Month by Month
Top Events
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, January
Infecting the City, March
Design Indaba, February
Cape Town Fringe, September
Adderley St Christmas Lights, December
January
Expect packed hotels and restaurants, crowds at the beaches and traffic on main coastal roads. Some restaurants, cafes and shops close for the first week or so of the month.
zCape Town Minstrel Carnival
Tweede Nuwe Jaar (2 January) sees satin- and sequin-clad minstrel troupes march through the city for the traditional Kaapse Klopse (Cape Town Minstrel Carnival), with smaller marches on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. From January into early February there are competitions between troupes at Athlone Stadium. (www.capetown-minstrels.co.za)
3J&B Met
South Africa’s richest horse race – with a R2.5 million jackpot – is an occasion for big bets and even bigger hats. Usually held on the last Saturday in January at Kenilworth Racecourse. (www.jbscotch.co.za)
February
Check for classical concerts at the Cape Town International Summer Music Festival. The city goes into lockdown for the opening of Parliament in the first week of February – avoid anything but essential travel on that day.
zDesign Indaba
This creative convention brings together the varied worlds of fashion, architecture, visual arts, crafts and media. It's held from late February to early March, usually at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. A two-week film festival at the Labia kicks off proceedings.(www.designindaba.com)
March
The cultural calendar cranks up with a series of arts and music festivals. Cyclists take over the streets (and many of the city’s hotels) for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, so forget driving around town on the day of the event.
zCape Town Carnival
Held in the middle of the month on the Walk of Remembrance (the former Fan Walk) in Green Point, this city-sponsored parade and street party celebrates the many facets of South African identity. (www.capetowncarnival.com)
zInfecting the City
Cape Town’s squares, fountains, museums and theatres are the venues for this innovative performing arts festival, featuring artists from across the continent. (www.infectingthecity.com)
2Cape Town Cycle Tour
Held on a Saturday in the middle of March, the world’s largest timed cycling event attracts more than 30,000 contestants. The route circles Table Mountain, heads down the Atlantic Coast and along Chapman’s Peak Dr. (www.cycletour.co.za)
zCape Town International Jazz Festival
Cape Town’s biggest jazz event, attracting big names from both South Africa and overseas, is usually held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre at the end of March. It includes a free concert in Greenmarket Sq. (www.capetownjazzfest.com)
April
The weather starts to chill from now through early October, so bring warmer clothes and be prepared for rainy, blustery days.
zJust Nuisance Great Dane Parade
Not an April Fools’ joke – every 1 April a dog parade is held at Jubilee Sq in Simon’s Town to commemorate Able Seaman Just Nuisance, a Great Dane who was a Royal Navy mascot during WWII. (www.simonstown.com/tourism/nuisance/nuisance.htm)
2Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon
Held in early April, this 56km marathon kicks off in Newlands and follows a similar route to the Cape Town Cycle Tour around Table Mountain, with around 9000 competitors. (www.twooceansmarathon.org.za)
2Freedom Swim
Only thick-skinned and strong swimmers should apply for the solo and team relay events of this swim from Murray's Bay, on Robben Island, to Bloubergstrand. It's held around Freedom Day (27 April). (www.freedomswimseries.co.za)
May
Head to Kirstenbosch, Constantia and the Winelands to enjoy the blaze of autumnal colours laid on by Mother Nature.
zFranschhoek Literary Festival
As if you needed more reason to visit this delightful Winelands town, this literary festival attracts the cream of locally based and expatriate South African writers. (www.flf.co.za)
zGood Food & Wine Show
Cape Town goes gourmet with this four-day event held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. (www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za)
July
Winter in Cape Town can be very blustery and wet, but it's also one of the best times to spot whales off the peninsula's coast.
zCape Town World Music Festival
Held over Mandela Day weekend (around 18 July), this celebration of global beats and rhythms takes over City Hall and parts of the Grand Parade. (www.capetownworldmusicfestival.com)
zCape Town Fashion Week
Fashionistas line the catwalks to spot the hottest work from local designers and pick up the latest trends. (www.mbfashionweeksa.co.za)
September
South Africa’s creative community comes out to play in the Mother City: Creative Week (www.creativeweekct.co.za) happens around the same time as the Loerie Awards, which recognise regional creative excellence.
zCape Town Fringe
A jamboree of the performing arts, organised in conjuction with the respected Grahamstown Festival, peppers the Mother City with interesting happenings for 11 days in late September and early October. (www.capetownfringe.co.za)
October
2Outsurance Gun Run
Starting from Mouille Point, this popular half-marathon (21km) is the only time that the Noon Gun on Signal Hill gets fired on a Sunday – competitors try to finish the race before the gun goes off. (www.outsurance.co.za/gunrun)
November
Cape Town can be lovely in the spring, although the wind may drive you a little crazy. The Galileo outdoor cinema (www.thegalileo.co.za) starts screenings in Kirstenbosch, the Waterfront and the Winelands.
3Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
These Sunday afternoon concerts run through until April; expect everything from arias performed by local divas to a funky jazz combo. There’s always a special concert for New Year’s Eve. (www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/summer-concerts)
zCape Town International Kite Festival
Held in mid-November, in support of the Cape Mental Health Society, is this colourful gathering of kite enthusiasts at Zandvlei, near Muizenberg. (www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite)
December
This is the top holiday season, so book well ahead for tickets for popular attractions and to get reservations at top restaurants. New Year’s Eve is busy, with fireworks at the Waterfront – one of many special events across the city.
zAdderley St Christmas Lights
Thousands turn out for a concert in front of Cape Town Train Station, followed by a parade along illuminated Adderley St. A night market is also held in the Company's Gardens starting around 20 December.
zMother City Queer Project
There’s always a wacky fancy-dress theme for this massive, gay-friendly dance party, which everyone seems to turn out for. (www.mcqp.co.za)