Pretoria Events, Things to Do and Festivals
(Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa)
Festivals, sporting events and fairs are held throughout the year in Pretoria, so there's sure to be plenty of things to do - whatever month you plan to visit.
However, July and August are generally the busiest months of the year.
Pretoria's main annual event is the city's annual agricultural fair, held in August, which always draws huge crowds.
Pretoria Calendar of Festivals and Events
January
- Unisa International Music Competition - many prize-winners of this annual music event have gone on to become sought-after international musicians
February
- Pretoria Marathon - full and half marathons are staged, along with a shorter run / walk event
- Expo4Brides - over 120 wedding-related specialists gather in Pretoria for this weekend event each February, which also includes fashion shows
March
- Human Rights Day - a public holiday that is on 21st March each year in South Africa
April
- Oppikoppi Easter Festival - a music festival held in Northam, to the north of Pretoria
May
- Antique and Craft Fair - this fair is a 'must-do' activity for all antique lovers. Held outside the historic Melrose House, visitors can search over 150 stalls for that special something to take home
June
- Tshwane Comedy Festival - a comedy showcase held during June at the State Theatre
July
- Krekvars Arts Festival - organised by the University of Pretoria's Drama Department, the students' creativity is showcased in over 30 performances, ranging from cabarets to comedy
- Stellenbosch International Music Festival - held in a variety of venues during July, this popular event is a chance for classical music lovers to enjoy performances by musicians from all over the world
- Springbok Vasbyt - a road race for runners and walkers, which starts at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria
August
- Cars in the Park - this long-established annual gathering started out as a picnic in the park for a few classic car enthusiasts. Nowadays, it's a hugely popular event attracting over 2,000 vehicles and their owners, as well as a vast crowd of spectators
- Oppikoppi August Festival - held in the Fountains Valley Park every August, Oppikoppi is one of South Africa's most popular music festivals
- Pretoria Show - held from the end of August to the beginning of September at the Tshwane Events Centre. This long-established annual event is the region's largest agricultural show. There is plenty to keep the family entertained, with an amusement park and live music
- Kids and Baby Expo Pretoria - a popular event, with demonstrations and exhibitions of products
September
- Morula Hotel and Casino Formula 1 Powerboat Grand Prix - a race which forms part of the South African Grand Prix Series, held at the Morula Hotel each September, in the north of Pretoria
October
- Jacaranda Festival - a colourful festival which includes food stalls, markets and a host of amusements for all the family
November
- There are no significant festivals in Pretoria during the month of November
December
- The Singing Christmas Tree - held on the corner of Church and Prinsloo Streets, this is a popular annual event held to celebrate the festive season. A choir sings Christmas carols beneath a huge decorated Christmas tree
- Antique and Craft Fair - mid-December, another chance to head on down to Melrose House's popular fair