Taste the Best Brews at South Africa’s Best Beer Festivals
Since the big beer boom, the local craft beer scene has been bubbling with excitement. And with festivals happening all over the country, connoisseurs can experience unique brews, great food, and plenty of fun. Whether sipping Cape Town’s best home brews or getting your Oktoberfest on in Pretoria, there’s a beer festival for everyone. Here are some of the best beer festivals across South Africa that you won’t want to miss!
Western Cape Homebrew Festival, Cape Town
The Western Cape Homebrew Festival is an annual event celebrating the region’s passionate homebrewing community. Collaboratively hosted by all the Western Cape Homebrew Clubs, with a different one hosting each time – this festival is dedicated to showcasing the creativity of hobby brewers from across the Western Cape. Winners even get the chance to brew their beer on a commercial scale! It’s a great event for those interested in learning more about homebrewing, with participants ranging from amateur brewers to more experienced enthusiasts. Visitors can talk to brewers, taste their creations, and even vote for their favourites. It’s also a great opportunity for aspiring brewers to gain tips and tricks on how to perfect their own recipes.
Where: Cape Town, Western Cape
When: September (annually)
Good to know: The event features a variety of homebrewed beers, including experimental brews you won’t find commercially.
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BeerEx Africa, Cape Town
Formerly known as the ‘Craft Brewers Powwow,’ BeerEx Africa is an essential event for beer lovers and industry professionals. The expo features interactive demos, an informative conference, beer-paired dinners, workshops on homebrewing, tastings of craft beers from across the continent, and awards. The event is held in conjunction with the African Beer Cup, which showcases the best beers brewed in Africa. Launched in 2016, BeerEx Africa is an exciting calendar event, receiving approximately 250 entries from different African nationals. If you appreciate unique brews, you do not want to miss this local beer festival.
Where: Cape Town, Western Cape
When: April/End of May
Price: ±R95–R795
Good to know: Tickets can be purchased for individual sessions or as weekend combo passes. It’s also a great networking opportunity for aspiring brewers.
Fools & Fans, Greyton
The Fools & Fans Craft Beer Festival, held in Greyton, is a lively celebration of local and artisanal brews, set against the picturesque backdrop of this charming village. Taking place on the weekend closest to April Fools’ Day – hence the name – the festival transforms Greyton into a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a touch of mischief and mayhem thrown in for good measure. It features a diverse array of unique and experimental beers from both established and up-and-coming breweries.
Friday is dedicated to showcasing local homebrewers, while Saturday shines a spotlight on popular local craft breweries. Attendees can sample a wide range of brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, while enjoying live music, food stalls, and a warm, communal atmosphere. This country beer festival holds a special place for beer lovers, highlighting the creativity and passion driving South Africa’s craft beer scene.
Where: Greyton, Western Cape
When: 1st weekend of April (4-5 April 2025)
Price: TBC
Good to know: Look out for the annual tomato-pummeling of the festival’s head jester, Trevor. Grab a tomato, aim at Trevor in the stocks and launch!
Bierfest Weekend, Hermanus
Bierfest Weekend is a fun-filled celebration of German beer, food, and music, set against the scenic backdrop of Benguela Cove’s vineyards and lagoon. The festival features a range of German and South African craft beers, German-inspired food such as sausages, schnitzels, and pretzels, and live Oompah bands to add to the festive atmosphere. It’s a lively yet relaxed environment that combines the best of German culture with local flair.
Where: Benguela Cove Wine Estate, Hermanus, Western Cape
When:19 & 20 October 2024
Price: R150–R250 (Adult) | R75–R140 (Kids)
Good to know: The event takes place during whale-watching season, so it’s a great opportunity to combine the festival with some wildlife spotting in nearby Hermanus.
Clarens Craft Beer Festival, Clarens
Clarens Craft Beer Festival takes place in the scenic town of Clarens, nestled in the Maluti Mountains of the Free State province. This festival draws beer enthusiasts from across the country to sample local brews, ciders and live entertainment. Over 150 breweries from across South Africa participate, offering a variety of craft beers, while food trucks keep guests well-fed (vegan food and drinks are available). It’s a family-friendly event, so everyone is welcome; they have fun activities for kids and well-behaved dogs are allowed.
Where: Clarens, Free State
When: End of February/March (annual) | *Next festival: 28 Feb–1 Mar 2025
Price: tickets range from ±R250 (Day Ticket) to ±R330 (Weekend Pass)
Good to know: Tickets are sold in phases to encourage people to book spots earlier; the last phase being the most expensive. Shuttles are available to encourage responsible drinking.
Capital Craft Beer Festival, Pretoria
Held at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Capital Craft Beer Festival is one of Gauteng’s biggest beer events. Founded by Capital Craft owners, Johan, Willie, Henk and Niel, the festival has been running for eleven years straight. It features more than 40 breweries from around the country, live music, and food vendors offering gourmet street food. It’s known for its relaxed outdoor vibe, with beer tastings spread out across the beautiful gardens. With each ticket purchase, festivalgoers are also given a complimentary branded glass.
Where: Pretoria, Gauteng
When: Mid June (annual)
Price: ±R250–R350 (Adults) | ±R155–R180 (Kids)
Good to know: Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the event is usually hosted outdoors in the winter sun. *Kids over between the ages of 13 and 17 are not allowed at the festival.
Oktoberfest, Pretoria
One of the largest and most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in South Africa, this festival brings Bavarian culture to Pretoria with traditional German beers, bratwurst, pretzels, and folk music. Hosted by the German International School Pretoria, it’s a lively celebration with authentic German brews and food, traditional games, and fun activities for both adults and kids. The festival has been running for over 40 years and is widely regarded as one of the best places to experience a genuine Oktoberfest atmosphere outside of Germany.
Where: Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria, Gauteng
When: September/October (annually)
Price: ±R100–R140
Good to know: Be sure to wear traditional Bavarian outfits (lederhosen or dirndls) to fully get into the Oktoberfest spirit!
Umhlanga Craft Beer Festival, Durban
The Umhlanga Craft Beer Festival is a beachside celebration of South African craft beer culture. Featuring a great selection of local breweries, live music and gourmet food stalls, this festival is a relaxed coastal event that attracts both locals and tourists. It’s a great day out for those looking to enjoy beer and music by the sea.
Where: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
When: May (annually)
Price: TBC
Good to know: Tickets include a complimentary festival beer glass.
Visit these 12 craft beer breweries in Cape Town & beyond
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