The Best October Events in Cape Town 2026

Summer is calling, which means Festival Fever has hit. There’s plenty to take you outdoors and some wonderful not-to-be-missed shows on stage. Here’s our pick of where to go and what to do this month.

Hermanus Whale Festival

When 2 – 4 October 2026
The lowdown Every winter, southern right whales migrate from the icy Antarctic to our warmer waters to mate and calve. Whale-watching season is peaking right now and Hermanus, the land-based whale-watching capital, is celebrating. Spotting these gentle giants up close in Walker Bay is, naturally, the main attraction, but there’s so much more to keep you entertained at the Whale Festival – live music, markets, a fun run and family walk, beach volleyball, a classic car show and street parade, as well as kiddies’ activities (including a pirates and mermaids treasure hunt).
Cost Free, except fun run (R250) and walk (R60)
Whale-watching boat tours around R1 500
Where Hermanus
Contact 066 478 0081, [email protected]

Stellenbosch Woordfees

When 3 – 11 October 2026
The lowdown It may translate as “Word Festival” but it covers all the arts bases – from theatre, dance and music to visual art, literature, comedy and even lifestyle – in multiple languages. The programme is packed: a writer’s festival, artists’ studio visits, a film fest, open-air concerts, stand-up comedy, a children’s festival, cooking demos, craft workshops and much more. Look out for Brett Bailey’s new theatre piece FaustX (“written by ChatGPT”); debates at the Philosophy Café; the “Afterpaartie” every night after the shows; a Mardi Gras carnival – all bookended by the Long Table dinner (2 October) and Street Soirée (10 October). There’s a lot to see and do, but no parking issues thanks to a shuttle service between venues.
Good to know The Ticket Office is open daily until 7pm; you’ll also find the Saver Bar here, for discounted last-minute tickets. View the programme here.
Cost R50 – R400; several free events
Shuttle tickets: R60 per day; R250 for the festival
Where Selected venues around town
Book Now

V&A Music & Record Fair

When 10 October 2026
The lowdown Enjoy a Saturday exploring down musical memory lane, crate-digging for rare vinyls, classic album CDs, the record by your favourite artist missing from your collection, and that nostalgic cassette from your childhood. You can pick up crazy deals, like three albums for R100, as well as music memorabilia, books, band T-shirts and official merch. All while DJs spin the tunes for your browsing.
Times 10am – 2pm
Cost Free entry
Where Upper Level, The Watershed, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Mamma Mia!

When Until 11 October 2026
The lowdown Guaranteed to have you singing along before you’ve even booked your tickets, Mamma Mia! is the feel-good musical that keeps on giving. Abba’s fabulously catchy music, colourful dance sequences, a heartfelt story set in the Greek Islands and a superb South African cast led by international star Amra-Faye Wright as Donna make this production one to bookmark, however many times you’ve watched the movie.
Times Tuesday – Sunday, 7.30pm (+ 2pm Sunday)
Cost R280 – R580
Where Artscape Theatre, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Madame Zingara: Melanina – Return to Origin

When From 11 October 2026
The lowdown Picture a heady mix of musical performers, cirque acts, comedy, magic and a multicourse gourmet dinner – all set in a 1930s mirror-bedecked spiegeltent. The enchanting Royal Countess is back in town and she’s bringing something new to the table this summer… a moody, mysterious evening that blends the spirit of the jazz age, African influences and speakeasy vibes, along with a small plates menu.
Good to know A welcome drink is included in the ticket price; other drinks for your account.
Times Tuesday – Sunday, 8pm – 10.30pm
Cost R1 540 (Golden Circle)
R1 360 (Middle Ring)
R1 440 (Private Booth, 6-seater)
R1 250 (Royal Balcony, seats 10 – 20)
Where Century City, Cape Town
Book Now

The President Hotel Wellness Event

When 17 October 2026
The lowdown Shake off the last traces of winter with a Saturday mini wellness escape, a collaboration between Healing Earth and the President Hotel. It starts with an exhilarating dip in Saunders Rock tidal pool in Sea Point, followed by a therapeutic sauna session and a calming yoga flow session with the House of Yoga. Then there’s brunch courtesy of Wildsprout on the hotel’s sea-view pool deck. Finally, you’ll get to create your own botanical body scrub in the Healing Earth Beauty Kitchen to take home with you.
Good to know Make it a sleepover with special room rates for Friday or Saturday night, including a full-body massage, dinner, a Sleep Retreat turndown in-room ritual, breakfast and Healing Earth gift.
Time 9am – 2pm
Cost R890
Wellness Staycation offer: From R4 590
Where President Hotel, Sea Point, Cape Town
Contact 066 478 0081, [email protected]
Book Now

Nelson Mandela Marathon

When 18 October 2026
The lowdown With the tagline “Rise. Remember. Run”, this event takes runners on a journey through the heart of Cape Town, passing notable landmarks and places such as the Castle, City Hall, District Six, Company’s Garden and up “Koesister Hill” in the Bo-Kaap. The full marathon route (42.2km with just 250m of elevation gain) goes through Green Point and extends out towards Woodbridge Island. There’s also a half-marathon route (21.1km) as well as 10km and 5km run or walk challenges. All participants receive a race T-shirt, commemorative medal and goodie bag.
Start times 5.30am (marathon); 6.45am (10km); 7.45am (5km); 8.30am (half-marathon)
Cost R700 (marathon), R260 (half-marathon)
R190 (10km run), R150 (10km walk)
R80 (5km run/walk)
Where Grand Parade, Darling Street, Cape Town
Book Now

Cape Town International Kite Festival

When 24 + 25 October 2026
The lowdown #ColourTheSky – and have fun for a good cause – at this family-friendly event. You’ll see every kind of kite imaginable, from giant character inflatables to action and stunt kites and the Cape’s own “swallows”, in incredible displays, plus there will be food stalls, activities, funfair rides and music – all in support of Cape Mental Health. If you have your own kite, bring it along; if you don’t, you can buy one or even make your own at the kite-making workshop.
Times 10am – 6pm
Cost R90 (teens + adults); R160 weekend pass
R60 (children + pensioners); R100 weekend pass
Free for kids under 6 years
Where Youngsfield Military Base, off Wetton Road (M9), Ottery
Book Now

The Legacy of Dance Gala

When 24 + 25 October 2026
The lowdown Look forward to a special showcase of classical ballet, contemporary dance and musical theatre with a first-ever collaboration between eight premier South African dance companies – including Cape Town City Ballet, Joburg Ballet and Jazzart – alongside principal performers from the Dutch National Ballet. Featuring iconic and modern choreography and music, the gala will also feature the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
Times Saturday, 7.30pm; Sunday, 2.30pm
Cost R350 – R550
Where Artscape Theatre, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Dracula, the Ballet

When 28 October – 1 November 2026
The lowdown Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic romance gets an electrifying, seductive and cinematic interpretation by Canadian choreographer David Nixon, set to haunting music ranging from classical Rachmaninoff to modern minimalist Arvo Pärt. This ballet-noir is unconventional, challenging and sure to be spine-tingling. As Nixon says, there will be gasp-out-loud visual moments thanks to incredible staging and the physical prowess of the dancers.
Times 7.30pm + 2pm (Saturday) + 12pm (Sunday)
Cost R250 – R500
Where Artscape Theatre, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Sip & Savour @The River

When 31 October + 1 November 2026
The lowdown Taste your way around the finest wines in the Robertson Wine Valley – from classic sauvignon blancs and chardonnay to cap classiques and muscadel – in one place at historic Rietvallei Estate (a new festival venue this year). Take your pick from the delectable local food stalls (perfect for pairing with a newly discovered favourite wine), and enjoy the live music and mountain views. Parents can sit back and relax while their children enjoy the dedicated Kiddies Zone.
Good to know There is a complimentary shuttle service for ticket-holders in Robertson as well as to/from Montagu and Bonnievale (booking essential).
Times Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Cost R600 (Saturday)
R300 (Sunday)
Children under 18 free
Where Rietvallei Wine Estate, Robertson
Shuttle service: 081 740 0145, [email protected]
Book Now

Zombie Walk

When 31 October 2026
The lowdown This Halloween-adjacent activity is your chance to don your scariest outfit and make-up and join a horde of the “undead” for a not-so-ordinary twilight stroll through the city. Whether you opt for a post-apocalyptic Walking Dead vibe or classic Night of the Living Dead look or bring some local flavour, zombies of all ages are welcome. Afterwards, the grown-ups can head to the afterparty at an unforgettable rooftop venue.
Good to know The walk supports the Lucky Lucy Foundation that rescues abused and neglected animals. “Zombies” are welcome to make donations at various points along the route.
Time 5pm – 6pm
Cost Free
Afterparty: R200
Where Meet on Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town
Book Now

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