Music, collaboration and youth development at the heart of 2026 festival
Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Prince Albert, the Kaleidoscope Music & Arts Festival returns this August for a weekend where world-class music, rising young talent and the creative spirit of the Karoo take centre stage. From 21 to 23 August, the festival brings together leading South African and international musicians, performers and artists for a programme of concerts, collaboration and community celebration.
The quaint town of Prince Albert
Founded by violist Dr Louise Lansdown, the festival builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, expanding beyond chamber music to include a broader range of musical genres and artistic disciplines.
Louise Lansdown teaching
The festival directly supports the ARCO–PACT Strings Project, which provides violin, viola, cello and double bass tuition to more than 100 children across local schools in Prince Albert. This year, the festival will involve more than 250 young musicians through performances, workshops and side-by-side collaborations.
Nurturing love of music
Participating youth ensembles include the ARCO-PACT String Orchestras, Grey High School String Orchestra, Music Sprouts Access Program Violin Ensemble, Frank Pietersen Music Centre String Orchestras and the Rustenburg Girls’ High School String Quartet.
A musical feast
Festival highlights include the Kaleidoscope Mass Youth Orchestra performance at the Prince Albert Showground on Saturday 22 August, and the closing performance, Confluence, on Sunday 23 August.
The full programme and booking information are available at Quicket.
One of the venues
For more information visit Kaleidoscope Festival or email info@kaleidoscopefestival.co.za.
Follow the festival on Instagram and Facebook: @kaleidoscopefestivalsa and @kaleidoscopefestSA