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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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 at Dusk 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

International Public Art Festival

Where Salt River
When 12 – 16 February 2020
The lowdown The streets of Cape Town are set for a technicoloured upgrade when some of the best local and international street artists showcase their mural-painting skills at this unique event. International Public Art Festival is an initiative of BAZ-ART, an NGO that places art at the centre of community expression, and is also a launchpad for a number of programmes, including community gardens, art classes for children, and other interventions started by residents.
Good to know The 2020 theme is Digitalisation – which aims to draw attention to the potential opportunities and obstacles that may arise as a result of technological advances.
Cost Donations-based
Contact 071 370 1246, hello@baz-art.co.za
Location 289 Victoria Road, Salt River, Cape Town

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

April 2020

South African Cheese Festival

Where Stellenbosch
When 25 – 27 April 2020
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
Book Now

Afrikaburn

Jan Verboom

Where Tankwa Karoo
When 27 April – 3 May 2020
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
Book Now

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

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