Plett – a destination for all seasons
The summer season arrives in Plett like the “pop” of a cork from a bottle of bubbly: one minute everything is laid back, and the next, it’s all sunshine, al-fresco music concerts, polo and beautiful beach days. Hang on, though, Plettenberg Bay is so much more than summer: it’s a destination to be enjoyed year-round due to fantastic weather, incredible natural attractions and activities, and enticing events and festivals that will keep you coming back for more…
EPIC EASTER CALENDAR
March – May 2025
This Easter season in Plettenberg Bay is poised to be exceptionally busy and Plett Tourism is delighted to announce the return of two cherished events, the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival and Buco Adventure Weekend. Furthermore, the holiday season will host the Western Cape Adult & Youth Showjumping Champs, the RC Gliding National Championships, Konco Sports Tournament, Plett Surf Lifesaving Carnival, the SA Polo Open, and a thrilling international polo match between South Africa and Argentina. Additional showjumping and polo events are scheduled, along with a variety of music performances at popular venues. The atmosphere in Plett is summery, with a more relaxed seaside vibe.
THE PLETT POLO SEASON
December 2024 – April 2025
What would summer be without the glamour and action of the Plett Polo Season? The polo crowd spend their summers in Plett playing a variety of tournaments the highlight of which is the thrilling, fast-paced match on 29 December 2024. The day is centred around the feature match however there are also various add-ons and activations to ensure that the day is a memorable one! Visitors are encouraged to either book their pavilion seats at Kurland or select a picnic spot on the grass to enjoy the action. The Plett Polo Season runs from December – April. Please check www.plettpolo.co.za for the full schedule.
If you’re horse enthusiast, you may want to check out the showjumping schedule at the Robberg Equestrian Park, too.
PLETT OCEAN FESTIVAL
4 – 13 July 2025
Ocean enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The eagerly anticipated fourth Plett Ocean Festival is scheduled to take place from 4 – 13 July 2025 and will include family-friendly, ocean-themed activities, a community coming together to celebrate our marine resources, and the popular Marine Science Symposium.
The festival serves as a vibrant celebration of Plett’s most cherished treasures: our ocean, marine life, and beaches while fostering crucial discussions on marine conservation. Notably, the Plett Ocean Festival aims to engage a diverse audience: families, nature lovers, conservationists, students, and more. You’re invited to “come curious…”. As a destination for marine conservation, Plettenberg Bay is perfectly positioned with six international Blue Flag beaches, two Blue Flag boats, Mission Blue Hope Spot and Whale Heritage Area recognition in the beautiful surrounds of two marine protected areas and the Garden Route National Park.
PLETT ARTS FESTIVAL
3 – 12 October 2025
Connect in Plett at the annual Plett Arts Festival. The festival opens with the Twilight Meander on Main Street: an unforgettable evening of exhibitions, musicians playing on street corners, delicious dining and our legendary Plett hospitality and community. The festival features music concerts, performances, workshops, talks and exhibitions on a full programme of ten days of fun and entertainment against the backdrop of the Tsitsikamma mountains and Plett’s sea-, forest- and fynbos-scapes. Plett Land Art is a unique feature of Plett Arts, bringing the opportunity to view ephemeral and thought-provoking works in natural environments on the Plett Land Art Route. The full programme will be finalised by mid-2025 but mark your calendars for a spring visit to Plett to immerse yourself in the wonders of art and nature.
OTTER AFRICAN TRAIL RUN
1 – 4 October 2025
Known as the Grail of Trails, the Otter TERREX Trail presented by EasyEquities takes place annually between Storms River and Nature’s Valley. Each year, the trail reverses and is run in the opposite direction. Famous for traversing some of the most exquisite and untouched coastline of South Africa, the 42km route features rugged Indian Ocean coastline trails, indigenous forests, river crossings, spectacular scenery and 7,000 steps on average. It’s a challenge that many trail runners will travel from far and wide to experience.
DR EVIL MTB EXPERIENCE
11 – 13 December 2025
Famous for being one of South Africa’s most enjoyable MTB stage races, the Dr Evil MTB Experience is aimed at everyday riders as well as hardcore cyclists. Dr Evil himself, Leon Evans, has created routes that are interesting, scenic and will certainly test those who set out with the intention of racing the event. For those aiming to meander the route will be treated to the exquisite and varied trails of Plettenberg Bay on each of the three days. Each stage of the three-day event promises a unique view of Plettenberg Bay & surrounds.
WHALE SEASON
June – November 2025
The coastline of Plettenberg Bay is well known for its terrestrial and marine diversity. The bay supports a vast ecosystem of ocean wildlife including iconic transient species like humpback whales and Southern right whales. Resident species include Bryde’s whales, killer whales (orcas), endangered humpback dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.
Those wishing to enjoy the aquatic wonderland of whale season in Plett should consider visiting between June and November as the Southern Right and Humpback Whales make their annual migration along our coastline. The whales can be enjoyed on a marine safari, from various lookouts around town, and even from our beaches and restaurants on occasion. Coinciding with the Plett Ocean Festival, this is a truly wondrous time to visit.
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