As the peak whale season continues along the Overstrand coastline, Hermanus is preparing to welcome visitors for the annual Hermanus Whale Festival from 2 to 4 October 2026.
New to this year’s festival is Beach Volleyball at Grotto Beach, where visitors can enjoy three days of social play, beginner sessions, open-play courts, coaching clinics and exhibition matches, presented in collaboration with the Overberg Beach Volleyball Association and the Cape Beach Volleyball Hub.
Festival-goers can also look forward to a range of activities, including the Street Parade, the Whales & Wheels Classic Car Show, the 10 km Fun Run, Family Fun Walks, Treasure Hunts featuring Pirates and Mermaids, and the Eco-Marine Village.
As has become customary during the Hermanus Whale Festival, residents and visitors should expect significantly increased traffic volumes in and around Hermanus over the festival weekend. Please allow additional travel time, be patient and follow the directions of traffic officials and event marshals.
Please make use of the free hourly shuttle services between the Waterfront and Grotto Beach.
Road Closures
* Marine Drive, from in front of Burgundy Restaurant to the Hermanus Waterfront Whale Tail, will be closed daily from 06:00 to 18:00 from 2 to 4 October 2026
* Market Street will be subject to a limited closure from 06:00 on 1 October 2026 to allow stall holders to set up
* Market Street will be fully closed from 06:00 to 18:00 daily from 2 to 4 October 2026
* Access for delivery vehicles and stall holders only will be permitted before 08:30 and after 18:00 each day during the festival
Alternative Parking
Visitors are encouraged to use available parking at:
- Hermanus Waterfront (Marine Hotel side)
- Marine Drive near the Windsor Hotel
- United Church parking area below Hoy’s Koppie
- Other designated public parking areas
Temporary Parking Closures
The following parking areas will be closed:
* Monday, 28 September 2026: Gearing’s Point and the Waterfront grass area
* Tuesday, 29 September 2026: Market Square parking area
* Wednesday, 30 September 2026: FNB parking area
* These areas will remain unavailable to the public throughout the Hermanus
Whale Festival weekend and during the dismantling period thereafter
* Festival infrastructure is expected to be fully removed by 7 October 2026
