From July 11 to 20, Jeffreys Bay will host the J-Bay Surf Festival, transforming the Eastern Cape town into the country’s must-visit winter hotspot.
This year will see the highly anticipated return of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour to the legendary Supertubes after a one-year hiatus, bringing the world’s best surfers back to one of the world’s most iconic right-hand breaks.
But the action doesn’t stop when the surfing ends.
The ParkOFF Music Festival, held over both weekends of the J-Bay Surf Festival, will keep the beats going long after the sun sets.
The standout name from the opening weekend is Grammy-winner, Zakes Bantwini, who will be bringing his signature afro sound to J-Bay.
Other names to look out for include African house and techno pioneer, Dino Moran, and crowd favourite electronic DJ, Dean Fuel.
Dino Moran looks back fondly on some of the J-Bay Surf Festival’s most iconic moments, such as when Jordy Smith claimed his breakthrough WSL win in 2010.
“This will be my 15th year performing at the J-Bay Surf Festival, and it remains one of my all-time favourite events. A standout memory was DJing at the 2010 prize-giving when Jordy Smith won his first WSL Championship Tour event on Mandela Day. The atmosphere was electric, with patriotic energy, champagne in the air, and the sun setting over Supertubes. It was pure magic. 2025 is shaping up to be another iconic year for South African surfing, and my set will match that energy,” said Moran.
The second weekend will deliver another heavyweight line-up, with Italian techno artist, Tribal Need, dynamic South African duo, Cinimin, and electro icon, Niskerone.
The action will continue right until the end of the closing party on July 20, which will feature ParkOFF Residents and special surprise guests. For those craving a laugh, Comedy Night on July 14 will showcase some of South Africa’s sharpest stand-up talent, including the legendary Rob van Vuuren, Kagiso “KG” Mokgadi, Robby Collins and Emilio Tobias.
But it’s not only about the action on the stage.
Sports enthusiasts and adventure junkies alike are sure to love the other activities on offer at the J-Bay Surf Festival:
● July 19: Mountain biking and trail running races for all levels (10-60 km routes for MTB, 5-10 km for trail runs);
● July 19 to 20: A high-stakes Jiu Jitsu tournament featuring the biggest prize pool in SA history;
● July 12: A family-friendly off-road motorbike adventure with Funduro;
● July 19: The popular J-Bay Skins Fishing Competition with prizes and bragging rights up for grabs;
● July 19: A touch rugby and volleyball showdown on Main Beach with cash prizes and goodies on the line.
This year’s event conveniently spans two weekends of the school holidays, making it easier than ever for families and festival-goers to make the trip.
With up to 70 000 visitors expected, locking in your travel plans now is key.
Organiser Ari Kraak said, “We’re expecting the biggest crowd yet.”
“The energy, the entertainment — it’s all dialled up this year. If you’re after a beach holiday with top-class entertainment, then Jeffreys Bay is where you need to be. The ParkOFF Music Festival will see the likes of Zakes Bantwini and Italy’s Tribal Need amongst other top local acts, keeping everyone dancing late into the night.”
For more details on the action-packed calendar, visit the J-Bay Surf Festival website.
For accommodation or assistance to plan your trip, contact Jeffreys Bay Tourism via WhatsApp at 064 966 9933 or email info@jeffreysbaytourism.org.
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