The Journey to Jazz (J2J) festival returns to the heart of the Karoo in May, and alongside the stellar musical performances, this year’s Greet & Meet Programme offers festivalgoers a unique and immersive experience of Prince Albert’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
More than just a jazz festival, Journey to Jazz celebrates community, creativity, and connection. The Greet & Meet Programme is designed to bring visitors closer to the soul of Prince Albert, offering interactive experiences ranging from nature walks and mindful drawing sessions to ghost tours, yoga, and stargazing. Some events will be free of charge, while others will have a small participation fee, with a percentage of proceeds supporting the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), an initiative that uplifts local youth and social development projects, and who are the brains behind the Journey to Jazz experience.
Tickets for all Greet & Meet events are available via Quicket.
A town that comes together, stays together
Prince Albert is more than just the backdrop for Journey to Jazz—it is the heartbeat of the festival. Every year, the town rallies together to create an unforgettable experience, welcoming artists, visitors, and music lovers into its warm embrace.
“Journey to Jazz is not just about music; it’s about people. It’s about the meeting of hearts, minds, and stories. This town doesn’t just host a festival—it lives it,” says Brenda Sisane, J2J’s creative director.
With J2J providing a platform for musicians and local artisans, entrepreneurs and youth skills transfer, the festival continues to build capacity for tomorrow—offering opportunities for learning, collaboration, and cultural preservation.
Phenomenal experiences, phenomenal line-up
While the world-class musical line-up promises to be one of the best yet, the Greet & Meet Programme enhances the festival experience with unforgettable activities for all ages and interests, including:
- Drawing with Mindfulness – A reflective workshop to deepen your creativity through mindful sketching led by Rebecca Haysom.
- Wolwekraal Conservation Walks – Explore the Karoo’s unique ecosystem with expert-led walks through breathtaking landscapes.
- Swartberg Mountain Walks – Follow the Dorps River along the lower reaches of the Swartberg Pass. It includes an introduction to the spectacular folded mountains, to the design and construction of this famous pass in the late 1800s, and close examination of the indigenous plants including some well-known horticultural, medicinal, edible and aromatic species.
- Ghost Walk – Discover Prince Albert’s rich history through the stories of those who never left with Ailsa, the Story Weaver!
- Yoga & Pilates Sessions – Unwind and recharge with sunrise yoga or a refreshing Pilates session.
- Cycling with Young Development Riders – For the more energetic and athletic adventure seeker, a chance to ride with local cycling talent while exploring Prince Albert’s scenic trails. (These are not usually open to public access, so this is great for all bikers looking for a new adventure)
- Stargazing at The Yellow House – Experience the magic of the Karoo night sky with an expert-led astronomy session by Wim Filmalter of FilmStar Astronomy.
- Film Screenings & Book Talks – Engage with thought-provoking storytelling through the screening of RIEL and a RIELRITME Book Talk, with the authors and filmmakers of these acclaimed properties that seek to preserve Indigenous folk and riel music through transcriptions, translations, and historical context. This will be in Afrikaans.
- Also on the reel is a special screening of the Botterblom Collection. A short documentary that looks at the making of Frances v.H Mohair’s 2024 tapestry celebration of everyday experiences of the people who collectively make up Prince Albert and get to call it home.
- Brood op Botterblom – as a continuation of the beat of this community, there will be a pop-up food and drinks market for those attending masterclasses at the PACT centre. Enjoy local lekkergoed.
- Ceramics & Gallery Tours – Dive into the creative heart of Prince Albert with hands-on workshops and art gallery visits with the likes of the Frances v.H Mohair women-led textile studio, designing a bespoke ceramic soap dish with Karin TerBlanche or stroll and see local artists works in the Prince Albert Gallery.
- Museum & Witblitz Tasting – Step back in time at the Fransie Pienaar Museum and sample traditional Karoo Witblitz (and perhaps even a J2J signature cocktail…)
And much more, which includes a special free sunrise performance by Siya Makuzeni as she heralds the official start to the music weekend at 06H30 on 1 May 2025 – see website for details. Plus, there will be a host of exciting masterclasses, exhibitions and collaborative art projects with local youth and artisans throughout the festival. Stay tuned for news on these including a very special item…
With so many unique experiences already to choose from, the Journey to Jazz 2025 Greet & Meet Programme is set to deepen the connection between visitors, artists, and the local community. Whether you’re drawn to the music, the history, or the natural beauty of the Karoo, this festival offers something for everyone.
Journey to Jazz 2025 takes place in Prince Albert from 1 – 4 May 2025.
Secure your tickets for Greet & Meet events now on Quicket.
