MALUTI CHERRY ROUTE WEEKEND 2025
The Ionia Cherry Crop Celebration and the Maluti Military Fair celebrate culture, heritage, and the cherry season on neighbouring farms in the heart of the Eastern Free State this November! Tune in to At Lunch at 13:45, 10 – 14 November, to hear all about the exciting activities lined up 20 – 22 November 2025.
20 – 22 November 2025
Ionia Cherry Farm
The Ionia Cherry Crop Celebration offers a weekend filled with flavour, festivity, and Free State charm.
Enjoy juicy fresh cherries, live entertainment, and a Christmas Market with exhibitors from all over the country. Visitors can take part in fun filled competitions, browse artisanal stalls, relax at the Ionia Farmstall, and soak up the farm’s festive spirit.
Indulge in a fantastic variety of food stalls catering to every taste, from local favourites to gourmet treats, and don’t miss the fully stocked bar, where live music and famous artists will set the stage for an unforgettable atmosphere
Hop aboard the Cherry-Picking Tour (offered hourly, Thursday – Sunday) for a scenic orchard ride, tasting and picking your own cherries, and sipping orchard-pressed juice among the trees. Extend your stay with on-site camping, offering rustic comfort under starry skies.
Highlights include the Ionia Waffle House, wine tasting with cherry pairings and cheese beside the Cherry Cave Bar, and kids’ entertainment galore.
20 November:
Gates open (08:00)
Cherry picking tours (09:00 – 16:00)
Christmas market (11:00 – 17:00)
21 November:
Gates open (08:00)
Cherry picking tours (08:00 – 16:00)
Christmas market (08:00 – 20:00)
Wine Tasting (12:00 – 17:00)
Minute to Munch it (14:00)
Gen Avid (15:00)
Die Rowers (16:30),
Ken jy joú Cherry? (17:30)
Rudo Schwim (18:00)
22 November:
Gates open (08:00)
Cherry fun walk & orchard pilates registration (08:30)
Cherry fun walk & orchard pilates (09:00)
Cherry picking tours (08:00 – 16:00)
Christmas market (08:00 – 20:00)
Wine Tasting (09:00 – 17:00)
Registration for Cherry Muncher (10:00)
The Cherry Kitchen Food demo (11:00)
Rudo Schwim (13:00),
Chris Steyn (15:00),
Cherry pip spit (16:00)
Riaan Benadé (17:00)
Saartjie by die kroeg (prizes to win) (18:00)
Appel (18:30),
Rugby Live: SA vs Ireland (19:40)
Die Rowers (20:00 ‘til late)
Tickets are for sale here: ioniacherryfarm.co.za
Follow programme updates on social media.
21 – 22 November 2025
Sandstone Estate
Discover history in motion at this two-day celebration of South Africa’s
military and agricultural heritage.
Enjoy steam train rides, vintage aircraft flights, military vehicle rides, and battlefield re-enactments. Explore over 55 military vehicles, 720 veteran tractors, and displays spanning ten eras of history – from the Voortrekker wars to modern defence technology.
With field kitchens, collectables, and family activities, it’s an unforgettable weekend of learning and nostalgia.
21 November
Gates open (08:30)
Official opening ceremony in the main arena (09:15)
Oxen inspan heritage display (09:30)
Armoured vehicle ride sessions (bookable slots 10:00 – 17:00)
Steam train rides to Grootdraai aboard “Ouma” NG10 No. 61 (10:00; 11:15;
12:30; 14:00; 15:30; 17:00)
War Room Africa panel talks in the Military Wing (10:00 – 16:00 TBC)
Radio amateurs demonstration and signal station exhibition (10:00 –
17:00)
Living history re-enactment in main arena in (11:00)
Lunch in the historic Dining Car (12:00 – 14:00)
Oxen outspan display (14:00)
Heritage and veterans discussion sessions (15:00)
Last rides of the day (17:30)
Dinner service for visitors and participants (19:00)
Gates close (22:00)
22 November
Gates open (8:30)
Official opening ceremony in the main arena (09:15)
Oxen inspan heritage display (09:30)
Armoured vehicle ride sessions (bookable slots 10:00 – 17:00)
Steam train rides to Grootdraai aboard “Ouma” NG10 No. 61 (10:00; 11:15;
12:30; 14:00; 15:30; 17:00)
War Room Africa panel talks in the Military Wing (10:00 – 16:00)
Radio amateurs demonstration and signal station exhibition (10:00 –
17:00)
Veterans Walk Past in main arena (11:00)
Military freight train demonstration (11:30)
Lunch in the historic Dining Car (12:00 – 14:00)
Aircraft showcase at display area (13:00)
Living history re-enactment – main battle scene (15:00)
Oxen outspan display (16:00)
Closing ceremony and farewell (17:30)
Dinner service for visitors and participants (19:00)
Gates close (22:00)
Weekend
Highlights
• Heritage steam train journeys to Grootdraai aboard “Ouma” NG10 No. 61
• War Room Africa panel discussions in the Military Wing
• Veterans Walk Past and heritage parades
• Military freight demonstration and armoured vehicle rides
• Aircraft showcase and living history re-enactments
• Ox-wagon inspan and outspan heritage displays
• Radio amateurs’ live demonstrations with operational signal station
• Dining Car lunches 12:00–14:00 and dinner at 19:00 both days
• Heritage exhibits, veteran stands, and book signings
• Food court, beer garden, and family zone
• On-site accommodation and camping via the official website
Provisional Features
• Black powder shoot demonstration
• Train hijacking re-enactment
• New armoured vehicle demonstration
• Traditional bread baking demonstration
• Whip demonstration
*Programme may be subject to change.
Buy your tickets here: malutimilitaryfair.com
The Maluti Military Fair is not just an event. It is a tribute. A celebration of South Africa’s proud military history, its veterans, and the communities that shaped our country.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Maluti Mountains, the fair brings together military enthusiasts, families, collectors, and historians for a full weekend of authentic displays, powerful storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Expect vintage vehicles, uniformed re-enactors, military book traders, food stalls with local flair, and live demonstrations.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy heritage train trips and military vehicle rides – but please note that tickets for each ride must be booked separately to secure your spot.
It all takes place on the working heritage grounds of Sandstone, a national treasure in its own right.
How to travel to the Maluti Cherry Route Weekend
The road between Ladybrand and Bethlehem is in good condition. Ionia and Sandstone are situated on the R26 between Ficksburg and Fouriesburg.
From Bloemfontein (±230 km / 2.5 – 3 hours)
Take the N8 east toward Ladybrand.
Just before Ladybrand, turn left onto the R26 toward Clocolan and
Ficksburg.
Continue on the R26 to the farms.
From Bethlehem (±55 km / 40 –45
minutes)
Take the R26 toward Fouriesburg.
From Klerksdorp (±380 km / 4 – 4.5 hours)
Take the N12 toward Potchefstroom and Viljoenskroon.
Join the R59 toward Viljoenskroon, then head for Steynsrus and Senekal.
From Senekal, follow the R70 past Rosendal on to Ficksburg.
From Vereeniging (±330 km / 3.5 – 4 hours)
Take the R59 south toward Heilbron.
Continue through Heilbron and Lindley, joining the R76 to Bethlehem.
From Bethlehem, take the R26 to the farms.
