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The Vrystaat Kunstefees • Arts Festival

July 19, 2017
Cool Spots • Vrystaat Kunstefees / Arts Festival
  • Vrystaat Kunstefees / Arts Festival / Tsa-Botjhaba
  • Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State
  • vrystaatkunstefees.co.za

There is nothing better to conquer the cold Free Sate winter than the Vrystaat Kunstefees in Bloemfontein, a marvelously fantastic arts festival with one-of-a-kind hospitality.

Drama, comedy, musical theatre, visual arts, dance theatre and entertainment for the kids. These are just a few of the highlights which festival goers can look forward to at the Vrystaat Kunstefees every year. This year is certainly no exception.

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One festival. Many stories

Bloemfontein is wonderfully central and boasts some of the best theatres in the country which makes for and exceptionally warm experience for both festival goers and artists alike. The 2017 festival takes place from 18 to 22 July at the Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State  and a whopping 160 000 visitors are expected for the duration of the festival.

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This year the Vrystaat Kunstefees, an Afrikaans language festival that forges creative connections with English and Sotho cultures, will offer three festivals in one – the Main Festival, the Literature Festival and the vrynge.

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*The Main Festival

The Main Festival features a number of exciting new drama, comedy, music, dance and children’s productions. A special mention is due for an excellent debut flagship production, Gif which was especially developed in partnership with the KKNK and Wordfees.

Also featured this year is the very first opera presented by the Vrystaat Kunstefees – Cavalleria Rusticana staged in the Civic together with local singers from the Odeion School of Music and accompanied by the Free State Symphonic Orhestra. Wonderful!

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*The Literature Festival

The Literature Festival boasts a list of international writers from amongst others Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, Romania, Kenya and Zambia. In addition to other big names of the South African literary world, both Antjie Krog and Ruda Landman will be a special treat featured at this year’s festival.

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*Vrynge

The vrynge farm is a terrific initiative to create a platform for artists from all levels of practice to explore their creative talent. From newcomers to professionals testing work in progress, this is the place to be if you want a taste of the future. This year vrynge is much very accessible at the Badminton Hall on the main festival premises on Kovsie Campus. Watch out for fun and interesting live performances!

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The Vrystaat Kunstefees is a festival which continues to renew and innovate and provide festival goers with unforgettable experiences – Enjoy the festival, feed your soul and have a great time with the wonderfully charming people of the Free State!

Cool Spots • Vrystaat Kunstefees / Arts Festival

Drinks

Craft beer, specialty gins, freshly roasted coffee, frozen cocktails, adult soft serve, gourmet milkshakes and many many more. What ever your thirst fancy might be, the Vrystaat Kunstefees has got you covered!

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Food

Marvelously scrumptious festival foods are on the menu at this year’s festival – these are a couple of our favourites to look out for:

  • The Dos Chido Mexican street food truck

Expect authentic delicioso Mexican grub done street food style. We loved the jalapeno poppers and pulled pork burritos.   *Definitely one of our best discoveries at this year’s festival!

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  • Die Pannekoekman food cart

Order proper traditional pancakes with cinnamon sugar, caramel or Nutella. One word: YUM!!

Cool Spots • Vrystaat Kunstefees / Arts Festival

  • Dinutty nuts stand – We absolutely LOVE the deliciously caramalised macadamian, pecan and mixed nuts on offer.    *A MUST-do treat stop for the Smart Team 🙂

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  • Chip-on-a-stick

What is festival street food without enjoying a spiral potato on a stick? With a dime a dozen chip-on-a-stick stands on hand at the festival, you’ll be sure to find a chip-on-a-stick in a jiffy. Add some zing to your chip-on-a-stick with salt & vinegar (our favourite!), cheese & chives or biltong spice.

Cool Spots • Vrystaat Kunstefees / Arts Festival

Atmosphere

Fun, festival, funky street style, arty vibe.

We recommend

Enjoy fabulous street food, gourmet coffee and craft beer AND make a note in your diary not to miss these shows:

  • 3-in-1 met Casper, Schalk & HannesComedy, 22 Jul 20:30
  • Hans Haas en die heuningby Kids, 21 Jul 10:00, 22 Jul 13:00 & 15:00
  • Dan Patlansky – Full ElectricBlues Rock Guitar, 21 Jul 21:00
  • Daily live music performances at the Blerkas – Our highlights: Jo Black 21 Jul 23:00 and Francios van Coke 22 Jul 22:00.

Date

18 – 22 July 2017

Location

*Sources: vrystaatkunstefees.co.za

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