The Best Events in Cape Town

The Cape is simply swimming with funtastic events happening in and around the Mother City. From foodie festivals to open-air music concerts and art exhibitions, there’s a little something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the best events in Cape Town from March until April 2020, so you can pick and choose where you want to be.

The Best Events in Cape Town

March 2020
April 2020

March 2020 Events

April 2020 Events

March 2020

Cape Town Comedy Festival

Where Foreshore, Cape Town
When 1 – 8 March 2020
The lowdown Since its wildly successful launch in 1996, Cape Town Comedy Festival has hosted hundreds of local and international comedians, including Trevor Noah, Jimmy Carr, Russell Peters and Jim Jeffries. And this year’s week-long festival is no different, with guaranteed laughter provided by UN Comedy Show; Funny Talks (featuring Loyiso Gola), as well as one-show editions of Bafunny Bafunny and Book Club.
Cost R30 – R285 (depending on which show)
Contact 011 234 3650, info@capetowncomedyfestival.com
Location Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Harvest Festival at Cape Point Vineyards

Where Noordhoek
When 1 March 2020
The lowdown Cape Point Vineyards welcomes wine lovers to celebrate the harvest with winemaker, Riandri Visser, known as “The Siren of Sauvignon.” A long-table feast in the courtyard follows with a traditional South African fish braai, including three courses of family-style sharing platters.
Cost R550 per person
Contact 021 789 0900, events@cape-point.com
Location Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
Book Now

SpiritFest

Where Swellendam
When 5 – 8 March 2020
The lowdown Nourish mind, body and spirit at this weekend of yoga, dancing, swimming, hiking, live music and wholesome good food.
Cost R1 100 (adult festival pass, 1 – 4 nights, free camping)
R850 (early bird, adult festival pass, 1 – 4 nights, free camping)
R350 (children 4 –13 years festival pass, 1 – 4 nights, free camping)
R30 (children 0 – 4 years festival pass, 1 – 4 nights, free camping)
Contact info@spiritfest.co.za
Location Somerset Gift Getaway Farm, Swellendam
Book Now

Knysna Literary Festival

Where Thesen Island, Knysna
When 6 – 8 March 2020
The lowdown Three days of interactive sessions, presentations, and informal chats with some of South Africa’s feted authors.
Cost R150 (most events)
R900 (“Delicious Word Journey,” wine-paired dinner included)
Contact 044 382 5574, info@knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za
Location Thesen Islands, Long Street, Knysna Central, Knysna
Book Now

DJ Jan Blomqvist Live: Grand Moon Party

Where The Grand Café & Beach
When 7 March 2020
The lowdown Catch the first installment of the Grand Moon Party series – featuring none other than international techno sensation Jan Blomqvist. Groove into the moonlight at the sea-facing Grand Africa Café & Beach and let Blomqvist’s infectious melodies and sloping sound wash over you.
Cost R330 (phase one)
R430 (final phase)
Contact celebrate@grandafrica.com, wearemusicpeoplesa@gmail.com (table bookings and enquiries)
Location Grand Africa Café & Beach, 1 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay Boulevard, Cape Town
Book Now

Bazique Festival

Where Grabouw
When 13 – 15 March 2020
The lowdown Set beside a lake, this fun music festival is a creative collaboration between some of the best party organisers in the business. The 2020 edition sees nine international DJs and 60 local bands and DJs providing the soundtrack, alongside intriguing performance art and unexpected installations.
Cost R850 (standard)
R500 – R950 (additional camping tickets)
R2 900 – R6 950 (glamping tickets)
Contact media@bazique.co.za
Location Elgin Grabouw Country Club, Worcester Street, Grabouw
Book Now

Durbanville Plaasfees

Where Durbanville
When 14 March 2020
The lowdown This year, the 13th ever-popular Durbanville Plaasfees (Farm Festival) makes its way to Meerendal Wine Estate for the first time. Good old country-style fun is the focus with highlights such as; tractors, animals, a farm shop, wholesome food stalls, and a draadkar grand prix wire-cart competition, to name a few. Tasché (the youngest winner of The Voice SA) and well-known local artists, Cobus and Christo will perform live; while the Lollos & Lettie children’s show and Lekkerland entertainment area will keep the kids entertained.
Good to know This event is an important fundraiser for community development in the broader Durbanville area.
Cost R70 (adults)
R30 (children 2 – 18 years)
Contact 082 376 3236
Location Meerendal Wine Estate, Vissershok Road, Durbanville
Book Now

Live DJ Sessions at Shimmy Beach Club

Where V&A Waterfront
When Cancelled
The lowdown With live beats from the Playground Twins and a variety of other local artists, the Shimmy Sunset Sunday sessions are the ultimate end to the last of Cape Town’s hot summer weekends.
Cost R50
Contact 021 200 7778, info@shimmybeachclub.co.za
Location 12 South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Cape Town Carnival

Where Green Point
When Cancelled
The lowdown An extravagant parade through the streets of Cape Town in celebration of African identity, creativity, diversity and community.
Cost Free (standing)
R350 (seated stand)
R1 390 (hospitality)
Contact 021 406 3584, info@capetowncarnival.com
Location Green Point Fan Walk, Green Point, Cape Town

Klein Karoo National Arts Festival

DWR Distribution

Where Oudtshoorn
When Postponed
The lowdown This weeklong arts festival offers guests more than 150 shows across all genres.
Cost Free entrance; activities are priced individually
Contact 044 203 8600, info@kknk.co.za
Location Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Retreat Yourself

Where Elandskloof Farm, Greyton
When Postponed
The lowdown Escape the daily grind, and custom-create your own serene weekend, with a choice between yoga and movement sessions, talks, workshops, entertainment and activities.
Cost R850 (adults)
R500 (children, 4 – 11 years)
Contact hello@retreatyourself.co.za
Location Elandskloof Farm Cottages, Helderstroom, Greyton

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Where Cape Town
When Postponed
The lowdown Two days of world-class music from international jazz greats, local luminaries and emerging stars (over 40 in total) on five stages, with over 37 000 music lovers in attendance.
Cost R999 (two-day pass)
R649 (day pass)
Contact 021 671 8716, info@espafrika.com
Location Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town

Summer Beer Festival

Where Cape Town
When Postponed
The lowdown Find your favourite lager, Weiss, stout, ale and cider among over 20 brands on offer at the upcoming Summer Beer Festival. In addition to the beer-and-food pairings, food trucks and live music, it’s bound to be an all-round fiesta.
Cost R99 – R149 (online tickets)
R200 (at the door)
R50 (children 0 – 17 years)
Contact team@capetownexperiencesmagazine.com
Location Corner of Waterkant & Loop Street, City Centre, Cape Town

April 2020

Galileo Open Air Cinema: April Edition

Where Cape Town + The Winelands
When Cancelled
The lowdown How does watching a flick under a starry sky sound? If the thought appeals, then check out Galileo Open Air Cinema’s April lineup for the final month of the 2019/20 season, and watch a silverscreen classic (or a millennium favourite) at a scenic venue in and around Cape Town.
Cost From R109 – R360
Contact hello@thegalileo.co.za
Location Various Venues

Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts: Closing Concert

Where Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
When Postponed
The lowdown The summer sunset concerts season ends off with a performance by Andrew Young and Don Vino.
Cost R170 – R220
Contact 021 799 8783, kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za
Location Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town

Muratie Summer Concerts: Bottomless Coffee

Where Stellenbosch
When Postponed
The lowdown Concerts In The Garden at Muratie make for the perfect outing – a relaxing soundtrack for an afternoon in the sun. Local multi-instrumental alternative duo, Bottomless Coffee, will take to the stage for the last of the series. Before the concert starts, why not enjoy a hearty lunch at the Muratie Farm Kitchen, before settling down under the ancient oaks with a glass of wine in hand?
Cost R150
Contact 021 8652330, festival@muratie.co.za
Location Muratie Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch

South African Cheese Festival

Where Stellenbosch
When Cancelled
The lowdown Join 30 000 fromage fans at the19th annual Cheese Festival for three days of eating, drinking and general merriment to celebrate South Africa’s cheese-making industry.
Cost R200 – R215 (early bird, general)
R240 (general)
R200 (pensioners)
R20 (children 2 – 13 years)
Contact 021 975 4440, admin@agriexpo.co.za
Location Sandringham Estate, (via N1) Stellenbosch

Afrikaburn

Jan Verboom

Where Tankwa Karoo
When Cancelled
The lowdown This year’s theme is Afroboratory – an African-inspired space for experimenting and cultivating ideas, much like a laboratory, where everyone is invited!l So let your creative spirit run wild for a week of outrageous costumes, uplifting music, communal bonfires, cashless living, and much, much more.
Cost R1 985 (general)
R2 500 (New Horizon general)
R 3 500 (Mayday)
R1 985 (children 15 – 17 years)
R250 (children 0 – 15 years, online)
R300 (children 0 – 15 years, at the gate)
R695 (subsidised tickets)
R200 (community)
R250 (vehicle pass, online)
R300 (vehicle pass, at the gate)
Free (pensioner, over 70 years old)
Contact info@afrikaburn.com
Location Tankwa Karoo, R355, Calvinia

Decorex Cape Town

Where Cape Town
When Postponed
The lowdown Home-makers, interior designers, architects and full-time shoppers in search of the latest home decor-related trends, products, information and tips converge at this one-stop home-decor paradise.
Cost 110 (adults)
R100 (students and pensioners)
R20 (children 0 – 12 years)
R100 (exhibitor)
Contact 011 549 8300, decorexafrica@reedexpoafrica.co.za
Location Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town

Researched by Bianca Hausle.

Have you been to a cool event in or around the Mother City? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

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