Surfing, music, markets, sport and community events come together over Easter weekend

Port Alfred moves into focus this Easter as the Easter Festival returns from 3–6 April 2026, delivering a full coastal programme of sport, music, lifestyle and community events along the Eastern Cape shoreline.

Surf programme anchors the festival

East Beach sits at the centre of the action, with the surf programme drawing strong attention through two major events.

The Rip Curl GromSearch presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel, supported by Sea Harvest, is a Surfing South Africa event. South Africa’s top junior surfers will compete across U12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions. The contest stands as the country’s sole qualifier for the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final, with U16 winners earning international berths and travel support.

Alongside it, the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup runs as a World Surf League Africa event. The QS 4,000 Men’s and QS 2,000 Women’s competitions close out the regional qualifying season, with Challenger Series qualification and final rankings on the line.

The Royal Alfred Marina Expression Session

The Royal Alfred Marina Expression Session encompasses progressive, creative surfing, huge moves, extended hang time, and something that will blow spectators away. The Expression Sessions are always one of the most exciting and entertaining elements in a surf tournament, and this year, the Royal Alfred Marina has put down a R10k reward for this heat.

Music, energy and nightlife

Bands Innie Bush continues to build momentum as a key drawcard on the Easter calendar. This year’s lineup features Refentse, Brandon Peyper, The Rockerfellas, Sunset Sweatshop and December Streets.

The event brings a high-energy live music component, carrying the festival well beyond the beach and into the night.

Markets, food, and family activities

On Saturday, 4 April, Wharf Street and Van Der Riet Street become the central gathering points for the street markets.

Visitors can expect a full day of craft markets, food stalls and interactive activities, including a potjie cook-off, beer packaging design contest, Easter egg hunt and the always-popular wife-carrying race. 

Sport and community events

Sport continues to shape the festival programme across multiple disciplines.

The Edge Pro10 Easter Bowls Tournament at the Port Alfred Bowling Club delivers fast-paced mixed pairs competition with a R10,000 prize pool.

The Port Alfred Easter parkrun takes to the streets on Saturday morning over 5km, while the Granny Grommets bodyboarding session brings a light, inclusive element to the beachfront.

The Easter Species Spectacular fishing competition, hosted by the Port Alfred River & Ski Boat Club, adds another layer to the coastal sporting lineup.

Four days. Full programme

The Port Alfred Easter Festival continues to grow as a multi-layered coastal event, bringing together competitive sport, live music and community participation.

Over four days, the programme maintains steady activity and strong public engagement, reflecting the energy of the coastline.

All schedules remain subject to change. Updates will be shared across official festival platforms.