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Program of Events

Get ready for a weekend of flavour, fun, and festivities! Explore our full 2025 Bathurst Country Affair lineup — featuring live music, food and wine experiences, markets, family-friendly activities, and more. There’s something for everyone in the heart of Bathurst.

Friday 29 August 

9am-Onwards

Opening of the Bathurst Country Affair Markets

The Village Green
The Bathurst Green 

Pikes Post

Kick off the festivities at our three market hubs — Village Green, Bathurst Green, and Pikes Post — bursting with local food, crafts, and charm.

12:00pm

Live Music with 

Soak up the vibe with live performances at South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed pub — the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the music.

17:00pm 

Official Opening of the 2025 BCA

Bathurst 4 Way Stop

Hear ye, hear ye! Join the town criers at the four-way stop to officially open the 2025 Bathurst Country Affair.

19:00pm

Beer Tasting Competition

The Ploughman Pub

Sip and savour various brews in our lively beer tasting showdown. May the best beer drinker win!

20:00pm

Live Music with

Historic Pig & Whistle

Soak up the vibe with live performances at South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed pub — the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the music.

20:00pm

Beer Belly Competition 

The Ploughman Pub

Who’s got the biggest (or best) belly in Bathurst? Cheer on the bold contenders in this belly-busting battle.

Saturday 30 August 

7am - 11am

Bread Making Demonstration

Agricultural Museum

Watch age-old breadmaking in action — rustic, hands-on, and straight from the fire!

9am-Onwards

Opening of the Bathurst Country Affair Markets

The Village Green
The Bathurst Green 

Pikes Post

Kick off the festivities at our three market hubs — Village Green, Bathurst Green, and Pikes Post — bursting with local food, crafts, and charm.

9am 

Launch of the Tori Stowe Collection 

The Corner Gallery

Celebrate the vibrant new Tori Stowe Collection filled with inspiration and creative flair.

10:00am

Pigeon Race

Toposcope

Place your bets and watch the sky as Bathurst’s feathered athletes race home from the hill.

10:00am

Tractor Rides Depart

Agricultural Museum 

Fun for kids and the young at heart! Hop on for a scenic tractor ride through the village.

10:00am

Maize Grinding Demo

Agricultural Museum 

See how maize was milled the old-fashioned way — a hands-on look at our agricultural roots.

10:00am-1pm

Kingston Confidential cooking classes by Chef Carla

Kingston Farm

Sharpen your culinary skills with Chef Carla in this hands-on cooking class at Kingston Farm. Learn expert techniques, creative flavour pairings, and kitchen secrets in a relaxed, interactive setting. Perfect for food lovers of all levels.

Bookings essential 0832624813

10:30am-12pm

Blacksmith Demonstration

Agricultural Museum 

Watch sparks fly as traditional blacksmithing comes to life before your eyes.

10:30am

Bradshaws Mill Open to the Public

Bradshaw Mill

Step inside this historic working water mill — open for tours at R40 per person.

10:30am-1pm

Mystery Box Cook-Off

Historic Pig & Whistle

Watch the heat rise as local teams go head-to-head in a thrilling culinary showdown at the iconic Pig and Whistle. Each team receives a box of surprise ingredients and must whip up a delicious dish on the spot. Join the crowd to sample the final creations and cast your vote for the tastiest plate.

11am

Brawn Competition - Anvil Toss

Agricultural Museum

Test your strength in this classic brawn challenge with a Bathurst twist.

12pm

Live Music with

Historic Pig & Whistle

Soak up the vibe with live performances at South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed pub — the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the music.

12pm

Famous Pineapple Toss

The Big Pineapple

How far can a pineapple fly? Grab a pineapple and get tossing — quirky, fun, and uniquely Bathurst!

1pm

Vintage tractors, Classic cars & Equestrian parade

Shangri la to Village Centre

Admire a colourful parade of vintage cars, tractors, and horses making their way through town. It's a lively celebration of Bathurst’s rural heritage and mechanical history — perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

2pm

Drag Race like no other  

The Bathurst Arms

Not your average race —

3pm

The Bokdroll Spitting Competition 

Summerhill Inn

Yes, you read that right. A South African classic — weird, wild, and seriously fun!

3pm

Johnny Cash Tribute Show

Historic Pig & Whistle

Join us for an unforgettable evening as musician Riaan Smit pays tribute to the legendary Johnny Cash. With his amazing vocals and heartfelt performance, Riaan brings The Man in Black’s iconic songs to life. 
Book early R200pp — tickets are limited and this one’s sure to sell out! Bookings: 0722152727

7pm

Johnny Cash Tribute Show

Historic Pig & Whistle

Join us for an unforgettable evening as musician Riaan Smit pays tribute to the legendary Johnny Cash. With his amazing vocals and heartfelt performance, Riaan brings The Man in Black’s iconic songs to life. 
Book early R200pp — tickets are limited and this one’s sure to sell out! Bookings: 0722152727

8pm

Best Beard Competition

The Ploughman Pub

Who will be crowned the beard boss of Bathurst?

Sunday 31 August 

9am-Onwards

Opening of the Bathurst Country Affair Markets

The Village Green
The Bathurst Green 

Pikes Post

Kick off the festivities at our three market hubs — Village Green, Bathurst Green, and Pikes Post — bursting with local food, crafts, and charm.

9am 

Launch of the Tori Stowe Collection 

The Corner Gallery

Celebrate the vibrant new Tori Stowe Collection filled with inspiration and creative flair.

10:00am

Tractor Rides Depart

Agricultural Museum 

Fun for kids and the young at heart! Hop on for a scenic tractor ride through the village.

10:00am

St Johns Church Walk & Talk

St. Johns Church

Step into history with a guided visit to the oldest unaltered Anglican church in South Africa.

10:30am-12pm

Blacksmith Demonstration

Agricultural Museum 

Watch sparks fly as traditional blacksmithing comes to life before your eyes.

10:30am

Bradshaws Mill Open to the Public

Bradshaw Mill

Step inside this historic working water mill — open for tours at R40 per person.

12pm

Live Music with

Historic Pig & Whistle

Soak up the vibe with live performances at South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed pub — the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the music.

12pm

Traditional Sunday Braai

The Ploughman Pub

Close the weekend with good food, great company, and a proper South African braai.

12:00pm

Gourmet Lunch with Chef Carla

Kingston Farm

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12:30pm

Famous Sunday Roast Lunch

Historic Pig & Whistle

Wrap up your Bathurst Country Affair weekend with a hearty, traditional Sunday roast. Enjoy generous portions of roast meats, seasonal sides, and warm country hospitality, all set to the sounds of live local music. Bookings essential to avoid missing out - 046 625 0673 info@pigandwhistle.co.za

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