DON’T miss an opportunity to be part of the Hilton Arts Festival which offers an exciting programme of theatre, music, comedy, family entertainment and special events, featuring many of South Africa’s leading performers.

Bookings are open and the public is encouraged to be part of the three-day event.

Now in its 34th year, the Hilton Arts Festival returns to Hilton College in the KZN Midlands from August 7-9, unveiling its biggest and boldest programme yet. 

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Recognised as KZN’s premier arts festival and one of the country’s most loved cultural events, it promises another unforgettable celebration of South African creativity.

The festival attracts more than 25 000 visitors annually and enjoys national and international recognition.

This year’s festival introduces two exciting new attractions – the inaugural KZN Art Fair at Hilton Arts Festival and Just Geekin’ at Hilton Arts Festival – adding fresh dimensions to an already outstanding programme of theatre, live music, comedy, visual arts, film, family entertainment and artisanal experiences.

From internationally acclaimed performers and award-winning productions to thought-provoking drama, spectacular live music and immersive cultural experiences, the 2026 Hilton Arts Festival promises an exhilarating weekend showcasing the best of South African talent.

Below is what the public can look forward to in the art festival:

Festival Showstoppers

Arno Carstens performs live with his band.

Behind the Crimson Door combines couture, aerial performance and dance in a spectacular theatrical experience.

Constellations is a moving drama about love, fate and life’s infinite possibilities.

The renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir returns with a vibrant concert.

Drama

A strong line-up includes:

Midnight in Parys by Paul Slabolepszy.

The Tramp, celebrating Charlie Chaplin.

The Opera Singer starring Fiona Ramsay.

Rajesh Gopie’s acclaimed Out of Bounds.

Athol Fugard’s classic “Master Harold”…and the Boys.

Zakes Mda’s And the Girls in their Sunday Dresses.

Survival epic Shackleton.

Physical theatre production Weightless.

Tim Plewman’s reflective Epilogue.

Sophie Joans’ inventive comedy Netphlix.

Comedy

The festival features top comedians including:

Dalin Oliver (Stuck in Dubai)

Aaron McIlroy & Lisa Bobbert (Bump & Grind)

Rob van Vuuren Live

Louw Venter (Dead Dad)

Aaron McIlroy (Rugby Mad)

The return of cult favourites Corné and Twakkie.

Live Music

A diverse programme includes:

Tributes to Alanis Morissette, Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter, Britney Spears and Jack Johnson.

Original productions by Carmen Rodrigues, Going South and Reflection.

Blues, jazz, Carnatic music, singer-songwriters and emerging South African artists.

Music in the Chapel

Enjoy classical and choral performances featuring:

Homegrown (celebrating KwaZulu-Natal musicians)

Opera Trios: Love Triangle

Guitar virtuoso Guy Buttery

Clifton Collective

A Sunday Songs of Praise concert.

Special Events

The festival also offers:

Family theatre (A Day in the Desert)

Magic spectacular World of Wonders!

Wildlife stories with James Hendry

Guided Rockjumper birding experiences

An exclusive launch of John van de Ruit’s Spud: Two for the Road (free admission).

Children’s Theatre

Turn the Tide is an engaging puppet production encouraging children to care for the environment through recycling and ocean conservation.

Overall, the festival showcases an outstanding mix of acclaimed theatre, comedy, live music, visual spectacle, family entertainment and special experiences, making it one of South Africa’s premier arts events.

Bookings
Book through Webtickets:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Client.aspx?clientcode=hiltonartsfest

View the full Festival programme:
www.hiltonfestival.co.za

Festival entrance is a once-off R100 per vehicle, valid for all three days.

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