Photo credit: Hermanus Whale Festival via Facebook
Spring in the Overberg Region means a vibrant collage of yellow canola fields, fragrant, blooming fynbos, wildflowers and visiting whales. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that the Overberg Region – including our very own Hemel-en-Aarde Valley – is such a popular springtime destination for tourists, families, couples and solo travellers.
The Overberg offers some excellent springtime festivals and events, where whale watching, wine, wild flowers and more can be enjoyed!
In this post, we focus on three excellent Overberg festivals and events near Cape Town to enjoy this spring:
Hermanus Whale Festival
Photo credit: Hermanus Whale Festival via Facebook
First up we have the ever-popular Hermanus Whale Festival, arguably one of SA’s biggest, most well supported festivals.
Each year, tourists, travellers and locals descend upon the whale-centric Hermanus in their droves, as this festival gets bigger and better every time!
This year’s 2023 edition marks the festival’s 32nd occurrence, making it the longest-standing festival in the Overberg.
This year, the eco-marine festival (the only one of its kind in the world) offers a jam-packed programme – including a street parade, fun markets, live music and entertainment, amazing food and drink and one of the world’s best whale-watching experiences!
The big focus is on environmental- and conservation-focused topics. Especially in the interactive Eco Marine Village, where young and old can learn how to protect and safeguard nature for future generations to enjoy.
The vast eco marine tent will host several foundations and institutions that are fully focused on local research and environmental conservation.
A highlight for little adventurers is the exciting Treasure Hunt, set for Saturday and Sunday (from 12 pm – 2pm both days). For kids older than 13, there is also a GPS treasure hunt on Sunday.
The street parade, which showcases vintage classic cars, Hawston cadettes and vibrant brass band, is another unmissable feature — and that’s before you even get to the festival’s other events, like the Beer Fest and live music performances, Strongman Competition or the Crafters on Market Square etc.
A range of great food and drinks will be available at the festival, as well as at Hermanus’s own lovely array of eateries.
Date: 29 September – 1 October 2023
Website: www.hermanuswhalefestival.co.za
FNB Wines2Whales
Photo credit: Wines2Whales via Facebook
While not strictly a festival, the FNB Wines2Whales event is another major springtime Overberg event.
This popular three-day MTB race brings together cycling enthusiasts, travel seekers, families, fans and much more.
Known as the race with ‘gees’ (Afrikaans for ‘spirit’) and offering a series of three events in Chardonnay, Pinotage and Shiraz (each uniquely named after wines of the area), the FNB Wines2Whales is a must-do biking event for riders across South Africa and the globe.
For 2023, the race is “switching back on itself and taking teams from the whales to the wines in the FNB Wines2Whales Switchback”. This means a thorough reimagination of the route, complete with incredible vistas, exciting new trails and some new experiences.
But the fun isn’t just for the riders because this racing event offers plenty for participants and visitors alike. So whether you’re a rider, a supporter or simply a bystander, get ready for the 2023 FNBWines2Whales!
Dates:
- Chardonnay: 20 – 22 October 2023
- Pinotage: 23 – 25 October 2023
- Shiraz: 27 – 29 October 2023
Registration: www.epic-series.com/wines2whales-riders-entries
Website: www.epic-series.com/wines2whales
Annual Flower Festival (Hermanus Botanical Society)
Last but far from least we have the Hermanus Botanical Society’s Annual Flower Festival.
The 2023 edition is set to take place at Fernkloof Nature Reserve (itself an Overberg wonder) and has a fun focus on a Celebration of Fynbos and Patterns in Nature.
In addition to the natural wonders on display, there will be a selection of fun, informative and beautiful things to enjoy, as the festival celebrates all things fynbos- and flower-related.
So, whether you’re an avid gardener, plant lover or simply a fan of flowers and fynbos, add this floral festival to your calendar!
For more updates and info, please check out the Fernkloof Nature Reserve website or the Society’s Facebook page.
Date: 23 – 25 September 2023
Website: www.fernkloof.org.za/index.php/hermanus-botanical-society/annual-wildflower-festival
With so many great festivals and events lined up this spring, why not book the perfect, luxury glamping experience with Canvas Collective Africa, so you can be close to all the Overberg Region’s action and attractions?
Browse our luxury tented accommodation and special offers here.