3 – 11 OCT 2026
WithThe Stellenbosch Ballet Association Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, this classical production is a ballet of contrasts: light and darkness, innocence and danger, and at heart, a story of hope, resilience and love’s triumph. The Sleeping Beautybrings together professional and young dancers of every level from schools across Stellenbosch. Come and experience the joy that […]
Presented by Penguin Random House Journalist and author Karin Brynardspeaks toPopina Khumandaabout her harrowing memoir, The Smallest Ones. Popina is a survivor of the brutal conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In her book, she recounts her capture by rebels, the horrors of child soldiering, and her epic flight to South Africa. Written with […]
2026 A stonemason, consumed by envy and a hunger for recognition, discovers a block of marble that he believes will prove his worth as a sculptor. But when the stone resists his efforts, his ambition crumbles, forcing him to confront his ego and abandon imitation. By relinquishing control, he discovers that true art – like […]
The Stonemason is a stop-motion animated short film that took nearly four years to produce. This exhibition showcases the hand-carved wooden puppets used to create the film, as well as the four sets on which it was shot. Everything is 100% handmade. Wherever possible, the artists Erentia Bedeker andLuan Pienaar used natural elements such as […]
With Nkosenathi Koelaand others The Stranger is a poetic ritual drama about love, the loss of love, the underlying connection that runs between all life forms and the transformative power of the arts. Orpheus, a foreigner, arrives in Stellenbosch playing music so enchanting that it brings harmony to all who hear it. The woman who […]
2026 With Kim Goodwin, Adriaan de la Rey The Wire and the Sky was made during a two-week artist residency in the Tankwa Karoo, an arid South African region whose ecosystem has been severely damaged by overfarming. Inspired by “The Broken String”, a contribution by ǁkabbo, a |Xam contributor to the Bleek and Lloyd Archive, […]
Presented by Dryad Press, Jacana, Granta Three poets read from their work to highlight the unexpected harmonies that can be heard in diverse voices. Sarah Uheida(Not This Tender), Paula Fourie (Inked in Bone) and Zubayr Charles(the sad boy’s starter pack and other poems) will treat the audience to a selection from their collections. Expect to […]
Presented by Protea Boekhus “Two of the greatest lessons I have ever learned in my life are to love your neighbour as yourself, and not to eat while sneezing.” This nugget of wisdom is just one of the treasures Chris Vorster unearthed from three years of interviews with Tobie Cronjé, which he has transformed into […]
STAND-UP With Wynand Kotze Tollie Parton is that overly honest friend who often makes one angry. For years she’s declared she fears nothing and no one – but is that really true? Like the legendary brave mouse, she insists she’s unafraid, yet in her latest show the mask slips. Love has crept in to soften […]
Presented by Queillerie It’s not just rock stars who can turn a show into a party. Our festival poet,Tom Dreyer,**rounds up a handful of friends for an evening of poetry and tunes.The Buckfever Undergroundprovides the percussion, and a cavalcade of our best poets do their thing alongsideDreyer: Danie Marais, Alfred Schaffer, Bibi Slippers, Alwyn Roux, […]
We continue the tradition of setting Die Langtafel (The Long Table) under the majestic oaks of Ryneveld Street, and filling the space in front of the beautiful old buildings with festive food, music and community. Chef Mynhardt Joubert’s menu is inspired by the festive theme: It’s high time we sat around the table, acknowledge each […]
The fifth annual Toyota Stellenbosch Word Festival online art auction is once again presented in collaboration with Strauss & Co, whose specialists have selected works by both emerging and established artists. The auction continues to place artistic excellence at the forefront, while emphasizing visibility and recognition of contemporary practices. The aim is to encourage both […]
