The Cape is awash with fabulous events to celebrate this season. Here’s our roundup of the best festivals in the Mother City for 2020.

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January 2020

Wolfkop Weekender’s Lilo River Flow

Where Citrusdal
When 16 – 20 January 2020
The lowdown Now in its sixth year, Wolfkop Weekender’s laidback summer event on the banks of the Olifants River is awash with lilos in every shape, colour and size. Festival-goers can also take part in a slew of immersive outdoor activities, such as morning yoga classes, meditation, trail-walking, high tea, kayaking and swimming. For lovers of top-drawer electronic music – and nature– this is the real deal.
Cost R1 175 – R20 850
Contact 083 260 4822, support@wolfkopweekender.co.za
Location Wolfkop Camping Villages, 59 Voortrekker Street, Citrusdal
Book Now

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration

Where Caledon
When 24 – 25 January 2020
The lowdown The beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is the prime setting for lovers of pinot, winemakers and sommeliers to unite for two days of ruby-red appreciation.
Cost R795 (A Taste of Hemel-en-Aarde Dinner)
R2 995 per person (Full Weekend Ticket)
Contact info@hemelenaardewines.com
Location Nidderdale Farm, Farm 40, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Caledon
Book Now

Harvest Festival at Delheim

Where Stellenbosch
When 25 January 2020
The lowdown This fun fest includes grape-picking and -stomping, tractor rides, live music, delicious food and, of course, delicious Delheim wine.
Cost R480 (adults)
R280 (children, under 18 years)
Free (children, under 3 years)
Contact 021 888 4600, info@delheim.com
Location Delheim Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
Book Now

February 2020

Franschhoek Summer Wines

Where Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard
When 2 February 2020
The lowdown Enjoy a feast from Leopard’s Leap Harvest Table, and sample some of the finest wines while enjoying some laidback beats.
Good to know Booking early is essential!
Cost R295 per person (includes a complimentary tasting glass, wine-tastings and a discount voucher for the purchase of any of the day’s wines that are on show)
Contact 076 494 4747, info@franschhoek.org.za
Location Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek
Book Now

Up the Creek

Where Swellendam
When 6 – 9 February 2020
The lowdown This outdoor music festival is celebrating three decades of top bands and the best vibe this side of the equator. The festival takes place on the banks of the blissful Breede River (with dedicated lifeguards all weekend), so grab your inflatable croc or flamingo and float the weekend away, with cool tunes in the background.
Cost R1 140 (Full Weekend: Phase 1)
R990 (Friday – Sunday: Phase 1)
Contact caitlin@redhotevents.co.za
Location Up the Creek Camp, Barrydale, 13.1 km after Felix Unite River Adventures, Swellendam
Book Now

Nederburg Harvest Festival

Where Paarl
When 8 February 2020
The lowdown This annual event at Nederburg’s Paarl Valley vineyards offers visitors a chance to experience the wine-making process first-hand – from vine to bottle. Festival-goers get to pick and stomp grapes, and learn from the experts – while getting some inside knowledge on the current harvest. A wide range of Nederburg wines will be available for purchase, along with soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and tea.
Good to know Guests are advised to wear hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes.
Cost R650
Contact 081 848 4295
Location The Red Table Restaurant, Nederburg Wine Farm, Sonstraal Road, Paarl
Book Now

Wolfie Familie Festival

Where Citrusdal
When 21 – 23 February 2020
The lowdown Three days and two nights of camping, swimming, music, games and activities and quality family time at Wolfie Familie Festival. Highlights include live music performances, family yoga, secret sunrise dancing sessions. There’s even a wellness spa where parents and care-givers will be able to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Cost R350 (children, BYO campsite)
R700 (adults, BYO campsite)
From R3 337. 50 (luxury camping packages and group packages)
Contact 076 017 4905, howl@wolfie.co.za
Location Wolfkop Camping Villages, Citrusdal
Book Now

Design Indaba

Where Foreshore, Cape Town
When 26 – 28 February 2020
The lowdown For the 25th year, global leaders in the creative and design industries converge to present talks, seminars and workshops on the latest trends.
Cost R3 555 (one-day ticket)
R7 110 (two-day ticket)
R9 155 (Full Indaba, three-day ticket)
R8 240 (early bird)
R7 405 – R8 275 (group booking discount, from 5 to more than 26 people)
Contact 021 465 9966, hello@designindaba.com
Location Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Robertson Wine Valley Hands-on Harvest

Where Robertson
When 28 February – 1 March 2020
The lowdown This family-friendly festival celebrates autumn’s bountiful grape harvest at several farms and venues in the Robertson Wine Valley.
Cost Free entrance; activities are priced individually
Contact 023 626 3167, admin@robertsonwinevalley.com
Location Robertson Valley
Book Now

Italian Festival at Idiom

Where Somerset West
When 29 February – 1 March 2020
The lowdown For one weekend only, this picturesque farm in the heart of wine country is transformed into a celebration of la dolce vita with delicious pizza, pasta, gelato, vino, prosecco, Italian craft beer and live music.
Cost R200 (adults, day pass)
R80 (children, day pass)
Contact 021 858 1088, reservations@idiom.co.za
Location Knorhoek Estate, Da Capo Vineyards, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West
Book Now

Good to know If you want more of Idiom, why not enjoy an intriguing wine-tasting paired with macarons?
Times Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm
Cost R200 (three macarons paired with three Idiom wines)
Book Now

March 2020

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 To be confirmed
Contact 044 382 5574, info@knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za
Location Thesen Islands, Long Street, Knysna Central, Knysna
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

Cape Town Carnival

Where Green Point
When 21 March 2020
The lowdown An extravagant parade through the streets of Cape Town in celebration of African identity, creativity, diversity and community.
Cost To be confirmed
Contact 021 406 3584, info@capetowncarnival.com
Location Green Point Fan Walk, Green Point, Cape Town
Book Now

Klein Karoo National Arts Festival

DWR Distribution

Where Oudtshoorn
When 23 – 29 March 2020
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
Book Now

Retreat Yourself

Where Elandskloof Farm, Greyton
When 26 – 29 March 2020
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
Book Now

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Where Cape Town
When 27 – 28 March 2020
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
Book Now
Compiled by Bianca Hausle, Annabel Short

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