From international cricket and local fashion to weekend markets, live entertainment and the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, October is giving Nelson Mandela Bay plenty of reasons to get out and about. Here’s what to add to your calendar.
Spring is in full swing, and the Bay’s October calendar is looking rather busy.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for a weekend market, supporting local creatives or getting your steps in for a good cause, there’s plenty happening around Nelson Mandela Bay this month.
We’ve rounded up some of the events worth knowing about, including a few of our own additions to the calendar.
Peter’s Art Gallery Exhibition
When: 28 September – 4 October 2026
Art lovers can kick off October with Peter’s Art Gallery Exhibition, which continues into the first weekend of the month.
Pretty in Pink Afternoon Tea
When: 3 October 2026 Where: The Beach Hotel, Summerstrand
Gather your favourite people for a leisurely afternoon by the sea. The Beach Hotel’s Pretty in Pink Afternoon Tea offers sweet and savoury treats, freshly brewed tea and beautiful ocean views.
AS Studios presents an Old School Evening
When: 3 October 2026
AS Studios is bringing an Old School Evening to the Bay’s October entertainment calendar. Check the event listing for further details.
Windsong Bohemian Market
When: 3 October 2026 Where: Holmeleigh Farmyard
If you love discovering something a little different, the Windsong Bohemian Market is worth adding to your weekend plans.
Expect food trucks, deli stalls, locally handcrafted goods, art, bohemian fashion, jewellery, fresh produce and entertainment for the kids.
BayRun with Discovery Vitality
When: 3 October 2026 Where: Cape Recife High School
Lace up those running shoes! The fourth edition of the Discovery Vitality Run Series comes to Gqeberha, hosted by 32Gi Athletic Club.
The BayRun starts and finishes at Cape Recife High School and carries EP Athletics league status.
Crossways Village Market
When: 4 October 2026 Where: Crossways Village
The popular Crossways Village Market returns with its signature country atmosphere beneath the blue gum trees.
With more than 120 local vendors, live music, food trucks, farm-fresh produce, crafts, fashion, décor and children’s activities, it’s an outing for the whole family.
Annual Malabar Family Night Market
When: 9 October 2026, 16:30–21:30
The Annual Malabar Family Night Market returns for an evening of food, shopping and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitors can look forward to food vendors, crafts, artisan products and lifestyle brands.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Golf Day
When: 9 October 2026, from 10:30 Where: Humewood Golf Club, Summerstrand
Golf enthusiasts can gather their four-ball teams for a day on the greens while supporting the Sacred Heart Catholic Church building fund.
Luce della Moda 2026: ECLIPSE
When: 10 October 2026, 18:00 Where: Boardwalk ICC
Fashion, beauty, photography and performance come together as Braemore Lundall-Sauls brings ECLIPSE to the Boardwalk ICC.
The production celebrates creative collaboration and promises an immersive runway experience built around the theme A Journey from Shadows to Light.
Read our People of the Bay feature on Braemore Lundall-Sauls to find out more about the creative vision behind the event.
Proteas vs Australia
When: 18–22 October 2026 Where: St George’s Park Cricket Stadium
International cricket returns to the Bay as the Proteas take on Australia in the second Test match of the series.
Cricket fans can look forward to five days of action at one of South Africa’s most iconic cricket grounds.
(the collective) Fashion Show
When: 24 October 2026 Where: Tramways Building, South End
Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Visual Arts is putting local design talent in the spotlight with the collective, an evening runway show featuring two cohorts of Fashion and Textile students.
The event marks the end of the department’s academic year and offers audiences an opportunity to see the work of emerging designers.
Oktoberfest Corporate Evening
When: 29 October 2026
Looking for an early year-end function? Oktoberfest’s corporate evening offers businesses an opportunity to treat their teams and clients to a themed evening out.
Tables are advertised at R7,500 for 10 guests, with an entrance ticket, Oktoberfest gifts and refreshments included in the package.
Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer
When: 31 October 2026
One of the Eastern Cape’s biggest charity events returns as the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by Isuzu Motors South Africa, brings communities together for an important cause.
Funds raised during the 2026 event will support projects by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa and CHOC.
Whether you’re walking with friends, family or colleagues, it’s an opportunity to get moving while supporting organisations making a difference.
Trick or Treat Afternoon Tea
When: 31 October 2026 Where: The Beach Hotel, Summerstrand
The Beach Hotel is adding a Halloween twist to its afternoon tea offering with a Trick or Treat edition.
Gather your friends for sweet and savoury treats and a relaxing afternoon overlooking the ocean.
Oktoberfest Saturday Open Evening
When: 31 October 2026, from 17:00
Oktoberfest rounds off October with its Saturday Open Evening. Visitors can dress up in their best German-inspired outfits and enjoy a festive atmosphere.
Entrance is advertised at R200 per person.
Make the most of October in the Bay
From supporting local designers and artists to enjoying international sport, weekend markets and community fundraisers, there’s no shortage of things to do in Nelson Mandela Bay this October.
For more events and activities, visit the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism events calendar.
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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