South Africa is home to some of the most exciting contemporary art events on the continent, bringing together world-renowned galleries, emerging artists, thought-provoking installations, design, fashion, music and culture. Whether you're looking to buy your first original artwork, discover the country's next big creative talent or simply spend a day immersed in creativity, there's an art fair for you.

From Johannesburg and Cape Town to KZN and Makhanda, here's your guide to the country's biggest art fairs and visual arts events over the next year.

Investec Cape Town Art Fair

Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town (19–21 February 2027)

If there's one art fair that puts Africa on the global contemporary art map, it's Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

As the continent's largest international art fair, it brings together leading galleries from across Africa and around the world, transforming the CTICC into a showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art. Expect museum-quality exhibitions, large-scale installations, photography, sculpture and plenty of stylish attendees.

But the experience extends well beyond the convention centre. During fair week, Cape Town's galleries, museums and creative spaces come alive with special exhibitions, evening openings and public programming, making the entire city feel like one giant gallery.

What to expect

• International and African galleries
• Large-scale installations
• Artist talks and panel discussions
• Emerging and established contemporary artists
• Gallery Night and city-wide exhibitions

Broke & About Tip

Your ticket is only part of the experience. Plan your visit around Gallery Night and the city's free public exhibitions to experience Cape Town's creative scene without spending your entire day inside the fair.

FNB Art Joburg

Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg (4–6 September 2026)

Africa's longest-running contemporary art fair remains one of the continent's most influential cultural events.

Every September, galleries from across Africa gather in Johannesburg to unveil new exhibitions, launch artists and connect collectors with some of the continent's most exciting creative voices. Expect bold contemporary works, immersive installations and conversations that challenge the way we think about art and society.

The fair also anchors Joburg's broader art season, with exhibitions and activations taking place across the city.

What to expect

• Leading African galleries
• Solo artist presentations
• Gallery LAB showcasing emerging galleries
• Installations and experimental works
• Talks with artists, curators and collectors

Broke & About Tip

Even if you don't buy a ticket to the main fair, don't miss Open City. Running alongside FNB Art Joburg, it transforms Johannesburg into a city-wide cultural playground with gallery openings, studio visits, public installations and walking tours, many of which are free or low-cost.

RMB Latitudes Art Fair

Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg (Expected May 2027)

Forget convention centres.

RMB Latitudes takes over the beautiful heritage venue of Shepstone Gardens, transforming historic buildings, terraces and lush gardens into an immersive contemporary art experience.

Art appears in unexpected places—from grand staircases and outdoor sculpture gardens to intimate rooms and hidden courtyards—making it one of the most unique art experiences in South Africa.

With a strong focus on pan-African creativity, independent galleries and collectible design, Latitudes feels just as much like a cultural day out as it does an art fair.

What to expect

• Outdoor sculpture trails
• Contemporary African galleries
• Design and furniture exhibitions
• Photography, ceramics and mixed media
• Beautiful heritage gardens

Broke & About Tip

Take your time. Your ticket doubles as access to one of Johannesburg's most beautiful event venues, so spend the afternoon exploring the gardens between exhibitions.

KZN Art Fair at the Hilton Arts Festival

Hilton College, KwaZulu-Natal (7–9 August 2026)

Hosted as part of the iconic Hilton Arts Festival, the KZN Art Fair has become one of South Africa's most exciting regional art events.

The professionally curated fair brings together galleries, collectors and artists from across the country, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience contemporary art outside the country's major cities.

What to expect

• Regional and national galleries
• Artist talks
• Live demonstrations
• Workshops
• The wider Hilton Arts Festival, including theatre, music and food

Broke & About Tip

Your festival ticket gives you access to far more than just the art fair. Spend the day exploring the full festival and, if you're travelling with friends, split fuel and parking costs to make the trip even more affordable.

National Arts Festival

Makhanda, Eastern Cape (Expected Late June – Early July 2027)

While the National Arts Festival is best known for theatre and live performance, its visual arts programme is equally impressive.

For more than a week, galleries, schools, churches and public spaces across Makhanda become exhibition venues, creating one of South Africa's biggest celebrations of creativity.

From curated exhibitions to independent Fringe artists, there's something around every corner.

What to expect

• Contemporary exhibitions
• Fringe Visual Arts Programme
• Artist-run spaces
• Public art installations
• Independent exhibitions

Broke & About Tip

Some of the festival's best discoveries aren't inside the headline exhibitions. Wander through the Fringe programme where you'll often meet artists directly and discover original works before they reach commercial galleries.

More Art Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Not every major art event is a traditional art fair. These experiences are just as important if you're looking to immerse yourself in South Africa's creative scene.

Contra.Joburg

Part art fair, part city-wide creative intervention, Contra.Joburg challenges the traditional gallery model by taking visitors directly into artist studios, creative spaces and unexpected venues across Johannesburg.

Designed to broaden access to contemporary African art, it's one of the best ways to discover independent artists outside the commercial gallery system.

Broke & About Tip

Skip the galleries you already know. Contra is all about discovery, so use the programme to explore neighbourhoods, studios and creative spaces you've never visited before.

Absa L'Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair

For more than four decades, Absa L'Atelier has been one of Africa's most respected platforms for emerging visual artists.

While it's best known as a prestigious art competition run in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), the programme also includes exhibitions and lifestyle experiences that introduce visitors to some of Africa's brightest young creative talent.

Many of today's established artists first gained recognition through L'Atelier.

Broke & About Tip

Keep an eye on the finalists' exhibitions. It's one of the best places to discover tomorrow's leading artists before they become household names.

BMW Art Generation

If FNB Art Joburg is the main event, BMW Art Generation is where the conversations happen.

Hosted as part of Joburg's wider art week, the programme blends visual arts with live music, performance, panel discussions and thought leadership, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the ideas shaping contemporary African art.

Whether you're an artist, collector or simply curious, it's one of the easiest ways to engage with the creative community beyond the gallery walls.

Broke & About Tip

If you're new to the art world, start here. The conversations and panel discussions will give you valuable context before exploring the main fair.

South Africa's Art Calendar (2026–2027)

KZN Art Fair at Hilton Arts Festival: 7 - 9 August 2026, KwaZulu-Natal

FNB Art Joburg: 4 - 6 September 2026, Sandton Convention Centre Gauteng

BMW Art Generation: During Joburg Art Week

Contra.Joburg: 29 & 30 August 2026, Johannesburg

Investec Cape Town Art Fair: 19 - 21 February 2027, Western Cape

RMB Latitudes Art Fair: Expected May 2027, Johannesburg

National Arts Festival: Expected Late June – Early July 2027, Eastern Cape

Absa L'Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair: Expected date - October, Johannesburg

Beyond the Gallery Walls

South Africa's art scene isn't confined to white walls and collector previews. From large-scale international fairs in Cape Town to boutique exhibitions in Johannesburg, regional showcases in Hilton and immersive cultural festivals in Makhanda, there's an art experience for every kind of visitor.

Whether you're buying your first original artwork, looking for creative inspiration or simply planning your next cultural outing, these events offer a front-row seat to the incredible depth of African creativity.

The best part? You don't need to be an art expert to enjoy them. Just bring your curiosity, wear comfortable shoes and give yourself enough time to wander. You never know which artist, installation or conversation might become the highlight of your day.