Events & Festivals

No Capetonian calendar would be complete without the popular sporting and outdoor activities in the area. Included in this mix, are music, food, and wine events.

Sporting Events

One of the biggest sporting events for Cape Town is the Cape Argus, or Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour. Close to 30,000 participants flock one of the most scenic cycle tours in the world. The event includes professional, competitive cyclers, as well as the casual cyclist. Various activities are included throughout this week-long event making it fun for the whole family! See the Cape Argus Cycle Tour website for more information.

A carnival for the whole family tops off the Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon. Following a scenic 56 kilometer route around Cape Peninsula, the marathon includes over 12,000 runners, including international competitors.

A favored event, spectators often line the route to cheer one the participants as they make their way toward the University of Cape Town, which marks the end of the race. The popular event takes place every April.

Festivals

Cape Town Jazz FestivalMusic festivals are a favored past-time in the Cape Town area, and include the annual Cape Town Jazz Festival and Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.

The Cape Town Jazz Festival is held in the center of the city, offering a full weekend of Jazz and jazz artists from South Africa and abroad. This event takes place each March.

During March and April you can find music, dance, theatre, cabaret, poetry and other activities held in the town of Oudtshoorn in Karoo. If you plan to participate in this festival you will need to book your reservations well in advance.

In May tantalize your taste buds with the Cape Gourmet Festival. Two weeks of food and wine highlight the numerous events from the Good Food and Wine Show. Activities include cooking demonstrations with top, international and local chefs. Also keep an eye out for the many restaurant promotions and the Table of Unity luncheon held at the foot of the Table Mountains.