Stellenbosch is pulling on its walking shoes and uncorking its best bottles. The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees returns from 3 to 11 October 2026, nine days of theatre, dance, music, visual art, wine and conversation that turn the whole town into a stage.
Wine lovers, this one’s for you
Head to the Weinskool at the Hofmeyr Hall for a run of tastings hosted by some of the industry’s sharpest voices. Bubbly 101 opens things up on 5 October, Cabernet Sauvignon 101 follows on 6 October, and White Wine 101 rounds things off on 7 October, all kicking off at 18:00.
On 8 October at 18:00, the festival turns its attention to South Africa’s best-selling white with a Sauvignon Blanc panel discussion, anchored by the launch of ‘The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc’, a coffee-table book tracing a hundred farm stories alongside the cultivar’s official aroma wheel.
Early risers won’t want to miss RSG’s Bekbasaar: Die reine wynheid, broadcasting live on 4 October from 10:00, tracking South African winemaking from its 1659 roots through to the cellars of today.
Out in the valley
If you’d rather trade the tasting room for the trail, the festival’s outdoor programme has you covered. Guided wine walks through the Boschendal Valley combine fynbos, farm history and, naturally, a glass or two along the way, check the Woordfees programme for exact departure points and times, as these shift year to year.
Dogs, dancing and a street party
The Animal Welfare Society of Stellenbosch will have a stand at the festival grounds throughout Woordfees, with adoptable dogs looking for their person. And when the sun dips, Ryneveld Street lights up for the Woordfees Straatfees, music, food trucks, wine and street performers bringing the festival’s energy out of the venues and onto the pavement.
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Need a hand planning your days? Visit Stellenbosch will run an information kiosk on-site for the full nine days, with recommendations on restaurants, accommodation and things to do.
This is just a taste of what’s on offer. With close to 400 programme items across theatre, comedy, dance, visual art and literature, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees remains one of the country’s biggest arts festivals — and this spring, it’s asking Stellenbosch to simply play.
- Location: Stellenbosch
- Times: 3–11 October 2026, programme times vary by event
- Website: woordfees.co.za
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Picture: visitstellenboschnow / Instagram
