Step into the magic of the Clarens Arts Festival, where the village comes alive with creativity,
performance, and discovery. Over four unforgettable days, visitors can immerse themselves in a rich
and diverse programme of live music, theatre, book talks, workshops, children’s events, guided nature
experiences, and visual art exhibitions.
From thought-provoking conversations and hands-on creative sessions to the breathtaking Sculpture
Garden and the vibrant Basotho blanket exhibition, the Clarens Arts Festival promises something
extraordinary at every turn.
More than just an event, it is an experience — a chance to connect, be inspired, and celebrate the arts
in one of South Africa’s most beautiful settings.
FEATURED EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED:
ANTON SMIT SCULPTURE GARDEN
Internationally acclaimed sculptor Anton Smit will lead a walking tour of his outdoor exhibition,
set in the beautiful gardens of the NG Church Pastorie. This extraordinary showcase promises to be
one of the festival’s most memorable highlights.
CHILDRENS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Young visitors can enjoy a variety of fun and creative activities at this year’s festival.
Little ones can look forward to a live puppet show involving Roal Dahl’s Enormous Crocodile and a
loveable character Smelly Socks. There is also a Hooked on Books production, where bookworms
Wiggly and Woggly embark on an engaging, fun, giggling exploration of picture books designed to
nurture early literacy development.
Slightly older children can also experience the Hooked on Books Magic with a team of three
professional actors presenting a variety of storybooks through a dynamic performance that
incorporates singing, dancing, acting, and humour. They can also choose from or attend both creative
workshops: Ceramic Cup Painting and iColor for Kids as well as join our very own Clarens
Dinosaurs for A Night at the Museum.
GUIDED NATURE EXPERIENCES
What would a trip to Clarens be without immersing yourself in our beautiful surroundings. For the
first time, the Clarens Arts Festival is offering guided nature talks, outings and walks with our local
experts and guides.
The Art of the Night Sky with Clarens Stargazing Tours
A poetic and visual exploration of the stars, revealing how ancient civilizations, artists, and
visionaries interpreted the sky as a cosmic masterpiece.
Dawn at the Edge of Time: Sunrise, Coffee and Ancient Stories
Experience Golden Gate’s spectacular canyons before sunrise with geologist Dr Gideon Groenewald
and geographer Charl Wessels.
Surrender Hill and Hidden Caves: A Boer War Journey
Join retired educator Charl Wessels on a fascinating historical exploration of Fouriesburg’s role in the
Anglo-Boer War of 1900.
Family Nature Walk in the Clarens Nature Reserve
Discover the vibrant landscape of this natural gallery with the reserve rangers.
All these exciting shows and more can be booked via the Clarens Arts Festival Website: clarensartsfestival.co.za
OPENING EVENT: FREE STATE FREE VERSE – Poetry Session
The Clarens Arts Festival is delighted to its doors on the 24 th of April 2026 with a vibrant poetry
celebration presented in Afrikaans, English, and Sesotho. This special event honours the region’s
rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.
Admission is free, so we invite everyone to join this jubilant celebration of words, rhythm, and
culture.
Book your seat here: free-state-free-verse-poetry-session
CLARENS IS CALLING…
We warmly invite you to immerse yourself in the Clarens Arts Festival — not only to enjoy its
vibrant programme, but also to experience the remarkable spirit of collaboration that defines our
community. It is this unity and shared passion that has helped the festival flourish, earning its place as
a highlight on our town’s cultural calendar and drawing visitors who appreciate creativity, culture, and
connection.
Join us and become part of a celebration where art and community come together to inspire and delight.
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