To successfully decentralize the planning while ensuring a cohesive, professional festival, the best approach is to operate as an “umbrella” coordinator, offering centralized marketing and permitting in exchange for alignment with the festival’s overarching values. This model also brings the benefits of centralised and shared infrastructure and services that may be provided by the city or appointed service providers, including medical, security and public liability cover of the event.
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: George Culture, Arts, Sports Festival 2026
Festival Dates: 12 – 16 December 2026
Location: Various Venues Across George (Hub: Outeniqua Park Stadium, Unity Park, Rosemoor Stadium, Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre – Pacaltsdorp, and Garden Route Botanical Gardens)
Submission Deadline for Event Proposals: 30 September 2026 @ 24:00
1. About the Festival
The George Sports, Arts & Culture Festival 2026 is returning to the heart of the Garden Route for an unforgettable multi-day celebration of community, heritage, sport, and creativity. This year, we are adopting an innovative “Festival of Festivals” decentralised model.
We are inviting local event organisers, clubs, artists, and community groups to curate and execute their own individual events under the unified banner and joint marketing of the greater George Festival. You bring the passion, the talent, and the organization—and we’ll bring the crowds and the city-wide platform.
2. Why Participate?
By hosting your event under the George Sports, Arts & Culture umbrella, you gain access to significant benefits:
• Unified Marketing Reach: Leverage the festival’s joint marketing campaigns, press releases, social media, and digital platforms.
• Official Programme Inclusion: Your event will be listed on the official festival map, programme, and regional tourism calendars distributed via the Visit George network.
• Cross-Promotion: Benefit from shared audiences attending multiple events across the 5-day period.
• Network & Collaboration: Connect with other event organizers, local vendors, and sponsors in the George area.
3. How It Works
You retain full control and operational responsibility for your specific event. This means you plan the content, sell your own tickets (if applicable), book your specific venue, and manage your staff/volunteers.
In return, your event must:
✅ Take place in or around the George municipal area between 12 and 16 December 2026.
✅ Align with the core values of sport, arts, culture, or family entertainment.
✅ Feature the George Sports, Arts & Culture Festival logo on all your marketing materials.
✅ Meet all required local municipal compliance and permitting requirements (e.g., safety, noise, traffic).
4. Proposed Event Categories
We are looking for a diverse array of activities across the city and surrounding areas. You are welcome to submit proposals for:
• Sports & Wellness: 5-a-side soccer, netball, rugby, fun runs, cycling, and indigenous games & sports clinics.
• Arts & Culture: Literary experiences, live music, comedy, and theatrical performances.
• Community & Family: Craft markets, kiddies’ zones, street fairs.
• Exhibitions: Historical tours, art galleries, and cultural showcases.
• Food & Beverage: Craft drinks, Tastings, pairings, Food markets & festivals.
5. Submit Your Event Proposal
To include your event in our official 2026 line-up, please complete the online EVENT PARTICIPATION APPLICATION FORM: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/3jC5Th
Your proposal must include at a minimum:
• Event Name and Concept
• Date, Time, and Proposed Venue
• Target Audience and Expected Attendance
• Brief Outline of your Organization/Team
• Space and Infrastructure Requirements
• Any sponsors that you have for your event
• Any branding rights allocated to sponsors
• Please list secured sponsors, targeted sponsors, or industry sectors currently being engaged, along with proposed branding rights.*
* Privacy Pledge: All sponsor data submitted is strictly confidential and used solely for municipal vetting against sponsors already being engaged by the municipality.
For more information, contact Melanie Martins at George Tourism, Tel 044 801 9296 or email events@visitgeorge.gov.za.
