National Arts Festival, The only list you need to fill your calendar (and your Instagram feed)!
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.
Find Festivals in Cape Town by Month
May 2019
June 2019
July 2019
August 2019
September 2018
October 2018
November 2018
December 2018
January 2019
February 2019
March 2019
April 2019
May 2019 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May – 5 May 2019 | Decorex Cape Town | CBD |
| 4 May – 5 May 2019 | Riebeek Valley Olive Festival | Riebeek Valley |
| 17 May – 19 May 2019 | Franschhoek Literary Festival | Franschhoek |
| 18 May 2019 | Cabernet Franc Carnival | Somerset West |
June 2019 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7 – 9 June 2019 | Wacky Wine Festival 2019 | Robertson |
| 7 – 17 June 2019 | Hermanus FynArts Festival 2019 | Hermanus |
| 14 – 17 June 2019 | Silver Mountain Music Festival 2019 | Heidelberg |
| 21 – 23 June 2019 | Vortex Phoenix Festival of Fire 2019 | Worcester |
| 21 – 30 June 2019 | Knysna Oyster Festival 2019 | Knysna |
| 22 – 23 June 2019 | Christmas in Winter Tulbagh 2019 | Tulbagh |
| 27 June – 7 July 2019 | National Arts Festival 2019 | Makhanda |
| 28 – 29 June 2019 | The Great South African Gin Festival 2019 | Cape Town |
July 2018 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 28 July 2019 | The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival 2019 | Rondebosch |
| 5 – 14 July 2019 | Stellenbosch International Chamber of Music Festival 2019 | Stellenbosch |
| 13 – 14 July 2019 | Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2019 | Franschhoek |
| 19 – 20 July 2019 | Soetes & Soup Festival 2019 | Rawsonville |
August 2018 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 23 – 25 August 2019 | Mcgregor Poetry Festival 2019 | McGregor |
| 29 August – 1 September 2019 | Hopefield Fynbosskou 2019 | Hopefield |
September 2018 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 31 August – 2 September 2018 | Cape Town Street Food Festival 2018 | Cape Town |
| 31 August – 2 September 2018 | Darling Voorkamerfest 2018 | Darling |
| 1 – 2 September 2018 | De Krans Spring Blossom Festival 2018 | Calitzdorp |
| 1 September 2018 | Pinotage on Tap 2018 | Diemersfontein Wine Estate |
| 1 – 2 September 2018 | Bot River Spring Weekend 2018 | Bot River |
| 5 – 9 September 2018 | Open Book Festival 2018 | Cape Town |
| 7 – 9 September 2018 | Namaqualand Flower Festival 2018 | Vanrhynsdorp |
| 14 – 26 September 2018 | Darling Wildflower Show 2018 | Darling |
| 15 – 16 September 2018 | Franschhoek Uncorked 2018 | Franschhoek |
| 21 – 24 September 2018 | Hermanus Flower Festival 2018 | Hermanus |
| 28 – 30 September 2018 | Hermanus Whale Festival 2018 | Hermanus |
| 28 – 29 September 2018 | Bierfest 2018 | GrandWest |
| 29 – 30 September 2018 | Strawberry Festival 2018 | George |
October 2018 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 7 October 2018 | Rocking the Daisies 2018 | Cloof Wine Estate |
| 5 – 6 October 2018 | Hermanus Wine & Food Festival 2018 | Hermanus |
| 6 – 7 October 2018 | Say Cheese Artisanal Cheese Fair 2018 | Milnerton |
| 13 October 2018 | Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival 2018 | Jan Marais Nature Reserve |
| 19 – 21 October 2018 | Cape Town International Boat Show 2018 | Cape Town |
| 26 – 28 October 2018 | Robertson Wine on the River 2018 | Robertson Wine Valley |
| 27 October 2018 | Zombie Festival 2018 | Cape Town |
| 27 – 28 October 2018 | Cape Town International Kite Festival 2018 | Muizenberg |
| 26 October – 4 November 2018 | Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2018 | Cape Town |
November 2018 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 11 November 2018 | Buskers Festival 2018 | Cape Town |
| 2 – 4 November 2018 | Endless Daze Festival 2018 | Silwerstroom |
| 3 November 2018 | Paul Rene Bubbly Festival 2018 | Wonderfontein Farm |
| 24 November 2018 | Beer, Bubbles & Gin 2018 | Stellenbosch |
| 20 November – 2 December 2018 | Cape Town Festival of Beer 2018 | Cape Town |
December 2018 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 28 November – 9 December 2018 | Wavescape Surf & Ocean Festival 2018 | Cape Town |
| 1 – 2 December 2018 | Cap Classique and Champagne Festival 2018 | Franschhoek Huguenot Monument |
| 16 December 2018 | RCS Gugulethu Reconciliation Race and Music Festival 2018 | Gugulethu Stadium |
| 16 December 2018 | Festival of Chariots 2018 | Beach Road |
| Unconfirmed | UNPLUGGED62 2018 | Joubert-Tradauw Wine Farm |
January 2019 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 26 January 2019 | The Sun Met 2019 | Kenilworth |
February 2019 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 3 February 2019 | Origin: Music and Art Festival 2019 | Elandskloof Farm |
| 7 – 10 February 2019 | Up The Creek 2019 | Breede River |
| 8 – 10 February 2019 | Cape Town Electronic Music Festival 2019 | Cape Town |
| 9 February 2019 | Saggy Stone Beer & Music Festival 2019 | Amandalia Farm |
| 27 February – 1 March 2019 | Design Indaba 2019 | Foreshore |
| Unconfirmed | Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2019 | Coetzenburg Sports Grounds |
| Unconfirmed | Jazz on the Rocks 2019 | Tietiesbaai |
| Unconfirmed | Franschhoek Summer Wines 2019 | Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard |
| Unconfirmed | Kamers/Makers 2019 | Cape Town |
| Unconfirmed | Vasco Prix Du Cap and Cape Town Prawn Festival 2019 | Kenilworth Racecourse |
| Unconfirmed | Constantia Fresh Food and Wine Festival 2019 | Buitenverwachting Wine Estate |
March 2019 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March – 3 March 2019 | Robertson Wine Valley Hands-on Harvest | Robertson |
| 2 March 2019 | Paarl Harvest (OmmiBerg) | Paarl |
| 2 March – 3 March 2019 | Italian Festival @ Idiom | Somerset West |
| 8 March – 10 March 2019 | Knysna Literary Festival | Thesen Island |
| 9 March 2019 | World Naked Bike Ride | Sea Point |
| 9 March 2019 | Durbanville Plaasfees | Diemersdal Wine Estate |
| 16 March 2019 | Cape Town Carnival | Cape Town |
| 21 March – 27 March 2019 | Klein Karoo National Arts Festival | Oudtshoorn |
| 23 March 2019 | Equilibrium Festival | Paarl |
| 29 – 30 March 2019 | Cape Town International Jazz Festival | CBD |
April 2019 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 13 April – 14 April 2019 | Pinotage & Biltong Festival | Paarl |
| 27 April 2019 | Oysters, Bubbles and Blanc Festival | Durbanville |
| 26 April – 28 April 2019 | South African Cheese Festival | Stellenbosch |
| 29 April – 5 May 2019 | Afrikaburn | Tankwa Karoo |
May 2019
Decorex Cape Town 2019
Where CBD
When 1 – 5 May 2019
About the event Decorex 2019 is where home-makers, interior designers, architects and full-time shoppers go in search of the latest home decor-related trends, products, information and tips.
Cost R110 (adults)
R100 (students & pensioners)
R20 (children under 12)
Contact 011 549 8300, decorexinfo@ThebeReed.co.za
Location Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 2019
Laurenda van Breda at CapeClick
Where Riebeek Valley
When 4 – 5 May 2019
About the event The 19th annual Olive Festival is back with more of our favourite olive goodies (think jams, pickles, preserves, tapenades, extra-virgin olive oil, and delicious olive breads) as well as some fabulous olive-related experiences, such as guided walks in the olive groves, craft-beer tasting, live music, and more.
The details Participating farms and brands include Riebeek Valley Wine Co, Pulpit Rock Winery, The Olive Boutique, Meerhof Wines, Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Farm, Het Vlok Kasteel, Allesverloren, and The Riebeek Kasteel Town Square.
Good to know Check out The Wild Olive Acoustic stage at Riebeek Valley Wine Co. for toe-tapping beats.
Cost R125 (weekend pass)
Book Now
R80 (Sunday-only pass)
Book Now
Free (children under 18)
Location Riebeek Valley, Western Cape
Franschhoek Literary Festival 2019
Where Franschhoek
When 19 – 21 May 2019
About the event Authors, poets, editors and all literary aficionados converge on this winelands town for a weekend of over 90 fascinating events across various locations. From literary discussions and book launches to writing workshops, classical music concerts, dinners and more, there’s sure to be something that appeals.
Where to stay Check out our picks of the best Franschhoek accommodation.
Cost R70
Book Now
Contact 021 876 3603, help@flf.co.za
Location Franschhoek Wine Valley, Western Cape
Cabernet Franc Carnival 2019
Where Somerset West
When 18 May 2019
About the event Celebrate the best cabernet francs in the land at this countryside festival.
Cost R275 (online, includes a branded wine glass, and a R50 food coupon)
R300 (at the gate, includes a branded wine glass, and a R50 food coupon)
Book Now
Contact 021 981 0216, cobie@cvomarketing.co.za
Location Avontuur Estate, Route 44, Somerset West
June 2019
Wacky Wine Weekend 2019
Where Robertson
When 7 – 9 June 2019
The details A celebration of the art of winemaking and, of course, the final product, this festival gives guests the opportunity to sample sublime vintages, take part in tutored tastings, and dance the night away to live music. And since 2019 marks the 16th anniversary of the Wacky Wine Festival, this year’s event is going to be more wonderful than ever before.
Good to know
- Pre-booked shuttles and train trips are available online for those who’d rather not drive.
- The festival tasting hours are 10am to 4pm from Friday to Sunday, but some events fall outside of these times. Be sure to check the programme and plan ahead.
- Most activities are included in your ticket, but some require that you pay as you go. For these, bookings and payments should be made directly with each wine farm.
Cost R200 (adults)
R150 (pensioners)
Free (children 0 – 18 years)
Book Now
Contact 023 626 3167, admin@robertsonwinevalley.com
Location Robertson Wine Valley, Robertson
Hermanus FynArts Festival 2019
Where Hermanus
When 7 – 17 June 2019
The details Hermanus FynArts is everything great about Hermanus rolled into one: food and wine tastings, art galleries, live performances and lots to keep little ones busy.
Cost Varies
Book Now
Contact 060 957 5371, fynarts@hermanus.co.za
Location Hermanus, Western Cape
Silver Mountain Music Festival 2019
Where Heidelberg
When 14 – 17 June 2019
The details A celebration of music (and nature) with feted conductor Richard Cock, Lucia Scott, Rocco de Villiers, and others. Enjoy the music (obviously), as well as a host of other fun activities for the whole family, including a night hike in the forest, stargazing, lavender-picking and farm picnics with sheepdog herding displays.
Cost Varies (R80 – R280
R1 400 (adults weekend pass)
R600 (children, 5 – 14 years weekend pass)
Book Now
Contact 079 335 0269, info@silvermountainmusic.co.za
Location Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, Strawberry Hill Farm, Grootvadersbosch, Heidelberg
Vortex Phoenix Festival of Fire 2019
Where Swellendam
When 21 – 23 June 2019
The details Courtesy of Vortex Trance Adventures, the Kam’Bati River Resort is hosting this year’s psychedelic celebration of the winter solstice complete with night fires and trance beats.
Cost R550 (full festival ticket)
R450 (Saturday & Sunday)
Book Now
Contact 071 468 8339, chantelle.opensource@gmail.com
Location Nekkies Holiday Resort, Worcester Nekkies, Worcester, Western Cape
Knysna Oyster Festival 2019
Where Knysna
When 21 – 30 June 2019
The details The annual and hugely popular Knysna Oyster Festival offers a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities to plenty of foodie experiences that include oysters and bubbly!
Cost Varies; check festival programme for individual activities
Contact 044 382 5510, events@visitknysna.co.za
Location Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape
Christmas in Winter Tulbagh 2019
Where Tulbagh
When 22 – 23 June 2019
The details The village comes alive for a festive mid-year Yule. Expect traditional Christmas dinners; chocolate-and-wine tastings; tractor and horseback rides; face-painting and a jumping castle for the little ones.
Cost R100 (adults)
R60 (13 – 17 years)
Free (0 – 12 years)
Book Now
Contact 023 230 1348, tulbaghtourism@lando.co.za
Location 4 Church Street, Tulbagh, Western Cape
National Arts Festival 2019
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Where Makhanda
When 27 June – 7 July 2019
The details Virtually every building that contains a hall plays host to performances, exhibitions or cultural events of some kind during this town-wide celebration of the arts. Expect over 300 amazing shows.
Cost Varies; check festival programme for individual activities
Contact 0860 002 004, boxoffice@nationalartsfestival.co.za
Location Makhanda, Eastern Cape
The Great South African Gin Festival 2019
Where Cape Town
When 28 – 29 June 2019
The details This festival celebrates gins from around the world and features live cocktail demos, talks from industry experts and live music.
Cost R220
Book Now
Location Castle of Good Hope, Corner of Darling Street and Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
July 2019
The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival 2019
Where Rondebosch
When 1 – 28 July 2019
The details Cape Town Funny Festival is back – with more laughs than ever before, and some much-loved international and local comics hitting the stage.
Cost R160 – R190
Book Now
Contact 021 680 3962
Location Baxter Theatre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Stellenbosch International Chamber of Music Festival 2019
Where Stellenbosch
When 5 – 14 July 2019
The details This prestigious international event gives aspiring young musicians the chance to perform in a musical extravaganza of evening recitals, chamber performances and orchestral concerts.
Cost R130 (adults, 6 – 11 July)
R150 (adults, 12 – 15 July)
R100 (pensioners and students, 6 – 11 July)
R110 (pensioners and students, 12 – 15 July)
Book Now
Contact 072 531 3235, info@sicmf.co.za
Location Neethling Street, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch
Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2019
Where Franschhoek
When 13 – 14 July 2019
The details Oh là là! Good food, fine wine and a whole lot of carnival fun await at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival. This colourful festival includes a village market, barrel-rolling competition, and loads of wine-tasting.
Cost R350 – R395
Book Now
Contact 021 876 2861, info@franschhoek.org.za
Location Huguenot Monument, Franschhoek
Soetes & Soup Festival 2019
Where Rawsonville
When 19 – 20 July 2019
The details Enjoy a glass of wine from one of the wine estates in the Breedekloof region, while sampling a variety of unusual soups!
Cost TBC
Contact 023 349 1791, info@breedekloof.co
Location Breedekloof Wine Valley, Rawsonville, Western Cape
August 2019
Mcgregor Poetry Festival 2019
Where McGregor
When 23 – 25 August 2019
The details Witness captivating poetry recitals, music events, art and workshops in the artists’ haven of McGregor!
Cost TBC
Contact 023 625 1908, info@poetryinmcgregor.co.za
Location McGregor, Breede River Valley, Western Cape
Hopefield Fynbosskou 2019
Where Hopefield
When 29 August – 1 September 2019
The details The whole town of Hopefield comes together for this four-day affair to build, manage and run this wonderfully festive annual fynbos show that includes loads of food, craft stalls, and live music.
Cost Thursday: R40 (adults); R25 (seniors); R10 (children)
Friday – Sunday: R45 (adults); R30 (seniors); R20 (children)
Contact 074 602 8248
Location Hopefield Sportsclub, Hopefield, West Coast
Compiled by Alicia Chamaillé and Annabel Short
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23 Responses to “The Best Festivals in Cape Town 2019”
Donald
Can i please have a list of upcoming festivals in July 2019
The Inside Guide
Hi Donald
These are the best festivals happening in July 2019:
5 – 14 July 2019 Stellenbosch International Chamber of Music Festival
1 – 28 July 2019 The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival
13 – 14 July 2019 Franschhoek Bastille Festival
19 – 20 July 2019 Soetes & Soup Festival
If you sign up to our newsletter, we’ll be able to keep you up to date with the details of each festival.
meg halse
When are you going to publish details of the wines and the estates that will be at the Festival? Here it is the middle of April already and no information on anything except the date available on your website!!!
Nikki Benatar
Hi Meg
Thanks for your message. Which festival are you referring to?
Chris
Hi there
How do we apply for a stall for Coffee or Freshly Squeezed juices?
Regards
Chris
The Inside Guide
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message. You’ll need to contact each festival separately. Most of them have applications for stall holders. I’d suggest contacting the festivals that you think best fit your brand.
Good luck!
Miss Africa
Is there any arts and craft festival?
Or do these mentioned above festivals offer arts and crafts
The Inside Guide
Hi, a lot of the festivals have art and craft stalls on offer. Sign up to our newsletter and we’ll keep you posted on which ones.
Philippine Wallart
Hi !
There is also the reforest Fest in March 🙂
As well as the Bazique festival
JC Ngoyi
Hi, I would like to me in touch of every commercial festivals.
Sanjeev
Jazz in the Rocks, I have tried calling the number posted with no luck. Is this event really happening as I can’t find any information or tickets for sale?
The Inside Guide
Hi Sanjeev, thanks for your comment. The festival is taking place from 28 February 2019 – 4 March 2019. We suggest making contact through their Facebook page as the number listed there is the same one we have above. Good luck and enjoy the festival!
Mluleki
I would like to know the contact details of people who are organising the events.
Jbottice
I’m looking a space or a store to do henna tattoos and some hand made,I’m looking forward to read from you managent .
The Inside Guide
Hi there, thanks for your message. You’re through to The Inside Guide. You’ll need to contact the festivals/events directly to organise a stall. Good luck!
Pieter Louw
Would love to offer our services and Craft beer product to the community.. Want to know who we can speak to in regards to engaging and adding value with our product Diesel&Dust Craft Beer
The Inside Guide
Hi Pieter
Your best bet would be contacting each festival’s organisers individually. Good luck.
Leigh-Ann Bredenkamp
Hi I would love to know how do I go about apply as a food vendor please for the up and coming events please Many thanks
The Inside Guide
Hi Leigh-Ann, you’ll need to contact the events for that. I’d suggest going through our list of Best Festivals and deciding which ones might best work with your offering and contacting those ones about how to cater the event.Good luck.
Desmond
Is there any Festivals happening Easter weekend 2019 on The coastal route’s….Mosselbay, Lambert’s bay,West Coast’s,Garden route
Desmond
Date for Sea food festival in Lambert’s bay …or Cray fish festival