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The countdown is officially on as the 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill heads into its final days, with the world's best surfers chasing Challenger Series glory while visitors enjoy an action-packed festival programme both on and off the beach.
While the surfing at Willard Beach builds towards the Championship Finals, there's plenty more happening across Ballito, from live music and celebrity soccer to family entertainment and Mandela Day celebrations.
READ: Durban skater takes top spot at O'Neill Ballito Pro Skate Jam
Free beachfront concerts
The Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona kick off this week at Salt Rock Main Beach with two nights of free live entertainment.
Thursday, 16 July
Time: 4.30pm–10.30pm
Celebrate Afro-house and electronic music with performances by:
- Mörda (Murdah Bongz)
- DJ Merlon
- Blanco Nero
- Asvnte
- Jay Sbu
- Battle of the DJs winner
Friday, 17 July
Time: 4pm–11.30pm
This brings a rock and pop showcase featuring:
- Booshle G
- The Saxby Twins
- Veranda Panda
- Zebra
- Phil Taylor Band
- Matt Gardiner
- Bloodbrother
Soccer meets surfing
One of this week's biggest attractions is the first-ever Surf & Turf Challenge on Thursday (16 July), where former Bafana Bafana stars will join professional surfers in a fun relay event inspired by the excitement of the World Cup.
You can also catch the championship rounds of the Bafana Bafana U15 Soccer Development Programme, hosted by KwaDukuza Municipality, showcasing some of South Africa's rising football stars.
Celebrate Mandela Day
The festival concludes on Saturday, 18 July, with 67 Minutes for the Ocean, a special Mandela Day beach clean-up inviting visitors to spend 67 minutes giving back to the coastline.
Participants will help collect litter, ghost fishing gear and microplastics, including nurdles using Mermaid Tear Catchers, while contributing to the live Litter4Tokens impact tally.
There will also be prize activations throughout the morning, making it a rewarding way to honour Nelson Mandela's legacy while protecting Ballito's beaches ahead of the Challenger Series finals!
More festival fun
Beyond the surf and music, visitors can enjoy:
- Corona Sunset Sessions
- Retail Village shopping
- Beach volleyball and soccer
- Yoga and Pilates
- Beach rugby and judo
- Red Bull Brian Capper Bike Displays
- Ballito Arts Showcase
- Children's entertainment with Jive With Jen
It doesn’t matter what you come for - surfing, live music, soccer, family entertainment or conservation activities - the Ballito Pro will deliver!
For the full programme, click here.
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