The Top 7 Annual Car Festivals and Shows in South Africa

If you didn’t already know, South Africans have something of an obsession with cars. Our long history of vehicle manufacturing on local shores means we have a deep passion for everything automotive, including motorsports. In fact, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg hosted the South African Formula 1 Grand Prix from 1967 to 1993 and continues to host world-class races to this day.

On the back of this rich motoring heritage, it’s no surprise that so many incredible car festivals and shows take place here each year. We’ve put together a list of seven motoring calendar highlights to get your engine revving. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Photo Source: The Knysna Motor Show

Knysna Motor Show

The Knysna Motor Show takes place in late April or early May each year and is one of South Africa’s premier automotive events. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Knysna, along the Garden Route, this show attracts a high-quality selection of vintage cars, supercars, and motorcycles. 

The event is known for its well-organised display and the charitable causes it supports, including Knysna Rotary. Visitors can admire a wide array of rare and exotic vehicles, interact with fellow car enthusiasts, and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The organisers also host a Cars@Coffee event somewhere along the Garden Route each month, inviting drivers to come out and show off their rides.

Photo Source: Simola Hillclimb

Simola Hillclimb & Speed Festival

The Simola Hillclimb also takes place in Knysna each year, usually just a few days after the Knysna Motor Show concludes. In just a few years, it’s grown into arguably the most highly-anticipated motoring event in South Africa, featuring a series of blistering races up a winding pass at Simola Country Club. In 2024, it welcomed over 19,000 people over four days.

Both private teams and major vehicle manufacturers take part in the races, which are divided into various categories based on vehicle type and driver skill. Manufacturers also use the event to launch new models into the local market, ranging from everyday cars to hotly-anticipated performance cars.

The next edition will take place from 1 to 4 May 2025 and is set to feature three major events:

• Fan Fest: Race car scrutineering and public parade.
• Classic Car Friday: Scrutineering and parade – attendees are encouraged to wear period outfits that match the retro and vintage theme.
• The King of the Hill Shootout: The main event, with entries limited to 84 cars across various categories.

Photo Source: Unsplash

The Classic Car Show

Held in Johannesburg, The Classic Car Show is a biannual event, typically taking place in winter (July) and summer (December). This popular show draws large crowds to the Nasrec Centre with its impressive display of vintage and classic cars. Attendees can explore a diverse collection of beautifully restored vehicles, ranging from American muscle cars to elegant European classics and local legends. 

The event also features live music, food stalls, and entertainment for the whole family, making it a perfect day out for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. 

Photo Source: South Cape Old Motor Club

George Old Car Show

The George Old Car Show, hosted in George, Western Cape, every February, is a must-visit for antique car lovers. As one of the largest events of its kind in South Africa, it showcases a vast collection of antique cars, tractors, and stationary engines. The show also features a bustling swap meet where attendees can find automotive parts and memorabilia. 

The organiser, the South Cape Old Motor Club, aims to preserve the South African transport industry and its history, “with special focus on historical vintage and veteran motor vehicles, motorcycles and motorised farming equipment dating back to yesteryear”. 

The family-friendly atmosphere is enhanced by food stalls and live entertainment, making it an enjoyable event for all ages. Anyone with an old motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorised tractor, or piece of motorised farm equipment is invited to take part.

Phot Source: Getty

Cars in the Park

Cars in the Park is one of South Africa’s oldest car festivals and is now nearly 50 years old. Each May in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, over 1,000 vehicle exhibitors arrive to showcase their prized wheels, making it one of the largest gatherings of classic and vintage cars in the country. 

It’s hosted by the Pietermaritzburg Vintage Sports Car Club and also offers a vibrant and family-friendly environment with an extensive display of vehicles, food stalls, and live entertainment. It is a fantastic opportunity for car enthusiasts to see a diverse range of classic cars and bikes and interact with fellow aficionados. The relaxed setting and variety of attractions make it a perfect outing for families and car lovers alike. Plus, you might find your dream car on the day.

Photo Source: SA Festival of Motoring

South African Festival of Motoring

The South African Festival of Motoring, hosted at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand every August, is undoubtedly the highlight of the South African car show calendar. It features new car launches, test drives, motorsport events, 4×4 trails, and automotive industry exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy on-track activities, experience the latest in automotive technology, and interact with industry experts. 

The festival provides a comprehensive look at the automotive world, from cutting-edge innovations to thrilling motorsport action, making it a must-attend event for car enthusiasts. Whether you’re into off-roading, drag racing, or drifting, this festival has it all. It also boasts a family-friendly food and entertainment zone.

It’s split into four distinct zones:

• Green Zone: The Hub where all the action unfolds.
• Blue Zone: 4×4 Track
• Yellow Zone: Handling Track & Platforms
• Red Zone: Food & Entertainment

The next South African Festival of Motoring will take place from 30 August to 1 September 2024. Tickets are available now.

Photo Source: BMW

BMW M Fest

BMW hosts festivals around the world, but none are as big as M Fest South Africa. Named for the manufacturer’s M performance division, this event transforms Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit into every BMW fan’s paradise. In fact, BMW will launch several new models at M Fest 2024, including the all-new BMW M3 Touring, BMW M5, and BMW M4 CS.

However, it’s not just about shiny, new vehicles. M Fest is also a place to celebrate BMW heritage, so you’ll get to see local icons like the BMW 333i and BMW 325iS “Gusheshe”. Some seriously talented drivers will be present to push these cars to their limits in drifting, spinning, and racing.

The event also attracts entertainers and other celebrities, making it a major event on the social calendar, too. 

These annual car festivals and shows provide fantastic opportunities for car enthusiasts to admire a variety of vehicles, meet fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a day out. Plan your visit to one of these events to experience the best of South Africa’s automotive culture – and to show off your own wheels.

If you need transport to any of these events, Drive South Africa has a wide selection of vehicles available to rent, ranging from frugal hatchbacks to luxury sports cars. Check out our models here.