Children’s Festival Event Schedule (3-11 October 2026)
BOEKWURM-SAFARI
Bring the little ones to this fun read-and-learn session, hosted by children’s authors and crafters. Ideal for young bookworms with short attention spans. We move between three stations, each with a fun activity: Learn how to make your own slime concoction (Engela Duvenage, Creepy! A book full of slimy, stinky and other strange creatures of Southern Africa); mess around with wool with Rita Trafford from the Originals yarn shop (Luca the Lamb and the Wild, Woolly Day); and play with animal stickers (Heléne Booyens, Safari Activity Book). We foster a love of reading while we glue, build and squish. (Suitable for children under 10. Children must be accompanied by a parent.)
3 OCT 10:00 & 11:30
60 min | Rupert-museum
R50 | [Door price TBC]
Afrikaans, English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378445-boekwurm-safari/?ref=events-list#/
KASKENADES!
With Heinrich Wentzel, Angelique Filter, Jeanne-Marié Koekemoer, Zara West, Frances van Rooyen, Caeli Aggenbach, Zoë Oosthuizen
Where do all of your missing socks go? In every cupboard in the whole wide world there is a little cupboard-creature ensuring that your cupboard stays spic-n-span and in tip top shape. Kasper, a proud cupboard-cadette valiantly joins forces with the seven-and-a-half-year-old, rollerblading Blommie to dare venture beyond her cupboard doors. Will Blommie and her brave heart defeat the greedy Monsockster and finally unmask the true monster- our insatiable thirst for more and more and MORE? Hold on to your socks and dive into the bubbling, fantastical, upside-down whirlwind through Kraakburg-kaswêreld that will entrance old and young.
Director Jeanne-Marié Koekemoer
Producer Jeanne-Marié Koekemoer, Caeli Aggenbach, Zoë Oosthuizen
Writer Jeanne-Marié Koekemoer, Caeli Aggenbach, Mikayla Klerck, Zoë Oosthuizen
Choreography Frances van Rooyen
Design Jeanne-Marié Koekemoer
Stage Management Jean Retief
Supported by the Stellenbosch University Drama Department
9 OCT 15:00 | 10 OCT 09:30 & 11:00
50 min | HMS Bloemhof-skoolsaal
R80 | R110 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378424-kaskenades/?ref=events-list#/
KATTEKWAAD EN KOEKELOER
With Mia Groenewald, Ané Lourens
It’s always playtime in the world of mischief and peeking (“kattekwaad en koekeloer”). Woeps and Waps are unlikely friends. Waps hides away in her imaginary world and Woeps is a know-it-all chatterbox. Teasing and fun develops into an endless imaginative journey full of play, sharing and exploration. With gibberish, funny gestures and dance, this movement theatre piece reminds us that whether young or not so young, there is always time for a little mischief and peeking!
Director and Choreography Estelle Olivier
Writers Mia Groenewald, Ané Lourens, Estelle Olivier
Stage Management Jana du Pisani
Supported by the Stellenbosch University Drama Department
3 OCT 09:00 | 10 OCT 14:30
30 min | Adam Small-laboratorium
R60 | R90 at the door
Afrikaans, English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378410-kattekwaad-en-koekeloer/?ref=events-list#/
KOM TOER SAAM DEUR DIE ALFABET!
With Daniëlla Van Heerden
Step into the vibrant world of ’n Leeu in ’n lugballon – Alfabetrympies vir aapsterte, a joyful read-aloud experience that takes children on a journey across South Africa. From Alex in Adelaide to Zandile in Zeerust, little listeners will meet delightful characters and discover the fun of language through rhythm and rhyme.
Journalist, parenting podcaster, and author Daniëlla van Heerden will bring her brand-new children’s book to life in an engaging, interactive session. Children and parents will not only enjoy the story, but also get to invent their own silly alphabet rhymes filled with names, places, animals, and lots of imagination!
4 OCT 10:00 & 11:30
40 min | Rupert-museum
R50 | R80 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378449-kom-toer-saam-deur-die-alfabet/?ref=events-list#/
ATKV-Tienertoneel se nasionale wenproduksie
The 62nd winner of the ATKV Youth Drama Competition takes a bow on the Woordfees stage. This is the ATKV’s oldest project. Only eight productions qualified for the final round. Join us in celebrating this year’s winner and South Africa’s next generation of talented artists.
10 Oct 10:00 | 11 Oct 14:00
60 min | Open Window Campus
R80-R120 | R110-R150 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/380009-atkv-tienertoneel-se-nasionale-wenproduksie/#/
LAPA-LEKKERLEESMINUUT
Come and join us for the LAPA Lekkerleesminuut (Fun reading minute)! Celebrities in the entertainment industry read from LAPA’s best-known and most beloved children’s books, and great book prizes can be won.
3 OCT 11:00 | 4 OCT 11:00
5 OCT 11:00 | 10 OCT 11:00
11 OCT 11:00
15 min | Die Khaya-kafee
Free
Afrikaans
More info: https://woordfees.co.za/program/lapa-lekkerleesminuut/
LIEWE HEKSIE WORD GESCAM
With Eldon van der Merwe, Mia van der Merwe
Liewe Heksie has won a prize in a talent competition. Karel Kat wants to teach her to look after her prize money wisely. But oh my, big words like finances, interest and budgets make Lavinia’s head spin. Karel starts by giving Lavinia a piggy bank, but the nasty Geelheks is always around and wants to get her hands on the money. Karel decides that a bank account with a bank card would be safer, but maybe not for Liewe Heksie. Because oh dear, Lavinia can’t always remember so well, and numbers and counting are not among her talents and leaves her at the mercy of scammers.
Director Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck
Producer Start the Conversation & Arena Produksiehuis
Writer Margit Meyer-Rodenbeck (with characters by Verna Vels)
Music Luca Human
Design Gerrit Snyman (set), Karon Botes (costumes),
Michay Winter (masks)
Stage Management Erynn Troup
Supported by Start the Conversation.
10 OCT 10:00 | 11 OCT 10:00
60 min | Drostdy-teater
R130-R170 | R160-R200 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378413-liewe-heksie-word-gescam/?ref=events-list#/
LITTLE MAESTROS: CLASSICAL CONCERTS FOR FAMILIES
With Magdalene Minnaar
Join us for another Little Maestros concert – this time to meet the wind instruments! Classical music is a brilliant developmental tool for children aged between 0 and 6 years. It boosts their brain development and concentration. This concert, specifically created for our younger listeners, offers a relaxed environment where little ears learn through Mozart, Bach and many more. These immersive recitals are tailor-made for little ones, with lots of interaction, explanation and participation – and an invitation to move to the music.
Producer Biblioteek Produksies
3 OCT 09:30 & 11:30
50 min | US Konservatorium-voorportaal
R110 | R140 at the door
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377842-little-maestros-classical-concerts-for-families/?ref=events-list#/
MIDDEL: NOORD & SUID
With Aidan Davies, Lukhona Mkunyana
This story shows how people can connect without using real words. Instead, the characters talk through gibberish and playful movements. It’s about friendship, arguments, and trying to get along, even when things get messy.
North (the Great) and South (the Grateful) meet each other for the very first time. At first, everything is wild and confusing, and they make ridiculous efforts to sabotage each other. North wants to be the boss, while South tries to impress him, but it doesn’t always work out. As they spend more time together, they learn that being different is okay. They discover how to respect each other and still stay true to themselves. Their adventures show younger audiences that people can solve problems and understand one another in fun, dynamic ways.
Director Amelda Brand
Writers Aidan Davies, Lukhona Mkunyana
Choreography Estelle Olivier
Supported by the Stellenbosch University Drama Department
4 OCT 17:00 | 8 OCT 16:00
30 min | HMS Bloemhof-skoolsaal
R60 | R90 at the door
Afrikaans, English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378427-middel-noord-suid/?ref=events-list#/
PIETER EN DIE WOLF: OP ORREL
With Winand Grundling (organist), Philip de Vos (narrator)
Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved musical fairy tale Peter and the Wolf is brought to new life in a unique pipe organ arrangement by award-winning organist Winand Grundling. The popular author and poet Philip de Vos, who adapted the text into Afrikaans, is the narrator. Each character is portrayed through the rich sound palette of the organ, allowing the story’s humour, tension and warmth to unfold in a fresh and imaginative way. A concert for young and old alike.
Producer Erns Grundling
3 OCT 11:00 | 10 OCT 10:00
50 min | Standard Bank Endler
R120-R215 | R150-R245 at the door
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/376629-pieter-en-die-wolf-op-orrel/?ref=events-list#/
SILAS EN DIE YSBEER OP TAFELBERG
Silas en die ysbeer op Tafelberg is a beautiful picture book by Zandré Coetzer and Annie Klopper, with illustrations by the renowned Studio Muti. It is based on the film of the same name, which will be released at the end of October, and is, in part, about how children understand and process great losses such as death. Come and listen to actor Beer Adriaanse, who plays the role of Brommel in the film, read from the story book, and experience Silas’ dream world for yourself.
10 OCT 09:00
30 min | RSG/ATKV-vierkant
Free
Afrikaans
STINKIE, LOS UIT!
With Sjaka S. Septembir
This is a high-energy visual comedy show. Through physical humour, absurd situations and playful interaction, Stinkie takes young audiences on a fun-filled adventure where everything goes hilariously wrong. This Fiësta-nominated clown creates a world of imagination, chaos and joy. Perfect for families and schools, it’s a show that delights kids while keeping grown-ups thoroughly entertained. Expect big laughs, surprises and a memorable experience for all.
Producer Skebenga-produksies
Director and Writer Sjaka S. Septembir
Design Isabelle Grobler
3 OCT 10:00 | 4 OCT 12:00
10 OCT 09:30
40 min | Paul Roos-teater
R100 | R130 at the door
Afrikaans, N/A
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378437-stinkie-los-uit/?ref=events-list#/
STORIE-SPEEL
With Angelique Filter, Mila Sobolewski, Devonecia Swartz, Estelle Olivier
Story Play is a joyful, imaginative theatre experience where stories are not only heard, but come alive. Young theatregoers are invited to play along, bring characters to life and help think of solutions to twists in the tales. Through laughter, imagination and interaction, everyone works together to keep the sun in the sky and ensure that the animals’ tails are handed out correctly! Perfect for young festivalgoers and anyone who loves listening to stories – and sometimes becoming part of it themselves.
Co-ordinators and Facilitators Amelda Brand, Estelle Olivier
** **A Stellenbosch University Drama Department production in collaboration with LAPA and the Suidoosterfees.
4 OCT 09:00 | 10 OCT 09:00
35 min | Adam Small-laboratorium
R60 | R90 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/380111-storie-speel/?ref=events-list#/
WONDER IN WOORDE/WORDS
With Aidan Davies, Matthew Gray, Lihle Ngcawe, Amy Olivier, Lea Steenkamp, Torden van Rensburg
Wonder in Woorde/Words is a sparkling literary adventure where myths, fairy tales, poems and stories capture the imagination. Drawing on Afrikaans and English short stories, poetry and even a drama or two, this production takes learners on an imaginative journey filled with humour and enchantment. Aimed at grade 6 to 9 learners, the production invites you to come and watch, listen and laugh together in the magical world of the written word.
Director Amelda Brand
Compiler Mareli Hattingh Pretorius
Stage Manager Adilah Angel Siboya
A Stellenbosch University Drama Department production**,** in collaboration with LAPA and the Suidoosterfees
7 OCT 13:30 | 8 OCT 13:30
50 min | HMS Bloemhof-skoolsaal
R90 | R120 at the door
Afrikaans, English, Multilingual, isiXhosa
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378429-wonder-in-woordewords/?ref=events-list#/
ZONKIE EN DIE LAASTE BOOMHUIS
With Cindy Swanepoel
Come and experience three tales that stir laughter, ignite the imagination and tug at the heart strings as fantastical characters and mastrful puppetry enchant the audience. When the City of Green turns Grey, a girl, a squirrel, an owl and a cat try to grow a single seed. In a second story, La-dee-da the hadeda tells us about a little courageous bird on it’s flight through a dangerous sky. A third story tells how Knopie Satyn the spider tries to find a safe place for her web in a human home. These stories sure to delight young festival-goers.
Producer Swan Dive Collective
Director and Writer Anèl Wood
Music Lucinda Bosch
Choreography Cindy Swanepoel
Design Imile Wepener
Stage Management Zonika van Zyl
Supported by ATKV and Ontbytsake
5 OCT 10:00 | 8 OCT 15:00
11 OCT 09:30
40 min | Paul Roos-teater
R110 | R140 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/378443-zonkie-en-die-laaste-boomhuis/?ref=events-list#/
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
With The 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 dance brings in this timeless production.
Produced by Ethne Daniels, Chante Daniels
Choreography Ethne Daniels, Chante Daniels after Marius Petipa
Composition Tchaikovsky
Design Backdrop South Africa
Supported by The Glen Stud Farm, Swellendam
9 OCT 20:00 | 10 OCT 16:00
150 min | Jan Marais-natuurreservaat
R150-R265 | R180-R295 at the door
Afrikaans| English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/377793-the-sleeping-beauty/#/
VELDDRAF MET WOORDE
Lace up your running shoes and choose the fast track – in Afrikaans. At the Velddraf you are more than just a number: participants jog or walk with a unique Afrikaans word from the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (WAT)__as their race number. Everyone is welcome – from “doekvoet” to “donderweer” and “blitsig” to “baanbreker”! You can walk, jog or stroll, and if you’re not feeling particularly fit, you can consider the 100m centenary run at any pace to celebrate 100 years of the WAT.
11 OCT
10 km Vastrap 08:00 | R200
5 km Japtrap 08:15 | R150
100 m WAT centenary run 09:15 | R50
Prize giving 09:30
Dornier Wine Estate
Made possible by EasyEquities, CN&CO
11 OCT 08:00
Dornier Wine Estate
R50-R200
Afrikaans| English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/380468-velddraf-met-woorde/?preview=t#/
TOYOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL
BOOSHLE G
Booshle G was a youth pastor in his early twenties in Kariega (Uitenhage) in the Eastern Cape before becoming an international hip-hop sensation with performances in Bristol, Munich, Zurich and Amsterdam, among others. His music is a mix of pop, indie, hip-hop and gospel. He sings about identity and self-discovery and his music conveys a message of perseverance. Even in his songs about pain, there is a strong element of hope and recovery. This spiritual dimension in his music, combined with his energetic, intense performances, delivers an uplifting experience that will stay with you for a long time. South African songbird Tatum Tides joined Booshle G earlier this year on his European tour and will perform at 18:00 in the opening programme.
9 OCT 18:00
150 min | Jan Marais-natuurreservaat
R180-R280 | R210-R310 at the door
English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/379762-booshle-g/?ref=events-list#/
JEREMY LOOPS
Jeremy Loops is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic performing artists in South Africa. In loops, this talented singer creates his own orchestra, with instruments including the harmonica, ukulele and guitar – all played by himself. With albums such as Trading Change, Critical as Water and Heard You Got Love, he has built an international following, with hundreds of thousands of fans on streaming services. Don’t miss this extraordinary musical experience!
10 OCT 18:00
150 min | Jan Marais-natuurreservaat
R210-R280 | R240-R310 at the door
English
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/379764-jeremy-loops/?ref=events-list#/
SPOEGWOLF
Stellenbosch sensation Spoegwolf took the music world by storm 15 years ago, and they continue to achieve new heights. Their songs have been streamed over 214 million times and in addition to South Africa, they have performed in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and Ireland. They were the first South African artists to top the Apple charts in 2019. Come and be swept away on by the unforgettable melodies, poetic lyrics and effervescent energy as they perform in their home town.
They will be joined by alternative rock band Van Der Aven at 18:00.
8 OCT 18:00
150 min | Jan Marais-natuurreservaat
R210-R280 | R240-R310 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/379766-spoegwolf/?ref=events-list#/
WOW-MARDI GRAS
Come and join in at the WOW Mardi Gras – a weekend-long festival from Friday to Sunday filled with music, entertainment and delicious food. Well-known local artists provide entertainment on stage, while the sounds and spirit of the festival live throughout the weekend. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with fairground rides, colourful stalls and a variety of delicious food and treats. An unforgettable weekend where friends and family come together to end the WOW Festival on a high note!
9 OCT 16:00 | 10 OCT 10:00
180 min | Idasvallei-sportterrein
R20-R50
Afrikaans
ZAAN & TASCHÉ
Zaan Sonnekus describes his work as “alternative rock with a soulful backbone”. In 2019 Tasché was the youngest and first female winner of The Voice SA. Their duet “Dood” earlier this year is a hit. Together these two artists present a performance characterised by emotional honesty, raw intensity and a melodic, modern sound. Come and experience this exciting collaboration between two top South African musicians. At 18:00 Sossi (Augusta Zietsman) will bring her “Oerkoek” energy to open the programme.
7 OCT 18:00
150 min | Jan Marais-natuurreservaat
R180-R250 | R210-R280 at the door
Afrikaans
Ticket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/379768-zaan-tasch/?ref=events-list#/
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