The Franschhoek Bastille Festival will take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2025, marking its 33rd year as one of the Cape Winelands’ longest-running and most recognisable annual events.
In a notable change for 2025, the festival relocates to a new venue — the Hospice parking area in the heart of the Franschhoek village — offering a refreshed layout while maintaining proximity to the town’s main attractions.
Prescient, a global financial services company, returns as the official partner for this year’s event.
The festival remains focused on celebrating Franschhoek’s French heritage, with an emphasis on food, wine, music, and themed experiences. The core programme continues to centre around a ticketed marquee area, where guests can sample local wines, cheeses, and artisanal produce. Each ticket includes a branded wine glass and 10 tasting tokens, which can be redeemed at participating wine farms.
A new addition to this year’s offering is Uncorked Exclusive, a curated wine-tasting experience designed for smaller groups. This activation will feature limited-release and premium wines from the valley, with a focus on more in-depth engagement and education.
Beyond the main tented areas, Franschhoek village will once again activate its public spaces for the festival weekend. Church Street will be closed to vehicle traffic, transforming into a pedestrian food and craft fair. Celebration Square will also host open-air food stalls, street performers, and live music.
Musical entertainment for 2025 includes a hybrid DJ/live performance showcase by Rhythm DiVine, who will combine electronic sets with live saxophone, violin and percussion. Local band Tuxedo will also perform, adding a mainstream pop and rock element to the entertainment line-up.
Festivalgoers traditionally dress in the colours of the French flag — blue, white, and red — and a “best-dressed” competition will again form part of the weekend schedule.
A formal opening ceremony will take place on Saturday morning, marking the start of the event.
Now over three decades old, the Franschhoek Bastille Festival remains a seasonal highlight for both the local tourism sector and wine industry stakeholders. The 2025 edition reflects both continuity and evolution, with organisers aiming to retain its classic appeal while introducing new elements tailored to changing audience preferences.
