It’s that time of the year to go hunting for waterblommetjies in the Boland. You can cut your hunt short for these sweet-smelling flowers by heading to the Waterblommetjie Festival, which will be held this Saturday, 5 September 2026, in Paarl.

Time to go hunting for waterblommetjies

It will be the 16th edition of the festival. Waterblommetjies are edible flowers that are native to the winter-rainfall wetlands, ponds, and dams of this province. The festival will showcase the waterblommetjie and how to enjoy it in many different ways.

READ MORE: About previous festivals

The time for waterblommetjies has arrived

Several estates, including Windmeul Kelder, Rhebokskloof Estate and Domaine Brahms outside Paarl, have come together to celebrate this indigenous delicacy. According to the organisers, each location offers a range of fun activities unique to their venue. With doors opening at 8 am, you can even pop in at all three venues during the day.

At Windmeul Kelder, festival-goers will be able to visit a popular farmer’s market, take part in a running competition, visit the potjiekos competition stands, or just enjoy the live music. The Run the Vine trial run has distances of 5km, 10km and 17km through the vineyards for people to enjoy.

Indulge in a waterblommetjiebredie

At Rhebokskloof, there is a tapas and wine pairing to be enjoyed with waterblommetjies to be the star on the plate. The restaurant at the wine estate will also serve a selection of waterblommetjie-inspired dishes, including a boerewors and waterblommetjie paella and a creative waterblommetjie twist on the traditional three bean salad.

You can also try the special waterblommetjie margarita cocktail, which has been created especially for this year’s event.

Vintage cars on show

At Domaine Brahms, you can visit the vintage car museum and showcase your own vintage car to win prizes. The establishment also offers a buffet brunch, a themed high tea and garden picnics. There’s also the “Rooibus Playpark” for the kids. You can also look forward to waterblommetjie dishes including a waterblommetjie quiche, beef burger with waterblommetjie chutney and a waterblommetjie beef pie.