Follow the beat.
Since they first made an appearance in the 60s, multiday outdoor music festivals have mushroomed and expanded to include all genres of music (live and DJ-produced) – as long as it’s danceable.
Presenting the ultimate escape from everyday life (a mini-vacation for the soul, if you will), this is your chance to get lost in hedonism-with-heart and indulge in some cool camping. Our roundup of must-visit music festivals for 2025 has something for every kind of festino. Are you reaaaaaady?
Note As new festivals announce their dates, we’ll update this roundup. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news.
January
Wolfkop Weekender
Where Cederberg
When 16 – 20 January 2025
The lowdown Wolfkop has become famed for its various events on the banks of the Olifants River (Lilo River Flow, Cooked Sister, Flower Power Picnic, etc); now this festival combines them all in one big celebration of nature, art and electronic music. This year has six international headliners (from Sweden, UK and Germany) and over 50 other DJs – local artists include FKA Mash, Bruno Morphet and Markus Wormstorm. It promises a “variety of soundscapes”, divided between a River Stage, Forest Stage and Boma. There will also be a Comedy Stage, three bars (including a beach bar) and a vast food market on site, plus a spa area and Pasithea’s Dome – a space for yoga, gong baths, tribal rhythms and live reggae. There’s onsite glamping in Wolfkop’s famous camping villages (Lux, Lush or Comfy), booked in groups, or BYO tents to pitch. There are also cottages on the reserve (with a shuttle service) and at Cederkloof Resort nearby.
Good to know Minimum age is 25 years old. It’s a cashless festival.
Cost From R1 950 (BYO tent; one person; 4 nights)
R850 (Sunday Pass; one night’s camping)
Contact support@wolfkopweekender.co.za
Venue Wolfkop Nature Reserve, near Citrusdal
Book Now
Origin
Where Near Greyton
When 31 January – 2 February 2025
The lowdown A gathering of “techno-shamanic tribes” in an idyllic, lush valley filled with towering trees and mountain streams. International headliners hail from the UK, Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina and France, plus 30-plus local DJs, presiding over two incredible custom-built, psychedelic-art stages – the Origin Floor and riverside Beats Floor (bringing in a bit of deep house). There’s also a craft and clothing market, food stalls, yoga, chill zones and river swimming. For camping, BYO tents, as glamping is already sold out!
Good to know Tickets are limited to 3 500. No under-18s.
Cost From R1 450 (BYO tent; one person; 2 nights)
From 1 400 (glamping)
Contact originfestival@gmail.com
Venue Elandskloof Guest Farm, Helderstroom
Book Now
February
Up the Creek
Henry Engelbrecht
Where Near Swellendam
When 6 – 9 February 2025
The lowdown This summer music festival has notched up over three decades of top bands and the best vibe this side of the equator. It takes place on the banks of the Breede River, with four stages and over 50 acts (from rock and folk to reggae, blues, dance and pop), so grab your inflatable croc or flamingo and float the weekend away, with a soundtrack of cool tunes. There’s also comedy and impromptu events, plus a food court and bars. This year’s line-up includes Hollow Coves (Australia), Matthew Mole, Francois Van Coke, Black Cat Bones, Die Piesangskille, Warongx and Unyaz, and more. Plus there’s an Artist Search competition for new and upcoming bands to win a spot on the Riverstage. Tickets are limited to 2 500. There are three camping options: in a BYO tent, “hillbilly” or “platteland” style with your car/campervan, or glamping at Heartbreak Hotel (including breakfast and private chill zone).
Good to know It’s cashless; your festival wristband is loaded with money. No under-18s.
Cost R1 995 (full festival, includes BYO camping)
R1 725 (group combo deal for four people)
R275 (camping with your car); R5 660 (riverside chalet tent); from R6 660 (glamping)
R995 (day pass for Saturday)
Contact caitlin@redhotevents.co.za
Venue Up the Creek Camp, 13km after Felix Unite, Malgas/Infanta road off N2, Swellendam
Book Now
With You: Rumours by the Lake
Where Elgin Valley
When 7 – 9 February 2025
The lowdown A vibrant celebration of techno, deep house and house music, this outdoor festival beside a picturesque dam in the Overberg offers nonstop dancefloor action. International headliners this year come from Australia, Germany and Switzerland, along with 14 other DJs on the decks. You can BYO tent or go for the glamping option (two-sleeper dome tents with mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets). There will be a food court and bars; bring lilos and inflatables to chill in the water.
Good to know No under-19s. Card payments only.
Cost From R700 (BYO tent; one person; 2 nights)
From R3 800 (glamping, includes 2 tickets)
Contact withyoufestival@gmail.com
Venue Elgin-Grabouw Country Club, Grabouw
Book Now
Bundu Karoo
Where Tankwa Karoo
When 7 – 10 February 2025
The lowdown The Place of Dreams is a special spot in the Karoo, with an amphitheatre formed by the walls of a canyon, a waterfall and a roof of stars. The inaugural Bundu Karoo festival presents an opportunity to get out into nature, to replenish yourself and dance in the desert. The audiovisual journey will be curated by eight DJs (including Jamaican-Canadian Oliver Baptiste) playing a mix of deep house, jungle, progressive techno and feelgood disco. Activities such as sound journeys will be offered, along with food vendors. Place of Dreams also has a yoga pavilion, “infinity” dam and beach, and an art walk. Numbers are limited to around 500.
Good to know The same venue hosts The Lost City, usually over the Heritage Day long weekend in September – an escape into a different way of living and being, where self-expression and creativity rule.
Cost From R1 950 (BYO tent/vehicle/caravan)
From R2 600 (tent under shade)
From R3 900 (glamping)
Contact hello@placeofdreams.co.za
Venue Place of Dreams, R356/Sutherland Road, near Ceres
Book Now
Habitat: Fields of Love
Where Villiersdorp
When 14 – 16 February 2025
The lowdown Perhaps the ultimate Valentine’s date for fans of free-spirited grooving on a loved-up outdoor dancefloor, with camping beside the largest lake in the Western Cape, surrounded by mountains. Start each day with yoga, then swim, play and party under the stars. Five international headliners (from Germany, Australia, UK and Canada) and an array of local DJs will take revellers through a range of sounds, from indie dance, techno and progressive psytrance to Afro. There are bars, food, clothing and jewellery vendors. Book a furnished bell tent for a glamping weekend or BYO tent.
Good to know This is a cashless festival. No under-21s. Look out for Habitat’s final festival of the season, Volcanic Sky, on 10 and 11 May 2025, at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling.
Cost From R900 (BYO tent)
From R4 000 (glamping for two)
Contact habitatcapetown@gmail.com
Venue Theewaterskloof Sports Club, Villiersdorp
Book Now
Smalltown Beat
Where Near Napier
When 14 – 17 February 2025
The lowdown Billed as an “exercise in escapism”, this magical music festival takes place in a pine forest on a hilltop, with views to the distant ocean and two dams for cooling down. The diverse, eclectic lineup ranges from house and techno to electro-rap, live jazz and blues – the organisers are dedicated to showcasing new music talent in whatever genre. There’s no fluorescent psychedelic decor, just two dance spaces surrounded by trees in beautiful nature, silhouetted by artistic lighting. With little visual distraction, the music shines. There’s the option of glamping in two-sleeper dome tents (on mattresses) or larger bell tents (in beds, with private showers).
Good to know No under-21s. Minibus transfers from Cape Town are available for R1 150.
Cost From R1 550 (including 3 nights’ camping); R1 850 (non-African citizen)
R850 (vehicle camping)
Contact admin@smalltownbeat.com
Venue Vadersberg Adventure Farm, Napier
Book Now
Retreat Yourself
Where Near Greyton
When 20 – 23 February 2025
The lowdown Billed as a “wellness festival with a twist”, over four days you can unplug and partake in myriad activities that are good for mind, body and soul – from workshops and sacred ceremonies to movement classes, along with SUP yoga and swimming at the dam, visits to the forest spa and exploring hiking and biking trails. The real fun kicks off at sundown, when you can enjoy a roller disco or standup comedy, plus bands and DJs at the Forest Stage and Secret Dancefloor. There will be plenty of market and food stalls, plus a special banquet dinner and champagne brunch at the pop-up restaurant. Three different camping neighbourhoods offer a variety of options, from BYO tents/caravans to dome tents, safari tents with beds, luxury bell tents and ensuite “cottage” tents. There are also cottages on the farm.
Good to know It’s a family-friendly event (Thula Corner is the camp for families), with a Kids Club and cinema catering for the young ones.
Cost From R2 090 (BYO tent)
Children: R750 (toddlers); R1 050 (4 – 10 years); R1 350 (teens, 11 – 17 years)
From R1 119 (vehicle camping pass)
From R3 500 (dome tent for 2)
From R8 500 (glamping for 2)
Contact hello@retreatyourself.co.za
Venue Elandskloof Farm, between Villiersdorp and Greyton
Book Now
Pandora: Awakens
Where Stanford
When 28 February – 2 March 2025
The lowdown The name is a nod to the fact that this is Pandora’s first festival after a two-year hiatus, a rebirth if you will – in a new location (a bucolic, sprawling farm beneath the mountains in the Overberg). Over three days, escape the world and immerse yourself in three imaginatively decorated dance floors, creative workshops, yoga, art installations, a craft and food market and wondrous lighting shows. The music will be courtesy of Cape Town’s best collectives and record labels from Berlin. Apart from the usual BYO tent and glamping (dome or bell tents with beds), there’s also the option (for groups) of staying in the Africamps glamping or the farm’s cottages and villas with hot tubs.
Good to know No under-20s.
Cost From R1 350 (with 2 nights’ BYO camping)
From R3 500 (glamping for two)
Contact @pandora_awakens
Venue Stanford Hills Wine Estate, off R43, Stanford
Book Now
March
Bazique
Where Near Tulbagh
When 7 – 9 March 2025
The lowdown A heady combination of arts fest and music fest, organised by a collective of 10 party promoters, Bazique proudly celebrates the original, the surreal and the absurdist. Step into the bubble in a beautiful location and prepare for spectacular art installations, performance art, creative workshops, art boats – plus five music stages showcasing over 100 DJs, including seven international headliners. What’s more, this playground features golden beaches beside the Berg River (bring floaty toys), forested areas and green fields. The Shanti Wellbeing Field includes yoga, guided meditations, vegan food, etc. The range of camping options is just as diverse, from pre-pitched basic dome tents with mattresses and safari tents with beds to your own bedouin stretch-tent group set-up that fits up to a dozen BYO tents under it.
Good to know Fancy/fantastical dress is highly recommended. No under-20s.
Cost From 1 595 (includes BYO camping for 3 nights)
R650 (vehicle camping); from R1 200 (ready-set camping)
From R2 600 (safari tent); from R2 925 (glamping)
Contact media@bazique.co.za
Venue Buffalo Drift, Ruigtevlei Farm, R44, Tulbagh
Book Now
Wolfie Familie Festival
Where Cederberg
When 8 – 10 March 2024
The lowdown Who says festivals are for grown-ups only? Pack your camping gear, lilos – and kids – and head to the banks of the Olifants River for three days of river activities, live acoustic music, crafts, games and sports, sleeping under the stars and quality family time. From a secret sunrise disco and family yoga to fire shows, stargazing and bonfires, there’s plenty of fun. The programme includes pop-up theatre, outdoor cinema, a magic show, a young entrepreneurs’ market, dress-up parades, fun park and animal garden, plus a wellness spa.
Good to know You can BYO camping gear, book pre-pitched tents or stay in one of the glamping camps (from 2 adults and 2 kids to options for 16 people).
Cost From R1 010 (adult) and R644 (child) for BYO camping
Contact 076 017 4905, howl@wolfie.co.za
Venue Wolfkop Nature Reserve, near Citrusdal
Book Now
Anjunadeep Open Air SA
Where Cape Town
When 22 March 2025
The lowdown Anjunadeep, one of dance music’s most respected labels, renowned for its melodic house, electronic, ambient, and techno releases is returning to South Africa this year, showcasing nine musical artists for one incredible concert – including local acts Caiiro (afro-house), Sona, Da Capo and Blanka Mazimela (of Bantwanas), and alongside international artists Tinlicker, Eli & Fur and Dosem. VIP options include priority parking, private bars, premium restrooms and a chill lounge.
Cost From R550
From R850 (VIP); from R1 550 (Table); from R1 650 (Backstage);
Contact contact@anjunadeep.com
Venue The Ostrich, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Book Now
April
Greenpop Reforest Fest
Where Near Stanford
When 18 – 21 April 2025
The lowdown This family-friendly annual celebration of nature, restoration, trees and good vibes has been running for over a decade (planting over 115 000 trees in the process). By day, there’s interactive art and theatre, eco workshops and talks, games, yoga, tree-planting, a wholesome food village, line dancing, a samba jam and plenty of fynbos and forest trails for keen hikers. When the sun sets, the live music and DJs take over – this year’s lineup includes Zolani Mahola, Rivertones, Sibusile Xaba, Grassy Spark, Sol Damba and more. Opt for BYO camping, or you can glamp in a bell tent (with beds) or have a pre-pitched tent with mattresses.
Good to know Book separately for the picnic-style, chef-catered Sunday Harvest Feast (R430). There is also a return shuttle service from Cape Town (R680).
Cost From R1 100 (available from 25 February)
From R390 (children under 12 years)
R1 300 (2 people, pre-pitched tent for 3 nights)
R5 450 (2 people, glamping for 3 nights)
Contact events@greenpop.org
Venue Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat, R43 Grootbos Road, Stanford
Book Now
Vortex Parallel Universe
Where Near Riviersonderend
When 19 – 21 April 2025
The lowdown It’s a special anniversary for the OGs of trance, Vortex, celebrating 30 years of killer festivals. Enter a world of swirly, psychedelic neon rainbow colours, artworks and sophisticated lighting at the Circle of Dreams, surrounded by century-old oak trees. Apart from the main dancefloor (where two dozen DJs will play the best in psytrance and progressive trance), there’s an ambient sideshow that offers anything from hula-hoop classes and tarot readings to meditation and yoga. There’s also a wonderful river for dipping, food vendors and a craft market. You can BYO camping gear, or book a spot in the Soul Tree tented camp (with luxury dome tents and budget tents).
Cost From R850
Contact admin@intothevortex.co.za
Venue Circle of Dreams, Riviersonderend
Book Now
AfrikaBurn
Where Tankwa Karoo
When 28 April – 4 May 2025
The lowdown Think Nevada’s Burning Man festival, just in the Cape’s desert landscapes and with lots of unique local flavour. An amalgamation of art, music, performance, costume, theme camps, mutant vehicles (aka “mobile art”) and nightly conflagrations, all created by attendees – this year’s theme is “Out of the Blue”, so expect many wondrous ocean-themed artworks (and outfits). Be prepared to go off-script, off-grid and off-beat at this gathering, where you need to be totally self-sufficient but also generously share in its gift economy (the only thing that is sold here is ice!).
Good to know Get tickets now while you can. Last-chance tickets (if there are any left) will be available on 28 February at 12pm. Note that the R355 dirt road to the site is notoriously bad, so be prepared.
Cost From R2 799
R399 per vehicle, R699 per campervan
Contact info@afrikaburn.com
Venue Quaggafontein Farm (Kwaggakop), off R355, near Tankwa Karoo National Park
Book Now
May
Ultra South Africa
Where Cape Town
When 9 May 2025
The lowdown Dubbed the world’s premier electronic music festival, bringing the biggest international DJs to the party for the past decade, previous years have featured Skrillex, Timo ODV, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Tiesto, alongside a long list of local stars. There’s a mega main stage and an “alternative” stage, with top-quality sound, production and lighting. The lineup for its 10th anniversary (not yet released) is sure to be hot, hot, hottest – but so keen are the Ultranauts that ticket sales for this one have broken records.
Cost From R895
From R2 000 (VIP)
Contact @ultrasouthafrica
Venue The Ostrich, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Book Now
September
Karoo Rocks
Where Ladismith
When 26 September 2025
The lowdown This one’s all about a rocking good time on Route 62, bringing together local legends, the hottest new acts and rising stars. So far the lineup includes Jack Parow, Francois Van Coke, Valiant Swart, and a variety of hot new acts – there’s also a special “Burn” experience. There’s a variety of accommodation (apart from BYO tents), from staying in the Bush Motel or the gypsy caravan camp to basic A-frames, cottages or luxury tents. The property has a large swimming pool area, restaurant and bar, bomas, pool tables and table tennis. It’s also the official race village and afterparty of the 7weekspoort Challenge race, and in 2025 numbers are limited to around 2 000.
Cost From R580
From R300 (camping)
Contact 072 270 1948, stay@karoo62.com
Venue Karoo62Escape, Ladismith
Book Now
October
Rocking the Daisies
Where Darling
When 2 – 5 October 2025
The lowdown This legendary three-day event is one of the longest-running outdoor music festivals in South Africa – and you can look forward to a monumental 20th edition this year. It’s managed to last because it has morphed with the times and has a finger on the pulse of what’s hot. With four stages, multiple dancefloors, and a line-up of local and international musical talent (solo artists, bands and DJs), there’s something to suit most tastes. The addition of art and interactive experiences, lifestyle pop-ups, food and drinks stalls, a beach zone next to a dam, and cool camping options create the ultimate festival vibe.
Good to know No under-18s.
Cost From R995 (early bird; until 31 January 2025)
Contact hello@rockingthedaisies.com
Venue Cloof Wine Estate, Mamre Road (R315), Darling
Book Now
Pangea
Tal Chowney
Where A desert somewhere (TBC)
When October 2025 (dates TBC)
The lowdown This festival is known for its incredible artful structures and installations. Pangea is defined by a desire to create “safe and inclusive spaces where creativity can flourish and oneness can be embraced” – so attendees can expect a variety of spaces for creative, spirit-building practices and workshops, sound journeys, even conscious speed dating, along with comedy, improv theatre, poetry jams and the like. Plus multiple dancefloors, chill zones and DJs (playing progressive techno, house, disco, left field, melodic tech etc), live performances, bands, and much more).
Good to know This is a cashless event. Tickets are sold via pre-registration.
Cost TBC
Contact hello@tribeofpangea.com
November
Meidum
Where Near Robertson
When 28 – 30 November 2025
The lowdown
A boutique festival curated in the Langeberg Mountains, it’s best known for its four-storey pyramid structure which hovers over the main stage dance floor and its world-class production. A couple of international DJs join forces with top local DJs to bring the house, indie dance, disco and techno beats; the Tropical Roast collective takes over the second, daytime dance floor alongside the venue’s pristine dam. There are food trucks, a dam for swimming, and you can BYO camping gear or book a furnished dome tent; there are also cottages and AfriCamps’ signature glamping. When you go to this festival, you know summer has arrived.
Good to know No under-20s.
Cost TBC (tickets on sale from 25 February)
Contact info@meidumfestival.com
Venue Pat Busch Nature Reserve, near Robertson
December
Love & Light
Where Cape Town
When December 2025 (dates TBC)
The lowdown Usually held around the time of the summer solstice, this day party kicks off just after noon. By the time the sun sets (late), you’ll have your groove on. Psytrance and dark techno awaits, with hypnotic beats and visuals, and the choice of two dancefloors with cooling sprinklers (one being a beach-style setup). DJs hail from all around the world. It’s a great party space, with VIPs getting a chill lounge, hammocks and a raised viewing platform (just like a club, but in the fresh air). There’s also a dam for cooling off in, a clothing market and food stalls.
Cost TBC
Contact hello@wearemusicpeople.com
Venue The Ostrich, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia, Cape Town
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One Response to “The Best Outdoor Music Festivals in the Cape”
Linda Ruggiero
Please keep me informed via email