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.

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

Summer Kickoff Potjie

Where: Mansfield Dam Park, Austin

When: Memorial Day. (This year, 2008, is our first one. If we get a good response, we'll do it again next year.)

What it's about: This one is a type of "pre-emptive strike" in anticipation of the Texas Potjie in September, and also a great way to kick off summer! The idea is to get together to make and share a few potjies. It will be good practice for those planning to participate in the Texas Potjie! If you want to make a potjie, bring your potjie, ingredients, utensils, and a gas stove. (If you have a fold-up table, bring that too.) If you prefer to just have a braai, you're welcome to do that too. If you don't plan to cook anything yourself, bring money. You will be able to buy a plate of food for $3.

The Venue: 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. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty to drink!

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.

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. 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. (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 currently attracts around 300 - 400 people each year.

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. 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. You could also visit the Texas Potjie web site to get the latest information.

SA to SA (South Africa to San Antonio) Humanities Festival

Where: San Antonio, TX.

When: Once a year in the Fall

What it's about: The festival features inspiring song and dance, authentic food and wine, and unique house wares, jewelry, clothing and more for purchase. It chiefly funds a nationally-recognized, San Antonio based project - Scholarships for South Africa - that brings South African children to San Antonio for education. The proceeds from the festival also help to fund the Long Distance Book-Mobile, a 10-year old project run by Nancy Parker and aided by community support in San Antonio, that provides reading materials for seventy schools and four township libraries near Clocolan, South Africa.

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. You could also visit the South Africa to San Antonio web site to get the latest information.