The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to once again open its Bloemfontein Campus to one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural traditions – the Vrystaat Arts Festival – taking place from 15 to 19 July 2025. This year marks 25 years since the UFS first became a partner of the festival, a milestone that celebrates not only a rich artistic legacy but also a deep-rooted commitment to creativity, community, and connection.
Adding much significance this year is the presence of the UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, who will be experiencing the festival for the very first time as part of the UFS community.
“It has been a quarter of a century of growth, togetherness, multi-faceted inspiration, and joyful celebration,” says Prof Klopper.
“This partnership … embodies our fundamental commitment to social impact and our belief that universities should be catalysts for cultural development and social cohesion.”
With theatre, literature, music, film, visual arts, interactive exhibitions, and a strong showing by UFS students and staff, the festival is a multi-sensory celebration of South African talent and thought.
A highlight of the programme is a tribute to Prof Nico Luwes, a beloved figure in Free State theatre and former Head of the UFS Department of Drama. Prof Klopper will also lead this year’s UFS Thought-Leader Panel Discussion on 17 July at 12:00, unpacking the theme ‘Reimagining Higher Education for Employability and Sustainability’ in the Albert Wessels Auditorium.
Two exciting book launches will further enrich the programme:
Thinking Through Food in South Africa: Identities, Embodiment and Representation co-edited by Prof Vasu Reddy, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, and Prof Lebo Moletsane from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (15 July), and
Research and Activism: Ruth First and Activist Research co-edited by Prof Saleem Badat, Research Professor in the UFS Department of History, and Prof Reddy (16 July).
As Prof Klopper reflects:
“This festival strengthens the bonds between our university and the broader Free State community, embodying the spirit of ubuntu that defines our institution.”
With fresh energy, familiar traditions, and a quarter-century of memories, the 2025 Vrystaat Arts Festival is set to be a celebration like no other.
Here are just some of the UFS contributions to this year’s festival:
Die bruikbare idioot
Verbode Gedagtes in Stereo
Rooikappie en die Drie Varkies
Gebou soos Steffi Graf
The semblance of permanence
Willemien en Meraaitjie en Willie Wragtig die Troeteldrakie!
Bielie
Die Moedige Avonture van Prinses Petronella
Harte-Bliksems
Perspectives on Perspectives of Love
The Masks
In Resonance
Oh no! She swallowed a fly!
Sticks and figures drawing workshop
Thinking Through Food in South Africa: Identities, Embodiment and Representation
Henriette Grové, bekende dramaturg en prosaïs
Sy word Sestig!
Transponering van romans na dramas en/of films
Van Egoli via 7de Laan tot in Binnelanders
Hulde aan die helde: Nico Luwes
Research and Activism: Ruth First and Activist Research
Spookstories van CJ Langenhoven
Sprankelverse uit die oude doos
Cleanse
Echoes of the Land
Sehlabelo
Lag en Legende: ’n Wandeling deur die loopbaan van Tobie Cronjé
Sci-Ed interactive exhibits
Sci-Ed Science Café
Sci-Ed Science Café: Sterre en Planete
Science@Dinner
Science Show at Sci-Ed
Sci-Ed Stargazing
Wetenskapvertoning by Sci-Ed
Make your bath bombs
Make and launch your own parachute
Make your own marshmallows
Make your own rocket
Bedreigings vir Aarde: satelliete, asteroïede en meer …
Max Goes to the Moon
Mysteries of your Brain
Passport to the Universe / Ruimtevorms
Threats to Earth: satellites, asteroids, and more …
Wêrelde buite die Aarde
Entrance tickets to the festival grounds and the theatre productions are already on sale at Webtickets.
Come and experience the arts that make life meaningful.