Rugby legends, live music and a Springbok Test match may be the reason many travellers head to Barrydale this July, but the Klein Karoo town offers plenty of reasons to arrive early or stay a little longer.
Route 62/Supplied
As Rock N Rugby 2026 takes over the Karoo Art Hotel from 3 to 4 July, visitors will find themselves perfectly placed to explore mountain passes, hot springs, local art galleries and the laid-back charm that has made Barrydale one of Route 62’s most beloved stops.
If you’re making the trip for the event, here’s how to turn it into a memorable Karoo weekend.
Drive one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes
Before the festivities begin, take some time to explore the spectacular Tradouw Pass. Just outside Barrydale, this historic route winds through dramatic rock formations and rugged mountain scenery, offering some of the most striking views along Route 62.
Built in the 1870s by famed road engineer Thomas Bain, the pass remains a favourite among road trippers, photographers and cyclists. Winter’s crisp air and clear skies make it an especially rewarding drive, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the landscape.
Discover Barrydale’s creative side
Barrydale has long attracted artists, writers and creative thinkers drawn to the beauty and tranquillity of the Klein Karoo. The town’s artistic spirit is evident in its galleries, studios and small independent shops.
A stroll through the village reveals locally crafted ceramics, paintings, textiles and jewellery, often created by artists who live and work in the area. Exploring these creative spaces offers a glimpse into the community that has helped shape Barrydale’s unique identity.
For visitors attending Rock N Rugby, spending a few hours browsing the town’s galleries provides a welcome contrast to the energy of the weekend’s entertainment.
Beezy Bailie/Supplied
Soak in the Warmwaterberg hot springs
If Friday night’s live music leaves you wanting a slower start to Saturday, consider heading to Warmwaterberg Spa, located a short drive from town.
The natural hot mineral springs have been attracting visitors for generations and offer the perfect opportunity to relax while surrounded by classic Klein Karoo scenery. Whether you choose a quick dip or spend several hours unwinding beside the pools, it’s an easy way to recharge before the rugby action begins.
The cooler temperatures of winter make the warm waters particularly inviting.
Taste the flavours of Route 62
One of the pleasures of travelling through Barrydale is discovering the local food and drink scene. The town sits at the heart of Route 62, one of South Africa’s most celebrated road trip routes, and offers plenty of opportunities to sample regional produce.
Farm stalls, cafés and restaurants showcase local ingredients, homemade preserves, olives and wines from the surrounding region. Visitors travelling to Rock N Rugby may find that some of their favourite memories come not from the event itself, but from long lunches, roadside discoveries and conversations with local producers.
Explore the Klein Karoo landscape
The mountains and open spaces surrounding Barrydale invite exploration. The area is ideal for leisurely walks, birdwatching and photography, with changing light creating beautiful scenes throughout the day.
Winter is an excellent time to get outdoors, with mild daytime temperatures making it comfortable to spend time exploring the countryside. Even a simple drive along the quieter roads surrounding town reveals the raw beauty that makes the Klein Karoo so special.
Spend time at the Karoo Art Hotel
The historic Karoo Art Hotel sits at the centre of both the town and the Rock N Rugby experience. More than just a place to stay, the hotel has become a cultural landmark known for celebrating South African art, music and hospitality.
Its walls showcase contemporary artworks, while its public spaces regularly host performances, exhibitions and community gatherings. Visitors attending the event will likely find themselves spending much of the weekend here, but it is worth setting aside time to appreciate the hotel’s artistic character and historic charm.
The venue perfectly reflects the spirit of Barrydale itself: creative, welcoming and proudly local.
Image/Supplied
Rock N Rugby 2026: What you need to know
Returning for its fourth year, Rock N Rugby combines rugby, music, comedy and Karoo hospitality in a unique two-day celebration curated by Stormers coach John Dobson. The event takes place at the Karoo Art Hotel on 3 and 4 July 2026.
Friday 3 July
The weekend kicks off at 5pm when the event opens in the Karoo Art Hotel bar. Springbok World Cup winners Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe and Scarra Ntubeni will serve Steven Kitshoff’s Bomb Squad Lager behind the bar before South African rock icon Arno Carstens takes to the stage at 7:30pm. DJ Kali keeps the celebrations going later into the evening.
Saturday 4 July
The rugby focus begins at 4:30pm with a pre-match panel discussion led by John Dobson and featuring Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe and Scarra Ntubeni. The panel will unpack the upcoming South Africa versus England Test Match before the live screening begins at 5:40pm. Halftime analysis will be provided by the rugby legends themselves.
The evening continues with a performance from comedian and magician Peter G before Cape Town favourites Sunset Sweatshop close out the weekend with a live show from 8pm.
Ticket information
Tickets are available through Quicket and are priced as follows:
- Friday 3 July: Arno Carstens and DJ Kali – R250
- Saturday 4 July: Rugby Panel, Test Match Screening and Peter G – R100
- Saturday 4 July: Sunset Sweatshop – R150
More than just an event
Rock N Rugby offers a compelling reason to visit Barrydale, but the town’s appeal extends far beyond a single weekend. Between the dramatic mountain scenery, creative energy, local flavours and warm Karoo hospitality, Barrydale rewards those who choose to slow down and explore.
Whether you’re travelling for the rugby, the music or simply an excuse to escape the city for a few days, this Route 62 gem proves that the best weekends often happen when you venture beyond the main event.
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