Key Takeaways:
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Welkom offers a unique blend of mining history, open-air adventures, and community-driven culture.
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It’s a spacious city with wide roads, hidden gems, and year-round local experiences often missed by tourists.
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Travelers love Welkom for its calm atmosphere, welcoming locals, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Welkom, known as the “Circle City” for its distinctive road layout, is located in South Africa’s Free State province and was once the heart of the gold mining boom. Founded in the 1940s, it quickly developed into a modern, purpose-built city with broad avenues and circular traffic routes that make navigation a breeze. While it’s often overlooked in favor of more well-known destinations, Welkom rewards curious travelers with fascinating mining heritage, local hospitality, and wide-open recreational spaces. Whether you’re into motorsports, history, or laid-back town vibes, this underrated city has something to offer all year long.
Table of Contents
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Explore the Welkom Gold Museum
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Visit the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre
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Picnic at Welkom Public Park
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Watch a Race at Phakisa Freeway
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Stroll Through Goldfields Mall
1. Explore the Welkom Gold Museum
Welkom’s identity is closely tied to gold mining, and the Welkom Gold Museum showcases the city’s legacy with historical artifacts, mining tools, and multimedia exhibits. Housed in the civic center, the museum tells the story of how Welkom transformed from farmland into one of South Africa’s most important gold-producing cities. It’s a compact but well-curated space that reveals the cultural and economic shifts driven by the industry.
Visitors can view old photographs, vintage machinery, and even geological samples showing the gold-rich rock formations that run beneath the region. Interactive displays make it engaging for all ages, and knowledgeable guides add local insight. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone wanting to understand the city’s foundation and ongoing relationship with mining.
2. Visit the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre
The Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre is a cultural anchor in Welkom, hosting a wide range of live performances, from community plays and ballets to comedy nights and music festivals. The theatre’s architecture stands out, and its programming attracts local talent as well as touring artists from across South Africa. It’s a lively spot that brings the community together through shared storytelling and art.
Whether you catch a classic drama or an upbeat concert, the venue offers affordable entertainment with a local flavor. The schedule rotates seasonally, and there’s usually something happening each weekend. Visiting the theatre is a great way to support local culture while enjoying an evening out in Welkom.
3. Picnic at Welkom Public Park
Welkom Public Park is a green oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for relaxing afternoons with family, friends, or a good book. The park features open lawns, shade trees, braai (BBQ) facilities, and small playgrounds for children. It’s a popular weekend spot where locals gather for casual meetups and impromptu soccer games.
Bring snacks or pick up takeaway from a nearby café and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Birds chirp in the trees, kids run freely, and it’s one of the best places in town to enjoy fresh air without leaving the city. The park is safe, clean, and ideal for solo travelers looking for a chill afternoon activity.
4. Watch a Race at Phakisa Freeway
Motorsport fans will love Phakisa Freeway, one of South Africa’s premier racing tracks located just outside Welkom. Known for hosting local and international events, including motorcycle and stock car races, it’s a must-see for adrenaline seekers. The track’s layout is fast and wide, making for thrilling race-day experiences.
Even if there’s no major race on the calendar, the speedway often hosts practice sessions, track days, and auto expos. The energy, the roar of engines, and the community feel are unlike anything else in the region. Check the schedule before your visit, and consider grabbing a local snack and settling in for a day at the races.
5. Stroll Through Goldfields Mall
Goldfields Mall is Welkom’s go-to retail and social hub, offering everything from local boutiques to major South African chains. With its clean design and spacious layout, it’s a great place to browse shops, enjoy air-conditioned comfort, and grab a bite to eat. There’s a cinema inside, as well as a variety of coffee shops and fast-food options.
Locals often hang out here during evenings or weekends, giving the mall a lively yet comfortable vibe. Whether you’re looking for a place to recharge, do a bit of shopping, or experience modern South African consumer culture, Goldfields Mall delivers. Plus, it’s centrally located and easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
6. Discover Local History at the Matjhabeng Municipal Library
For a quieter cultural experience, the Matjhabeng Municipal Library offers an in-depth look at Welkom’s social and civic development. More than just a place to borrow books, the library serves as a knowledge hub with archived newspapers, historical documents, and exhibitions that chronicle the evolution of the Matjhabeng area.
The reading rooms are peaceful, and the library often hosts talks, poetry readings, and educational programs for the community. Visitors interested in local politics, education, or the city’s transformation post-apartheid will find thoughtful displays and helpful staff. It’s an underrated stop for travelers who like to connect with a place through its stories.
7. Experience Welkom’s Art Scene at Lejweleputswa Arts Centre
The Lejweleputswa Arts Centre is a creative hub where visual artists, dancers, and musicians collaborate and perform. Located in the heart of Welkom, it regularly hosts art exhibitions, craft fairs, workshops, and stage performances that showcase regional talent.
The center is all about expression and empowerment, and many young artists use it as a platform to build their careers. Visitors are welcome to attend events or browse local artwork—many pieces are available for sale at affordable prices. If you’re looking to experience the city’s creative pulse, this is where to go.
8. Golf and Wildlife at Oppenheimer Park Golf Club
For those who enjoy golf with a touch of nature, Oppenheimer Park Golf Club delivers both. This well-maintained 18-hole course is surrounded by native flora and often visited by small wildlife like springbok and birds. The fairways are green, the pace is relaxed, and the experience is incredibly scenic.
You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy a day here—casual players and travelers can rent gear and enjoy the clubhouse facilities. It’s a unique way to combine sport, leisure, and a little South African nature all in one outing. If you’re lucky, you might even spot antelope grazing near the edges of the course.
9. Visit the Tosa Indoor Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre
Whether you want to swim laps, cool off from the sun, or simply stretch your legs indoors, the Tosa Indoor Pool and Fitness Centre offers excellent recreational options. This facility is modern, clean, and affordable, serving both athletes and locals who enjoy water aerobics, gym time, or relaxed swims.
It’s especially useful during the hot summer months or for travelers looking to stay active during their trip. Families are welcome, and the staff is helpful with day passes and equipment rental. It’s a local favorite for good reason—and a great place to recharge your body while in town.
10. Explore the Local Markets and Bazaars
Welkom’s weekend and informal markets are full of color, sound, and flavor. From street vendors selling handmade jewelry to farmers offering fresh produce, these bazaars reflect the heart of community life. You’ll also find secondhand clothing, home goods, and food stalls serving pap, chakalaka, and grilled meats.
The markets are held in various neighborhoods and rotate through the week, especially active on Saturdays. They’re perfect for picking up souvenirs, trying local snacks, or striking up conversations with residents. Come with small bills and an open mind—you’re likely to walk away with something special.
What to do if you have kids?
Welkom is a kid-friendly city with lots of open space and community parks where children can run and play safely. The public park and Oppenheimer Golf Club grounds offer room for picnics and outdoor games. Families also enjoy visiting Goldfields Mall for movies and ice cream, or catching local sporting events for an exciting afternoon. If you’re traveling with children, locals are generally very warm and accommodating—just bring snacks, sunscreen, and water to keep them happy and cool throughout the day.
Where can I find free events in Welkom South Africa taking place this weekend?
To find free community events, festivals, art shows, or family-friendly activities happening in Welkom this weekend, use PlanMyWeekend.ai. It’s a smart discovery tool that helps you uncover real-time, local experiences across Welkom—without scrolling endlessly through social media or message boards. Whether you’re looking for live music, markets, or cultural events, it’s the easiest way to explore Welkom like a local.
Final thoughts
Welkom is full of unexpected charm—offering a mix of industry, history, and community warmth that leaves a lasting impression. From its gold mining heritage and vibrant street markets to art centers and motorsport thrills, this Free State gem is ready to surprise and engage curious travelers. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Welkom welcomes you with open roads, friendly faces, and more than enough to keep you coming back.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
