Looking for things to do? Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or simply want to make the most of a sunny afternoon, Stellenbosch offers far more than just world-class wine. From mountain hikes and art-filled strolls to farm experiences, markets and unforgettable dining spots, here’s our curated guide to what’s worth your time right now.
Top Events & Things to Do in Stellenbosch
The final Routes of Sound weekend at Spier to feature another stellar lineup including Reza Khota and Lungiswa Plaatjies takes place on 21 and 22 August at Spier Wine Farm. BOO! will perform at Balboa Balcony Bar on 29 August.
The 2026 Endler Concert Series continues to charm with a programme of chamber music, choral concerts, orchestral performances, jazz, music competitions and visiting artists at the Endler Hall and Fismer Hall, Stellenbosch University Konservatorium.
Delheim’s Live Music & Cheese Fondue Evenings return to warm up Sundays with a hot line-up of food, wine and music featuring Adolf Thelen on 16 and 30 August, The Schalk Joubert Trio on 23 August.
Enjoy weekend feasts at the Blaauwklippen Family Market on Saturdays and Sundays and Jordan Restaurant hosts a Winemaker’s Dinner with Chef Marthinus Ferreira and Anthony Hamilton Russell.
Babylonstoren hosts workshops on composting, gardening, mushrooms, nuts and so much more – click here to be inspired.
Oude Werf Hotel’s Sip the Season returns on Saturday, 5 September, bringing together some local MCC producers for an afternoon of tastings, light bites and live jazz. Click here for more.
Trail Running & MTB
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just an excuse to be outside before the coffee kicks in, here’s what’s happening on the trails this month.
Into the Valley Trail Run @ Muratie 2026 Sunday 23 August 2026 at the Muratie Wine Estate / Dirtopia trails, Stellenbosch. Entry from R75.
The TEVA X TITAN Obstacle Course Run on Saturday 29 August 2026 at The Purple Windmill in Klapmuts blends trail running with obstacles over 5-10km distances.
The TITAN Trail Run on Saturday 12 September 2026 at Devonbosch hosts runs over 5 and 10 km distances.
TrailFun hosts the Holiday Series on Heritage Day Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Simonsig Wine Estate over various distances.
The GRATITUDE Run 2026 on Thursday 24 September 2026 features runs ranging from short to 10km and 20km formats.
The Blouklip Trail Run hosts 8, 15 and 25km trail runs on Saturday 26 September 2026 at the Waterford Wine Estate, Stellenbosch.
The Otto1890 Weekend Warrior hosts two epic days of mountain biking at the Lourensford Estate. on 17-18 October 2026.
The Jordan Run & Ride for Renosterveld hosts a 34km MTB and 6km fun run on 25 October 2026 in suppport of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy trails.
The FNB Wines2Whales wraps up at the Lourensford Wine Estate on 15 November 2026.
Regain your serenity at the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, ideal for reflective mornings or just a coffee in the lovely surrounds. Look out for the Market in the Garden on Saturdays, 09:00–15:00.
The Stellenbosch University Museum hosts a trove of more than 6,000 items ranging from art, cultural, historical, and scientific objects from across the continent. Look out for the Maggie Laubser at 140 exhibition featuring the largest collection of the centenarian artists’ works along with weekly Wednesday Museum Walkabouts between 13:00 and 14:00, exploring the various collections, at 52 Ryneveld Street.
The Bliss Family Festival bringing together live music, globally inspired food and outdoor experiences in one full-day family event featuring a food market, picnic-style spaces, creative activities and immersive outdoor play, with experiences suited to children of all ages. Artists includes Jeremy Loops, Arno Carstens and Raaf and takes place at La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on Saturday, 31 October 2026, Bliss is designed to capture the atmosphere of a summer music festival in an easy, family-friendly format. Click here for more information.
Taste Stellenbosch
From 1 August to 20 September 2026, Stellenbosch once again invites food and wine lovers to savour the very best of the region as Taste Stellenbosch returns with six weeks of exclusive dining experiences and seasonal menus.
Woordfees 2026
Die 2026 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees-program is 11 Junie by Asara-wynlandgoed in die Eikestad bekend gestel tydens ’n voorskougeleentheid. Vanjaar se feestema is “Dis hoog tyd”, en met 444 uiteenlopende programitems in 11 afdelings is daar ’n rede vir almal om 3-11 Oktober Stellenbosch toe te kom.
Public Art
Stellenbosch’s streets and public spaces come alive with Dreamscapes, an outdoor art exhibition curated by Dr Mike Mavura and featuring over 250 masterpieces. Wander through town to explore sculptures that transform sidewalks and building walls into playful encounters, each piece offering new perspectives in colour, shape, and story.
Stellenbosch Wine Tasting & Wine Bars
The Stellenbosch Wine Routes (there’s five) offers great immersive experience across a range of wines and terroirs. Tastings unfold at an unhurried pace and often include vintage cuvées and cellar insights rather than party pop. Also look out for the lovely wine bars in town.
Touring Art Galleries in Stellenbosch
Explore GUS , SMAC, the Rupert Museum or smaller independent galleries in town, then follow it up with a coffee on Church Street while the town hums softly around you.
Hiking Trails and Nature Walks
Beat the heat with a sunrise walk in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, a gentle ramble through the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden and the lovely Stellenbosch Art Mile when the air is cool and the mountain light is at its best.
Stellenbosch Attractions: Markets & Family Outings
The Blaauwklippen Market on Saturday and Sundays is a pet-friendly, relaxed market atmosphere with wine and food stalls. Click here for more.
The lovely Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden hosts a Market in the Garden every Saturday 9:00–15:00 and Yoga in the Garden 8:00–9:00 ( book with razelle@sun.ac.za). Take a guided tour or visit the Botanical Café and enjoy a bite in the courtyard, on the patio overlooking the fern house or inside a historical building.
Movies Under the Stars
The Galileo Open Air Cinema invites you to enjoy a magical outdoor movie experience underneath a canopy of stars throughout the year!
Click here for more information and movie line-ups.
First Thursdays
The popular First Thursdays initiative has expanded to Stellenbosch. Events are concentrated around Church Street, and include over 15 participating art spaces, design stores, and wine bars within a few blocks. Participating art spaces include Oude Leeskamer, SMAC Gallery, GUS, Art by Mies, Vincent Da Silva Gallery, Art on Church Gallery, and Art & Wine Lounge.
Design stores to visit include the likes of SAD, Made In Africa, Me&B, Stellenbosch Books and Courage, and participating bars and restaurants include Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar, Wijnhuis, and De Warenmarkt.
Click here for more.
Visit a Pet-Friendly Wine Farm
For wine lovers who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind, Stellenbosch boasts a range of dog-friendly wine farms. Here, you and your canine companion can enjoy stunning scenery, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality together.
See our lineup of pet-friendly wine farms here.
Walk the Stellenbosch Art Mile
Nestled along the Eerste River, the Stellenbosch Art Mile is an outdoor gallery like no other, offering a dynamic collection of interactive art installations and sensory experiences that evolve over time.
Walk the Stellenbosch Art Mile from the Eerste Kafee’s starting point.
Hiking and Mountain Biking around Stellenbosch
The Jonkershoek Mountains, just outside town, offer beautiful vistas, birding, picnicking, rewarding walks and cycling trails. Here are five of the best hiking trails to explore in Stellenbosch’s mountains. The Stellenbosch Hiking Club offers an exciting schedule of hikes throughout the region. Mountain bikers are reminded to invest in a Wine Lands Regional Permit that allows year-round access to 1,300km of first-rate mountain trails in and around Stellenbosch.
Local Wine Bars
Stellenbosch’s wine bars are the new vibe in the historic town centre. We share our favourite spots for enjoying local wines, taking in the unique atmosphere and excellent fare of each bar en route.
Family-Friendly Activities
While our region is famous for its picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries, several family-friendly farms offer unique experiences for families, so parents can enjoy the lovely setting while their children enjoy a variety of activities.
Food & Wine
South Africa’s second oldest town is slowly surpassing its wine reputation to become a fully fledged gastronomic destination. If the promise of five wine routes, consisting of more than a hundred wineries, is not enough, a range of top-tier restaurants, wine bars, eateries, markets and food experiences are making this region that go-to destination for epicureans around the globe.
Explore our full directory of Stellenbosch Restaurants & Wine Farms
Outdoor Activities
Stellenbosch is a fantastic destination for those who love getting out in the open air, engaging in physical activity and appreciating the charms of Mother Nature, thanks to a combination of its natural geography and year-round clement weather. Enjoy outdoor pursuits in and around Stellenbosch; think hiking, cycling, running or golf. Read more.
Discover more Stellenbosch Outdoor Activities & Trails
Essential Places to Visit in Stellenbosch
From Oom Samie se Winkel to the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. We offer our list of what to do in Stellenbosch for the time-smart traveller. Discover fine art, natural wonders, performing arts spaces and so much more.
Appreciate Art
Stellenbosch boasts a high concentration of art museums and private galleries scattered across town, extending to wine estates and private gardens. You’ll find fine art in public and private spaces, along with blockbuster exhibitions like the Stellenbosch Triennale featuring contemporary art from Africa.
Browse our complete guide to Stellenbosch Art Galleries & Scene
Stay Over
Make the most of your visit to Stellenbosch by staying over. With a range of fine hospitality establishments, there’s something for everyone. Here is our list of some of the hidden gems that justify a visit all by themselves.
View recommended Stellenbosch Travel Guides & Accommodation
Want to be part of our THINGS TO DO line-up? Send an email to digital@stellenboschvisio.co.za.