Major Events & Festivals in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

1. Tshakuma Cultural Festival

Annual event showcasing Zulu culture with traditional dance, music, and food.

Authentic Cultural Experience: Offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the rich Zulu culture.
Community Involvement: Supporting local artists and promoting traditional arts and crafts.
Educational Insights: Provides insights into Zulu history, traditions, and customs.

World's largest open water swim taking place at the Midmar Dam.

Challenging Event: Ideal for swimmers looking for a unique and challenging experience.
Community Participation: Encourages community participation with various categories for all ages.
Scenic Location: Set in the picturesque Midmar Dam, offering beautiful views.

Historic marathon event starting at City Hall and ending at Royal Show Grounds.

Historical Route: Runs past significant Pietermaritzburg landmarks.
Variety of Distances: Offers races for various skill levels, from full marathon to fun run.
Community Support: Witness the warmth and support from local communities lining the route.

Annual event featuring a variety of South African wines and live music.

Tasting Opportunities: Provides an opportunity to taste a wide range of premium wines.
Local Food Stalls: Features delicious local food pairings with the wines.
Entertainment: Offers live music and entertainment throughout the event.

Annual event showcasing agriculture, livestock, and local produce.

Educational Focus: Promotes agricultural education through workshops and demonstrations.
Local Produce Tasting: Allows visitors to taste local produce, wines, and foods.
Entertainment: Provides a variety of entertainment options for the whole family.

Annual music festival featuring top local and international jazz and blues artists.

High-Quality Music: Showcases some of the best jazz and blues musicians.
Relaxed Environment: Offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Variety of Stages: Features multiple stages, allowing visitors to enjoy different acts.

Annual festival celebrating roses with exhibitions, competitions, and sales.

Rose Lovers' Paradise: A must-visit for rose enthusiasts.
Expert Knowledge: Opportunity to learn about different rose varieties and care tips.
Beautiful Display: Features a stunning display of roses in various stages of bloom.

Annual festival showcasing local and international arts and culture.

Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange through various art forms.
Talented Artists: Showcases the work of talented local and international artists.
Variety of Events: Offers a variety of events, from theatre performances to art exhibitions.

Annual event dedicated to all things chilli, including tastings and competitions.

Chilli Lovers' Dream: Ideal for anyone who loves spicy food.
Expert Advice: Opportunity to learn about different types of chillies and recipes.
Fun Activities: Includes fun activities like chilli-eating competitions and live music.

Annual event featuring comic books, pop culture, cosplay, and gaming.

Pop Culture Celebration: A celebration of popular culture, from comics to movies.
Meet Favorite Characters: Opportunity to meet favorite comic book and pop culture characters.
Unique Merchandise: Features unique, hard-to-find comic book merchandise.

Annual event celebrating the festive season with lights, music, and food.

Annual event marking the arrival of spring with flowers, music, and food.

Natural Beauty: Embraces the natural beauty of Pietermaritzburg during spring.
Floral Displays: Features beautiful floral displays and exhibitions.
Community Spirit: Encourages community participation and support.

Annual festival celebrating the Hindu festival of lights.

Cultural Understanding: Provides insights into the Hindu culture and traditions.
Community Unity: Promotes community unity through shared cultural experiences.
Luminous Displays: Features stunning luminous displays and fireworks.

Annual parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Pietermaritzburg.

Representation and Visibility: Celebrates and raises awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.
Unity and Acceptance: Promotes unity, acceptance, and love within the community.
Entertainment and Fun: Offers entertainment, fun, and a sense of belonging for all participants.

Annual festival promoting peace, unity, and understanding among different cultures.

Cultural Harmony: Promotes harmony and respect among various cultures.
Educational Sessions: Features educational sessions on peace-building and conflict resolution.
Community Participation: Encourages community participation and collaboration for a peaceful society.