There’s a reason country festivals are finding their way onto more and more calendars. They offer something city life can’t match: space to slow down, reconnect, and discover experiences that feel both inspiring and personal. Pair that with the growing love for art, hands-on creativity, and family-friendly getaways, and you have the recipe for a weekend that lingers long after you’ve returned home.
From 3 to 5 October 2025, the quaint town of Porterville will once again transform into a vibrant open-air gallery for the much-loved Art For All weekend. Now in its eighth year, this annual event has become a firm favourite on the Western Cape’s cultural calendar, drawing art lovers, families, outdoor adventurers, and curious day-trippers alike. Nestled at the foot of the Olifants River Mountains and just 150 km from Cape Town, Porterville offers the perfect canvas for a festival where creativity, community, and countryside charm meet.
Art in Every Corner
This year’s Art For All showcases more than 40 artists across 11 venues — from the Dutch Reformed Church and Youth Hall to the Porterville Library, artist studios, and working farms. Visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of mediums, including painting, ceramics, pottery, photography, jewellery, textiles, and sculpture.
Studios are open on Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00, giving plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace. And best of all, entry is completely free. Each venue invites visitors to browse, buy, and connect directly with the artists, making this not just an exhibition, but a dialogue between creator and guest.
Because Porterville is so walkable, it’s easy to spend the day meandering from one venue to the next, enjoying the mountain backdrop, pausing for coffee or a market snack, and discovering hidden gems along the way.
A Feast for the Senses
Art For All is as much about atmosphere as it is about art. Alongside the exhibitions, you’ll find food markets, church bazaars, tea gardens, and farm stalls adding flavour to the journey. Houdconstant Farm will once again host a bustling market and relaxing tea garden under the trees, while local vendors and bakeries keep visitors well supplied with fresh treats, juices, and coffee.
Workshops and interactive sessions invite guests to roll up their sleeves, from Alna Pottery’s popular Sip & Klei sessions to creative gatherings like the Tipsy Tea Paint Party and Cynotype workshops. Families, friends, and couples alike can dip into activities that make the weekend memorable for everyone.
New for 2025: The Porterville Gravel Race
This year’s new addition is the Porterville Gravel Race, bringing an adventurous fresh energy to the programme. On Saturday, 4 October, cyclists can choose between three routes — The Cexy (100 km), The Contender (60 km), and The Flirt (35 km). For those on foot, there’s also a 13 km trail run and a 25 km hike.
The excitement starts on Friday evening with race registration at the showgrounds and a hearty pasta dinner, while Saturday features prize-givings that bring the community together to celebrate every achievement.
More Than an Art Show
The beauty of Art For All lies in its variety. Families can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, outdoor enthusiasts can soak up the mountain setting, the sporty set can join the new sporting events, and foodies can sample their way through local restaurants and food stalls. Whether you’re looking to invest in original artwork, pick up a hand-crafted memento, or simply spend time outdoors with loved ones, there’s something for everyone.
Stay, Explore, Experience
While close enough for a day trip from Cape Town, the real magic happens when you stay over. Porterville offers everything from luxury guesthouses and farm stays to self-catering cottages, cosy B&Bs, and scenic camping at Beaverlac. With so much to see and do, lingering a little longer lets you fully embrace the rhythm of small-town living and wake up to mountain views that set the tone for the day ahead.
Save the Date
Art For All Porterville 2025 runs from Friday 3 October to Sunday 5 October. With free entry, more than 40 artists, 11 inspiring venues, exciting new outdoor events, and a warm country welcome, it’s a weekend that promises to feed the soul.
For the full programme, list of artists, and accommodation options, visit Art For All Porterville 2025 – Bergrivier Tourism.
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