Garden Town Stellenbosch returns for its fifth year with 10 days of gardens, creativity and discovery
Garden Town Stellenbosch returns from 23 October to 1 November, bringing 10 days of gardens, creativity, food, wine and outdoor experiences to the destination.
A Stellenbosch Municipality initiative hosted by Visit Stellenbosch, Garden Town invites residents and visitors to discover the town in new ways through a programme celebrating its gardens, horticultural heritage, creative community and distinctive outdoor lifestyle.
For 10 days, gardens, streets, businesses, creative spaces and outdoor venues across Stellenbosch will come alive in a destination-wide celebration of spring. Visitors can explore private gardens rarely open to the public, enjoy the colourful Grand Flower Parade on 27 October, and discover a mix of free and ticketed events: from food, wine and markets to hands-on workshops.
“Garden Town is a wonderful example of what makes Stellenbosch such a distinctive destination,” says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. “By bringing our gardens, food, wine, creative talent and local communities together, we create experiences that give people more reasons to visit, stay longer and explore beyond the familiar.
“It is also about creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from tourism. That is what successful destination management is about: connecting our assets, our people and our businesses to create value for Stellenbosch.”
Highlights of the 2026 programme:
Town Hall Garden Show, Market & Tea Garden | 23–31 October
10h00–18h00 on weekdays, 10h00–15h00 on weekends and 10h00–13h00 on 31 October
Stellenbosch Town Hall will be transformed into a botanically inspired garden show and market, curated and co-hosted by Cobus Smit and local creative collective Skeppend, with more than 70 vendors. Visitors can discover locally made products, botanical décor and creative work, and meet the makers behind them. Lounah Cup will run the coffee cart and Tea Garden, serving morning coffee, a glass of bubbly and a light lunch between browsing the stalls.
The Grand Flower Parade | 27 October 2026
A celebration of spring, floral creativity, music and community spirit in the streets of Stellenbosch. Join us at Die Braak in Stellenbosch Central from 17h00. The parade sets off at 17h45 and winds its way through town to the Town Hall. Entry is free, and so is taking part.
The Stellenbosch Street Soirée | 28 October 2026
Stellenbosch’s oak-lined streets come to life as the Street Soirée season opens with an outdoor celebration of local food, wine and creativity. Join us on Drostdy Street on 28 October, from 18h00 to 20h00. Tickets are R280 per person, available on Plankton.
Private and Public Gardens Access
Step behind the gates of more than 14 private home gardens rarely open to the public, and wander through more than 12 public gardens throughout the festival. From Tokara and the Gouws Sculpture Garden to Slee’s Meadow Garden, Spier and Babylonstoren, each offers a different perspective on the destination and its longstanding connection with horticulture and outdoor living.
This year, Garden Town Stellenbosch is also giving back: Profits from entry fees to participating private gardens will be donated to the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch.
Workshops, Talks & Tours
A programme of more than 40 workshops, talks and displays will explore gardening, biodiversity and more sustainable ways of living, creating opportunities to learn about and connect with nature. The programme includes the new Dorpplaas venue, with multiple workshops co-curated by Hanlé Hill and Tamma Louw. Visitors can also explore Kayamandi’s community vegetable garden, attend an art class or food demonstration, or join a guided walking tour with Wilton Sikhosana, head of Nursery and Horticulture at Spier.
“Garden Town Stellenbosch is a strong showcase of what our community can achieve when residents, businesses and creative partners come together,” says Jeremy Fasser, Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch. “Municipality-led events like this unite our community and create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. We are proud to support a celebration shaped by local participation and invite residents and visitors to join us.”
With a dedicated programme running across the full festival period, attendees are encouraged to plan an extended stay and explore at their own pace.
“Whether you are passionate about horticulture or simply want to spend time somewhere beautiful, Garden Town gives you another reason to come to Stellenbosch and experience more of what our destination has to offer,” Liebenberg concludes.
