LARP Events in South Africa
South Africa's LARP (live action role-play) scene is growing, offering a range of in-person roleplaying events from Cape Town to Johannesburg. These LARP events in South Africa feature unique cultural settings and a welcoming community for newcomers and visiting players. Most games are conducted in English (making them international-friendly), and genres span medieval fantasy battles, immersive horror dramas, and even literary-themed festivals. Whether you're searching for live action roleplay Cape Town or fantasy LARP South Africa, you'll find diverse adventures with epic storylines, vibrant costumes, and inclusive gameplay. Below is a comprehensive listing of all currently active narrative-driven LARP events in South Africa, each with its location, language, genre, description, and contact information.
Find a LARP Event outside of South Africa
Mead Legends – Johannesburg (Gauteng)
Primary Language:
English
Genre/Theme:
High-fantasy campaign (medieval fantasy)
Mead Legends is an ongoing high-fantasy LARP campaign featuring boffer weapon combat, magic, and sweeping epic storylines. Based in Gauteng, this long-running campaign (active since 2008) hosts weekend-long events every few months with additional one-day adventures in between. The game world "Meadel" lets players become legendary heroes in their own tales. New players are welcome, and the community emphasizes grand roleplaying opportunities in a friendly, English-speaking environment. International participants are also encouraged to join, as events are newcomer-friendly and conducted in English.
Official Website: Mead Legends Official Site – includes campaign guides and contact info.
Tales of Teana – Johannesburg (Gauteng)
Primary Language: English
Genre/Theme: High-fantasy boffer LARP campaign
Tales of Teana is a Johannesburg-based fantasy LARP known for its mix of single-day quests and weekend-long adventures. Founded in 2012 as a sister campaign to Mead, it has grown into a large community with events ranging from small skirmishes to battles over 100 players. Players create characters in the kingdom of Teana, and a dedicated plot team writes interactive storylines – "like a storybook" – for each event.
Adventure days
Short scenarios (often in city parks)
Full-weekend events
Take place at rented venues for deeper immersion
The game uses the NERO/MEAD rule system and focuses on collaborative storytelling and boffer combat. Tales of Teana's events are conducted in English and actively welcome newcomers and out-of-town guests.
Official Website: Tales of Teana (Facebook: @TalesofTeana)
Myths & Monsters – Cape Town (Western Cape)
Primary Language: English
Genre/Theme: High-fantasy campaign (Empire LRP system)
Myths & Monsters is a new Cape Town-based LARP company launching events in 2025. It runs an immersive fantasy campaign using the UK's Profound Decisions "Empire" game system (with permission), bringing a fest-style LARP experience to South Africa. Myths & Monsters aims to create extraordinary public and private events with rich storylines and live combat.
The setting features multiple fantasy nations and political intrigue, similar to the Empire LRP, but tailored to local players. All events are primarily in English, and the organizers are focused on accessibility – making it easy for first-time LARPers and international visitors to jump in. (In 2025, they have hosted demo adventures at local conventions and medieval fairs to introduce the hobby.)
As the first large-scale live action roleplay in Cape Town, this group emphasizes community growth and welcomes players from all backgrounds.
Official Page: Myths & Monsters Facebook (updates on upcoming events)
Ye Magical Medieval Fayre – Johannesburg (Krugersdorp, Gauteng)
Primary Language: English (Medieval theme)
Genre/Theme: Medieval fantasy festival (interactive fair)
The Ye Magical Medieval Fayre is an annual medieval-themed LARP festival held near Johannesburg (at Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom, Krugersdorp) every first Saturday of June. This day-long event combines a Renaissance fair atmosphere with interactive fantasy activities.
Archery
Axe Throwing
HEMA Demos
Unicorn Rides
Cosplay Contests
Fantasy Market
A signature feature is the Knight's Quest scavenger hunt, which provides a light narrative for players to follow during the day. The Fayre draws hundreds of visitors – many in costume – and brings "magic to the masses," becoming a beloved fixture on the local events calendar.
While not a scripted campaign, it is narrative-driven through its quests and themed entertainment, making it friendly to casual participants and families. The primary language is English (with a fun "ye olde" twist in presentations), and the event is international-friendly – travelers and non-local participants are welcome to attend and even rent costumes on-site.
Official Website: Alter Egos – Medieval Fayre (Organized by Alter Egos Events)
Fantasy Fayre – Johannesburg (Gauteng)
Primary Language: English
Genre/Theme: Fantasy genre festival (mythical creatures & cosplay)
The Fantasy Fayre is a themed fantasy festival in Johannesburg, typically held annually in early March. Each year features a different magical theme (e.g. 2024 was "Faeries & Fables," 2025 is "The Bestiary"). It's a fairytale-like day event where attendees of all ages dress as mythical creatures – unicorns, dragons, merfolk, you name it – and enjoy a variety of fantasy activities.
The Fayre offers live entertainment such as fire-dancing workshops, archery ranges, costume competitions, and an interactive LARP combat arena for those who want to try sword-fighting in a safe, fun setting. For example, in 2025 a local sports combat team ran mock battles that let participants fight as "true warriors," giving many a first taste of LARPing.
The atmosphere is very newcomer-friendly and family-oriented, with an immersive storybook ambiance. All announcements and activities are in English, and international visitors will feel right at home among the cosplay and fantasy enthusiasts.
Official Website: Alter Egos – Fantasy Fayre (Also see Alter Egos on Facebook for event details)
A Viking Thing – Johannesburg (Gauteng)
Primary Language: English
Genre/Theme: Historical Viking festival (immersive reenactment/LARP hybrid)
A Viking Thing is an annual Viking-themed live-action event in Johannesburg, typically held in the first week of November (alternating years with Discworld Day). It transports guests to the world of the Norse Vikings with a full-day immersive fair.
Viking Battles
Combat displays and reenactments
Viking Quest
Raid-themed scavenger hunt with treasure hoard prize
Cultural Demonstrations
Boat-burning ceremonies and traditional crafts
Market Village
Artisans, mead, ale, and Viking merchandise
While the event has elements of historical reenactment, it is narrative-driven (centered on the idea of a Viking clan gathering or Thing) and includes participatory games for story immersion. The primary language is English, and the tone is very much "join the clan and have fun," so international visitors and non-Afrikaans speakers are fully included.
Alter Egos Events organizes A Viking Thing, ensuring an authentic yet accessible experience.
Official Info: Alter Egos – A Viking Thing (Tickets via Quicket; also see the Facebook event page for updates)
Discworld Day – Johannesburg (Gauteng)
Primary Language: English
Genre/Theme: Literary fantasy (Terry Pratchett's Discworld) fan festival
Discworld Day is a bi-annual in-person LARP-lite event celebrating Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld universe – the only festival dedicated to Pratchett in Africa. Held in Johannesburg (at Rusty Hook, Roodepoort) on a Saturday in early November every two years, it alternates with the Viking Thing event.
1
Join Guilds
Assassins, Wizards, Thieves, etc.
2
Quest Sheet
Complete themed challenges
3
Pub Sing-alongs
Join in Discworld-themed songs
4
Trivia & Games
Test your Discworld knowledge
There's also a costume contest (come as your favorite Discworld character), an "Assassins' Guild Pick Your Poison" drinking game for adults, and plenty of humorous role-play as characters like Nanny Ogg or the Watch make appearances.
The event has a positive, relaxed energy and a passionate fan community – perfect for newcomers to slip into character or just enjoy the creativity. Everything is conducted in English (with lots of Discworld in-jokes), and the organizers heartily welcome international Discworld fans.
Discworld Day is organized by Alter Egos and usually sells out due to its popularity. If you're a Pratchett enthusiast or just curious about South African fan LARPing, this event is a must-experience.
Official Info: Alter Egos – Discworld Day (Updates via Alter Egos Facebook; next event expected in 2026)