Bloemfontein Rose Festival

Bloemfontein has called itself the city of roses since the mid-twentieth century, and the claim has some basis - the Free State highveld climate, with dry air and cold winters, suits roses better than most of South Africa, and the city has planted them along streets and in public gardens for decades. The October festival is when the first flush is at its best. It is not a large tourist event; it is a local one, with garden openings, rose shows and judging, markets, music and church and school events across the city over about a week. Going for the festival alone would be a stretch for most travellers, but October is genuinely the month to be in Bloemfontein, and if a route through the Free State is already planned, timing it here costs nothing. Dates shift year to year and are announced locally.

What you actually see

• The first flush - October is when Bloemfontein's roses are at their best.
• Garden openings - private and public gardens shown for the week.
• The rose show - competitive judging, the core of the festival for growers.
• A local event - markets, music and school events rather than a tourist parade.

When to go

October; dates vary by year and are announced locally. One to two days.

Honest expectations

This is a community festival, not a spectacle - do not expect floats or crowds. Programming changes annually and information is published late. Some years the festival has been scaled back. Bloemfontein has limited other draws.

Nearby

Oliewenhuis and its garden are close; Naval Hill overlooks the city.