George Festival 2025 – Culture, Sport & Art
13 – 16 December 2025
The Executive Mayor of George, Jackie von Brandis and Western Cape Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, are proud to announce the inaugural George Festival 2025 – Culture, Art and Sport, taking place from 13 to 16 December 2025 across multiple venues in the city, including Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre (Pacaltsdorp), Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Thembalethu Sports Field, Unity Park (York Street Traffic Circle), and the York Street CBD.
The festival, organised in collaboration with George Municipality the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), and the Eden Sports Council, aims to foster inclusive community participation, stimulate township economy, promote youth and arts development, and activate the local economy. The event is expected to attract visitors from across the Garden Route and beyond, positioning George as a premier destination for culture, sport, and tourism.
“We are thrilled to bring the first-ever George Festival 2025 – Culture, Art and Sport, to our city,” said Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis. “This festival is more than just sport and culture – it’s a celebration of our community, our talent, and our heritage. By bringing together arts, sports, and music across George, we aim to create an inclusive, vibrant event that inspires participation, supports local businesses, and positions our city as a premier destination for culture and tourism in the Garden Route.”
Festival Highlights
The festival opens on Saturday, 13 December, with Unity Park hosting a vibrant cultural showcase featuring performances by local artists and DJs, culminating in the official festive lights switch-on at 20:00. Families can enjoy children’s entertainment and explore a variety of vendor stalls supporting local businesses. At the same time, sports activities will kick off that morning at Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp, including Rugby 7s, Soccer 5s, Netball Fast5, and tennis clinics.
On Sunday, 14 December, Unity Park will feature gospel performances by choirs, school groups, and motivational speakers. Christian-themed small businesses will be showcased, and the day will close with a reflective candlelight worship experience. At Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp, quarterfinals across FOUR (4) sport codes will take place alongside a special Indigenous Games showcase, celebrating heritage and tradition.
Monday, 15 December the cultural enrichment continues with a family Culture Day at the George Museum, featuring storytelling, Khoi plant healing demonstrations, poetry readings, and art classes. For younger attendees, the Garden Route Botanical Garden will host a Kiddies Fun Zone with face painting, games, hip-hop and rap dance sessions, spelling bees, and library-themed dress-up activities.
The festival concludes on Tuesday, 16 December, with culture and sports events at the York Street CBD and Unity Park. Semifinals and finals across all sport codes will be held, including mind games such as chess, scrabble, bridge and dominoes. The festival will wrap up with a closing awards ceremony and a DJ crossover showcase (weather permitting), celebrating the achievements of participants and the spirit of community that defined the event. A Summer Festival will run on the 16th December at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, Pacaltsdorp offering a musical treat for all ages.
Provincial Minister, Ricardo Mackenzie added: “George has always been a city of talent, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. The George Festival 2025 will showcase this uniqueness, bringing together our communities in ways never seen before. From sport to music to traditional arts, this festival puts George firmly on the map as a must-visit destination for culture and celebration. Investing in festivals like these offers unique experiences as well as unmatched economic and social benefits.”
Hosted By
In collaboration with
Key Sponsor
Contributing Sponsors
George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC is proud to be associated with the George Festival 2025 – Culture, Art and Sport
Through the two brands (Home of Golf Africa and George Trails) GJMA is representing, GJMA will offer festival goers a few sporting activities:
Home of Golf, in partnership with George Golf Club and Kingwood Golf Estate will offer golfers a sundowner experience on 13 December 2025 (Booking essential on visit www.homeofgolf.africa
George Trails in partnership with its ambassadors GTR and Hillbillies is offering festival goers the following activities
Trail Running on 14 December 2025 @ 07:00 at The Trail Kiosk – R50 entrance fee
Hike to the Cross with live music on 15 December 2025 @ 16:00 at The Trail Kiosk – Entrance free
MTB around the Garden Route Dam on 16 December 2025 @ 07:00 – R50 entrance fee
Booking essential on visit www.georgetrails.org.za
Come and enjoy some fun in the sun.