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Food festivals in South Africa are a celebration of the country’s diverse culinary culture, featuring a wide variety of dishes and ingredients that reflect the country’s cultural heritage. Many of these festivals showcase traditional South African dishes such as bobotie, braai, and boerewors, as well as international cuisines that have influenced South African cooking.

Here are 10 food festivals that are worth checking out in South Africa:

Karoo Food Festival

Experience the authentic flavours of the Karoo region at the annual Karoo Food Festival in Cradock. From 27-30 April 2023, this event brings together food, people, and the charming Karoo landscape for a celebration of all things culinary.

The Karoo Food Festival is dedicated to showcasing the traditional foods of the region, including the famous Karoo lamb. With over 60 stalls offering a wide range of food, drinks, and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The festival also features a kid’s play area, live music, and a fun run for added fun.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture of the Karoo. Join the Karoo Food Festival and discover the diverse flavours and traditions of this unique region.

The Good Food and Wine Show

The Good Food and Wine Show is an annual event held in multiple cities around South Africa. This event features tastings, demonstrations, and workshops from top chefs and industry experts, and is a celebration of the country’s diverse culinary culture. Guests can expect to sample a wide variety of dishes and drinks, as well as learn about new trends and techniques in the culinary world. In addition to the food and wine, the Good Food and Wine Show also includes live music and other entertainment, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a unique way to spend a day, the Good Food and Wine Show is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the culinary culture of South Africa.

Constantia Fresh Festival

Experience the vibrant flavours of fresh ingredients and new ideas at the Constantia Fresh festival on 5th of March 2023. This event brings together the best local and international wines with the most creative and fresh food from local chefs in South Africa’s oldest wine region.

Held at the tranquil and uncluttered grounds of Cape Point Vineyards, the Constantia Fresh festival is a day of relaxation and taste sensations that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Included in the R750 price is access to all the wine, food, music, and fun at the Constantia Fresh festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to refresh your body, mind, and spirit with the vibrant flavours and experiences of the Constantia region.

The Franschhoek Uncorked Festival

The Franschhoek Uncorked Festival is an annual wine and food festival held in the Franschhoek Valley; a region known for its wine production in South Africa.

This festival features tastings, food and wine pairings, and culinary demonstrations, and is a celebration of the local wine and food culture. Guests can expect to sample some of the finest wines in the region, as well as enjoy a variety of dishes prepared by local chefs. In addition to the food and wine, the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival includes live music and other entertainment, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for a unique way to spend a day, the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival is an event for everyone.

The Durban Food and Culture Festival

The Durban Food and Culture Festival is an event held in Durban, South Africa, and celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the city. This festival features traditional dishes from a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Zulu, and European, and is a celebration of the cultural influences on South African cooking. Guests can expect a wide variety of dishes and learn about the cultural influences on South African cooking. In addition to the food, the Durban Food and Culture Festival includes live music and other entertainment.

Anyone interested in the culinary culture of South Africa, especially foodies, should attend the Durban Food and Culture Festival.

The Jozi Food and Drink Festival

The Jozi Food and Drink Festival is a festival held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and features tastings, demonstrations, and workshops from top chefs and industry experts.

This event showcases the city’s myriad of culinary cultures and offers attendees the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes and drinks and learn about new trends and techniques in the culinary world. In addition to the food and drink the festival includes live music and other entertainment, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a unique way to spend a day, the Jozi Food and Drink Festival is an event for anyone interested in the culinary culture of South Africa.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival is an annual event held in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa.  Stellenbosch is well known for its wine production and this festival celebrates the local wine culture and features tastings, food and wine pairings, and culinary demonstrations. Attendees can expect to sample some of the finest wines in the region, as well as enjoy a variety of dishes prepared by local chefs. In addition to the food and wine, the Stellenbosch Wine Festival also includes other entertainment and live music.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival is a must-attend event for all wine connoisseurs.

The Knysna Oyster Festival

The Knysna Oyster Festival is a beloved annual event that takes place in the picturesque seaside town of Knysna, located in the southeast of South Africa along the Garden Route.

Since 1983, this festival has brought the town to a standstill for ten days as visitors from all over the country come to enjoy over 200,000 oysters and other seafood delicacies.

If you are a seafood lover, the Knysna Oyster Festival is the perfect destination for you. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Knysna coast, this festival offers a chance to savour the freshest and most delicious oysters, as well as a wide variety of other seafood dishes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights of Knysna and experience the town’s warm hospitality.

The Hermanus Wine and Food Festival

The Hermanus Wine and Food Festival is an annual event held in Hermanus, South Africa. This festival celebrates the local wine and food culture and features tastings, cooking demonstrations, and other events. Guests can expect some of the finest wines in the region, as well as enjoy a variety of dishes prepared by local chefs. In addition to the food and wine, the Hermanus Wine and Food Festival also typically includes live music and other entertainment, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all.

Anyone interested in South African culinary culture should attend the Hermanus Wine and Food Festival, whether they are wine lovers or just looking for an interesting way to spend a day.

Ficksburg Cherry Festival

The Ficksburg Cherry Festival is a beloved annual event held in the third week of November in Ficksburg, South Africa. As the oldest crop celebration in the country, this festival brings together a wide range of events and activities for all ages.

Some of the highlights of the Ficksburg Cherry Festival include cherry tours, a golf classic, a half marathon, cherry product competitions, vintage car exhibitions, equestrian competitions, and a beer festival.

In addition to these activities, the Ficksburg Cherry Festival features live performances by well-known South African performers, with a national celebrity typically serving as the festival’s presenter. Past festivals have included performances by the Soweto String Quartet and the Johannesburg Lipizzaner horses.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rich traditions and flavours of the Ficksburg, at the Ficksburg Cherry Festival.

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In South Africa, food festivals provide an excellent opportunity to try new dishes, learn about different cuisines, and experience the country’s rich culinary culture. The South African food festivals are sure to have something for everyone, whether you are a foodie or just looking for a fun and memorable day out.

It is important to note that some dates for these food festivals are typically confirmed closer to the time of the event. It is recommended to check the official websites or social media pages of the festivals for updates on dates and other details.