Sandstone Cherry Steam Festival 2026
Thu Nov 12, 08:00 - Sat Nov 14, 17:00
Sandstone Heritage Museum
ABOUT
Sandstone Estates proudly presents the annual CHERRY STEAM FESTIVAL in November 2026 - a living showcase of South Africa's mechanical, military, agricultural, aviation and steam heritage.
The Sandstone Steam Railway, one of the largest private collections of steam locomotives in the world, will be in full swing over the Cherry Harvest weekend, alongside vintage tractors and earthmoving machinery, Afrikaner trek oxen, classic trucks and cars, an extensive military heritage display in partnership with the SA Armour Museum, and classic aircraft from the Classic Flying Collection. Food and craft stalls, our Flywheel Bar and beer tent will be open during the festival each day.
Pricing:
- Adults: R385
- Pensioners (60+): R315
- Kids (aged 4-12): R195
- Children aged 3 and under are free
Please note: Tickets are also available for purchase at the gate on each day of the festival. There are discounts available for Multi-Day Passes.
Festival tickets include:
- Rides on all operating vehicles of the day - military vehicles, ox wagons, tractors and other vintage vehicles.
- Steam train rides on the "Grootdraai Loop" (approx. 30 minutes) or Seb's Children's Railway (also 30 minutes).
Festival tickets do not include:
- Flights in CLASSIC AIRCRAFT, including a De Havilland Tiger Moth, Boeing Stearman and more, are available for purchase on site. Availability is subject to weather conditions and capacity.
- Tickets for the SEKONYELA EXPLORER, Sandstone's flagship rail journey of approximately 2 hours which operates on a schedule each day.
- These tickets are available for pre-purchase as an Add-On to your entry ticket, and available on site. Tickets are subject to a max. capacity of 180 people per journey. R150 for adults, and FREE for under 15s (please still purchase a "free" ticket to ensure capacity)
- Sekonyela Train Times:
- Thursday - 14h00
- Friday - 11h00 &15h00
- Saturday - 10h30, 14h00 & 17h00
GATE TIMES:
Thursday 12 November: 9am - 5pm
Friday 13 November: 9am - 6pm
Saturday 14 November: 9am - 6pm
Free parking is available on site.
Please note that Biosecurity Controls will be in place at the gate as part of Foot & Mouth Disease control in the Free State, requiring car tyres to be sprayed on entry. We appreciate your patience while we take the necessary steps to protect our livestock.
CAMPING AT SANDSTONE
CAMPING:
Sandstone's campsite has 50 camping stands, available to book online for Wednesday 11th - Sunday 15th November 2026. If you would like to book additional camping nights on either side of this please email us separately at [email protected]. Camping stands are priced at R548 per stand per night (up to 5 people sharing), and includes one complimentary Sekonyela Explorer Train Ticket for each camper in the group. R50 of electricity is included with each booking.
Your free Sekonyela train tickets can be collected upon arrival when you collect your event wristbands from the ticket desk, there is no need to reserve train tickets.
Please note, you will need a Festival Ticket for each day of the Festival you plan to attend.
- Camping check-in: 3pm onwards
- Camping check-out: before 10am
If you plan to enjoy the Festival within the times of 10am - 3pm on your arrival or departure day, you will be required to purchase a Festival Ticket for that day. Please see the Multi-Day discounts available to join us in multiple days.
PROMO CODES
If you have a Promo Code to use, please look out for the Enter Promotional Code box at the top of the booking page before you select your ticket types.
WHAT TO EXPECT
