The gateway to the Eastern Cape region, the “Friendly City” of Port Elizabeth is a charming destination for holidaymakers looking for a fine countryside with vineyards as well as peace and quiet. Located on the south-eastern coast around 763 km east of Cape Town, this superb place offers a wide selection of natural attractions like scenic nature trails, historic monuments, magnificent wildlife, endless watersports, as well as many cultural experiences to keep its visitors engaged. And if that ain’t all, travelers can always be a part of the amazing festivals in Port Elizabeth that draw in people from near and far. And when no festivals are in sight, you can always engage in the myriad things to do at this amazing watersport capital of South Africa where you’d love to go windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving, and shipwreck diving with your folks!
Best Time To Visit Port Elizabeth
You can visit Port Elizabeth at any time of the year The weather is great year-round! The temperature in Port Elizabeth during the summer season (November to March) range from 16°C to 27°C, while in the winter season (May to August) it varies from 8°C to 23°C. The 40 km long breathtaking coastline of Algoa Bay boasts of the perfect beaches that are a combination of warm water and cool sands, and the year-round wonderful climate of this town makes them all the more fun to visit.
In fact, Port Elizabeth has been rated as having the fourth best weather of any coastal city in the world! Owing to this blissful weather, Port Elizabeth also supports the growth and flourishment of the most diverse variety of vegetation types in South Africa. Five out of the seven terrestrial biogeographic areas of South Africa are present in the Eastern Cape.
4 Fun-Tastic Festivals In Port Elizabeth
With its enviable vineyards and gorgeous weather, there’s no reason to not visit this beautiful city and attend these events and festivals in Port Elizabeth 2019.
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1. The Herald Cycle Tour
The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is a warm and friendly adventure initiative by Port Elizabeth that lets professional and amateur cyclists to showcase their skills and test their strengths every February. You’ll be able to spot cyclists on this particular day whizzing past you in a blur over the long smooth routes in and around Nelson Mandela Bay up till the wild trials of Addo. This 106 km long classic event starts and ends at the Hobie Beach that is widely popular for its scenic coastal route around the city. But that’s not all.
There are various small cycling events supporting the mega one, all happening at the same time. One can take part in the shorter 55km Pursuit, the 21km Leisure Ride, the 10km Sprint, 2km Kiddies Ride, or even the 500m Toddlers’ Dash based on their age and level of proficiency. If you’re looking for something more adventurous like mountain biking, you can be a part of the 80km Extreme and 60km Adventure races streamlined to offer a better off-road experience. The proceeds from this mega event are later donated to the Reach for a Dream children’s charity.
When: Dates for 2020 have not been announced yet
Where: Parkrun Hobie Beach, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Website | Facebook Page
Must Read: 7 Museums In Port Elizabeth: An Insight Into The South African Art And History
2. Northern Arts Festival
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival takes place each year in the town of Port Elizabeth in the month of July. It is possibly the biggest annual event in the Eastern Cape region and attended by a wide audience ranging from culture buffs, college students, families with kids, couples, and of course, art enthusiasts from all over South Africa. People flock to this event in large numbers to enjoy a multitude of fun activities like drama, dance, opera and cabaret, fine art, crafts, jazz, and poetry.
This is amongst the liveliest festivals in Port Elizabeth 2019 that transform the otherwise quiet and peaceful city of Port Elizabeth into a riot and frenzy of colors, music, and laughter. The streets are transformed into living theaters that offer everything all-night dance parties, medieval banquets, to joyous carnivals that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and just never seem to end.
When: 27th June – 7th July 2019
Where: Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Website | Facebook Page
Suggested Read: 10 Restaurants In Port Elizabeth For The Best Wine And Fine Dine Experience
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3. FNB Eastern Cape Wine Show
Hosted in the plush, air-conditioned, and well-carpeted Tsitsikamma Rooms of the Boardwalk Convention Centre every year without fail, the Eastern Cape Wine Show is a grand evening celebrating the wine culture and the skilled winemakers of this region. If you’re an absolute lover of wine, we suggest you visit Port Elizabeth in the month of November in 2019 to be a part of this mega celebration and taste the finest wine grown and brewed in this area. Coming to this frolic and luxurious wine tasting event is perhaps the best way to please your date who loves wine!
Here you will get a chance to connect with winemakers from around the country and learn the nuances behind the delightful process of wine-making, other than tasting over 250 of South Africa’s best wines at one of the finest festivals in Port Elizabeth. Other than tasting, wine is also available here for sampling and purchase, where you can order on the night of the event and enjoy the benefits of special discounts and home delivery!
When: 29th & 30th November 2019
Where: Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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Suggested Read: Experience Nightlife In Port Elizabeth In These 12 Relishable Places
4. Ebubeleni Main Music Festival
Music lovers from around the country eagerly wait for this 3-day mega music fiesta every year. Every edition of the much awaited Ebubeleni Music Festival lights up the friendly city of Port Elizabeth! Held at the five-tier state of the art Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, this flagship award-winning cultural festival is among the only music festivals in Port Elizabeth, which makes it all the more frivolous for the attendees. The event is often called a “picnic style festival” since even families and kids can attend it without any hassle. People bring in picnic baskets, cooler boxes, and camp chairs to enjoy the performances of their favorite artists with ease and comfort.
Becoming bigger, better, and more popular with each passing year, the festival has now gained the status of a national event. What’s more, this fiesta contributes immensely to the economy of the city, helping create temporary jobs, providing a platform for local budding artists to showcase their talent, and entertaining the people and visitors of Port Elizabeth. Other than local talent, the event features famous and award-winning artists like Mafikizolo, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Amanda Black, AKA, Jaziel Brothers; Samthing Soweto of Akanamali, Lady Zamar, Sjava, and many more.
When: 27th – 29th December 2019
Where: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, 70 Prince Alfred Rd, North End, Port Elizabeth, 6001, South Africa
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Further Read: 10 Riveting Things To Do In Port Elizabeth, A Treasure Trove Of Delight!
So, why are you still sitting around on that couch? Get right down to planning your vacation in South Africa and visit this beautiful town to attend any or all of these frolic and fun festivals in Port Elizabeth 2019. Once you’re back, don’t forget to write to us about your exceptional trip experience!
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
