Buskers, beer and zombies: The best SA festivals this weekend

The last weekend of October is packed with plenty of festivals, and South Africans are ready to bid goodbye to the spooky season in style.

If you’re looking to have fun solo or with your family and friends, there’s no shortage of entertaining events to choose from!

Here’s our pick of the best festivals happening this weekend across Mzansi:

1. V&A WATERFRONT BUSKER FESTIVAL – CAPE TOWN

The V&A Waterfront is set to become entertainment central from 30 October to 1 November 2026, from 12:00 to 19:30.

Forty local and international buskers – from musicians and dancers to magicians and face-painting – will showcase their talents across 11 locations at the iconic waterfront, including the Amphitheatre. It’s a guaranteed good time, and it will certainly keep the kids entertained and full of wonder.

Entrance is completely free, and you’re strongly encouraged to show your appreciation to buskers by leaving a gratuity in their designated tip boxes.

2. ZOMBIE WALK – CAPE TOWN

A spook-tacular staple on Cape Town’s social calendar, Zombie Walk makes its grand return to Cape Town on 31 October 2026, from 17:00 to 18:00.

As per tradition, you and the rest of the horror-loving horde will limp your way from Government Avenue, through the CBD and finish at Albertus Street.

To book your place in the Zombie Walk, you can register for free at www.zombiewalk.co.za. Tickets for the afterparty (18+ only!) start from R100 and are available to purchase from www.quicket.co.za.

3. JOHANNESBURG PRIDE 2026 – JOHANNESBURG

Celebrate South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community by joining Johannesburg Pride 2026 on 31 October 2026, from 12:00 until midnight.

This year’s theme is “Proudly African, Authentically You”, so you, your family and friends are highly encouraged to show up and show out as your authentic selves and lift each other up. There’ll be plenty of live entertainment, food vendors and market stalls – in other words, there’s something for everyone!

Plus, there’s the Pride march, which starts at 14:00. You will walk from Sandton City on 5th Street and finish at Pride Village, Katherine Street. Admission is free, though you must register at www.howler.co.za. VIP tickets are also up for grabs for R250.

4. OKTOBERFEST 2026 – GQEBERHA

Experience a taste of Germany as Oktoberfest 2026 descends on Gqeberha on 31 October, from 17:00 until midnight.

At the German Club, expect beer upon beer when you order from the 50-metre bar, bust out your best moves on the dancefloor to the tunes of a live oompah band and indulge in German cuisine from the food court.

Tickets cost R200 each and can be purchased at www.quicket.co.za. Note that under-18s are not allowed, and you need to have your ID on hand.

WHICH FESTIVAL WILL YOU BE ATTENDING?

If you’re looking to end October on a high note, then these festivals are certainly the place to be!

Let us know in the comments below which one you’ll be attending this weekend.