by admin | Events
Run through the majestic Karoo in Graaff-Reinet. Experience an unforgettable marathon set in one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions.
Get ready to take on the Karoo with distances for every kind of runner! Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just in it for the experience, we’ve got a challenge for you:
Marathon – 42.2km
Half Marathon – 21.1km
The Ten K – 10km
Trail Run – 16km
The Montego Karoo Marathon route is built for speed. With a rapid drop in elevation, runners can take advantage of long, flowing downhill stretches that naturally boost pace and momentum. Less climbing, more cruising, and the perfect setup to chase a personal best.
If you’re looking for a course where gravity works with you, this is it.
Fast legs. Fast times. The Karoo delivers.
Thru The Karoo is officially approved as a qualifying race for both the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon!
Annually – February
by admin | Events
The Afval Gilde is a bi-annual gourmet event held in the village of Nieu‑Bethesda that’s geared toward “nose-to-tail” food lovers. It takes place twice a year, typically in February and October, and is hosted at the venue Tot‑Hier‑Toe Padstal on Martins Street.
The term “nose-to-tail” refers to utilising the whole animal (or whole produce) rather than just select cuts, which emphasises sustainability, flavour exploration and creativity in the kitchen. A curated menu showcasing Karoo-style ingredients, inventive preparations and the full ethos of “use the whole” is prepared, while there’s a non-afval menu available for those who aren’t as daring.
More information – Tot Hier Toe Padstal
Annually – February and October
by admin | Events
Each year, on New Year’s Eve (Ou Jaarsaand in Afrikaans), the Bushman Heritage Museum hosts the Festival of Lights. This festival is a joyful celebration, as hundreds of candle-lit lanterns wind up the hill from the Arts Centre and through the village. But it has a special meaning for us and the community as well.
For many people, the coming of the new year is a time for making changes in our lives, for throwing away old bad habits, and bringing in new, better ones. Most people make New Year’s Resolutions such as – “Starting from the new year, I’ll exercise every day, I’ll eat better food, I’ll be on time every day, I’ll work harder…” The lights we carry in our Festival of Lights symbolise our hopes and intentions to start afresh in the New Year, and through our efforts, to bring light into the world.
There is so much darkness in our world – so much unnecessary suffering. In Nieu-Bethesda, one of the hardest things we face is alcoholism. Alcohol brings great suffering to our people. And in Nieu-Bethesda, as in numerous other places in the world, the excessive drinking of alcohol reaches its worst on New Year’s Eve.
We started the Festival of Lights as a way of creating an alternative way of bringing in the New Year at the Arts Centre. For the adults, the money wasted on alcohol could be so much better spent on other things, and the abuse, misery, and neglect that often result from excessive drinking can be avoided. For children of alcoholic parents, the New Year is a time of fear and misery.
In the weeks leading up to New Year we prepare. We make lanterns, and help our guests to make their own lanterns. We create a performance, and prepare an alcohol-free feast for everyone. And then without fear, singing our hearts out, we carry the lanterns as a symbol of our hopes and our joy around the village for everyone to share. This festival has become a highlight on the calendar in Nieu-Bethesda.
More information – info@bethesdatower.co.za
Annually – December
by admin | Events
The Bruintjieshoogte Marathon, first run in is one of the Eastern Cape’s most scenic and historic running events, held annually in the charming town of Somerset East. Starting and finishing at Gill Primary School, this race offers a choice of distances — a 50km ultra, 25km, 15km, and a 5km fun run — making it suitable for runners of all levels.
The route winds along the R63 toward the famous Bruintjieshoogte Pass, taking runners through rolling Karoo countryside framed by the Boschberg Mountains. The 50km ultra serves as a Comrades Marathon qualifier and is known for its challenging climbs, friendly atmosphere, and stunning views.
With well-organised support, a warm community spirit, and the chance to experience the natural beauty and hospitality of Somerset East, the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon is a must-do event on the Eastern Cape running calendar.
More information – Somerset East Athletics Club
Annually – March
by admin | Events
Every year, the charming town of Somerset East bursts into life for one of the Eastern Cape’s most beloved country events — the Somerset Oos Landbou Skou. Set beneath the rugged Boschberg Mountains, this agricultural show is a true celebration of farm life, rural pride, and Karoo hospitality.
For generations, the show has been the heartbeat of the community — a place where farmers, families, and visitors gather to celebrate all things agricultural. Expect two lively days filled with livestock competitions, vibrant exhibitions, delicious local food, and entertainment for all ages.
Stroll through the showgrounds and discover:
Top livestock displays – from prize-winning Boer goats, sheep and cattle to miniature horses and youth-led farm animals.
Agricultural and trade stalls showcasing the latest in farming innovation, equipment and local craftsmanship.
Youth competitions and creative displays, nurturing the next generation of farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Family-friendly fun with food stalls, live music, kids’ activities, and that unmistakable small-town atmosphere that makes Somerset East so special.
But the Somerset Oos Landbou Skou is more than just an event — it’s an experience. It’s about community, connection, and the proud farming heritage that defines this part of the Eastern Cape. It’s where visitors become friends, where old traditions meet new energy, and where you can feel the spirit of the Karoo in every smile, handshake, and friendly chat.
More information – Somerset Oos Landbougenootskap
Annually – September
by admin | Events
The Cradock Agricultural Show has been going for more than 150 years and is one of the Eastern Cape’s oldest and most cherished rural events, celebrating the region’s rich farming heritage and vibrant community spirit. Held annually at the Cradock showgrounds, the event brings together farmers, exhibitors, and families from across the Karoo and beyond for a weekend of agricultural displays, livestock competitions, equestrian events, and family entertainment.
Visitors can enjoy everything from prize-winning cattle, sheep, and horses to local produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Karoo food stalls. The show also features trade exhibits, farm equipment demonstrations, and a lively social atmosphere that highlights the importance of agriculture to the Cradock district.
Blending tradition with modern innovation, the Cradock Agricultural Show remains a proud showcase of country living and community pride in the heart of the Karoo.
More information – https://www.facebook.com/cradocklbskou
ANNUALLY – October
Marathon – 42.2km
Half Marathon – 21.1km
The Ten K – 10km
Trail Run – 16km
