FynArts is here - and Hermanus is humming 🎭

👋 Good morning, Hermanus and surrounds. Welcome to Hermanus Scoop! 

This isn't your typical newspaper. We're a community-driven newsletter dedicated to sharing the heart and soul of Hermanus and its surrounds. From local stories and events to spotlighting real people and businesses, we aim to keep you connected to the vibrant life of our town.

Lets kick off with FynArts season - and the town’s about to burst with creativity. Whether you’re here for the sculpture walks, local wines, chamber music, or just a really good excuse to browse art in your puffer jacket, there’s something for everyone.

Every June, Hermanus transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity during the FynArts Festival - a ten-day celebration that seamlessly blends visual arts, music, literature, culinary delights, and performance. From captivating art exhibitions and thought-provoking talks to live concerts and gourmet experiences, the festival offers a rich tapestry of events that cater to diverse artistic tastes. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cape Whale Coast, attendees can immerse themselves in a cultural feast that highlights both local talent and international artistry. Whether you're an art aficionado or a curious newcomer, the FynArts Festival promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hermanus's artistic spirit.

Be sure to book ahead - some events fill up faster than a Saturday morning at The Bistro. 🎨 

• Get your FynArts Festival tickets here 🎟️

• Your event map 🗺️

Let’s get to it.

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Supporting local artists is cool. Supporting them during FynArts is legendary.

🏡 Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

Classic Family Home In Northcliff

Nestled at the upper end of Fourie Street, this residence sits on a generous 1666 sqm erf, surrounded by mature indigenous trees and well established gardens that create a tranquil, idyllic and secure environment for children to explore their imaginations, whether it be building forts, treehouses or chasing butterflies.

Upon entering our home, you will immediately sense the warmth of a true family atmosphere. As you step through the elegant French doors, you are welcomed into a spacious dining area that seamlessly transitions into a sunlit kitchen, featuring a separate scullery. The inviting lounge, equipped with a built-in fireplace, provides a cozy backdrop for intimate evenings. Each of the four generously sized en-suite bedrooms opens onto the garden through French doors, enhancing the connection to the outdoors.

View the property in full here.

☕️ Local Business Spotlight: MIKRO Coffee: Small Batch, Big Heart

This week’s local business spotlight is on MIKRO Coffee.

MIKRO has been roasting exceptional small-batch coffee since 2018. Founded by Lise and Wihan Brink - both qualified chefs who studied in Franschhoek and grew up along the Garden Route. MIKRO has humble beginnings, starting in the couple’s apartment and later migrating to a modest pop-up at Hermanuspietersfontein Wines. What began as a passion project quickly earned a loyal local following, laying the foundation for something bigger.

Driven by a shared love for quality and attention to detail, the Brinks opened their roastery-café in town late in 2021, where they roast and blend beans sourced from around the globe as well as serving up well made flat whites. Their culinary background shines through in every cup; each one crafted for balance, depth, and flavour. Today, MIKRO supplies many local restaurants and cafés with their signature blends.

Their love for coffee also sparked the launch of Molo, a sister brand focused entirely on African-sourced beans, which they’re hoping to franchise all over South Africa. Although also roasted by MIKRO, Molo’s coffee celebrates the richness and diversity of the continent’s coffee heritage - bold, rich, and full of soul. It’s a natural extension of MIKRO’s journey: rooted in place, fuelled by passion.

We sat down with Wihan Brink to talk all-things Mikro Coffee…

1.⁠ ⁠What made you move / relocate to Hermanus in 2015?
I moved to Hermanus so I could accept a sales position at Hermanuspietersfontein.

2.⁠ ⁠⁠Favourite thing to do in our town?
That’s a tough one. Walking along the cliff paths. Playing Padel, lots of padel.

3.⁠ ⁠⁠If someone had only one day in Hermanus, what MIKRO coffee and local food pairing would you recommend they try?
Definitely come for a flat white and try a Marmite and cheese croissant from Black Medicine, they’re iconic.

4.⁠ ⁠How do you prepare coffee at home?
French press, it's so simple to use, and if you do it right it is seriously good.

5.⁠ ⁠What question do you get asked most at MIKRO?
“Do you do tastings?” The answer is yes, we have multiple tasting options (you can even blend you own bag of beans) just book at least a day in advance.

One lucky Hermanus Scoop subscriber will win 10 cups of coffee from MIKRO Coffee! The winner will be randomly selected and announced in next week’s newsletter - keep your fingers crossed!

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

There’s an extra spark in the air this week as FynArts Festival returns to Hermanus from 6-16 June, bringing a vibrant mix of visual arts, music, talks, theatre, workshops and wine to the heart of the Overberg. But that’s just the start - here’s what’s happening:

Thursday-Sunday | Hermanus FynArts Festival Begins 🎭
🗓 6-16 June 📍 Various venues in Hermanus Expect world-class exhibitions, performances, masterclasses and installations as this beloved cultural festival kicks off its 11th edition. Full programme available at hermanusfynarts.co.za

Friday | First Fridays Artwalk 🖼️ 
🗓 Friday, 7 June · 17:00 - 20:00 📍 Galleries across central Hermanus A monthly celebration of local art - stroll between galleries, meet the artists, and enjoy a glass of wine as Hermanus lights up for the evening.

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 8 June · 09:00 - 14:00 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Saturday & Sunday | Elgin Railway Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday and Sunday, 8-9 June · 09:00 - 16:00 📍 Elgin Railway Market - a bustling Steampunk, Art Deco market boasting local food and craft vendors, live music and is the gateway to the beautiful Elgin Valley

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday , 8 June · 08:00 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Friday | State of the World Business Breakfast with Alec Hogg 📆
🗓 Friday , 13 June · 08:00 for 8:30 📍 Bossa Restaurant, Hermanus Sports Club
State of the world - and what it means for you. R250 per person. Booking essential. RSVP with Ruth on Whatsapp at 082 886 2818 or email at [email protected]

Whale Season Begins 🐋
Whale watching season officially kicks off on 1 June in Hermanus! Keep an eye out along the coast for early sightings of Southern Right whales as they begin arriving in the bay for their annual visit. It's one of the best times of year to soak up the magic of our coastline.

🌞🌦️ Hermanus Weather Update: 5 - 11 June

Expect a week of classic early winter shifts in Hermanus - clear skies to start and a few rain showers by the weekend.

• Thursday 5 June: A perfect winter’s day - sunny skies and mild temperatures, with a high of 18°C and a low of 8°C. Winds will be gentle, around 7 m/s, calming in the evening.

• Friday 6 June: Partly sunny to partly cloudy, staying mild at 17°C during the day and 9°C at night. Winds pick up slightly, 11 m/s in the morning easing to 5 m/s by evening.

• Saturday 7 June: Cooler and wetter - rain is expected with 12 mm of precipitation. Daytime highs at 15°C and lows around 11°C. Winds will be stronger at 15 m/s, so it’s a good day for indoor plans.

• Sunday 8 June: A mix of clouds and showers with 9.4 mm of rain expected. Temperatures will hover between 13°C and 9°C, with breezes at 7 m/s.

• Monday 9 June: A fresh start to the week - mostly sunny with just a tiny chance of a shower (0.3 mm). Expect highs of 15°C and a cool low of 8°C. Winds will calm to 3 m/s.

• Tuesday 10 June: Clear and calm - bright sunshine with a crisp high of 16°C and a low of 8°C. Light winds around 3 m/s - ideal for cliff path strolls or beach visits.

• Wednesday 11 June: Another sunny day to round out the forecast, slightly cooler with a high of 16°C and a low dipping to 7°C. Light breezes of 3 m/s continue.

A typical Hermanus winter week - layered outfits and umbrellas recommended for the weekend!

Sports & Schools:

📚 Schools Update Exam Season: Exams are almost underway at most schools - starting on 9 June. Best of luck to all learners!

🎂 Cake & Support: Hermanus Primary School will be hosting a PTA Cake Sale on 20 June to raise funds. Pop by and support if you can.

❄️ Term Break: Schools will close on 27 June, marking the end of the second term and the start of the Winter School Holidays.

📸 Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach- we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s all from us this week!

Whether you’re gallery-hopping, wine-sipping, or just pretending to understand abstract sculpture - enjoy every minute of FynArts. It’s Hermanus at its most magical.

Until next time…

Stay warm, stay local, and stay curious.

- The Hermanus Scoop team 🐋