Get Festive in Franschhoek

About Get Festive in Franschhoek

Franschhoek Village resting on its French heritage of entertainment flare is the South African hosting ground of many annual international and local festivals. The quaint Main Street, Huguenot Road, hums with friendly village locals, delighted Cape Town visitors and I-don't-care-if-our-visa-expires-we're-not-leaving tourists.

All venues are within a short walking distance and despite the celebratory atmoshphere all festival attendees are well mannered. Go with friends, for a romantic getaway, or if you have no friends you'll make some and if you're single maybe the Champagne Festival will change that ...

Festivals are seasonal all year round, some have no entrance fee and no booking is required, others (usually with tastings) have an entrance fee and require booking. The local church hall, historic town hall or Huguenot monument usually houses the main exhibition. Most festivals incorporate a weekend so book a Provence style Bed & Breakfast in Franschhoek in advance and make the most of this delightful wine valley.

Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) - usually falls in May.
Writers, poets playwrights and talent from all over the world collect together in Franschhoek with their writing, poems, plays and visions. If books are your treasure then this festival is your treasure chest. Children are enchanted by story telling in African themes and adults play in a world of workshops, readings and screenings. Of course one cannot create on an empty stomach so Franschhoek chefs inspire novels while local musicians 'audition' for the live score to your memoirs.
See: Franschhoek Literary Festival

Franschhoek Bastille Festival - usually falls in July
Franschhoek 'French Corner' celebrates Bastille day with reckless abandon in true French tradition. Settle the age old argument with your friend over a game of boules, whoever wins the game wins the argument. Dust off the beret in your attic and participate in the barrel rolling competition. Cheer for your favourite restaurant in the chefs and waiters race, indulge in the Food & Wine Marquee, enjoy a screening of a French film and after a few bottles of wine debut your own French accent.
See: Franschhoek Bastille Festival

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival - usually in September
After a cold winter, Spring is celebrated with a festival showcasing all the local wineries latest labours of love. New wines and vintages are unveiled amongst the vineyards of the valley's esteemed wine farms. A festival ticket acts as a wine passport allowing you a complimentary shuttle ride between all participating wine farms and entrance to the wine farms including tastings. A party mood welcomes your company and the Cape sunshine.
See: Franschhoek Uncorked

Franschhoek Open Gardens & Classical Music Festival - October
Butterflies and blooms, buds and blossoms. Spring brings life to the Franschhoek's gardens and a peak to the public of these ten private landscapes. The gardens are the private paradises of local homes and estates (including one filmed by BBC production 'Around the world in 80 Days') and not open to the public on other occasions. A map of the gardens and entrance arm band are supplied with the purchase of a ticket. Tickets are limited and nett proceeds go to a youth charity. Garden parties and lunch entertainment provide for a wonderful day in leafy scenery with the pretty floral colours and soothing musical notes. A variety of classical music is performed live at different venues through the village. Remember to stop and smell the flowers.

Franschhoek Champagne Festival - Usually falls in December
Tis after all the season to be jolly. Have the bubbles escort you all the way from early December into the new year. Maybe even discover a great bottle for a gift. The annual Cap Classique and Champagne Festival brings the centre village to a state of celebration. Franschhoek's best restaurants compile special menus and recipes to complement the bubbly. If its been a good year, complete it in style if its been an unfavourable year send it off in haste, Napolean Bonaparte said it best ... 'In victory you deserve Champagne and in defeat you need it'.
See: Cap Classique & Champagne Festival

Attractions & Events - all year round
In addition to the large annual festivals there's a selection of organised market days, mountain-bike races, picnics, Potjiekos competitions, Father's and Son's cricket days, wine tastings, art exhibitions, botanical displays, rose exhibitions, dance festivals, harvest festivals, musical concerts and fundraisers. Enquire with the Franschhoek Wine Valley and Tourist Association to see what is scheduled each month and co-ordinate your interests with your visit.
See: Franschhoek Attractions