Gauteng Tourism is giving readers the opportunity to win one of two double tickets to the Cradle Balloon and Bubbly Fest Women’s Day Weekender taking place at WildWood Cradle of Humankind near Lanseria from Saturday, 8 August, to Sunday, 9 August 2026. The two-day event brings together hot air balloons, bubbly experiences, live entertainment, food and outdoor activities in one of Gauteng’s best-known tourism destinations. The competition allows two lucky winners to enjoy the festival with a guest during the Women’s Day long weekend.
Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind, the event offers visitors the chance to enjoy nature, adventure and entertainment while celebrating Women’s Day in one of South Africa’s most scenic locations.
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Celebrate Women’s Day in the Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle Balloon and Bubbly Fest Women’s Day Weekender combines outdoor experiences with live entertainment across two days.
Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, food vendors, music, bubbly tastings and the opportunity to see the famous hot air balloons that have become synonymous with the Cradle of Humankind.
Whether attending for a relaxing day outdoors or booking one of the premium balloon flight experiences, the festival offers something for a range of interests and budgets.
Festival Highlights
According to the organisers, visitors can look forward to:
- A five kilometre scenic bubbly walk
- Live music and entertainment
- Food and beverage vendors
- Wellness experiences
- Bubbly tasting opportunities
- Outdoor festival atmosphere
- Sunset balloon glow display, weather permitting
- Scenic views across the Cradle of Humankind
Guests booking premium balloon packages can also enjoy sunrise hot air balloon flights over the surrounding landscape.
Ticket Packages Available
The event offers a variety of ticket options depending on the experience visitors would like to enjoy.
Bubbly Walk and Fest
From R250 per person
Includes:
- Five kilometre nature walk
- One bubbly pitstop
- Festival access
- Live entertainment
- Sunset balloon glow display
Bubbly Walk and Brunch
From R450 per person
Includes:
- Everything in the Bubbly Walk and Fest package
- Brunch
- One complimentary glass of bubbly
Bubbly Walk and Tasting
From R650 per person
Includes:
- Everything in the Bubbly Walk and Fest package
- Three bubbly tasting glasses
Premium Hot Air Balloon Experiences
Visitors looking for a premium Women’s Day experience can choose from several balloon flight packages available on Sunday.
Fly and Fest
From R2,980
Includes:
- Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival
- Forty five to sixty minute hot air balloon flight
- Breakfast after landing
- Bubbly toast
- Five kilometre nature walk
- Festival access
- Sunset balloon glow display
- Commemorative flight certificate
Fly and Brunch
From R3,400
Includes:
- Everything in the Fly and Fest package
- Brunch
- Complimentary glass of bubbly
- Reserved riverside seating
Fly and Bubbly
From R3,600
Includes:
- Everything in the Fly and Brunch package
- Three bubbly tasting glasses
- Reserved riverside seating
Event Details
Event
Cradle Balloon and Bubbly Fest Women’s Day Weekender
Dates
Saturday, 8 August to Sunday, 9 August 2026
Venue
WildWood Restaurant and Venue
Cradle of Humankind
Lanseria
Gauteng
Times
Saturday: 07:00 to 19:00
Sunday: Festival activities from 10:00
Important Information Before You Go
According to the organisers:
- Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
- Parking is available on site.
- Picnic blankets are welcome.
- Camping chairs are not permitted.
- Balloon activities are weather dependent.
- The bubbly walking trail operates between 10:00 and 14:00.
How to Enter the Competition
Gauteng Tourism is giving away two double tickets to the Cradle Balloon and Bubbly Fest Women’s Day Weekender.
To enter:
- Visit Gauteng Tourism’s official social media platforms.
- Find the official competition post.
- Follow the entry instructions provided.
- Competition terms and conditions apply.
The winners will be contacted directly by Gauteng Tourism.
Why the Cradle of Humankind Is Worth Visiting
Located just outside Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is one of South Africa’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of Gauteng’s leading tourism destinations.
The area is internationally recognised for its archaeological importance and offers visitors a combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, restaurants and unique experiences throughout the year.
The Balloon and Bubbly Fest adds another reason to visit, combining adventure, entertainment and spectacular scenery during the Women’s Day long weekend.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The Women’s Day Weekender gives residents another opportunity to explore one of Gauteng’s best known tourism destinations while supporting local tourism during the public holiday weekend.
The competition also gives two lucky winners the opportunity to attend the festival at no cost through Gauteng Tourism’s ticket giveaway.
For visitors who do not win, a range of ticket options is available, from affordable walking experiences to premium hot air balloon packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Cradle Balloon and Bubbly Fest Women’s Day Weekender?
The event takes place on Saturday, 8 August, and Sunday, 9 August 2026.
Where Is the Event Being Held?
The festival will be held at WildWood Restaurant and Venue in the Cradle of Humankind near Lanseria.
How Many Tickets Can Be Won?
Gauteng Tourism is giving away two double tickets to the event.
What Is Included in the Bubbly Walk Ticket?
The package includes a five kilometre nature walk, one bubbly pitstop, festival access, live entertainment and the sunset balloon glow display.
Are Hot Air Balloon Flights Included in Every Ticket?
No. Hot air balloon flights are only included in the premium Fly packages.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Visitors looking for a memorable Women’s Day Weekend experience can expect a combination of outdoor adventure, entertainment and spectacular scenery at the Cradle Balloon and Bubbly Fest. With two double tickets up for grabs through Gauteng Tourism, the competition offers an opportunity to experience one of Gauteng’s standout Women’s Day events while discovering the beauty of the Cradle of Humankind.
