In terms of family entertainment, it’s difficult to beat Maselspoort, with its array of leisure activities that include fishing, swimming, golf and bowls. The town even boasts a Casino. Other casinos can be found in Thaba Nchu, Welkom and Bloemfontein, where the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre caters to the entertainment needs of the whole family.

The Loch Logan Waterfront, also in Bloe...    
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In terms of family entertainment, it’s difficult to beat Maselspoort, with its array of leisure activities that include fishing, swimming, golf and bowls. The town even boasts a Casino. Other casinos can be found in Thaba Nchu, Welkom and Bloemfontein, where the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre caters to the entertainment needs of the whole family.

The Loch Logan Waterfront, also in Bloem, is entertainment central. The mall regularly hosts national events, exhibitions, expos, competitions, pageants, and road shows and has more than enough restaurants and coffee shops to feed the masses who visit the shops, movies, salons and gym.

Fine dining is to be found all over the Free State, a prime example being the Pigout. The name may hint at sawdust on the floor and paper napkins, but the restaurant (in Smithfield) is actually famous for its elegant setting and dedication to the slow-food movement. Jenka, in Bethlehem, is imbued with Moroccan spirit and provides freshly baked goods with freshly ground coffee and delicious contemporary dishes. The De Stijl Gariep Hotel, on the Gariep Dam, is proud of its Karoo roots and uses fresh organic locally produced meat and vegetables. Be warned that booking is essential.

Clarens is known as the Free State’s artistic capital. It houses numerous galleries dedicated to showcasing local talent. One of its more unusual attractions is the Essensual Art Gallery, which celebrates the human form. The Glacé Art Gallery in Zastron not only brings to light the artistic talents of a much underrated region, but also offers the chance to sample some local fare in the form of home-made cookies, pasta sauces and jams.

If you’re looking for events, the Free State is the place to be. The annual Philippolis Witblits Festival is usually held in April and is a celebration of Afrikaans culture, from witblits (South African moonshine) tasting to boeresports (farm sports) for kids. The annual Smithfield 'Bibber' Chill Festival offers entertainment, agricultural displays, motorcycle and bike events, competitions, and fun go-carting. The annual Macufe Mangaung African Cultural Festival in Bloemfontein aims to be the largest festival dedicated to African arts and culture in the world. It features a range of diverse musical acts, dance, drama, poetry and fine art.
   
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