The Festival of Motoring roars back to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026, bringing South Africa’s biggest motor show to Gauteng for its ninth edition. With 21 vehicle brands exhibiting, new model launches and hot laps on the famous main circuit, it is three full days of petrolhead paradise.
The Festival of Motoring is far more than a static car show. Passenger hot laps put you in the seat alongside professional drivers at racing speed, while the track and handling course experiences included in the programme let visitors get behind the wheel themselves. Add live launches, supercar displays, classic car showcases and family entertainment, and there is something for every kind of motoring fan.
What to expect at the Festival of Motoring 2026
Expect the country’s major manufacturers to use the weekend to reveal new metal, from performance flagships to the latest electric and hybrid models. Between track sessions you can wander exhibition halls, meet motorsport personalities, browse aftermarket and lifestyle stalls, and let the kids loose in dedicated family zones.
Gates open at 08:30 and the action runs to 18:00 daily, so you can easily make a full day of it. Driving experiences are popular and slots fill up quickly — arrive early to book your place on the circuit and handling course.
Event details
- Event: Festival of Motoring 2026
- Dates: Friday 28 – Sunday 30 August 2026
- Times: 08:30 – 18:00 daily
- Venue: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand
- Tickets: Day tickets from about R315; weekend passes and kids’ tickets available
- Booking: Via the official Festival of Motoring site and Howler
Tickets and tips
Festival of Motoring tickets start at about R315 for a day pass, with weekend passes and discounted kids’ tickets sold through Howler. Buying online in advance is quicker and often cheaper than at the gate, and weekend passes are the best value if you want to catch every launch and track session.
Kyalami sits conveniently between Johannesburg and Pretoria just off the N1, with plenty of parking on site. The August weather in Gauteng is sunny and mild — perfect for a day trackside — but bring a hat and sunscreen as much of the circuit viewing is outdoors.
Make a weekend of the Festival of Motoring
Midrand’s location makes it easy to pair the Festival of Motoring with the rest of what the province offers. Stay over in Sandton or Centurion, browse more events in Gauteng, or plan a Sunday outing from our guide to the best things to do in Gauteng once the engines fall silent.
From first-time visitors to die-hard racing fans, the Festival of Motoring is the one weekend a year when Kyalami opens its gates to everyone — and 2026’s ninth edition promises to be the biggest yet. Secure your tickets early and get ready for the sound of engines echoing across Midrand.
Festival of Motoring FAQs
When is the Festival of Motoring 2026? The show runs from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026, with gates open from 08:30 to 18:00 each day at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, roughly halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria off the N1 highway.
Are the driving experiences included? Yes — driving experiences on the track and handling course are included in the programme, while passenger hot laps with professional drivers are among the most popular attractions of the weekend. Book your slots as soon as you arrive, because sessions are limited and fill fast on all three days.
Is the Festival of Motoring family friendly? Absolutely. Kids’ tickets are available at a discount, and dedicated family zones, food trucks and entertainment areas mean the whole household can enjoy the day while the enthusiasts queue for hot laps and launch reveals.
