No matter what time of year you go to Cape Town, something in the way of a festival or event is going on in the city or its environs. Cape Tonians love an excuse to get out and celebrate. If you’re in town, all you have to do is go and join in the fun. Visitors are always welcome and it can be a major highlight of your holiday to take part in one of these festivals.

Carnival, Shakespeare, and Pride

January 2nd marks the beginning of the Cape Minstrel Carnival, a three-weekend long party that is South Africa’s biggest bash. This musical event brings thousands of visitors to Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium. Then, from mid January to mid February, there is a Shakespearean Festival at the Maynardville Open Air Theatre in nearby Wynberg. Cape Town, like San Francisco, California, is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. In February it has the Cape Town Pride Pageant.

Cycles, Jazz, and a Marathon

In March, some 30,000 participants enter the world’s largest and most spectacular bicycle race; the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour. Thousands of people line up along the highway to watch the 150 kilometre, self-timed race. March is also the month of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, South Africa’s largest Afrikaans arts and culture festival. This is a good place to try boerewors, the famous local farmer’s sausage. In the latter part of April you can participate in, or just watch, the annual Two Ocean Marathon. This is considered one of the world’s ultra-Marathon runs and you may be brave enough to take part.

Oysters, Belly Laughs, and Whales

In July, head out of town to the Garden Route for the annual Knysna Oyster Festival, which features oyster eating in every imaginable form. The shellfish is accompanied by other dishes of South African cuisine and the country’s famous wines. There are chuckles, giggles, and big belly laughs in September at the Cape Town International Comedy Festival. There are six separate programs including one in Afrikaans; risque “Danger Zone” comedy; and performances that are family friendly. September is also the peak of the whale watching season, when southern right whales and other species congregate in large numbers off the South African coast. The town of Hermanus, which boasts of being the Whale Capital of the world, has a week long Whale Festival that includes arts and crafts shows, plays, live music, and events for children. The town’s Whale Crier keeps people up to date on whale sightings.

Cinema, Concerts, and Christmas

For ten days in the middle of November, visitors can participate in the Cape Town World Cinema Festival. This is a showcase for films from the developing world. Entries come from Latin America and Asia, but the emphasis is on Africa, and South Africa in particular. This is also the beginning of the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, one of Cape Town’s musical highlights. In December the Carols by Candlelight at Kirstenbosch is a Cape Town tradition.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town