If you are looking for a reason to travel this weekend, the South African events calendar offers many attractive options.
From October 2nd to 4th, Hermanus will host the Whale Festival, which will once again gather people to celebrate the southern right whales visiting the Cape coast. This eco-marine festival combines whale watching and conservation activities with the creation of an Eco-Marine Village, craft fairs, family entertainment, and live performances. The festival program includes additional events, such as a 10km Fun Run and the Whales & Wheels Classic Car Show on Saturday.
On October 3rd in Sandbaai, Hermanus, the Whales & Wheels event will take place as part of the Whale Festival, where classic and vintage cars will gather at the Sandbaai Hall. This is a great opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to combine car show viewing with relaxation on the Cape coast.
On October 3rd in Hermanus, a 10km Fun Run will take place as part of the Hermanus weekend program.
From October 3rd to 4th in Franschhoek, the Huguenot Monument will be the center of classic motorsport with the return of the Classic Car Festival. It will feature collectible vehicles and exhibitions dedicated to the history of motoring. The 2026 program includes a demonstration of 75 years of Volkswagen history, a centenary display of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover Series and Defender vehicles, modern sports cars, and a tribute to Formula 1 for its 75th anniversary.
From October 2nd to 4th, Paarl welcomes spring with three days of entertainment, trade, shopping, and family activities. The festival includes over 180 trade stalls, the Show N Shine exhibition, carnival rides, and a tea garden.
On October 3rd in Mossel Bay, runners can participate in the Mossel Bay Sports Festival 15km race on Saturday. This event is part of the busy sporting weekend in Garden Route.
From October 2nd to 4th in Tsitsikamma River, adventure lovers can enjoy a full weekend during the Tsitsikamma Adventure Fest. The program includes trail running, mountain biking, the Draadkar Grand Prix, environmental activities, markets, art, live performances, and family activities. Friday marks the start of the festival, with the main races and street events taking place on Saturday, followed by MTB and e-bike events on Sunday.
On October 3rd in Queenstown/Komani, the Komani Half Marathon will take place on Saturday at Dicla Agricultural Farm. The race will start early in the morning, providing an opportunity to see the Eastern Cape countryside before the day gets hot.
On October 4th in Mthatha, the O.R. Tambo Marathon will take place on Sunday from Walter Sisulu University. This event is part of the province's road calendar and commemorates the legacy of former ANC president Oliver Reginald Tambo.
On October 4th in Sandton, Johannesburg, the focus is not on engine power but on gravity, creativity, and homemade engineering. On Sunday, the Red Bull Box Cart Race will take place on Sandton Drive, where teams send their inventive carts down the slope, entertaining spectators.
On October 3rd at Pimville Zone 3 Soccer Ground, Soweto, the Soweto Ubuntu Festival will bring music, community, and cultural entertainment to Pimville on Saturday. The event is scheduled to start at 10:00.
On October 3rd at Elkhu Stadium, Soweto, runners can choose between 5km or 8km routes at the Supa Store Soweto Run on Saturday. The event starts at Elkhu Stadium.
On October 3rd in Krugersdorp, the annual BHACA Heritage Dance Festival puts traditional dance at the center of attention. The festival celebrates South Africa's cultural heritage through performances.
On October 3rd in Verity Park, Johannesburg, the Parkhurst Village Fair creates a local market atmosphere in Verity Park on Saturday, offering a simple option for local recreation.
From October 3rd to 4th in Westhill, Westhill, board games will take over Westhill for the weekend as part of ICON Durban. Guests can enjoy Dungeons & Dragons, card games, board games, miniature modeling, workshops, quests, and virtual reality. The convention will run from 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturday and from 09:00 to 16:00 on Sunday.
From October 2nd to 4th in Sabie, cyclists will spend three days riding through the best mountain landscapes of Mpumalanga during the Sabie Cycle Tour. The 2026 route covers approximately 364 km and includes Sabie, Graskop, Pilgrim's Rest, Lydenburg, and Hazyview, with thousands of meters of ascent.
On October 3rd at Daljosapat National Botanical Garden, Mbombela, the Mbombela Farmers Market can be visited on Saturday, featuring local produce, food, and handmade goods. The market takes place at the Daljosapat National Botanical Garden.
On October 3rd at Nelsonsprit Rugby Stadium, Mbombela, the Hello Summer festival will take place on Saturday, welcoming spring in a summery style. The festival is part of the city's weekend entertainment program.
From October 3rd to 4th, Phalaborwa welcomes spring with a Carnival, which will begin on Saturday afternoon and continue until Sunday morning. The event brings music, dancing, and cultural entertainment to the city for the festive evening.
On October 3rd at Hayani Guest House, Polokwane, a festival combining food and cultural heritage will take place this Saturday. Visitors can learn about Limpopo traditions through food, stories, and interactive sessions with elders and local experts. The festival will run from 10:00 to 18:00.
Before traveling, always check the latest information with the organizers, especially regarding ticket availability, start times, and program changes.