Darling's Second Saturdays: the last open studios of 2026

The art calendar in the Swartland does not stop with Solo Studios in October. In Darling, artists and makers open their studios to visitors on the second Saturday of every month from February to November, and Saturday 14 November 2026 is the last one of the year. After that the studios take a December and January break, with Second Saturdays resuming on 13 February 2027.

The format is simple. Studios are open from 10:00 to 17:00, entry is free, and the organisers say a complimentary glass of wine awaits every visitor. Expect paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, prints and other handmade work, with both artists and crafters taking part. The Darling Second Saturdays website also lists art workshops, demonstrations and children's classes, so check there for what is on this month.

Before you set off, download the Second Saturdays map from the organisers' website, which lists the participating studios along with suggestions for food and wine in town. A few addresses are worth knowing: the Darling Museum and Art Gallery in the 1899 Town Hall at 20 Hill Street, Storar's Vintage Art Gallery on Church Street, and Evita Bezuidenhout's Amazing Art Gallery at 8 Arcadia Road. Opening times can differ from the open-studio hours, so confirm with each venue if one is a must for you.

From Riebeek Kasteel, Darling makes an easy day out to the west by way of Malmesbury. Go in the morning while it is cool, wander between studios at your own pace, have lunch in town and drive back through the wheat country in the late afternoon light.

If you would rather stay in the valley, Riebeek Kasteel has its own monthly art evening. On First Fridays, from 17:00 to 20:00, galleries, artisan shops and eateries in the village stay open late; the next one falls on 4 December.

Either way, there is something to be said for ending a day of looking at art with a quiet evening on your own terrace, balcony or garden at Huis Agt.