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 for 2020.
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
March 2020
April 2020
May 2020
June 2020
July 2020
August 2020
September 2020
October 2020
November 2020
December 2020
January 2020
February 2020
March 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 8 March 2020 | Cape Town Comedy Festival | Foreshore, Cape Town |
| 5 – 8 March 2020 | SpiritFest | Swellendam |
| 6 – 8 March 2020 | Knysna Literary Festival | Thesen Island |
| 13 – 15 March 2020 | Bazique Festival | Grabouw |
| 14 March 2020 | Durbanville Plaasfees | Durbanville |
| CANCELLED | Cape Town Carnival | Green Point |
| POSTPONED | Klein Karoo National Arts Festival | Oudtshoorn |
| POSTPONED | Retreat Yourself | Elandskloof Farm |
| POSTPONED | Cape Town International Jazz Festival | Cape Town |
April 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| CANCELLED | South African Cheese Festival | Stellenbosch |
| CANCELLED | Afrikaburn | Tankwa Karoo |
| POSTPONED | Decorex Cape Town | Cape Town |
May 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| POSTPONED | Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival | Elgin |
| POSTPONED | Riebeek Valley Olive Festival | Riebeek Valley |
| CANCELLED | Franschhoek Literary Festival | Franschhoek |
| POSTPONED | Cabernet Franc Carnival | Somerset West |
June 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 7 June 2020 | Wolfkop Weekender: Cooked Sister | Matjiesfontein |
| CANCELLED | Hermanus FynArts Festival | Hermanus |
| 12 – 16 June 2020 | Silver Mountain Music Festival | Heidelberg |
| 25 June – 5 July 2020 | National Arts Festival | Makhanda |
| 26 June – 5 July 2020 | Knysna Oyster Festival | Knysna |
July 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 17 July – 19 July 2020 | Wine, Whales and Music Weekend | De Hoop Nature Reserve |
| Unconfirmed | The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival | Rondebosch |
| Unconfirmed | Stellenbosch International Chamber of Music Festival | Stellenbosch |
| Unconfirmed | Franschhoek Bastille Festival | Franschhoek |
| Unconfirmed | Soetes & Soup Festival | Rawsonville |
August 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6 – 9 August 2020 | Klein Karoo Klassique | Oudtshoorn |
| 7 – 10 August 2020 | Robertson Slow Food & Wine Festival | Robertson |
| 29 – 30 August 2020 | The Chocolate Festival | Stellenbosch |
| Unconfirmed | Stellenbosch Fine Wine and Food Festival | Stellenbosch |
| Unconfirmed | Battery Park Underground Series | V&A Waterfront |
| Unconfirmed | Solo Studios: Intimate Art Encounters | Riebeek Valley |
| Unconfirmed | Elgin Winter Festival | Elgin |
| Unconfirmed | Mcgregor Poetry Festival | McGregor |
| Unconfirmed | Capegate Craft Beer Festival | Capegate |
September 2020 Festivals
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2 – 6 September 2020 | Open Book Festival | Cape Town |
| 4 – 6 September 2020 | Darling Voorkamerfest | Darling |
| 24 – 27 September 2020 | Hermanus Whale Festival | Hermanus |
| 26 September 2020 | Pinotage on Tap | Diemersfontein Wine Estate |
| 27 September 2020 | Wolfkop Weekender: Power Flower Picnic | Citrusdal |
| Unconfirmed | Namaqualand Flower Festival | Vanrhynsdorp |
| Unconfirmed | With You: Love in the City | Castle of Good Hope |
| Unconfirmed | Franschhoek Uncorked | Franschhoek |
| Unconfirmed | Darling Wildflower Show | Darling |
| Unconfirmed | Hermanus Flower Festival | Hermanus |
| Unconfirmed | Into the Wild: Moon Child | Malmesbury |
| Unconfirmed | Hermanus Wine & Food Festival | Hermanus |
October 2020 Festivals
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2 – 5 October 2020 | Smalltown Beat | Stanford |
| 2 – 4 October 2020 | Rocking the Daisies | Cloof Wine Estate |
| 9 – 11 October 2020 | Wine on the River | Robertson |
| Unconfirmed | Oktoberfest | Melkbosstrand |
| Unconfirmed | The Bubbly Festival: Champagne and Bubbly | Cape Town |
| Unconfirmed | Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival | Stellenbosch |
| Unconfirmed | Franschhoek Art Festival | Franschhoek |
| Unconfirmed | Cape Town International Kite Festival | Muizenberg |
November 2020 Festivals
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Unconfirmed | International Tequila Festival | Green Point |
| Unconfirmed | Endless Daze | West Coast |
| Unconfirmed | Pinotage on Tap: November Edition | Clarens |
| Unconfirmed | Paul René Bubbly Festival | Robertson |
| Unconfirmed | Wavescape | Cape Town |
| Unconfirmed | Kirstenbosch Concerts | Kirstenbosch |
| Unconfirmed | Jazz & Classical Encounters Music Festival | Stellenbosch |
| Unconfirmed | Festival on the Docks | V&A Waterfront |
| Unconfirmed | Cape Town Festival of Beer | Green Point |
| Unconfirmed | Cap Classique and Champagne Festival | Franschhoek |
December 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Unconfirmed | Somerset Fresh Fine Wine and Food Festival | Somerset West |
| Unconfirmed | Black Coffee Summer Residency | V&A Waterfront |
| Unconfirmed | International DJs Perform at The Grand | Granger Bay, Cape Town |
| Unconfirmed | Darling Summer Beer Festival | Darling |
| Unconfirmed | Bubbly & Gin Summer Festival | Melkbosstrand |
| Unconfirmed | Goldfish Submerged at Shimmy Beach Club | V&A Waterfront |
| 31 December 2020 | Kinky Summer NYE Festival | Franschhoek |
| 31 December 2020 | Pacha NYE at The Grand | Granger Bay, Cape Town |
January 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 16 – 20 January 2020 | Wolfkop Weekender’s Lilo River Flow | Citrusdal |
| 24 – 25 January 2020 | Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration | Caledon |
| 25 January 2020 | Harvest Festival at Delheim | Stellenbosch |
February 2020 Festivals
| Date | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2 February 2020 | Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival | Franschhoek |
| 6 – 9 February 2020 | Up the Creek | Swellendam |
| 8 February 2020 | Nederburg Harvest at Dusk Festival | Paarl |
| 12 – 16 February 2020 | International Public Art Festival | Salt River |
| 21 – 23 February 2020 | Wolfie Familie Festival | Citrusdal |
| 26 – 28 February 2020 | Design Indaba | Foreshore, Cape Town |
| 28 February – 1 March 2020 | Robertson Wine Valley Hands-on Harvest | Robertson |
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
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
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
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 To be confirmed
Contact 021 406 3584, info@capetowncarnival.com
Location Green Point Fan Walk, Green Point, Cape Town
Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
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
April 2020
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
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 30 April – 3 May 2020
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
Book Now
Compiled by Bianca Hausle
Get the most out of the Cape with the help of our weekly newsletter.
48 Responses to “The Best Festivals in Cape Town”
Chantal Booyse
Hello, I want to know how you get a band to play/feature at the festivals advertised in this guide.
The Inside Guide
Hi Chantal
You’d need to contact each festival individually.
margaret
hello I have a Food Truck how and who do I contact MENU Various eatables please let me know THANK YOU
kagiso
Hello, how does one sign up for a stall…
Julietta welcome
Please inform me what is the cost of the festival and the theme. who can i book through
Asad
We Love Summer’s 7th Birthday Feat. Josh Butler & Friends | Festival | 2019
Crystal
Hi there
please can someone help me? How to register for the festivals. I would like to sell food braai, spit braai, burgers curries brenani <ets. please be so kind as to assist. Where must I go and how to contact.
The Inside Guide
Hi Crystal
You’ll need to contact each festival directly.
Good Luck.
Tahir Ansari
cotton Hand woven product sale
Tahir Ali
Hi good afternoon sir/madam I am interested for cotton hand woven bedspread,couch throws different colors sale in fastival 25to27oct2019
Thanks
Herschel
Hi.
Who does one contact about being a vendor at the bubbly and gin in melkbos in December.
Regards
herschel Hoffmann
The Inside Guide
Hi Herschel
Your best bet would be to contact the organisers of that specific festival. Good luck.
Alvida Williams
Please I urgently need the dates for the lamberts bay crayfish festival for 2020
Aaron
How do I apply for a foodstall of springrolls and jalapeno poppers?
Nicky Heenop
Is there any Octoberfest ‘s in Cape Town this year?
frederick strydom
wish to get live music schedule for 16-20 December 2019
B. Verwey Bertus
Would like to have a pizzastall @ your beerfestival
Alvida Williams
Would like to know the dates for crayfish festival in lamberts bay for 2020
Alvida Williams
This is my 2nd request…is there anyone that can kindly reapond to my requests..thank you kindly
Amiena Toefy
İm interested to do halaal on show if you got anything available
Raymond Misplon
Thank you,now I can keep track of all the Capes festivals
Washiela
Hi There
Would like to know where I can book tickets for the Jazz on the Rocks 2020 festival coming up
Thanks
Linda Fortnum
We are in the Western Cape for all of September. Are there any festivals/craft events happening.
Klaus Piprek
Intimate Art Encounters, Riebeek Valley, 8-11 August 2019.
Alvida Williams
Would like to know the dates for the 2019 Lamberts Bay crayfish festival is taking place as well as the snoek en patat festival
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
sheilagh
How many food trucks are allowed ? What is the price for a stand and how does one ap[y ?
Eastern cuisine festival at Castle of good hope 14 and 15 December 2018
WhatsApp us