{"id":1157,"date":"2026-05-13T10:35:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vaalrivercommunity.co.za\/?page_id=1157"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:59:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:59:12","slug":"upcoming-events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vaalrivercommunity.co.za\/index.php\/upcoming-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Upcoming Events"},"content":{"rendered":"
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THE VAAL RIVER MEANDER WINE ROUTE 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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THE VAAL RIVER MEANDER WINE ROUTE 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

06 JUNE - 26 JULY 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

12h00 TO 18h00<\/strong><\/p>\n

EVERY SATURDAY, SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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TASTING OF 8 WINES FOR ONLY R80<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2022 SOUTH AFRICA'S MOST UNIQUE WINTER WINE EXPERIENCE..<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 SIP PREMIUM WINES ABOARD LUXURY RIVER CRUISERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 EXPLORE 13 STUNNING VENUES BY WATER TAXI OR ROAD<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 DISCOVER A DIFFERENT WINE FARM AT EVERY STOP<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 ENJOY EXCLUSIVE VENUE-ONLY WINTER SPECIALS<\/strong><\/p>\n

DON'T JUST TASTE WINE... MAKE A DAY OF IT ON THE VAAL!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVisit the Vaal Wine Route Website\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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THE LEGEND RETURNS AS THE 2026 VAAL RIVER BASS CLASSIC SETS ITS SIGHTS ON MAKING HISTORY<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\nSouth Africa's bass fishing community is preparing for one of the biggest events on the national angling calendar as the Vaal River Bass Classic makes its long-awaited return from 22\u201324 October 2026 at Emerald Resort & Casino on the banks of the Vaal River.
\nRevived by an independent steering committee comprising respected leaders in the bass fishing industry, the Vaal River Bass Classic aims to restore one of the country's most iconic tournaments to its former prestige. With over 40 years of combined event management and competitive angling experience, the committee has created a world-class event built by anglers, for anglers.<\/p>\n

EVENT DETAILS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\nEvent: Vaal River Bass Classic 2026
\nDates:
\n\u2022
\nThursday, 22 October 2026 \u2013 Registration, entertainment and compulsory skippers' briefing
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\nFriday, 23 October 2026 \u2013 Tournament Day One
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\nSaturday, 24 October 2026 \u2013 Tournament Day Two and official prize giving
\nVenue:
\nLiquid Lounge River Venue - Emerald Resort & Casino, Vanderbijlpark
\nTournament Headquarters: Liquid Lounge River Venue
\nBoat Launch: Emerald Casino Slipway adjacent to the Self-Catering Chalets.<\/p>\n

\nSOUTH AFRICA'S RICHEST BASS TOURNAMENT<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\nThe 2026 Vaal River Bass Classic boasts a prize purse of more than R600 000, making it one of the richest bass fishing competitions in South Africa.
\nAmong the highlights is the Big Bass Championship, where the team catching the tournament's single largest bass will walk away with an Ultra X17 Bass Boat valued at R375 000 (excluding engine). Additional prizes will be awarded through to 20th place, while dedicated prize categories recognise the top three lady anglers and top three junior anglers.
\nTeams will also compete for the prestigious 2-Day Bag Championship, determined by the combined weight of each team's best ten bass over the two competition days, with cash prizes awarded to the top five teams.
\nEvery entry is automatically included in the exciting Triple Crown Challenge, where three-boat teams compete for honours in the Boat Builders, Corporate, Club & Trail and Open categories.
\nOPEN TO ALL ANGLERS
\nUnlike many competitive bass tournaments, the Vaal River Bass Classic is open to all anglers and requires no club or organisational affiliation.
\nTeams consist of a maximum of two anglers per boat, with boats required to meet prescribed safety and livewell standards. The entry fee is R4 500 per team.
\nMORE THAN JUST A FISHING TOURNAMENT
\nThe Vaal River Bass Classic is designed as a festival of bass fishing and outdoor lifestyle, offering far more than two days of competition.
\nVisitors and families can enjoy:<\/p>\n

\n\u2022 Live music throughout the weekend
\n\u2022 Food court and cash bar
\n\u2022 Tournament expo
\n\u2022 Live Facebook broadcasts
\n\u2022 Daily weigh-ins
\n\u2022 Sponsor exhibitions
\n\u2022 Entertainment and competitions
\n\u2022 Riverfront festival atmosphere at the Liquid Lounge River Venue<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spectators can also experience scenic Vaal River cruises from the Liquid Lounge while following the tournament action from the water.<\/p>\n

\nLIVE ACTION<\/strong>
\nFans unable to attend will still be part of the excitement through a dedicated Live Scoreboard, providing real-time tournament standings, biggest fish updates and live rankings throughout the competition. The tournament take-off, weigh-ins and prize giving will also be streamed live on Facebook.<\/p>\n

\nREVIVING AN ICON<\/strong>
\nThe return of the Vaal River Bass Classic represents more than another fishing tournament\u2014it marks the revival of one of South Africa's most recognised bass fishing brands. With exceptional prizes, professional event management, family entertainment and a commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike, organisers believe the Classic will once again become one of the country's premier freshwater sporting events.
\nWhether competing for glory on the water, supporting family and friends, or simply enjoying a weekend on the banks of the Vaal River, visitors can expect an event celebrating the very best of South African bass fishing.<\/p>\n

\nQUOTES FROM THE EVENT ORGANISERS<\/strong>
\n\"The Vaal River Bass Classic has always held a special place in South African bass fishing. Our goal is not simply to revive a tournament, but to restore one of the country's great sporting traditions while creating an event that every angler wants to be part of.\"
\n\"We've built the Classic around three principles: exceptional competition, exceptional prizes and an exceptional experience for anglers, sponsors, families and spectators.\"
\n\"With more than R600 000 in prizes, an incredible venue and some of the country's finest anglers competing, we're confident the Vaal River Bass Classic will once again become one of the premier events on South Africa's sporting calendar.\"<\/p>\n

\nMEDIA INFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nEvent: Vaal River Bass Classic 2026
\nVenue: Liquid Lounge River Venue - Emerald Resort & Casino, Vanderbijlpark
\nTournament Dates: 22\u201324 October 2026
\nEntry Fee: R4 500 per team
\nPrize Purse: Over R600 000
\nTop Prize: Ultra X17 Bass Boat valued at R375 000 (excluding engine)
\nWebsite: www.vaalriverbassclassic.co.za
\nEmail: info@vaalriverbassclassic.co.za<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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JOIN THE VAAL RIVER COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATING THE VAAL RIVER THIS CHRISTMAS 2026!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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OFFICIAL LIGHTING UP OF THE VAAL RIVER<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Saturday 28 November 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

At exactly 7pm \u2013 Christmas lights will be turned on at many river residences,residential estates, hotels, boat, fishing & golf clubs, restaurants and boats!
\nEnjoy this Christmas spectacle by boat or land!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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FATHER CHRISTMAS ON THE VAAL RIVER<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Wednesday 16 December 2026\u00a0 - Public Holiday -<\/strong><\/p>\n

At 2pm \u2026 witness loads of Father (and Mother) Christmases in cruisers, house boats, boats, jet skis, canoes, and the river banks!
\nEveryone welcome \u2026 be part of the Christmas fun and dress up in anything celebrating Christmas!
\nIncluding your dogs!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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BOAT TOY DROP<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Wednesday 16 December 2026\u00a0 - or any day before Christmas -<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toys for underprivileged children can be dropped at river venues.
\nThe Rotary Club of Vanderbijlpark will give these out to local Children who otherwise would not have a present to open on Christmas day.<\/p>\n

Let's make it a River of Toys & Boats of Joy!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toys can be dropped at Riviera hotel, Riverside Sun Hotel, Stonehaven on Vaal, Vaal River Lodge, Loch Vaal Club, The View on Vaal, Old Willow Houseboats or Waterfront Country Lodge<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFind out more!\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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CAROLS BY CANDLE LIGHT<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Saturday 20 December 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Stonehaven on Vaal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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ROTARY CHRISTMAS MARKET<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Every Sunday <\/strong>
\nAll of November <\/strong>
\n06 | 13 | 20 December<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Stonehaven on Vaal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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