Get ready for a cherry-filled celebration,  the Ceres Cherry Festival returns on Saturday 5 December 2026 for an afternoon and evening of fresh cherries, food, music, sport and family fun.

The festival celebrates cherry season and the growers, farmworkers, entrepreneurs and local community who make it possible.

“The Ceres Cherry Festival is about far more than cherries. It is about the people behind the harvest, families spending time together and a community creating something special,” says Runei Kotze, Ceres Cherry Festival coordinator.

From orchard to festival

Ceres is South Africa’s leading cherry-producing region. Cold winters, warm summers, fertile soil and clean mountain water create ideal growing conditions.

Surrounded by orchards, visitors can discover the story behind the fruit. The festival brings together fresh cherries, local produce, food, art, music, sport and entertainment.

Cherries with a creative twist

Food vendors are challenged to use cherries to transform familiar dishes into something new. Visitors can look forward to unexpected combinations, from sweet to savoury.

Festival programme

The festival begins at 16:00 with food, music, entertainment and family fun:

• 16:00 – Cherry-inspired food market and bar open

• 16:00–20:00 – Kersie-Jol children’s area

• 16:00–22:00 – Music and entertainment

• 18:00 – Riaan Benade

• 20:30 – Bok van Blerk

Kersie-Jol: fun for younger festivalgoers

From 16:00 to 20:00, younger festivalgoers will have their own play area featuring:

Slime and messy play, carnival entertainment, tractor rides, jumping castles, a mini obstacle course, face painting, hair braiding, balloon art, a colouring station and treats.

Make a weekend of it

Make a weekend of the festival and discover other cherry-season experiences, including the Kersie Kreatief art exhibition, Kersie Langtafel, Leon Kluge field day, cherry-farm visits and picking, as well as HYROX, padel, golf, bowls, triathlon and tennis.

Venue: Victoria Park, Ceres Sportgronde, Phillip Straat

Tickets: Adults: R250 / Kids 6 – 18: R150 / 5 and under free

Parking/accessibility: Parking available next to festival grounds

More information: www.cereskersiefees.co.za

Ceres Cherry Festival – where the cherry season comes to life.