The Festival of Motoring returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28 to 30 August, bringing together new vehicles, track experiences, motorsport and family entertainment for its ninth edition.
The 2026 event is being staged under the theme “Driven by Purpose. Defined by Legacy”. The organisers describe it as South Africa’s largest industry supported motoring event, with more than 25 automotive brands, 40 plus pit doors, more than 100 exhibitors and an expected 32 000 visitors.
The festival will be open from 08:30 to 18:30 on all three days.
More than a motor show:
One of the main attractions is that visitors can do considerably more than simply look at new cars.
The festival will make use of Kyalami's Grand Prix Circuit, a dedicated self-handling track and a 4x4 off road course. Complimentary manufacturer track drives will give visitors the opportunity to experience selected vehicles on track, while the self-handling track will allow visitors to drive selected new vehicles themselves in a controlled environment. A valid driving licence is required, and participants will be subject to a breathalyser test.
The 4x4 experience will provide an opportunity to experience the capabilities of participating off road vehicles, while a range of paid track experiences and hot laps will also be available. These include performance car experiences, racing car hot laps and passenger rides with professional drivers. Spaces for the additional experiences are limited.
New vehicles and automotive brands:
The event will feature more than 25 automotive brands, with manufacturers and exhibitors showcasing new vehicles, automotive products, lifestyle offerings, custom builds and technology. The official exhibitor list includes a broad mixture of established manufacturers and newer brands, reflecting the changing South African vehicle market.
One of the highlights will be the first public appearance in South Africa of the new Volkswagen T Roc. Volkswagen is also using the festival to mark its 75th anniversary in South Africa, with several other models forming part of its display.
Motorsport and family entertainment:
The festival will also include motorsport activity, demonstrations, food and entertainment across four themed zones.
The Green Zone is the main hub, incorporating the automotive exhibition, complimentary track drives and hot laps. The Blue Zone is dedicated to the 4x4 experience, while the Yellow Zone combines the handling track with additional motoring and motorsport activities. The Red Zone is focused on food and entertainment.
Families are catered for with dedicated entertainment and activities, making the event suitable for visitors who are not necessarily serious motoring enthusiasts.
Ticket prices:
Current online general admission tickets are R330 for adults per day, while pensioners aged 65 and over pay R270. Children aged four to 12 pay R88, while children under four enter free. A three day adult weekend pass is currently R890, with a pensioner weekend pass costing R730. Tickets bought at the gate are R350 per person.
The organisers also offer premium hospitality packages and additional paid driving experiences for visitors wanting a more exclusive experience.
Parking at Kyalami is limited, and complimentary Park and Ride facilities are available from Mall of Africa for certain visitors and hospitality packages.
For anyone interested in cars, driving and motorsport, the Festival of Motoring offers the opportunity to see the latest vehicles and, importantly, experience many of them in action.
With three days of track activity, new vehicle displays, off road experiences, motorsport and family entertainment, the 2026 festival promises considerably more than a conventional motor show.
A local technician's job dedication, attention to detail and product knowledge will take him to China to face global counterparts in the ultimate Omoda and Jaecoo technical skills competition.
SVI Engineering has introduced a new protection package for the Land Rover Defender, adding the model to its list of vehicles available with the firm’s SVI Lite solution.
Johannesburg’s streets came alive once again with the 702 Walk the Talk, a celebration of community, culture and active citizenship. Among the thousands who joined the event, one participant’s day ended with an unforgettable prize.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Germany’s proposed intelligence reform has sparked a sharp debate over how far the state should be allowed to reach into the data generated by modern vehicles.
In the latest of a series of milestone achievements, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has set a new record for the number of vehicles built in one month.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, FAW Trucks Southern Africa is highlighting the changing role of women in the transport and logistics industry and their growing contribution across the sector.
