Any time you visit Cape Town, there’s bound to be something on the go, and you can go so much further with cheap SA Airlines flights. Plan well in advance so you can catch as many of these premier events as possible.
Major Events in Cape Town
March
The Cape Town Carnival sets off in high-kicking style along the streets of the city on 17 March 2018. This colourful parade is a diverse celebration of the arts and brings performers from all walks of life together. Street food, designated viewing areas and live music make this an unforgettable event.
Other events in March include:
- The Cape Town International Jazz Festival 23–24 March
- The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival 29 March – 4 April
April
It’s all about food in Cape Town this April, so book your cheap flights to Cape Town and prepare for a feast.
The Burger Festival takes place in the city and is a celebration of this familiar meaty meal with a dedicated chef’s menu, beer garden, bubbly and wine bar and cocktail experience thrown in.
Other foodie favourites include Paarl’s Pinotage & Biltong Festival, The Stellenbosch Oyster & Bubbly Festival, The Truck and Vine Festival in Plettenberg Bay, Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food, a Barrels and Beards Harvest Celebration in Bot River and the South African Cheese festival.
May
At the end of May, the Robertson Valley comes alive with celebration at the Wacky Wine Weekend. This event lauds the art of winemaking and celebrates wine with samplings, tutored tasting and live music with dancing.
Somerset West’s Cabernet Franc Carnival takes place on 19 May and the South African Independent Film Festival will be drawing the crowds from 24 to 27 May.
June
The theatrical theme continues in and around Cape Town during June with the Grahamstown National Arts Festival from 28 June to 8 July. This jovial event is a whirlwind of art in all its forms, whether on stage or on canvas.
Other creative events include the Encounter film festival, the Hermanus Film Festival, the Silver Mountain music Festival and the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival
July
The pace doesn’t slow down during the heart of winter in Cape Town. Major events this month include the Knysna Oyster Festival with its athletic, culinary and music events. The Oyster Festival is celebrated as a fantastic family-oriented event and is a favourite among the athletically-inclined.
Other hits on the July calendar include the Woodstock Winter Beer Festival, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival and the ever-popular Bastille Festival in Franschhoek.
August
August is slow time in Cape Town with a host of laid back events to keep you busy. Robertson is hosting the popular Robertson Slow which is a celebration of food, wine and taking it easy.
Hermanus comes to the party on 11 and 12 August with a superb Wine and Food Festival, the Fynbosskou is on in Hopefield and McGregor is putting on a Poetry Festival (dates tbs).
September
Springtime is whale season all along the coastline and that means the Hermanus Whale Festival is on the go. This celebration of all things whale-related centres on eco-talks, kiddies activities, crafts, food, wine and live music events in the festive village of Hermanus
Other things to look forward to during September are the Waterblommetjie Festival, the Street Food Festival, and the Open Book Festival. Wine lovers can get their fix at Pinotage on Tap, and the good times will be flowing at the Robertson Beer Festival.
October
October sees one of the city’s premier events take to the water with the Cape Town International Boat Show at the V&A Waterfront from 19 to 21 October. Harbour tours, sailing lessons and a chance to try stand up paddling are some of the activities available among the luxurious vessels and boating equipment on display here.
For the rest of October, you can rock the Daisies at Cloof Wine Estate, check out the kites at Zandvlei Nature Reserve’s Kite Festival, sip on wine and bubbly at the Plettenberg Bay festival or drink Wine on the River at Robertson. Halloween Fans should not miss the Zombie Festival at the Company’s Garden at the end of the month.
November
During November, the Kirstenbosch Summer Concert series gets into full swing. It’s the perfect start to the week with some of South Africa’s most popular artists doing their thing while fans enjoy a picnic on the lawns.
Likewise, the Galileo Open Air Cinema awakens from its winter slumber during November. Here you can catch a movie on the lawns of the gorgeous Kirstenbosch Gardens from Tuesday to Saturday evenings.
December
Christmas time is party time in Cape Town. You will find special meals and markets on the go all over town but the main events to look out for are:
- Cape Town Festival of Beer
- Hermanus Craft Beer Festival
- Festival of Chariots
- Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
- Wavescape Surf & Ocean Festival
Christmas in Cape Town is a wonderful time of year. Book your accommodation and SA Airlines flights early to avoid disappointment.
Getting to Cape Town
With so much to see and do, Cape Town is a fantastic destination to visit, any time of year. Check out our price comparisons for the best cheap flights to Cape Town.