Plett ARTS Festival 2025: Art, Music & Nature Connect in Plett
Connect in Plett
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa – This year’s festival from 3 to 12 October was an immersive celebration – a wave of creative energy that burst on the scene as we said cheers to winter!
Every day buzzed with artists showcasing their work, and visitors keen to get their daily dose of workshops, exhibitions, demos, Land Art and chilled moments in the forest. Entertained as the sun set by singers, dancers and bands who brought the after-dark vibe. This unique lifestyle and cultural coming together on Plett’s annual calendar already have artists and visitors booking their spots for next year’s festival, taking place from 25 September to 4 October 2026.
A huge shout out to the creative community in Plett and surrounds who proudly showcased their diverse talents and passions that reflected their unique stories and perspectives that not only entertained, but inspired us. Every day was a fresh experience, with the Twilight Meander opening event setting the tone as bunches of happy humans popped into galleries, cheered on dancers, and raised a glass of bubbles, excitedly popping a sold sticker onto an art piece. While kids trailed behind Wafi the puppet dog, pied-pip’ering down Main Street.
Land Art installations using the beach as a canvas captured imaginations with groups of festival goers spotted moving like tiny ants across Lookout Beach and through cow pastures at Cairnbrogie, unintentionally making their own art mark. So too, many notable exhibitions and demos were held, from Beezy Bailey and Stuart Dods ‘Perspectives’ at Barringtons to the Bronze Fields Foundry pouring demonstration with sculptor Robert Leggat, followed by a concert in the forest with vocal legend Wendy Oldfield. Elegantly wrapping up this epic 10-days, with a sunset jazz concert at The Palms, the perfect way to ease into summer.
“This year’s festival was a real success that transformed our area into a living canvas,” said Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism. “Visitors could experience Land Art, from captivating beachfront installations to intimate forest performances, all reflecting the festival’s ‘Connect in Plett’ theme. The event not only boosted local tourism during the winter/spring season but also created valuable opportunities for collaboration, exposure, and income among local artists and creative entrepreneurs. We’ve been left with a lasting impact on the town’s creative spirit and strengthened our cultural identity on the Garden Route. Thank you to our sponsors, Wesgro and Bitou Municipality, the performers and artists and most especially to the people of Plett and visitors who come specifically for this event every year.”
