Opening of the Vaal River 2026

Every year, on the first Saturday in September, the Vaal River comes alive as hundreds of boats, families, friends and river lovers gather to celebrate the start of the boating season and the change of seasons on the river.

This long-standing Vaal River tradition is all about good vibes, boating, laughter, music, South African spirit and enjoying one of the most beautiful days of the year on the water.

Stonehaven on Vaal also celebrates the day – along with all the other venues:

Expect to see:

• Hundreds of boats cruising together in one massive flotilla
• Boats decorated in South African colours and themes (Boks playing All Blacks at 5pm … big screens at most venues).
• Music, gees, fun commentary and live river updates
• Friendly competitions for the best-decorated and most festive boats
• A live cruising boat auction happening while the flotilla is underway
• Riverside venues packed with families, braais, food, drinks and celebrations
• Plenty of fun for kids and adults alike

Whether you are out on a boat, relaxing at a riverside property, fishing or boating club, venue, watching from the banks, or simply soaking up the atmosphere with friends and family – it’s one of the most festive and unforgettable days on the Vaal River calendar.

Boat owners are encouraged to proudly fly their SA flags, dress up their boats, invite their friends and join the gees as the river celebrates the arrival of spring and another boating season on the Vaal.

And the best part? So even if you don’t own a boat, you can still be part of the excitement!

If you love boating, watersports, river life, sunsets, music, braais and proudly South African energy… this is your kind of day.

Stonehaven on Vaal is also Celebrating the Official Opening of the 2026 Vaal River Boating Season – along with the rest of the river!

Saturday  5thSeptember 2026

ON LAND

No Entrance Fee!

Enjoy a full day of family fun on the riverbanks with live music, competitions, prizes, pony rides, inflatables, a giant water slip ’n slide, kids’ fishing competition, sand art, donut-eating madness, craft beer, Gin on Tap and more!

Watch hundreds of boats gather at Baddrift Bridge at 2pm for the spectacular Official Opening of the 2026 Boating Season – then catch the Springboks vs All Blacks live on big screens – indoors and outdoors at 5pm. Dress up in your Springbok pride! Prizes for best dressed – including your dogs!

ON WATER 

Be part of the legendary flotilla from 12pm – 2pm aboard one of Stonehaven’s luxury boats!

• Spirit of Jen – 2-Hour Flotilla Cruising Luncheon – R650 p/p
• The Royal Stonehaven – 2-Hour Flotilla Cruise – R300 p/p.   (Cash bar & snacks to purchase onboard)
• 50-Minute Cruises every hour on the hour From 2:15pm onwards – R160 p/p

Hundreds of boats. One river. One River Community. One unforgettable day!