South Africans in Austin Events

There are several events in Central Texas that South Africans can attend each year. Most of the events are simply about getting together and having a good time. Some involve camping (or you can use your RV or stay in a cabin if you choose), and most involve at least a braai (barbeque, if you don't know what a "braai" is). These events are described below. We'll add more descriptions as the events come up.

Note: Our events are for socializing and making friends, not for political activities. Your attendance indicates your acceptance of this condition.

Go to Texas Events Calendar to see information about other events in Texas.

Spring & Fall Braai

Where: Mansfield Dam Park, Austin

When: Twice a year, around April and November.

What it's about: This is just a plain ol' bring & braai. Everyone brings their own food and drinks. (This upcoming Spring braai - April 18, 2010 - is a potluck-combo, so bring your own meat to braai and one dish to share.) You could bring your own chairs if you want to. A small bag of charcoal wouldn't hurt either, but if you forget, don't worry. There is usually enough charcoal. We're South Africans afterall!

The Venue: Mansfield Dam Park is a very nice park and it's easy to find. Going south on 620 from 183 or 2222, take the first road on the right after the dam wall. Going north on 620 from 71, take the last road on the left before the dam wall. Here's a map. The park has plenty of trees and picnic spots. There is also a nice playground for the kids and a rock-climbing wall. We usually take two picnic spots right by the playground. It is a good idea to bring a jacket to the November event since the weather is somewhat unpredicatable that time of the year.

How to know when the next one is: We send out at least one email about the event. It is also posted on this site. Go the Events Calendar to find out when the next one is.

Texas Potjie Festival

Where: The venue changes each year.

When: Every Labor Day weekend

What it's about: The main purpose of this event is a "potjiekos" competition, which takes place on the Sunday. (If you don't know what "potjiekos" is, in a nutshell it is cooking of meat and vegetables in a traditional South African three-legged cast-iron pot.) This event is quite possibly the biggest South African event in the USA. It currently attracts around 400 South Africans each year. In the past, some have come from as far as California and Maryland. It is a whole weekend of visiting and partying and eating, South African style!

The Venue: This is a weekend-long event and so you'll have to find some sort of accommodation. It is usually held in a camp site, so you can bring your tent or RV or rent a cabin. A few people prefer nearby hotels. Others just visit on the day of the competition (Sunday). To really make the most of the atmosphere, it is best to come for the weekend and stay in a tent or cabin.

How to know when the next one is: We send out at least one email about the event. It is also posted on this site. Go the Events Calendar to find out when the next one is, and to get directions to the venue. You could also visit the Texas Potjie web site to get the latest information.