Spring has arrived in Nelson Mandela Bay, and September is bringing plenty of reasons to get out of the house.
From live music and comedy to markets, theatre, Heritage Month celebrations and outdoor adventures, there is something happening across the Bay throughout the month.
Whether you’re looking for weekend plans, a night out or something the whole family can enjoy, here are some of the events worth adding to your September calendar.
Africa Meat Expo
When: 3 September 2026
Where: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The Africa Meat Expo comes to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this September, bringing together roleplayers from across the meat, livestock, seafood and dairy industries.
The event is aimed at farmers, traders, researchers, processors, investors and international delegates, with discussions focused on the industry, its challenges and opportunities across the continent.
What’s Good In The Hood Night Market
When: 4 September 2026, 17:00 to 21:00
Where: Willow Road, Fairview
Start the first weekend of September with a night-market outing.
What’s Good In The Hood returns with its mix of food, crafts and live music, offering an easy Friday evening option for families and friends. Dogs on leads are also welcome.
Country Through the Ages
When: 4 September 2026, 19:30
Where: Centrestage @ Baywest
Country music fans can take a trip through some of the songs that helped shape the genre when Country Through the Ages returns to Centrestage.
Featuring Gerrit de Jager and Chantelle Bosch, the show promises familiar favourites and plenty of nostalgia.
Tickets start from R180.
Mr Bully Tour: Gqeberha
When: 4 September 2026, from 16:00
Where: The Gallery on Produce, South End
LaCabra brings the Mr Bully Tour to Gqeberha as part of the celebration surrounding the release of his debut album, MR BULLY.
The event runs from the afternoon into the early hours, giving local fans a chance to catch the tour right here in the Bay.
GQ Montessori School Market Day
When: 5 September 2026, 09:00 to 12:00
Where: Tramways Building, South End
For something a little more family-friendly, the GQ Montessori School Market Day takes over the Tramways Building on Saturday morning.
Expect student-run stalls, crafts, food, drinks and a relaxed morning out in one of the city’s best-known event spaces.
Dillan Oliphant: Victory Lap
When: 5 September 2026, 20:00
Where: The Capital Boardwalk
Award-winning comedian Dillan Oliphant brings his Victory Lap comedy tour to Gqeberha.
The show celebrates Oliphant’s journey through the comedy industry following wins for Comedian of the Year and Best Solo Show.
Tickets are priced from R220.
Jan Blohm Live
When: 5 September 2026, 21:00
Where: The Boardwalk, Summerstrand
South African singer-songwriter Jan Blohm takes to the stage at The Boardwalk for an evening of live music.
The show is for audiences aged 18 and over, with tickets starting from R285.
CREEP • JUNGLE BEATS Mini Fest
When: 5 September 2026, from 14:00
Where: Bridge Street Brewery, South End
If your weekend plans call for something a little louder, the CREEP • JUNGLE BEATS Mini Fest brings an afternoon of music to Bridge Street Brewery in the Baakens Valley.
The event kicks off at 14:00, with tickets available through Quicket.
NMB Northern Areas Road Race
When: 19 September 2026
Where: Gelvandale Athletics Track
Runners can add another local race to their September calendar with the NMB Northern Areas Road Race.
Starting from the Gelvandale Athletics Track, the event includes 10km and 5km distances, making it an option for both competitive runners and those looking for a shorter outing.
Gqeberha Legends Festival: Heritage Alive
When: 19 September 2026
Where: Boardwalk ICC
Heritage Month gets a musical celebration at the Gqeberha Legends Festival.
The event will showcase a mix of jazz, R&B, soul, pop, Motown, Afro-jazz and indigenous South African music, with a particular focus on celebrating talent from Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape.
Doors open at 17:00 and the show starts at 18:00. Tickets start from R150.
Nádine: Ladies of Rock
When: 19 September 2026, 19:30
Where: Centrestage @ Baywest
Nádine heads to Centrestage this September with Ladies of Rock, a live show celebrating some of rock music’s best-known classics.
Doors open at 18:00 ahead of the 19:30 show, with tickets priced from R250.
Dare To Dream Women’s Conference
When: 19 September 2026, 10:30 to 14:30
Where: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The Dare To Dream Women’s Conference brings together women in business, leadership, the workplace and faith for a morning focused on encouragement, purpose and personal growth.
Hosted by Mrs Zama Mtshali, the programme includes Dr Patience Mlengana and Nomndeni Sethole.
Tickets are R480.
Green Flag Trail Run
When: 20 September 2026, from 06:30
Where: Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
Spring is arguably one of the best times to explore the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve, and runners can do exactly that at the Green Flag Trail Run.
Held alongside the Van Stadens Flower Festival and indigenous plant sale, the run offers 5km and 15km distances through the reserve.
Entries range from R175 to R275.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
When: 23 September to 10 October 2026
Where: The Savoy Theatre, Parsons Hill
One of musical theatre’s most recognisable productions comes to the Bay when Impact Community Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical follows the story of Joseph and his brothers, with well-known numbers including Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.
The local production is directed by Rose Cowpar, with Caleb Zola taking on the role of Joseph.
Roots, Rites and Rhythm Heritage Festival
When: 24 September 2026, 09:00 until midnight
Where: Fairview Sports Centre, Willow Road
Heritage Day brings a full day of entertainment to Fairview with the Roots, Rites and Rhythm Heritage Festival.
The programme combines music, culture, food, cars and family entertainment, with Loufi headlining alongside DJ Neil SA, DJ Milo Mudley and the winner of the event’s Battle of the DJs.
Visitors can also expect vintage cars, a park-off competition, a potjiekos competition, food trucks, more than 100 stalls and a dedicated children’s area.
Daytime entry is free, while tickets for the main-act portion of the event are R150.
SPAR Women’s Challenge Gqeberha
When: 26 September 2026
Where: Pollok Beach, Summerstrand
One of the Bay’s biggest annual running events returns to the beachfront this September.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge offers both 5km and 10km routes, with the 10km starting at 07:00 and the 5km at 08:00.
Entries cost R200 and include a T-shirt, goodie bag, magazine and medal, subject to event conditions and availability.
This year’s Gqeberha event forms part of the #CelebrateHer campaign and is limited to 6,000 entries.
The Soil: Heritage Festival
When: 26 September 2026, 19:00
Where: The Boardwalk, Summerstrand
Heritage Month celebrations continue at The Boardwalk with acclaimed South African a cappella group The Soil.
The Heritage Festival takes place on Saturday, 26 September, with tickets starting from R250.
Make September a local one
From running through the wildflowers at Van Stadens and catching a show at the Savoy to celebrating Heritage Month with local music, food and culture, September offers plenty of opportunities to experience Nelson Mandela Bay.
As always, dates, times and ticket availability can change, so check directly with organisers before heading out.
Hosting an event in Nelson Mandela Bay that we should know about? Email editor@041online.co.za to get it onto our radar.
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