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The Hilton Arts Festival returns to Hilton College in the KZN Midlands from 7 to 9 August 2026 – with some added fun!
This year, visitors can look forward to the inaugural KZN Art Fair and the all-new Just Geekin' experience.
Now in its 34th year, the festival attracts more than 25,000 visitors annually and has become one of the country's leading celebrations of performing and visual arts.
This year's programme expands beyond the stage, introducing dedicated spaces for visual artists, collectors, gamers, comic fans, cosplayers, and pop culture enthusiasts.
READ: Music on the River returns to the KZN Midlands for a magical day of live music
KZN Art Fair makes its debut
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is the KZN Art Fair, the province's first major visual arts fair, which aims to showcase KwaZulu-Natal's growing creative industry while connecting artists, galleries and collectors.
Festival organisers believe the fair will help grow sustainable careers for artists while placing KwaZulu-Natal alongside South Africa's major art events.
Hosted in Hilton College's Memorial Hall, you can look forward to:
- Gallery exhibitions featuring established and emerging artists
- Contemporary design showcases
- Artist talks and panel discussions
- Workshops and book launches
- Collector events
- A celebration of KZN's visual arts and design sector
Calling all gamers, cosplayers and comic fans
Also making its festival debut is Just Geekin', a dedicated pop culture zone for gaming, fantasy, comics, anime, and fandom.
Whether you're into gaming, superheroes, sci-fi or fantasy, the new addition has something for every age.
The interactive area will feature:
- E-Sports competitions
- Cosplay showcases
- Trading card games
- Tabletop gaming
- Artist Alley
- Comic books and collectables
- Workshops and fan experiences
Festival highlights
Alongside the new attractions, there's also an outstanding programme of theatre, comedy, music and family entertainment. Here’s a quick look at some of the performances you can book for:
1. Theatre
- Behind the Crimson Door — a spectacular fashion-theatre collaboration by Gert-Johan Coetzee and The Cirk.
- Constellations — the acclaimed romantic drama exploring love and quantum theory.
- "Master Harold"...and the Boys — Athol Fugard's iconic South African classic.
- Shackleton — the gripping survival story returns by popular demand.
- Out of Bounds starring Rajesh Gopie.
2. Comedy
- Rob van Vuuren Live
- Dead Dad with Louw Venter
- Bump & Grind featuring Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert
- Stuck in Dubai with Dalin Oliver
- The Most Amazing Show with Corné and Twakkie
3. Music
- Arno Carstens performing live with his band.
- The Drakensberg Boys Choir in concert.
- Britney in the Underworld
- Jagged Little Tribute – The Music of Alanis Morissette
- Melanie Lowe
- Guy Buttery
4. Family favourites
- World of Wonders magic spectacular.
- Children's productions including Turn the Tide and Kiss that Frog.
- The popular Craft Market with more than 100 artisan stalls.
- Design & Makers Quarter.
- Film Festival featuring acclaimed South African productions.
- Rockjumper birding walks and talks.
...and so much more.
Book your show!
Check out the full Hilton Arts Festival programme.
Tickets for performances are available through Webtickets, while festival vehicle entry is R100 per vehicle, valid for all three days.
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