Two Local Events You Won't Want to Miss in July 2024

July in South Africa welcomes two iconic events: the Franschhoek Bastille Festival and the Durban July. They might be on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of style and purpose, but they both showcase spectacular aspects of culture in South Africa.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening at this year’s Bastille Festival and Durban July. Plus, if you’re planning to attend – but need your own vehicle – Drive South Africa will be on hand to provide world-class car hire services in both Franschhoek and Durban. Read on to learn more.

Chat and sip wine in Franschhoek this Bastille Day. Photo Source: Franschhoek Wine Valley

Celebrate Huguenot Heritage at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival

Did you know that some Afrikaner South Africans can trace their heritage back to the French Huguenots? These French Protestants fled religious persecution and settled around the world – and in the 17th century, some of them ended up in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. After all, Franschhoek literally translates to French corner. 

Today, the French influence is evident in the town’s architecture, winemaking, and dedication to the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival, held concurrently with France’s Bastille Day celebrations. You can visit attractions like the Huguenot Monument and Huguenot Memorial Museum at any time, and several wine farms in the area still bear their original French names, like La Motte, La Provence, and La Terra de Luc.

However, for one weekend in July each year, the town comes alive to celebrate the Bastille Festival. First and foremost, it’s a way to keep French heritage alive in South Africa, but today, it’s as much about excellent wine and food as anything else. 

This year’s event will take place on 13 and 14 July, featuring the iconic Bastille Festival marquee, endless wine tastings, incredible dining opportunities, and plenty of live entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to add to the French cheer. The organisers will also hold a Bastille Boules Tournament and a Classic Cars Exhibition. 

If you hire a car in Franschhoek from Drive South Africa, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the world-famous Franschhoek Wine Tram and some of the most stunning mountain passes in the Western Cape. For more information, check out our Traveller’s Guide to Franschhoek.

Extravagant fashion is the name of the game at the Durban July. Photo Source: Hollywoodbets Durban July

Deck Out at the 128th Durban July Handicap Horse Race

The Durban July is South Africa’s premier horse racing event. First held in 1897, it’s taken place on the first Saturday of July ever since and is now a social and cultural highlight on the South African events calendar. This year’s race is set to take place on Saturday 6 July at Greyville Racecourse and the theme is “Ride the Wave”.

But why does there need to be a theme? Put simply, the Durban July is an opportunity for South Africa’s socialites, influencers, fashionistas, and celebrities to dress up and show off their style. In fact, the event also features the Fashion Experience, where students from design colleges across KwaZulu-Natal showcase their submissions for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award.

Attendees will be up for several awards, too, including Most Striking Couple, Classic Racewear Male, Classic Racewear Female, and Exceptional Hat/Fascinator. Forget the State of the Nation Address – the Durban July is the real deal when it comes to flashy outfits, extravagant hairdos, and eye-catching headwear. 

However, the Durban July is still a horse race. In addition to the main event, there will be 11 other races across several classes, giving betters plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. If betting isn’t for you, why not hire a car in Durban to make the most of your weekend? Check out our Durban Airport car hire page to learn more about KwaZulu-Natal’s capital city.

French colours on display at the Bastille Festival. Photo Source: Franschhoek Wine Valley

Other Events on the Horizon

That’s it for July, but make sure you stay tuned to our blog to find out about all the thrilling events set to take place in South Africa in 2024. In August, we can look forward to the start of whale season and wildflower season in the Western Cape, while September will bring the Johannesburg Art Fair, South Africa 4×4 & Outdoor Show, and the Hermanus Whale Festival.

In the meantime, plan your next road trip holiday with Drive South Africa. We have a wide range of compact cars, SUVs, vans, and bakkies for hire across southern Africa, ready for whatever adventure you have in store. Speak to one of our expert consultants today to make your booking.