With the incredible variety of festivals taking place in Cape Town this year, there is no better time than festival time to let your hair down, let loose and just have fun with friends, family and fellow festival lovers. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
Let’s take a look at some of the fantastic Cape Town festivals happening in 2020 that will keep you entertained and loving life all the way through to the end.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
- Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
- When: Every Sunday from November – April
Photo credit: webtickets.co.za
In Cape Town, summer season is festival season, and nothing quite says the summer season has finally arrived like the start of the famous Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series. Besides, there’s no better way to spend a beautiful summer afternoon in the Mother City than listening to the sounds of some of the best local and international music acts in the shade of the iconic Table Mountain in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Plus, the whole family is invited to join in on the amazing Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert fun and festivities.
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series takes place every Sunday between November and April. With an incredible jam-packed line-up of artists and live performances to look forward to this year. Attending one of Kirstenbosch’s Summer Concerts is definitely one of the top things to do in Cape Town this summer. So, gather your friends and family, pack your picnic basket and blanket and enjoy a stunning summer’s day in one of the most beautiful settings in Cape Town.
Rocking the Daisies Music Festival
- Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
- When: 2 – 4 October 2020
Photo credit: SA-Venues.com
Rocking the Daisies Music & Lifestyle Festival is widely known as the ultimate and most sought-after outdoor weekend music festival in Cape Town. It’s certainly one of the top Cape Town music festivals to look forward to this year. With music festival lovers travelling from far and wide to experience the iconic Rocking the Daisies music festival vibe and magic first-hand.
Every year it invites music lovers and adventurous souls to come together in an epic celebration of music, life and art. It truly is the perfect opportunity for music lovers and festival goers to let loose, let their adventurous spirit run free and rampant and have the absolute time of their lives. The fact that it has everything you need for a weekend of fun and adventure, makes it even better. Rocking the Daisies in therefore known for their incredible lifestyle exhibitions, gourmet food and live entertainment by bringing the best local and international acts to one epic stage.
In addition to being one of the best Cape Town music festival experiences, Rocking the Daises has also established itself as South Africa’s premier eco-friendly music and lifestyle festival. By encouraging an environmentally conscious approach in the coolest possible way. It gives festivalgoers the opportunity to make a difference all while enjoying an epic music festival experience.
Nederburg Harvest at Dusk Festival
- Where: Nederburg Wine Farm, Sonstraal Road, Paarl, Cape Town
- When: 8 February 2020
Photo credit: webtickets.co.za
The Nederburg Harvest at Dusk Festival is an annual festival that takes place at the beautiful Nederburg Paarl Valley Vineyards. This incredible event gives visitors and fellow wine lovers the opportunity to experience the wine-making process first-hand, all the way from vine to bottle. In addition to learning from the wine experts and getting some great inside knowledge on the wine making process as well as the current harvest. Festivalgoers are encouraged to get involved by taking part in the picking and stomping of the grapes too. It is tons of fun and promises to be a great day out in the beautiful Cape Winelands. There will also be a wide range of Nederburg wines available for tasting and purchase as well as soft drinks, coffee and tea.
Bazique Festival
- Where: Elgin Grabouw Country Club, Worcester Street, Grabouw
- When: 13 – 15 March
Photo credit: bazique.co.za
This top Cape Town festival is dedicated to all the music lovers out there. Known as one of the best music festivals in Cape Town, the Bazique Music Festival is a creative collaboration between some of the best party organisers in the business. So, you can definitely expect a weekend of incredible live music and epic beats. As the 2020 edition includes an epic line-up of nine international DJs as well as 60 local bands and DJs providing the soundtrack to an unforgettable weekend spent in Grabouw. The Bazique Music Festival also takes place besides a lake. It provides festivalgoers with the perfect cool-off spot when the Western Cape sun starts to heat things up. They can also expect a few intriguing performance art pieces and unexpected installations as they celebrate an incredible weekend with fellow music lovers by their side.
Recommended Accommodation
Cape Town Carnival
- Where: Green Point Fan Walk, Green Point, Cape Town
- When: 21 March 2020
Photo credit: capetowncarnival.com
The famous Cape Town Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic Cape Town festivals happening in 2020. The Cape Town Carnival is an exciting and vibrant parade through the streets of Cape Town’s lively inner-city. All in celebration of African identity, creativity, diversity and community. This is one Cape Town festival that every local or tourist visiting the Mother City should get to experience at least once in their lives.
Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
- Where: Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
- When: 23– 29 March 2020
Photo credit: kknk.co.za
The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival is an Afrikaans arts and culture festival in the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. Boasting a world-class program catering to every classical music enthusiast at heart. It promises to be a weekend filled with spectacular music, incredible visual arts and sensational choir performances. This year will include quite a few amazing choir performances, including the University choirs of Stellenbosch and Pretoria, the Tygerberg’s Children’s Choir and Coristi Allegri (winners of the Slurpie prize in 2003). There will also be a few new additions and surprises added to this year’s program that will be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attends. In total, this weeklong Cape Town arts festival offers guests more than 150 shows across all genres.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
- Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
- When: 27 – 28 March 2020
Photo credit: whatsonincapetown.com
The famous Cape Town international Jazz Festival has long been a sought-after event for jazz lovers from around the word. And this year promises to deliver a show of a lifetime. Guests can expect to enjoy two days of world-class music from international jazz greats, local luminaries and emerging stars. With over 40 acts performing across five stages and over 37 000 music lovers in attendance, it promises to be an incredible celebration of jazz music that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. It’s therefore no surprise that the Cape Town International Jazz Festival rivals some of the world’s biggest jazz festivals.
AfrikaBurn
- Where: Tankwa Karoo, R355, Calvinia
- When: 27 April – 3 May 2020
Photo credit: afrikaburn.com
AfrikaBurn has become one of the most popular and highly acclaimed Cape Town festivals for both local and international festival lovers. In essence, AfrikaBurn is the spectacular result of the creative expression of participants who gather once a year in the Tankwa Karoo to create a temporary city of art, theme camps, costume, music and performance.
This year’s theme is Afroboratory. Which is described as an African-inspired space for experimenting and cultivating ideas. Much like a laboratory, where everyone is invited to join in on the fun and action. This is one Cape Town festival that definitely encourages festival lovers to let go, let loose and let their wild creative spirits run free and rampant. AfrikaBurn festivalgoers can expect a week-long celebration of outrageous costumes, uplifting music, communal bonfires, cashless living and much so much more. It’s nothing if not a great adventure!
Decorex Cape Town
- Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
- When: 30 April – 3 May 2020
Photo credit: decorex.co.za
Calling all design, interior design and home décor lovers, the Decrorex event is one Cape Town festival that is dedicated especially to you. Decorex Cape Town is all about creating the perfect space for interior designers, passionate home-makers, full-time shoppers, avid design and décor enthusiasts and architects to come together in search of all the latest home decor-related trends, information, tips, tricks and products on the market. It truly is the ultimate one-stop home-décor and design paradise.
Recommended Accommodation
ULTRA Cape Town 2020
- Where: The Cape Town Ostrich Farm
- When: 28 February, 2pm – 2am
Photo credit: ultrasouthafrica.com
ULTRA is a world-wide sensation that has taken the Cape Town music festival scene by storm. After two years of hosting this incredible event at the Cape Town Stadium, ULTRA South Africa organizers have decided to return the Cape Town event to where it all began, The Ostrich Farm. Widely known as South Africa’s largest and most popular music festivals, this 2-day event boasts the world’s top EDM DJ’s with unparalleled stage designs and top tier production. It truly is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. And this year’s star-studded line-up promises to be jam-packed with the biggest and best DJ’s in the business.
Riebeek Valley Olive Festival
- Where: Olive Cafe, Riebeeck Kasteel
- When: 9 – 10 May 2020
Photo credit: riebeekvalleyolivefestival.co.za
Widely known as the ultimate olive and wine festival experience, the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival is one of the top Cape Town festivals in 2020. In order to celebrate a good olive harvest with fellow olive and wine lovers, the charming towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West host the popular annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival. Guests are invited to enjoy an abundance of olives and wine as well as their local, eclectic culture and great food. But that’s not all, guests can also choose to partake in fun master classes that include olive oil tasting, wine appreciation, long table lunches and lots more. The Riebeek Valley Olive Festival truly is an incredible Cape Town festival that will be thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.
Hermanus FynArts Festival
- Where: Hermanus
- When: 5 – 16 June 2020
Photo credit: hermanusfynarts.co.za
Every June the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus and surrounds come alive with displays of breath-taking works of art and a multitude of inspiring talks, shows, performances, extra special food and wine experiences. It’sone of the most sought-after Cape Town festivals for art, food and wine lovers.
Knysna Oyster Festival
- Where: Knysna High School Sports Field, Knysna Central, Knysna, 6570, Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa
- When: 19 – 28 June 2020
Photo credit: heatherhook.com
The annual Knysna Oyster Festival is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most popular festivals. Starting out in 1983, the Knysna Oyster Festival has withstood the test of time and has become a widely celebrated festival of good food, challenging sports, and plenty of family-friendly fun. It’s a great Cape Town festival for the whole family to enjoy. As its name implies, the famous oysters are a highlight of this event. But this two-week long festival is jam-packed full of incredible activities and experiences that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. From nature walks, live music, golf tournaments, trail runs, comedy shows and plenty of opportunities to sample some excellent cuisine and South African wines. The Knysna Oyster Festival truly has it all.
Wine, Whale and Music Weekend
- Where: De Hoop Nature Reserve
- When: 17 – 19 July 2020
Photo credit: dehoopcollection.com
The famous Wine, Whales and Music Festival takes place in the beautiful De hoop Nature Reserve every year. Known for its spectacular whale viewing, paired with sensational wines and incredible music it’s a not-to-be-missed 2020 Cape Town festival. This bed, breakfast and dinner weekend is filled with incredible experiences and exciting adventures all the way through.
From amazing wine tastings from some of the best local vineyards, gourmet dinners and a fantastic Whale Time Serenade. Which includes performances from Peta Ann Holdcroft, Melane Hofmeyr-Burger, Irina Tsoniff, Ivo Ivanov, Vladimir Ivanov while you enjoy dinner in the Shed. As well as Eco Boat Cruises, Guided Walks and a Chocolate Making Workshop with Von Geusau’s Chocolatier, Richard Von Geusau that can be booked on arrival. The Wine, Whale and Music Weekend has something for everyone to enjoy. And promises to be a weekend spent in the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus you won’t soon forget.
Klein Karoo Klassique
- Where: Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo
- When: 6 – 9 August 2020
Photo credit: klassique.co.za
The beloved Klein Karoo Klassique is a widely celebrated Cape Town festival that takes place in the charming town of Oudtshoorn. Essentially the Klein Karoo Klassique is a festival dedicated to classical music, sensational and authentic Klein Karoo cuisine, wines and art. Guests can therefore expect delicious Klein Karoo cuisine paired with regional wines and complimented by the very best classical sounds of a string quartet, a piano duo (piano & cello) two piano recitals, a performance of Lieder, a wind instrument quintet, an organ recital and the performance of an a-Capella choir. Promising an unforgettable weekend filled with some of the most sensational music, entertainment and cuisine. All in the setting of one of the most beautiful, charming and captivating destinations in the Western Cape.
Robertson Slow Food & Wine Festival
- Where: Robertson
- When: 7 – 10 August 2020
Photo credit: robertsonslow.co.za
If you’re a food and wine lover at heart, the Robertson Slow Food & Wine Festival is one of the most popular Cape Town festivals happening in 2020. This top Cape Town festival gives guests the opportunity to explore a wealth of history and authentic wine experiences at the Robertson Wine Valley’s 12th annual Slow Food & Wine Festival. With the Slow festival taking place at various wineries and tourism establishments. It’s therefore no surprise that it is considered as the ultimate food and wine festival for locals and travellers alike.
Not only does it give guests the opportunity to indulge in diverse local food traditions from vetkoek, curries and waterblommetjie soup to seafood paella, Chinese duck and ostrich and kudu inspired dishes. The Robertson Slow Food & Wine Festival truly has it all, offering everything from fine dining and gourmet offerings to farm-style platters and picnics. In addition to exceptional cuisine, guests will also be able to enjoy and explore wine farms with underground cellar tours, game drives, horse rides, and boat cruises. As well as join in on cooking classes and intimate winemaker’s dinners.
This year’s festival also offers a wide variety of tasting opportunities from a single vineyard and vertical tastings, to brandy pairings, tutored Méthode Cap Classique master classes and food and wine pairings. Festivalgoers will be able to interact with winemakers and wine farmers in an informal setting, experience the intricate winemaking process and discover the story behind the bottle. It truly is a not-to-be-missed 2020 Cape Town festival.
Hermanus Whale Festival
- Where: Hermanus
- When: 24 – 27 September 2020
Photo credit: hermanuswhalefestival.co.za
Known as the whale capital of the world, the Hermanus Whale Festival is one of the most beloved Cape Town festivals for locals and travelers alike. With people travelling from all around the world to experience it first-hand. The annual Hermanus Whale Festival is a celebration of the return of the southern right whales to the coastal waters of Southern Africa. As September is known as the Western Cape’s prime whale-watching season, visitors can expect some of the most spectacular whale sightings. Both from the shoreline as well as when embarking on exciting boat-based whale watching adventures.
However, in addition to magnificent sighting of these majestic ocean beings, all the events and activities during the whale festival are focused on creating awareness on how to protect the whales and all of Cape Town’s marine wildlife who share our coastal waters. Celebrating their 28th year the Hermanus Whale Festival is the oldest and largest on the South African whale coast calendar, while the whales are predominantly the star performers at the festival. These gentle giants will be joined on land by quality entertainers and musicians, an array of food stalls, kiddies’ activities and events suitable for both the young and old. Making it an incredible experience for the whole family in one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Western Cape.
With so many fantastic Cape Town festivals happening in 2020, your year will undoubtedly be filled with tons of fun, incredible live music, delicious food, exceptional wine and great times spent with friends, family and festivalgoers. With each Mother City festival offering something unique and exciting, they all deserve a prime spot on your Cape Town 2020 festival bucket-list. Have an epic festival-filled year Cape Town festival lovers!
Looking for more things to do in Cape Town this weekend? You can check out a range of tours packages you can enjoy. Be sure to follow us on Facebook or check out our blog, which has a huge range of ideas on what to see and do, where to stay and how to put every moment of your weekend to good use. If you’re planning a longer stay, be sure to get in touch. We will help you find the perfect place to stay in Cape Town this weekend or any other weekend you plan to visit.
