Foodies are spoilt for choice in the month of July with a variety of food festivals and shows across South Africa. According to Wikipedia a food festival is a celebration, usually held annually, that has food as its central theme. Some food festivals are focused on a particular item of food, such as the Knysna Oyster Festival or the Winelands Chocolate Festival, whereas other festivals showcase a combination of food items as well as culinary equipment, etc. such as the Good Food & Wine Show.
Below are details of a few of the best ones in date order.
Knysna Oyster Festival (Western Cape)
One of South Africa’s most popular festivals with huge appeal for foodies and sports lovers alike.
Dates: Friday 3 July – Sunday 12 July 2015
Address: Knysna, Garden Route
www.oysterfestival.co.za
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Franschhoek Bastille Festival (Western Cape)
The Franschhoek Bastille Festival is an annual festival celebrating the town’s French Huguenot heritage. The event programme includes a trail run, a boules tournament, a barrel rolling competition, a farmer’s market and an array of performers.
Dates: 11 & 12 July 2015
Times: 12h00 to 17h00
Address: Franschhoek Huguenot Monument grounds
Tickets to: Franschhoek Bastille Festival Food & Wine Hall cost R120 per person per day which includes a complimentary tasting glass, a booklet of tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be used on the day.
Tickets to: Franschhoek Bastille Festival Food & Wine Marquee cost R200 per person, which includes a complimentary tasting glass, a booklet of tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be used on the day.
Entrance to the Franschhoek Bastille Festival Market is free. Stock up on the finest artisanal produce from in and around the winelands, ranging from homemade chocolates, olives, honey, cheese, artisanal breads, Franschhoek olive oil and so much more.
www.franschhoekbastille.co.za
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Coffee & Chocolate Expo (Gauteng)
If you regard yourself as a coffee connoisseur and/or a chocoholic, this is the event for you!
Dates: Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 July
Times: Th: 16h30-21h00; Fr: 09h30-21h00; Sat: 09h30-21h00; Sun: 09h30-18h00
Address: Montecasino, Fourways
Tickets: Adult: R80; Kids 10 – 18 years: R80; Children under 10: free
www.coffeechoc.co.za
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Good Food & Wine Show (Gauteng)
One of the top foodie events of the year and should not be missed!
Dates: Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July 2015
Times: Thurs – Sat 10H00-20H00; Sun 10H00-18H00
Address: Ticketpro Dome, Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding
Tickets: Adult: R130, Kids 13 – 18 years: R110; Kids 7 – 12 years: R50
www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
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Winelands Chocolate Festival (Western Cape)
A culinary celebration of the best in the South African Chocolate Industry.
Dates: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July 2015
Times: Sat: 9h00 – 19h30; Sun 9h00 – 18h00
Address: Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Avenue, Somerset West
Tickets: Adults: R120; Students: R100; Family of 4: R340
www.winelandschocolatefestival.co.za
See my post Great Foodie Gifts for details of Di Burger’s book Chocolate’s African Odyssey.