Cape Town, South Africa — Events
Spring Wildflowers
The West Coast National Park incorporates the Langebaan Lagoon and wetland areas, which are the habitat of thousands of migratory and resident waterbirds, a rocky coastline with some beautiful sea views and beaches, and wildlife scattered about the interior bush. It also encompasses the rocky Postberg Peninsula that is carpeted in a glorious tapestry of wildflowers every spring (open August to September only). Visitors come from near and far to see the spectacularly colorful display that the pre-summer season produces all along the west coast.
Shakespeare at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre
Inspired by the annual productions in London’s Regent Park, Shakespeare has been performed every summer at the open-air theater in Wynberg, generally performed with a local twist to add to the entertainment. On warm summer evenings many theater-goers begin the evening by picnicking in the park before the show begins. For more information phone 021 421 7695.
Kirstenbosch Winter Concert Series
Come and enjoy Cape Town ‘s top musical talent in the warmth of the beautiful Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Tickets include a welcome drink and soup, and patrons are also welcome to have a main course or dessert and coffee during or after the concert. The annual event continues from the summer sunset concerts (November to April), ensuring visitors a treat in classical and contemporary music all year round. Call 021 799 8783 for more Kirstenbosch event information.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Bring family and friends every Sunday afternoon to relax on the lawns with a picnic and a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the mountain, while listening to a mixed selection of classical and contemporary music. The setting provides for one of the most spectacular concert venues in South Africa, the stage framed by the backdrop of Table Mountain and all around the well-kept beds of the Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour
The Argus is the largest timed sporting event on earth, attracting more than 35,000 cyclists from around the world. The spectacle is watched by thousands who line the 67-mile (108km) route, which follows some of the Cape’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The race is enjoyed by serious cyclists and social riders alike.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Ranked as one of the best jazz festivals around the world, the city of Cape Town comes alive for two days in March to the captivating beat of swinging jazz music from around the world. Hosting forty international and African stars, the CTIJF is an awe inspiring musical jam of jazz and its popular music relatives, soul, funk, kwaito, blues and more.
Absa Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic has established itself as a prestigious international event, attracting a competitive field of riders eager to compete against the best or simply to finish the grueling nine-day off-road race. The event has become the largest full service mountain bike race in the world and is the most televised mountain bike race ever.
Two Oceans Marathon
Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery of any road event on earth, the Two Oceans has become the second most famous ultra-marathon (34.8 miles/56km) in South Africa after the Comrades Marathon. Runners race over and around the mountains of Cape Town every Easter Saturday in what is well known internationally for its scenic beauty despite the grueling course.
Cape Times Waterfront Wine Affair
Featuring many of the Cape’s top wine estates, producers and boutique wineries, with over 300 different wines to taste, the Wine Affair offers a unique opportunity to sample many of the Western Cape’s finest wines under one roof. Chat to enthusiastic wine makers and mix with wine lovers in a relaxed environment. A variety of wineries also offer a wide selection of gourmet food tastings to complement their wine, while an array of delicacies, such as local and French cheeses, sushi, oysters, olives and olive oils, pestos and chocolate will be available to taste and buy.
Cape Gourmet Festival
Widely acknowledged as South Africa’s premier food, wine, travel and lifestyle event, the annual Gourmet Festival is a blend of culinary events showcasing its restaurant industry to the rest of the world. It is the only African associate of the esteemed World Gourmet Club in St Moritz and is the finest culinary festival on the continent, highlighting international as well as local foods. Incorporated into the extravaganza is the Good Food and Wine Show, the pinnacle of the festival, where chefs cook the best of contemporary South African cuisine.
