Free State Arts Festival, is an Afrikaans language festival that aims to collaborate with English and Sotho cultures. The University of the Free State is a key partner, hosting the event on its Bloemfontein campus.
This Highveld festival has a multidisciplinary programme that ranges from music to literature. In addition to performances and exhibitions, there's a series of hands-on workshops. These include therapeutic writing and resin pouring. 15 – 19 Jul 2025
Bloemfontein, Free State
One more gathering for the Highveld, the Cullinan Champagne, Chocolate & Gin Festival brings a sparkly touch to this winter. The event brings together South Africa's best MCCs, craft gin and artisanal chocolates.
In addition to the gourmet goods, the festival also hosts a market of arts and crafts stalls. It's a good excuse for taking a short drive outside Tshwane to Cullinan's old-world streets. 30 August 2025
Cullinan, Gauteng
This premier music festival runs across two days outside Tshwane. Music lovers will appreciate that headliners include GRAMMY award-winning artists Doja Cat and Leon Thomas. There are multiple stages across the weekend with a kaleidoscopic variety of artists.
With the festival taking place on a farm, this Highveld festival also offers a camping and glamping experience for visitors. 30-31 August
Tshwane, Gauteng
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