The Bathurst Country Affair

An Unforgettable Weekend of Food, Wine, & Entertainment

28-30 August 2026

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Discover the Bathurst Country Affair

The Bathurst Country Affair is an annual event held in the historic village of Bathurst, South Africa. It offers a weekend of upmarket food & wine experiences, quirky and quaint events for the whole family, outstanding handpicked vendors, live entertainment. Welcoming friends and families to enjoy the lovable lunacy and surprising talents of Bathurst. The event is a perfect blend of delightful experiences and vibrant entertainment, making it an ideal getaway for food and music enthusiasts.

Event Highlights

Experience the Village

Where to Stay...

Find out where to stay for the BCA in our charming little village.

Activities

Our Supporters

Contact

We had a lovely message after last year’s Bathurst Country Affair about the atmosphere, the laughter, and just how much there was to see, do, taste, and enjoy as a family. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us.

We’re can’t wait for this years event 28–30 August 2026!

If you’ve joined us before and had a great time, we’d really appreciate you leaving us a review. It not only means a lot to us, but helps others decide to come and experience it for themselves.

Leave a review: https://share.google/BHQmh206flzizyTMv

#BCA2026 #BCA #BathurstVillage #BathurstCountryAffair #BathurstEC easterncape easterncapetourism

A little #ThrowbackThursday to last year’s Bathurst Country Affair…

Will we be seeing you again this year?

Bathurst Country Affair 2026 28-30 August!

For more info on the Bathurst Country Affair - www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2026 #BathurstCountryAffair #EasternCapeEvents #ExploreBathurst

Think you’ve got what it takes in the kitchen?

This year at the Bathurst Country Affair, we’re turning up the heat with our Culinary Challenge, where home cooks go head-to-head with chefs for the title of Top Chef.

Each contestant will prepare two courses, served and judged by the people who matter most, the guests enjoying their food.

And the winner?
They’ll earn the title of top chef and be featured in Talk of the Town.

Entries are open — if you’re ready to take on the challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

www.thebca.co.za | 078719 0914

Save the Date! Bathurst Country Affair is back 28-30 August 2026!

Expect delicious food, local wines, farm fun, and good old country hospitality. 🌻

Book your accommodation now to make sure you don’t miss out.

www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2026 #BCA #BathurstVillage #BathurstCountryAffair #BathurstEC easterncape easterncapetourism

We’re getting things underway for this year’s Bathurst Country Affair, and we’re looking for the right people to be part of it.

If you’re a:
• Unique, one of a kind stall holder
• Artisanal hand-made creator
• Delicious food creator

Then we’d love to hear from you.

BCA is all about showcasing local talent, good food, artisanal products and unique finds, and it wouldn’t be the same without the people behind the stalls. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a busy, well-loved weekend in Bathurst.

If you’d like to join us this year, get in touch:
Contact: 076 442 9496
info@pigandwhistle.co.za

#BCA2026 #BCA #BathurstVillage #BathurstCountryAffair #BathurstEC easterncape easterncapetourism

We want to hear from you!

Thank you to all who attended the 2025 Bathurst Country Affair. We are always striving to make our event bigger and better than ever.

So we want to hear from you.

If you attended the event, please leave it a review: https://g.page/r/CQ3l7pCTA_u4EAI/review

Another Bathurst Country Affair highlight has just flown by!

One of our favourit events!

Check out what's next at www.thebca.co.za

The Mystery Box Cook-Off has kicked off!

Come and cheer on the teams in the Historic Pig and Whistle Inn, Bathurst Beer Garden!

Plus at around 1pm you can taste some of their delicious meals and cast your vote.

Check out the full program of events at www.thebca.co.za

Rise and shine — it’s Bathurst Country Affair time!

This morning in Bathurst Village is all about fun for the kids (and the young at heart). Our BCA markets open bright and early at 8am, but if you’re really an early riser, pop over to the Bathurst Agricultural Museum for the Bread Making Demo from 7am–11am. Watch age-old traditions come to life!

At 8:30am, head to The Corner Gallery for their T-shirt Printing Workshop (book via the website), or make your way to The Farm Bathurst at 8:45am sharp for their magical Giraffe Feeding Experience 🦒 (call 082 494 3694 for info).

And don’t worry, there’s plenty for the grown-ups too — think shopping, art, and coffee as Bathurst wakes up to a full day of celebration.

✨ See the full program at www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #EasternCapeEvents #BathurstVillage

All we can say is WOW!

It was an outstanding evening with @kleinroosboom and Chef Ray Hanekom-Barnard at The Bathurst Agricultural Museum!

There are more tastings to come over the course of the weekend!

Check out the full program of events at www.thebca.co.za

First afternoon of the BCA and we've already had so much fun!

It's almost time for the wine and canapès at Bathurst Agricultural Museum !

Thank you, Tripping with Betty, for some amazing photos 📸!

Check out what's on tomorrow at www.thebca.co.za

Right now, Bathurst Village is buzzing, from the Bleak House Eastern Cape Art Exhibition with the artists from Art on the Veranda, to our vibrant market zones at The Village Green, Settlers Square, and Pikes Post.

And for the brave (and hungry) souls… don’t miss the outrageously delicious eating challenges, from the blind gelato tasting at The Lucky Bean Cafe, to the Pink Lady Milkshake Parlour Milkshake Shakedown, and the fiery Falcons Bar Burger Challenge.

✨ Art, markets, food and fun, the BCA has it all. The only question is: are you up for it?

www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #EasternCapeEvents #ExploreBathurst

And we are off...

The BCA markets are up and ready for trading!

Come and check it out. We have over 40 stall holders offering everything from gin tasting, leather goods, home decor, clothing and delicious biltong!

Come and check it out!

For more info about what's on: www.thebca.co.za

Let the festivities begin!

Our community is already getting in the spirit!

We look forward to welcoming you all tomorrow 29 August 2025!

Let the 2025 Bathurst Country Affair begin 🍍

More prep happening around the Village!

It's an exciting time, we can't wait for the weekend.

It's all starting to come together, the first stages of Bathurst Country Affair prep have begun!

We can't wait to see you this weekend.

Check out the full program of events at www.thebca.co.za

The Bathurst Country Affair Treasure Hunt ✨🔎

Calling all adventurers — young and old! The Treasure Hunt is on and running throughout the entire Bathurst Country Affair weekend. Grab a map (on your phones), follow the rhyming clues, and explore Bathurst’s must-see spots — from historic landmarks and quirky shops to foodie stops and festival highlights.

It’s a fun way for the whole family to experience everything the BCA has to offer… and with great prizes up for grabs for top contenders, you won’t want to miss it! 🏆

📅 29 – 31 August 2025
📍 Bathurst Village
🌐 Download the Our Treasure App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ourtreasurehunt

👉 Full programme & details at www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #TreasureHunt #ExploreBathurst

Where to Eat at the Bathurst Country Affair 🍔

We are spotlighting Falcons Restaurant & Bar — a local favourite in the heart of Bathurst known for hearty home-style meals, ice-cold drinks, and a great community vibe. With pool tables, daily specials, and a relaxed setting, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends and soak up the BCA buzz.

And for the brave (and the hungry)… the Falcons’ Burger Challenge is on!

📅 Friday 29 & Saturday 30 August
🕙 From 10am ‘til close
📍 Falcons Bar & Kitchen

The rules are simple:
Two juicy cheeseburgers, a portion of loaded fries, six crispy onion rings, and two ice-cold beers. All in just 20 minutes.

💰 Entry: R200 — FREE if you finish in time
🏆 Beat the fastest time and claim your spot on the legendary Wall of Flame!

Whether you’re tackling the challenge or cheering on the contenders, Falcons is the place to be this BCA weekend.

👉 See what else is on at www.thebca.co.za

#BathurstCountryAffair #WhereToEat #FalconsBurgerChallenge

Looking for a little Friday night fun during the Bathurst Country Affair? Head to The Bathurst Arms on Friday, 29 August at 7pm and try your luck in the legendary Joker Jackpot!

Will you be the one to uncover the Joker? ✨
And while you play, tuck into Michelle’s Famous Curry — a true Bathurst favourite you won’t want to miss.

👉 See the full programme at www.thebca.co.za

Photo Creds: Brett Smith

#BathurstCountryAffair #BCA2025 #JokerJackpot #BathurstArms #EasternCapeEvents

Have you placed your bets?
The annual Bathurst Country Affair Pigeon Race is almost here!

📅 Saturday, 30 August 2025
⏰ 10am SHARP
📍 Released from the Toposcope
Tickets available: Historic Pig and Whistle Inn, Bathurst

Watch as these swift flyers take off across the sky, and place your bets for a chance to win the pot! Who will come out on top? It’s anyone’s race!

Don’t miss the excitement — get your bets in and be part of this quirky Bathurst tradition

Buy Tickets Now: info@pigandwhistle.co.za | 046 625 0673

👉 Full programme at www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #PigeonRace #Toposcope #Bathurst

Bring a little Eastern Cape beauty home 🌸

This year at the Bathurst Country Affair, discover the stunning blooms of East Cape Protea and Fynbos. Grown on their boutique flower farm, these iconic flowers are available fresh for your home, gifts, or events. 💐

From vibrant proteas to unique fynbos arrangements, their stall is a must for flower lovers and anyone looking to add a touch of local beauty to their weekend.

📍 Find them at the BCA markets
🌐 See more stallholders online: www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #ProteaAndFynbos #EasternCapeFlora

Where to Eat at the Bathurst Country Affair 🤠

This week, we’re rounding up Summer Pine Ranch — home to the rodeo griller steak house, tucked inside a beautifully restored 1825 homestead. Expect fire-cooked BBQ, hearty ranch flavours, and sides that’ll have you hollerin’ for more. When you’re done, mosey on over to The Buckin’ Post saloon for cowboy charm, cool drinks, and good times from high noon ‘til the stars come out.

But it’s not just about the food — Summer Pine Ranch is bringing the heat (literally) to this year’s BCA!

📅 Friday 29 August, 7pm
Can You Handle The Heat? Eating Competition 🌶️
Two kilos of fire-cooked goodness. R100 gets you in — but only the fastest will walk away with bragging rights and prizes!

📅 Saturday 30 August
2pm – Paintball Target Competition 🎯
30 targets, 60 paintballs — do you have the aim to be crowned the sharpest shooter?

3pm – The Bokdroll Spitting Competition 🥓
A South African classic. Weird, wild, and a whole lot of fun!

There’s plenty happening all weekend long at Summer Pine Ranch — so saddle up and come hungry.

👉 Check out the full BCA line-up at www.thebca.co.za.

#BathurstCountryAffair #WhereToEat #SummerPineRanch

We’re excited to welcome Greenaway’s Herbal Ointments to this year’s Bathurst Country Affair at Settlers Square! Known for their handcrafted herbal remedies, Greenaway’s offers a range of soothing ointments and natural products made from time-honoured recipes that have supported families for generations. 🌱✨

Whether you’re looking for gentle skincare, herbal healing, or a touch of natural wellness, their stall is a must-visit.

📍 Find them at Settlers Square Market
🌐 See who else will be trading: www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #GreenawaysHerbalOintments #BathurstMarkets

Think you know your flavours? At this year’s Bathurst Country Affair, The Lucky Bean Cafe is putting your taste buds to the ultimate test with their blindfolded Ice-Cream Tasting Challenge!

✨ How it works:
😋 Be blindfolded, taste a scoop, and guess the flavour.
🏆 Get it right for bragging rights — but even if you don’t, you still win because… ice-cream!

It’s fun, it’s tasty, and it’s the sweetest challenge you’ll face all weekend. Bring your friends, take the test, and see who’s the real flavour master!

📍 For more about what's on at this year's BCA: www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #LuckyBeanCafe #IceCreamChallenge

Step into The Corner Gallery, the creative home of Stowe & So’s quirky, small-batch screen-printed fabrics and signature tablecloths. Alongside vibrant textiles, you’ll discover artist-designed ceramics, each crafted and fired in-house for a truly local touch.

During the Bathurst Country Affair, The Corner Gallery is buzzing with creativity:
✨ Saturday 30 Aug, 8:30–10:00am – Kids Fabric Printing Workshop (plus a milkshake treat!)
✨ Saturday 30 Aug, 11:00am – Food & Wine Pairing with D’Aria Wines and Chef Ray Hanekom-Barnard (Bookings: 083 645 1280)
✨ Saturday 30 Aug, 2:30pm – Adult Fabric Printing Workshop (design and print your own wearable art)

Whether you’re shopping for something handmade or looking to unleash your creativity, The Corner Gallery is a must-visit stop at this year’s Affair.

👉 For more on what to see, do, eat, and experience at the Bathurst Country Affair, visit www.thebca.co.za.

#BathurstCountryAffair #CornerGallery #ShopLocal #CreativeBathurst

Add a touch of charm to your home or garden at this year’s Bathurst Country Affair! Sweet Adeline’s Bird Baths will be trading at Settlers Square with their gorgeous handmade bird baths, home décor, and accessories.

Perfect as a gift or a special piece for your own space, these creations combine beauty and function — and are sure to catch your eye while you explore the market stalls.

📍 Find them at Settlers Square Market
🌐 See more of our vendors: www.thebca.co.za

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #SweetAdelinesBirdBaths

Where to Eat at the Bathurst Country Affair ✨

This week, we’re spotlighting Interesting Things interesting eats — Bathurst Village’s newest hidden gem!

Tucked under the coral tree at Upper Village Green, this nostalgic general dealer is filled with antiques, collectables, and retro treasures. But that’s not all… from behind a 19th-century counter, they’re serving up buttery waffles and sweet treats that are as irresistible as the charm of the space itself. 🧇

It’s the perfect stop to refuel while you soak in the Bathurst Country Affair — and a spot you’ll want to return to long after the festivities.

👉 Discover more places to eat, shop, stay, and explore at www.thebca.co.za.

#BathurstCountryAffair #WhereToEat #BathurstEats #VillageVibes

🎶 Concert at St John’s Church – Bathurst Country Affair 🎶
📅 Saturday, 30 August | 3:00 PM

As part of the Bathurst Country Affair,
Saeculum Aurum presents an enchanting a cappella programme of sacred and secular music, spanning from the medieval to the present day.

✨ Entrance is free (retiring cash collection)
🍷 Join us afterwards for a glass of wine and snacks

Come celebrate music, history, and community in the heart of Bathurst!

Wondering what to do at this year’s Bathurst Country Affair? How about winding down with a good old-fashioned Social Braai at the Bathurst Agricultural Showgrounds?

Saturday 30 August | From 5pm

The Bathurst Agricultural Society will be firing up the grills for an evening of hearty food, local cheer, and plenty of fun. For just R100 per person, you’ll enjoy half a grilled chicken with all the trimmings — think freshly baked breads, crisp salads, and a sweet treat to finish it all off.

It’s more than just a meal — there’ll be prizes, activities, and that unmistakable Bathurst atmosphere that makes the BCA so special. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and join us for a clucking good time!

Photo creds (from another event): Grant Webb

#BCA2025 #BathurstCountryAffair #SocialBraai #BathurstVibes

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