Events & Festivals Along Route 56
Experience the rhythm, culture, and spirit of the 765km corridor – from Pietermaritzburg through the Eastern Cape highlands to Middelburg, celebrating Griqua, amaBhaca, amaHlubi, Basotho and Xhosa heritage.
Upcoming Events
Route 56 Heritage Festival
September • Annual • Multiple Towns
A celebration of diverse cultures across the Route 56 corridor featuring Griqua, amaBhaca, amaHlubi, Basotho and Xhosa traditions with music, dance, storytelling, livestock parades, food stalls, craft markets, and guided cultural walks in Kokstad, Matatiele, Maclear and other towns.
- Multi-cultural performances across the corridor
- Traditional cuisine from different communities
- Griqua heritage showcases in Kokstad
- Craft & heritage market
- Heritage storytelling sessions
Eastern Highlands Birding Festival
April • Annual • Cedarville & Route 56 Wetlands
A bird lover's dream event spanning the wetlands and grasslands along Route 56, with guided walks, bird photography workshops, sunrise birding sessions, and expert rangers on site.
- Expert bird guides from multiple sites
- Photography coaching & workshops
- Wetland boat rides (seasonal)
- Multi-location birding routes
- Beginner & pro-friendly
Route 56 Mountain Adventure Weekend
November • Seasonal • Maloti–Drakensberg Region
For adventure enthusiasts along the Route 56 mountain corridor — hiking challenges, mountain runs, rock climbing, cultural stalls, and guided treks through the Maloti and Drakensberg foothills near Matatiele and Barkly East.
- Multi-stage trail running routes
- Technical & family-friendly hikes
- Rock climbing demonstrations
- Outdoor fitness stations
- Cultural stalls & regional food
Griqua Heritage Days - Kokstad
August • Annual • Kokstad (East Griqualand)
Celebrate the unique heritage of the Griqua people in their historical heartland of East Griqualand, featuring traditional music, storytelling, historical reenactments, craft exhibitions, and community gatherings honoring Griqua culture and history.
- Griqua cultural performances
- Historical tours of Kokstad
- Traditional Griqua cuisine
- Heritage craft demonstrations
- Educational workshops on Griqua history
Route 56 Agri & Craft Expo
June • Annual • Rotating Towns
A vibrant showcase of regional agriculture, crafts, handmade goods, food, and livestock from towns along Route 56 — Kokstad, Matatiele, Maclear, Barkly East, and surrounding farming communities.
- Regional craft market with diverse artisans
- Local food from Route 56 communities
- Livestock & farming exhibitions
- Farm tours (add-on)
- Live cooking demonstrations
Route 56 Cross-Border Cultural Festival
October • Annual • Border Towns & Lesotho
A unique celebration of shared Basotho heritage between South Africa and Lesotho, featuring cross-border music, dance, food, and cultural exchange along the mountain kingdom frontier near Matatiele and Qacha's Nek.
- Basotho & South African performances
- Cross-border craft market
- Traditional foods from both sides
- Border town tours
- Cultural exchange workshops
Event Packages
What's Included in Route 56 Event Packages?
- Transport to/from event grounds along Route 56
- Fast-track entry (where applicable)
- Guided event experience
- Multi-town event passes (for festivals at multiple locations)
- Add-on tours to nearby attractions
- Group bookings available
Custom packages are available for schools, corporate groups, content creators, tour operators, and international visitors exploring the 765km Route 56 corridor from Pietermaritzburg to Middelburg.
Request a Custom Package