Physical Address
Pearly Beach
Western Cape
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Barrydale brings a full line-up of music, markets, art and community celebrations this December — from mellow midweek sax sessions and lively Saturday markets to the famous giant puppet parade, a magical tree-lighting ceremony and a Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve street party. Here’s what’s on and how to plan your festive season.
Every Wednesday
Sax Sessions at Karoo Art Hotel
18:30 – 20:00 | Karoo Art Hotel Bar
Unwind midweek with mellow saxophone by Simon Whitehouse, performed live in the bar at the Karoo Art Hotel. A relaxed, atmospheric way to ease into the evening.
Every Saturday
Die Ou Kerk Market (Summer Schedule)
09:00 – 13:00 | Die Ou Kerk, Môreson
A beloved Barrydale tradition featuring seasonal vegetables, preserves, homemade treats, artisanal goods, eco-friendly products and local crafts. Dogs are welcome on leads, and there’s live music from local artists to set the scene.
12–20 December 2025
Barrydale Analog Photography Festival (BAPF)
A highlight of the Barrydale calendar, the Barrydale Analog Photography Festival returns for its sixth edition — a week-long celebration of film photography, historical printmaking, music, workshops and visual storytelling. Founded by photographer Graham Abbott, the festival honours the craft of analog image-making and brings together established photographers, emerging artists and curious visitors from across South Africa.
The 2025 programme runs across three venues — the Karoolkie Kelder Gallery, the Barrydale Info Centre and a historic Van Riebeek Street building used during the very first festival. Expect exhibitions, workshops, talks, a mobile darkroom, books and cameras for sale, old movie screenings and live performances that blend music with 35mm slide projections.
This year also deepens community partnerships with Visuality Photography School and Upskill Barrydale NPC, supporting youth to document elders, Khoi heritage and local stories through analog photography.
Below is the festival schedule:
14 December (Sunday)
10:00 – Rodger Bosch Exhibition Opening: Dance for Joy | Karoolkie Kelder
14:00 – Historical Print Processes | Talk by Gen Maynard | Karoolkie Kelder
15 December (Monday)
19:00 – Live Music with 35mm Slide Projections | Karoolkie Kelder Gallery
16 December (Tuesday)
16:00 – David Goldblatt Exhibition Opening: Travels in Basutoland | Old House Gallery, 19 Van Riebeek St
19:00 – Live Music with 35mm Slide Projections | Karoolkie Kelder Gallery
20 December (Saturday – Closing Day)
10:00–14:00 – Photography & Writing Workshop with Sean Wilson | Karoolkie Kelder
18:00 – End of Photo Auction & Prize Giving | Festival Closing Party at Karoolkie Kelder
Since its start in 2020, BAPF has hosted some of the most respected names in South African photography, including Roger Ballen, David Goldblatt, Josie Borain, Guy Tillim, Obie Oberholzer, Billy Monk, Paul Alberts, Rashied Lombard and many more. It continues to grow as a space where analog craft meets community, creativity and the magic of “living in the unknown.”
The festival ends with a celebratory evening of music, drinks and dancing at the Karoolkie Kelder Gallery on 20 December — a fitting close to one of Barrydale’s most creative weeks of the year.
Find out more here: https://bapf.co.za/#/2025
14 December 2025
Barrydale Giant Puppet Parade & Performance
Parade: 17:30 from Karoo Art Hotel
Performance: 18:00 at BFO Primary School
The annual Barrydale giant puppet parade is a highlight of the year. Steek My Weg, presented by Net Vir Pret, the UWC Centre for Humanities Research, Ukwanda Puppetry and Design Arts Collective, and directed by Donna Europa-Kouter, brings powerful storytelling to the streets. Expect colour, creativity and a deeply local celebration.
16 December 2025
Magpie Art Collective Tree Lighting Ceremony
From sunset (lights on at 20:00) | Magpie Lower Field, off Laing Street
Bring your friends, family, dogs and picnic blankets for the annual lighting of the Magpie Light Installation. A warm, communal evening that celebrates creativity and connection. Picnickers welcome.
31 December 2025
Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Street Party
Karoo Art Hotel & Bistro Blue | Barrydale
Ring in 2026 with a festive street celebration inspired by the glamour and optimism of the Roaring 20s. Expect music, dancing and a joyful Barrydale gathering — all pet-friendly, with no fireworks in town.
For more information or to sign up for the Barrydale newsletter, go to: https://www.barrydale.org.za/events/
