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