If you love getting creative, learning new skills, or simply spending a weekend surrounded by inspiring people and beautiful crafts, the Makers Festival SA should be right at the top of your list this November. It’s happening on 8 & 9 November 2025 at The Ostrich Ranch just outside Cape Town — and it’s not just a market or a craft fair. It’s a full-on celebration of making, creating, and doing.
The idea is simple: one ticket gives you access to a weekend packed with hands-on workshops, demos, talks, and markets. Whether you’re into pottery, leatherwork, tufting, or woodworking, you can try it all — no experience needed.
A Festival That’s All About Making
Instead of just watching from the sidelines, here you’re encouraged to roll up your sleeves and join in. The festival brings together artisans, makers, and creatives from all over South Africa to share their skills and passion.
Expect to find:
- Woodworking & metalworking workshops where you can learn to saw, hammer, or forge something with your own hands.
- Leatherwork, ceramics, tufting, and embroidery sessions where you’ll leave with something you actually made.
- Live demos and maker talks that show how traditional skills meet modern creativity.
Even if you’ve never touched a tool or paintbrush before, the workshops are designed to be beginner-friendly and fun.
Mini Makers for the Little Creators
Families are more than welcome here. The festival has a special Mini Makers Zone just for kids, with workshops that let them explore their creative side safely and independently.
Your kids can:
- Paint their own canvas or tie-dye a T-shirt
- Make a keychain or basket
- Try mat looming, candle making, or even build a mini lamp
Workshops are suitable for children from around 4 to 12 years old, and everything is supervised by experienced staff. Parents can join in or wander off to try their own workshops while the little ones get creative.
The Market, Demos & Panels
In between all the making, there’s a beautiful Makers Market filled with local crafts, handmade gifts, fashion, jewellery, and home décor; all handcrafted by South African makers. There are also panel discussions and live demos, from blacksmithing and 3D printing to large-scale art installations.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll find something new around every corner. It’s a blend of festival energy, family fun, and pure creativity.
Tickets & Prices
Here’s what you need to know before booking:
- Weekend Pass (Adults) – R1,500 for unlimited workshops and market access.
- Day Pass (Adults) – R800 if you only want to attend for one day.
- Spectator Pass – R200–R280 for those who just want to browse the market and enjoy the vibe.
- Mini Makers Workshops (Kids) – R250 for a day of creative fun or R400 for the weekend.
- Camping Pass – R400 per person if you’d like to stay over for the full weekend and join the Friday evening “Meet the Makers” event.
It’s worth noting that with a workshop pass, you can join as many sessions as you like throughout the day — so plan ahead to make the most of it! You can find all ticket information and booking links here: TICKETS
The Weekend Programme
- Friday, 7 November: Campers can arrive and settle in, with a relaxed evening around the fire and early access to meet other makers.
- Saturday, 8 November: Workshops start at 9AM and run throughout the day, alongside demos, talks, and market shopping.
- Sunday, 9 November: Another full day of workshops, with new sessions and closing celebrations.
You’ll find the full schedule with times and workshop themes here: EVENT SCHEDULE
Festival Details:
📅 8 & 9 November 2025
🎟️ Tickets from R200–R1,500
🌐 www.makersfestival.co.za
