The Cape is awash with fabulous events to celebrate this season. Here’s our roundup of the best festivals in the Mother City from June through to August 2019.
To find out about festivals happening later (September 2019 onwards), subscribe to our newsletter, and we’ll keep you up to the minute.

Have you been to any wonderful festivals that you think we should know about? Let us know in the comments below.

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September 2019

Open Book Festival 2019

Where CBD and Zonnebloem
When 4 – 8 September 2019
The lowdown A chance for bookworms, poetry lovers and comic fans to learn from – and meet – local and international poets, novelists and comic-book creators. Come and be inspired at this delightfully entertaining book festival. In addition to paid events, there are a range of free events, but you’ll need to book tickets to secure a spot.
Cost R45 – R180 (individual events)
R150 (day pass, includes 6 events per day)
R600 (festival pass, includes 6 events per day for 5 days)
Book Now
Contact frankie@openbookfestival.co.za
Location
Central Cape Town

Namaqualand Flower Festival 2019

Where Vanrhynsdorp
When 6 – 8 September 2019
The lowdown The Namaqualand Flower Festival returns for an impressive 12th year! Expect a weekend of wholesome family fun, complete with trail runs, secret sunrise sessions courtesy of No Danger Diaries, live music, star-gazing, bush walks and yoga.
Cost R750 – R1 900
Book Now
Contact 082 409 8212, experiences@nodanger.org
Location Gifberg Holiday Farm, Gifberg, Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape

Darling Voorkamerfest 2019

Where Darling
When 6 – 8 September 2019
The lowdown Now in its 14th year, the annual Darling festival brings to life the essence of this small town, while celebrating the spirit of cultural diversity that it’s known for. Expect diverse theatre, music, dance and comedy, performed by South African and international artists.
Cost R210 – R270
Book Now
Contact 079 190 3218, 072 573 7937, tasha@thedarlingtrust.org
Location Darling, West Coast Route 27

With You: Love in the City

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Where Castle of Good Hope
When 7 September 2019
The lowdown This open-air festival at the historic and atmospheric Castle of Good Hope, aims to create human connection through alternative music and dancing. So round up your friends, pull on your waviest garments and let loose in the sunshine.
Cost R250
Book Now
Contact withyoufestival@gmail.com
Location Castle of Good Hope, 1 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town

Franschhoek Uncorked 2019

Where Franschhoek
When 14 – 15 September 2019
The lowdown This annual two-day spring celebration has loads on offer: fun wine-tastings and great food, and outdoor activities for the whole family at various wineries in Franschhoek.
Cost R180 (Weekend Pass)
R200 (at the door)
Book Now
Contact 021 876 2861, info@franschhoek.org.za
Location Franschhoek Wine Valley

Darling Wildflower Show 2019

Daniela Photography

Where Darling
When 20 – 22 September 2019
The lowdown This year’s show – themed a Carnival of Flowers – celebrates 102 years! In the Landscaped Hall, there’ll be a showcase of indigenous flowers in their natural habitat, while the entertainment tent will feature live local music. Keep an eye out for the craft and food market, the old car display, as well as a range of fun workshops.
Cost R70 (adults)
R50 (pensioners and children)
Free (children 0 – 2 years)
Book Now
Contact 084 916 1111, info@darlingwildflowers.co.za
Location Darling, West Coast Route 27

Wolfkop Weekender: Power Flower Picnic 2019

Where Citrusdal
When 20 – 24 September 2019
The lowdown Part music festival and part weekend away, Wolfkop Weekender allows revellers to design their own adventure while enjoying the stunning Wolfkop Camping Villages in Citrusdal to the soundtrack of electronic beats, with delicious food and drinks, and fun outdoor activities all part of the experience. Headline acts include The Drifter and Culoe De Song, with a stellar lineup of artists completing the bill.
Three campsites, situated on the banks of the Olifants River, are ideal for large groups of people, and various ticketing tiers are available to suit your budget. For lovers of slick electronic music (and nature), this is sure to be a treat.
Cost From R875 to R1 175 (includes festival pass and four nights’ camping accommodation)
From R1 675 to R18 800 (includes festival passes and four nights’ glamping accommodation)
Book Now
Contact 083 260 4822, support@wolfkopweekender.co.za
Location Wolfkop Camping Villages, 59 Voortrekker Street, Citrusdal (via N7)

Hermanus Flower Festival 2019

Nosy Rosy

Where Hermanus
When 21 – 24 September 2019
The lowdown This spring festival is a celebration of the Overberg’s floral majesty, with environmental exhibits in a marquee, goodies for purchase, talks on eco-tourism in the Cape Floral Kingdom and fun activities for the kids. Guests can also enjoy teas and light lunches as well as visits to Fernkloof Nursery.
Cost R25 (adults)
R10 (senior citizens on Monday)
Free (children 0 – 12 years)
Contact maver@mweb.co.za
Location Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus

Hermanus Whale Festival 2019

Where Hermanus
When 27 – 29 September 2019
The lowdown Now in its 28th year, the Hermanus Whale Festival in this charming coastal town, offers visitors the chance to view the migration of these southern right giants in what’s considered to be the whale-watching capital of the world. And if that’s not enough, there’ll be live music performances, vintage car shows, a street parade, great food, and quality crafts on offer in this charming coastal town.
Cost Various
Contact 071 606 3261 festival@hermanuswhalefestival.co.za
Location 100 Main Road, Hermanus

Good to know While you’re here, why not book an awesome whale-watching tour with Southern Right Charters that will get you up close and personal (without disturbing the beautiful creatures)?
Departure times Daily, 9am; 12pm; 3pm (June – December)
Contact 082 353 0550, info@southernrightcharters.co.za
Cost R900 (adults)
R800 (students and seniors)
R450 (children under 14)
Free (children under 5)
Book Now
Where to find it Southern Right Charters: The Whale Shack, New Harbour, Hermanus

Pinotage on Tap 2019

Where Wellington
When 28 September 2019
The lowdown Started 15 years ago, this fun-filled festival is all about SA’s finest pinotage. Along with loads of tip-top pino, guests can enjoy hearty local fare and live entertainment courtesy of The Bottomless Coffee Band, Amy Jones, and Newton & Co.
Cost R295
Book Now
Contact 021 864 5050, online@diemersfontein.co.za
Location Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Jan van Riebeeck Drive, Wellington

Into the Wild: Moon Child

Where Riverside Forest, Malmesbury, West Coast
When 28 September 2019
The lowdown Moon Child is Into the Wild’s first psychedelic techno and progressive day party of spring, a mere 30-minute drive from Cape Town in the beautiful Riverside Forest. Expect to see talented Danish headliners MVMB and Martin Vice kick off the season with a celebratory bang.
Cost R350 – R380
Book Now
Contact intothewildevents@gmail.com
Location Riverside Forest, Malmesbury, West Coast

Hermanus Wine & Food Festival 2019

Where Hermanus
When 28 – 29 September 2019
The lowdown The Hermanus Wine and Food Festival showcases over 250 wines by some of the Overberg’s finest estates, from Elgin to Elim. It also features gourmet food stalls, craft beer, children’s activities, live entertainment, and much more!
Cost R150 (adults)
Free (children 0 – 18 years)
Book Now
Contact 028 316 3988, winefestival@hermanus.co.za
Location Curro Private School, Curro Road, Sandbaai, Hermanus

Compiled by Bianca Hausle, Annabel Short, Hannah Littlewood

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