For those of you who don’t speak Afrikaans, fees is “festival” and gees is “spirit”; and where there is something to celebrate in South Africa, especially in the Afrikaans communities, you will find plenty of both.
Kirkwood Wildsfees
When: 28 – 30 June 2013
Where: Kirkwood, Eastern Cape
After 12 years of rocking the wild, this year hails even more firsts for Wildside Festinos! The 2013 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees is raising the bar yet again on its winning recipe of wild activities, which include top South African artists live on the Big Stage, wine and gourmet lifestyle exhibits, a safe kids square, bundu outdoor expo, snow world, tandem skydives, game auctions, a succulent “Smiley” banquet (a traditional sheep’s head aptly named after its tooth-like appearance when roasted) and much, much more! For more info, contact 042 2300 066 or email jenni@wildsfees.co.za.
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Hoedspruit Wildsfees
When: 12 – 13 Jul 2013
Where: Hoedspruit, Limpopo
First held on the 10th of July 1987, and every year since then, the Hoedspruit Wildsfees (game festival) is one of the oldest festivals held in the Lowveld. It was originally held around the annual game auction in the days when the reserves were all fenced in and privately owned, and the movement of game was only achieved through buying and selling. Although it doesn’t happen on the same scale as in the past, the game auction still takes place on the Friday. Over the years, the festival has grown and moved location to the Blyde Wildlife Estate, 16km out of Hoedspruit. This year’s festival will be packed with exciting entertainment for young and old, including a Bike Festival, Miss Wildsfees pageant, live performances, and more. For more info, contact abburger@telkomsa.net.
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Inni-Berg Fees
When: 2 – 3 August 2013
Where: Louis Trichardt, Limpopo
Over 2,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual Inni-Berg Fees (in the mountain festival), taking place on the grounds of the CVO School Zoutpansberg in Louis Trichardt. The festival promises an exciting program for the whole family. There will be top artists, performances, 80 stalls, a beer garden, a Miss Inni-Berg Fees pageant, and Inni-Berg character mascots. All concerts and performances are included in the entrance fee at the gate. For more info or to book a stall, contact Miempie on 084 606 0165 or email info@inni-bergfees.co.za.
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Wielefees
When: 9 – 10 Aug 2013
Where: Vredendal, Western Cape
The Wielefees (wheel festival) showcases ALL types of wheels known to mankind. Be it cars, bikes, tractors, toys, or agricultural wheels, they will be there…and so will the estimated 7,500 visitors who enjoy them! Entertainment includes bigtop tents, non-stop live music, breakfast runs, off-road adventure trails, arena displays, arena races, and “Big-foot” demos. Ladies, if this appeals to your man, but not to you, let him have his fun while you enjoy a weekend of relaxing in peace and quiet. It’s also peak Namaqualand flower season, so take a drive and enjoy the fragrant carpet of colour!
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Absa Kolligfees
When: 29 – 31 August 2013
Where: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The Absa Kolligfees (spotlight festival) will be taking place for the 18th year in the beautiful city of Durban. Come along and enjoy a tropical winter as you listen to bakgat (top-class) Afrikaans music and drama performances. Over 3,500 festivalgoers are expected, and there will be at least 40 market stalls for you to peruse. For more info, email admin@kolligfees.co.za.
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Gariepfees
When: 29 August – 1 September 2013
Where: Kimberley, Northern Cape
Every year, the Gariepfees brings an exceptional arts experience to the interior region of South Africa with an impressive line-up of local musicians, theatre productions, art exhibitions, and children’s theatre. Visitors can look forward to live productions, a cultural stage, food market, art market, and fun fair. For more info, email info@gariepkunstefees.co.za or call 053 832 5014.
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Heidelberg Varkfees
When: 30 – 31 August 2013
Where: Heidelberg, Gauteng
Heidelberg Varkfees (pig festival) is an outdoor festival with plenty of entertainment for young and old. The estimated 12,000 festivalgoers can look forward to over 130 market stalls, mouth-watering food (Escort is a main sponsor), and a kiddies’ play park. Make a weekend of it and discover the intriguing history of Heidelberg and the beautiful landscape of Suikerbosrand. For more info, contact Hendrik on 082 555 0442. To book a stall, contact 083 659 2712.
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Hantam Vleisfees
When: 30 – 31 August 2013
Where: Calvinia, Northern Cape
Since it launched in 1989, the annual Hantam Vleisfees (meat festival) has been attracting meat lovers from across South Africa to share in a mutual celebration of meat – especially good old Karoo Lamb. No matter your preference, you will be satisfied with braaied, stewed, and curried meats, as well as pitas, sosaties, potjiekos, and more! Be daring and try a ‘Smiley’ (a traditional sheep’s head aptly named after its tooth-like appearance when roasted), Skaapstertjies (docked lamb’s tail), and Peertjies (sheep’s testicles). There is plenty entertainment on offer in the form of music concerts, street parties, sheep counting competitions, vintage car rallies, the popular Miss Vleisfees pageant, face painting, and paintball. After a night of partying and dancing, take a stroll down to inspect the fresh farm products on sale such as fresh cheese and milk. Each annual festival outdoes the last, so come along and see this small town come to life in a shower of festivities, meat, and beer! Email vleisfees@klk.co.za for more info, or call Lizette on 083 3558 155 to book your stall.
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Which fees have you got gees for?
