The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill returns to Willard Beach in KwaDukuza from 4 to 18 July 2026 under the theme Wave of Unity, celebrating its 57th year with an epic coastal lifestyle festival. Hosted along the KZN North Coast, the internationally recognised event will bring world-class sport, music, culture, and seaside experiences to one of South Africa’s most iconic coastal destinations.
The 2026 edition arrives during a landmark year for global sport, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the World Surf League World Tour, adding a layer of unifying energy to this year’s festival programme.
“The Ballito Pro is the ultimate place to be this winter, with the inviting KZN North Coast weather and an absolutely epic programme planned for all ages and interests,” said Collette Bundy, Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser.
“Each year, the event brings an incredible energy to KwaDukuza, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting programmes yet. We’re delighted to channel support for Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup through our fan zones, and the epic Surf & Turf Pros Tag Team – alongside our many popular festival programme favourites. This is definitely one festival you’re not going to want to miss!”
One of the additions to the 2026 programme is the SeaHer Women’s Surf Activation, a three-day programme that empowers women through surfing and wellness. Female surfers of all abilities will get together to learn practical ocean confidence, mindset, breathwork, and surf skills, while creating meaningful connections through shared experiences in and around the ocean.
Sporting Events
- Youth Soccer Games (U15) and Development Playoffs: Finals at the Ballito Pro Event (16th July)
- Surf & Turf Pros Tag Team: Surfers, soccer and rugby personalities collide in a mixed sport challenge (16 July at Willard Beach)
- Behind Bafana Bafana: KwaDukuza FIFA World Cup screenings of Bafana Bafana matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final (4 to 18 July at KwaDukuza Fan Zone)
- Ballito Skate Comp Presented by O’Neill & Red Bull: Top national skaters and local groms compete (11 July at the Ballito Bowl)
- Extreme Sports: Red Bull BMX Activations, Bike Displays and Air Show Elements (16 to18 July at Willard Beach precinct)
Conservand Community Initiativesation
- Litter4Tokens Recycling and Ocean Waste Activation: Waste sorting, education and recycling-for-tokens model (4 to 18 July at Willard Beach Lifesaving Hut & Activation Zones)
- WESSA Blue Flag & Green Coast Environmental Awareness Campaigns: Includes ‘Stop the Strangle’ marine protection focus (Willard Beach and surrounds)
- iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser: Supporting local surf development programmes (14 July at Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel)
- Small Steps Fundraiser Activations: Linc College Beach Activation, which supports local surf transformation programmes and will include games, prizes, and giveaways (4-18 July, Willard Beach)
- Youth Month Community Activations: Held in partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality (11 to 18 July at KwaDukuza venues)
- SeaHer Beach Activation: Empowering women through movement, mindset, community and shared experiences. Space for surfers to learn, connect, and progress together (15-17 July at Willard Beach)
- Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experiences: Love North Coast & UIP Activation showcasing the KwaDukuza and iLembe region (4 to 18 July, Willard Beach and at regional tourism routes and activations)
Music and Dancing
- Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona: Free music concerts including amaPiano and afro tech on day 1 and contemporary rock, pop and EDM on day 2 (16 and 17 July at Salt Rock Main Beach)
- Corona Sunset Sessions: Live DJ-led sunset sets at the beach retail precinct (5, 10, 12, 15 and 18 July at Willard Beach)
- Battle of the DJs Competition: Local showdown of DJ talents (KwaDukuza Town Hall on 10 July)
- After Dark Entertainment: Nightclub-style after-parties (Conchilla, La Montagne and Fiamma Grill)
Beach Fun and Retail Experiences
- Beach Recreational Entertainment Hub: Volleyball, soccer activations, fashion showcases, and family beach activities (4to 18 July at Willard Beach retail zone)
- Jive With Jen: Kiddies beach programme with children’s dance, games and interactive beach fun (Willard Beach)
- Beach Soccer: Activations and family sports zones (4 to 18 July at Willard Beach)
- Beach Judo Tournament: Presented by Tatami Judo Academy (18 July at Willard Beach)
- Beach Rugby Touch Tournament: Presented by Dolphin Coast Rugby (17 July at Willard Beach)
- Ballito Arts Showcase: Great representations of local artwork (11, 12, 17, 18 July at Willard Beach)
- Beach Early Morning Yoga & Pilates: Get fit and healthy on the beachfront! (4 to 18 July at Willard Beach)
- Retail Village: Food vendors, lifestyle brands, and coastal market experiences (4 to 18 July at Willard Beach retail precinct)
The festival forms part of a broader initiative between the KwaDukuza Municipality, World Surf League, Surfing South Africa, and key public and private partners, aimed at driving youth development, tourism growth, and sustainable coastal activation.
Keep Updated on All the Action
Don’t miss any of the action at the 2026 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #waveofunity #igagazi lobumbano/Lobunye
Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:
- Website: www.theballitopro.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro
- Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro
