Hilton Arts Festival

29/03/2026

Jongosi is the youth programme of the Hilton Arts Festival - a space where young minds don’t just watch the arts… they experience them.

Schools and drama departments are invited to bring their learners to the festival on 7 August at Hilton College, where they’ll have the opportunity to:

• Watch curated productions and performances
• Engage in meaningful discussions and talkbacks
• Connect with working artists and creatives
• Be inspired by what’s possible

It’s about sparking curiosity, nurturing talent, and opening doors to the world of storytelling and performance.

Get in touch: https://hiltonfestival.co.za/

28/03/2026

The stage is calling 📣 For over three decades, the Hilton Arts Festival has been home to some of SA’s most memorable performances in theatre and music!

Applications are now open for theatre makers, musicians, and performers for the 2026 programme.

If you’ve got a story to tell, a sound to share, or a performance that deserves an audience that truly listens, get in touch!

Join us from 7–9 August at Hilton College and be part of a festival that prides itself on celebrating bold ideas, local talent, and the magic of live performance.

https://hiltonfestival.co.za/

27/03/2026

Since 1993, the Hilton Arts Festival has been a space where creativity meets community… and where local makers get to shine ✨

Applications are now open for food vendors, crafters and makers to be part of the 2026 edition, taking place 7–9 August at Hilton College.

Our market is a curated experience filled with people who come ready to explore, support local, and take a little piece of the festival home with them.

If you’ve got something special to share, whether it’s handmade, homegrown, or seriously delicious - we’d love to consider you!

https://hiltonfestival.co.za/

04/03/2026

Introducing the at the Hilton Arts Festival, a professionally curated platform connecting galleries, artists and collectors right here at home.

For years, many of our artists have had to leave the province to access sustainable markets. This changes that.

Hosted at Hilton College from 7–9 August, the Fair builds on 34 years of visual arts legacy and opens a powerful new chapter for KZN’s creative economy.

Swipe to read more or visit https://www.kznartfair.com/ for more info! The KZN Art Fair welcomes applications to participate from collectives and galleries representing career artists. Artists not currently represented by a gallery are welcome to apply as a collective with a shared ethos and curatorial vision for their presentation.

23/10/2025

The art. The laughter. The standing ovations. 🎭✨

We’re doing it all again 7–9 August 2026!

Mark your calendars and get ready for more art, theatre, music, food and magic!

20/08/2025

Thank you, Kearsney College, for bringing your students to the Hilton Arts Festival! 🎭 We love seeing young talent inspired by live theatre and are proud to play a part in nurturing the next generation of storytellers and performers!

Hilton Arts Festival ignites passion for theatre among drama students🎭
On 8 August, the Grade 10 and 11 Drama students had the privilege of attending the renowned Hilton Arts Festival — an experience that proved both enriching and inspiring. Watching three diverse productions — Woza Albert, Bitter Winter and Immortal — the boys were exposed to contrasting theatrical styles that broadened their understanding of performance and storytelling.
They found it eye-opening to compare how each production differed in terms of set design, cast and acting styles, giving them a deeper appreciation of the craft. Experiencing professional theatre first-hand allowed the students to observe the standard at which veteran South African actors and directors operate and gave them valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs faced within the industry.
The unique festival venues added to the immersive experience, with each space offering a distinct atmosphere and energy. For many, a highlight was being surrounded by fellow theatre enthusiasts — a vibrant community that reignited their own passion for the stage. Exposure to external productions featuring unfamiliar faces and directors stretched their understanding of what theatre can be.
Overall, the excursion was a powerful reminder of why live performance continues to matter — and left the young actors inspired, motivated, and excited to keep honing their craft.✨

15/08/2025

A festival of this scale and spirit is never the work of one - it’s the result of
tireless collaboration, creativity, and commitment.

To our sponsors, partners, service providers, artists, technicians, crew, and every individual who gives so generously of their time, energy, and skill - thank you. You are the heartbeat of this festival.

To our audiences - your support, your presence, your belief in the value of the arts - that is what keeps this festival alive. You are why we do what we do.

To - Our gracious host and venue sponsor - Your generosity,
support, and stunning setting make it possible for the festival to thrive, and we are deeply grateful to be able to call this extraordinary campus our home.

This year has been a deeply meaningful one for us, with its own challenges,
changes, and reflection. We move forward with a renewed sense of purpose - to honour what has come before, to protect what matters, and to carry the spirit of this festival into the future with integrity and heart.

See you in 2026! ❤️

14/08/2025

💛 A festival like the Hilton Arts Festival doesn’t happen without the generosity, passion, and hard work of our sponsors and partners - from media to accommodation, infrastructure to tech support, and of course, our stunning venue.

A special thank you to our media partners, including Capital Media and The Witness, whose coverage helps keep the arts in the public eye. Media support is vital, it amplifies visibility, sparks engagement, and connects communities to the transformative power of creative expression. In a world of fleeting attention, their storytelling ensures that the arts remain seen, valued, and supported.

To every partner who helps us bring the Hilton Arts Festival to life, we are deeply grateful. You’re part of the heartbeat that keeps the arts alive.

14/08/2025

14/08/2025

10/08/2025

Your daily dose of festival happiness 😍