Clarens Arts Festival 2026

The 5th annual Clarens Arts Festival transforms the village into a vibrant hub of creativity from 24–27 April 2026. This beloved four-day celebration brings together visual arts, theatre, dance, music, poetry, and literature in Afrikaans, English, and Sotho. Highlights include sculptor Anton Smit's exhibition "Chronicles of Faith", a Highveld Ceramics showcase, and a stunning Basotho blanket exhibition on the Village Square. Live performances include a Candle Light Concert, "The Hills are Alive" on 26 April, the theatre production "Seun" on 25 April, jazz and Latin music, and a string quartet with soprano Nonzwakazi. Workshops cover sip & paint, pottery, cooking demonstrations, and creative writing. Book talks feature celebrated authors Antjie Krog, Ruda Landman, and economist Dawie Roodt. A free opening poetry session on 24 April kicks off the festivities. Children are catered for with puppet shows, museum nights, and dinosaur history tours. Nature excursions include guided Golden Gate Highlands National Park tours, the historic Surrender Hill walk, and evening stargazing sessions.