Cape Minstrel Carnival – January
Every year, more than 13,000 brightly-dressed minstrels parade through the streets of Cape Town. Originally known as the Kaapse Klopse, the event began in the 1800s when Malay slaves celebrated the one day a year they didn’t have to work.
J&B Met – late January
Premier horse racing event in Cape Town, held at the Kenilworth Race Course.
Design Indaba – late February
Expo celebrating South African creativity, ranging from art to film and interior design.
Cape Town Jazz Festival – late March
More than 40 international and local artists converge on the city to perform over two days on five stages at the prestigious music event.
South African Cheese Festival – late April/May
Cheese lovers from far and wide celebrate their favourite indulgence at this popular festival, which includes cookery demonstrations, tastings and fun-filled events.
Taste of Cape Town – May
An exciting and innovative food festival offering the chance to sample signature dishes prepared by highly-acclaimed chefs, as well as to enjoy a fabulous programme of music and entertainment.
Good Food & Wine Show - May
South Africa’s finest food, beverage and lifestyle exhibition boasts a sensational line-up of local and international chefs sharing tips and recipes.
Fine Brandy Festival – May/June
Internationally acclaimed South African brandy is celebrated by this event which brings together major distillers and small, single-estate brandy makers.
Vodacom Funny Festival – June/July
Prepare to chuckle as local and international stand-up comedians take to the stage at the Baxter theatre.
Bastille Festival – July
Franschhoek, South Africa’s gourmet capital, celebrates the wine valley’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage.
Stellenbosch Wine Festival – July
Experience fine wines and warm hospitality in the acclaimed wine producing region. Daily wine tastings and cellar tours.
Cape Town International Kite Festival – October
The sky comes colourfully alive in Muizenburg at Africa’s biggest kite festival.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Art Biennale – September
Exhibitions of botanical art and botanically-themed interior design collections.
Namaqualand Flowers in the West Coast National Park – July/September
Each year, the seemingly arid landscape of Namaqualand bursts into a kaleidoscope of brilliant colours with the first rains of spring. The Flower Route lies roughly 5 hours north of Cape Town.
Cape Town Fashion Week – August
Top and up-and-coming designers from Sub-Saharan Africa showcase their latest collections.
Summer Concerts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – November to April
Delightful open-air concerts catering for all musical tastes, from jazz, folk and rock to big band swing. Picnic on the soft grass banks of the amphitheatre and unwind.
Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival – Early December
Visitors can sample both champagne and Cap Classique wines at this unique celebration of the vintner’s art.
