7 Reasons to add the Montagu Herb Festival to your calendar

The annual Montagu Herb Festival is a Klein Karoo small-town celebration of herbs, wellness, and community. From herb-infused foods and expert workshops to nature walks and quirky garden gnomes, this 3-day festival offers something for everyone. Take the opportunity to explore Montagu’s history and culture, appreciate the scenic surroundings, and shop local artisan goods. 

Love herbs? Love learning about herbs? Love food? Love markets? Love small-town events (and perhaps the odd garden gnome)? Well, that’s just a fraction of what awaits you at the annual Montagu Herb Festival. 

This festival, as its name implies, is a celebration of all things herbs; where ancient wisdom collides with contemporary wellness, and where herbal enthusiasts and curious minds converge to explore ‘nature’s pharmacy’. (Yes, cannabis plants did make an appearance). 

For a Route 62 dorpie, this 3-day festival has a big heart (plus a few ‘geriatric’ gnomes), inviting visitors  and locals - of all ages - to immerse their senses in a tapestry of herbal delights (and a little fun). 

Over the last 4 years - thanks to a collaboration between the Herb Festival committee and The Friends of the Museum organisation - the pretty Klein Karoo town of Montagu has hosted the Herb Festival. (The 4th annual Herb Fest took place over the Spring equinox this past weekend). 

The Mission Church Museum and Joubert House’s heritage garden are the two anchor locations from which the festival programme plays out. But other locations around town all join in with herb-inspired menus and activities. 

So, whether you're a nature lover, a seasoned herbalist, an experimental foodie, a wellness seeker, or simply someone looking for a memorable adventure and a little platteland spirit, the Montagu Herb Festival offers something for everyone. 

As a recent ‘inkommer’ to Montagu, this was my first taste of the herb-inspired weekend. Here are my 7 reasons why I think you should mark your calendar and join us next year. 

1. You get to volunteer

Volunteers play an essential role in the success of any event, assisting with everything from organising activities to helping guests find their way. If you're a resident in Montagu, there isn't a better way to feel part of a community event (in this case, the Herb Fest) than volunteering to man the information desk. For 2 hours, I got to ‘meet and greet’ locals and tourists, plus share in the enthusiasm and energy of the comings and goings. There’s no way to not be affected by the festival’s vibrant and infectious atmosphere.

2. You get to learn new things

Education is at the heart of the Montagu Herb Festival. You can participate in talks, workshops, and demonstrations from herbalists, gardeners, horticulturalists, chefs and natural wellness experts. 

From learning how to propagate ginger, making herb-flavoured macarons, painting botanical prints, or distilling lavender essential oil, to growing your own herbs or discovering the medicinal properties of plants, this festival will leave you with plenty of knowledge to take home and apply in your own kitchen garden or wellness routine. (I have now added a domestic copper still to my Christmas wish list). 😉

3. You get to taste new flavours

One of the best parts of the Herb Festival is the opportunity to sample a variety of herb-infused treats that our accomplished chefs around town experiment with. Most of the local restaurants and coffee shops add at least one new dish to their menu to highlight a herb's flavour profile. As you stroll through the food stalls you'll take your taste buds on a journey, sampling dishes that use fresh, local ingredients with a botanical twist and drinking herb-infused teas. Who’s going to say ‘no’ to burnt honey and thyme ice cream, lemon and lavender shortbread, or rooibos hummus? 

4. You get to explore

The festival is the perfect excuse to explore Montagu’s Nature Garden, where you can go on a herb, succulent and fynbos walk. Or wander through the historical herb beds and appreciate the rich agricultural history of Joubert house. Or book to go on an early morning fynbos walk at Kogman & Keisie. Whichever you choose, breathing in the fragrant scents and communing with nature will leave you calm and relaxed. 

Otherwise, simply hire a bike from Flying Feet and set off with the kids on the Herb Fest family-friendly scavenger hunt. Make sure not to visit the Saturday morning village market. As Montagu epitomises slow living, feel free to just amble about taking in the stunning views of the Langeberg mountain range and experiencing the town’s charming blend of nature, history, and culture. And whether you're a keen hiker or prefer a leisurely walk, Montagu offers endless trails and opportunities for exploration.

5. You get to meet the gnomes

Yes, you read that right! The Montagu Herb Festival is famous for its whimsical touch, and one of the highlights is the opportunity to meet the festival’s local garden gnomes who come to life during this weekend. These quirky characters add an element of magic to the event, especially for families with young children. (Don't forget to take a selfie with these cheerful Herb Festival mascots!) 

6. You get to have some fun

Fun is guaranteed at the Herb Festival, with activities for all ages. Whether you're attending a hands-on workshop, enjoying live music, or watching the Riel dancers, there's no shortage of entertainment.

For the kids (and those who are young at heart) there are flower crown workshops, face painting, cupcake decorating, the scavenger hunt, a picnic with the gnomes, and an evening ghost walk (for those who dare). 

7. You get to shop

What is a weekend without a little retail therapy? Well, the Herb Festival will not disappoint. Local artisans and vendors (some travelling from our Mother City), showcase their herb-related products. 

If you're looking for organic skincare, herbal teas, beautiful handmade bergamot, citronella, or patchouli candles, second hand books, natural remedies, prickly pear--infused non-alcoholic gin, or handcrafted pottery, the festival's stalls and exhibitors offer a variety of unique items. Support local and take a piece of Montagu home with you by shopping for sustainable, locally-made products that capture the essence of the Herb Festival.

There you have it, folks. In my opinion, the Montagu Herb Festival is the place to experience a distinctive slice of small-town life. 

Fragrant lavender and fynbos fields, a bustling market and herb exhibitors are all yours to experience. From organic teas to handcrafted remedies, every corner invites you to celebrate herbs and gain a new appreciation of greenery around you. 

So, mark your calendar for Montagu’s annual September Herb Festival. It’s a special one-of-a kind event on Route 62. 

(PS. My one suggestion is to book early for some of the masterclasses, workshops, demonstrations and educational herb walks as they have limited numbers). 

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