Visitors to and residents of Cape Town and its surrounds are spoilt for choice when it comes to the unique and wonderful festivals that take place here. Here is a pick of some of our favourites happening this year, from popular music events to comedy festivals to huge food and wine events.
Open Streets, January 27
For an entire exciting day of entertainment, play, and getting in touch with their surrounding community, people can wander, cycle, skate and dance in a car-free road with friends and family, as well as explore the various entertainment (both free and charged) and food stalls on offer. A stretch of road is closed for the day to all motorised vehicles to host Open Streets.
There is no fee for joining in on the fun.
Where: Bree Street, Cape Town CBD
No cost
Website: openstreets.org.za
There will also be two other Open Streets days in two other areas later this year: King Langalibalele Drive in Langa on February 24, and Eisleben Road in Mitchells Plain on March 31.
Up The Creek Music Festival, February 7-10
If watching musicians performing on a stage on the bank of a river as you lazily splash around in the water with a crowd of happy music lovers sounds like it floats your lilo, you should definitely head to this festival.
A little smaller and more intimate than some of the popular festivals, Up the Creek is four days of camping by the Breede River, summery heat, and music on three stages by lekker local musos, which this year include well-known acts Grassy Spark, Piet Botha and Hot Water, to name but a few.
Bring your inflatable water toys along (and sunscreen), pitch a tent, and soak up the good vibes.
Where: Breede River, Swellendam
Cost: Early Bird: R770, Full Weekend: R1 120, Full Weekend & Transport (includes a return shuttle from and to central Cape Town), Friday-Sunday: R970
Website: www.upthecreek.co.za
Cape Town International Jazz Festival, March 29 and 30
The names of the 40 artists performing at this year’s installment of the continent’s largest jazz festival have been revealed, and as usual the lineup of local and international musicians is filled with talent and promises a weekend of rich sounds and diverse music genres.
Where: CTICC, Cape Town CBD
Cost: Early Bird: R999, Weekend Pass: R1 290, Day Pass: R850
Website: www.capetownjazzfest.com
South African Cheese Festival, April 26-28
As Southern Africa’s largest culinary event, you can imagine there is an absolute tonne of different cheeses to find and try at this award-winning festival in the scenic Cape Winelands. Whether you love a good mild young Gouda or have a taste for sharp, aromatic cheeses, you will not leave this festival unsatisfied. Plus, cheese goes excellently with wine.
Where: Sandringham, Stellenbosch
Cost: Adults: R180, Children (2-13 years): R20, Senior Citizens: R120
Website: www.cheesefestival.co.za
Tickets are not available at the gate; you can purchase yours from Computicket or from any Shoprite or Checkers store.
Wacky Wine Weekend, June 7-9
Where else but the Cape would you be more likely to find top quality wines? For three days, you can wander through the many vineyards and elegant wine estates that the Robertson Wine Valley boasts and taste the wide range of grape blends on offer (with tastings led by skilled local winemakers) along with fantastic wine farm cuisine while enjoying entertainment provided at the wineries.
There’s no need to leave the kids behind for the weekend as the festival offers plenty of activities and non-alcoholic beverage options for young ones.
Where: Robertson Wine Valley
Cost: Wacky Wine Weekend has not yet updated its ticket costs on Webtickets.
Website: www.wackywineweekend.com
Jive Cape Town Funny Festival, July 1-28
If you find yourself in need of a good laugh this July, the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch will be the place to get a hearty dose of humour and also appreciate the hilariousness and talent of our local comedians as well as some international ones.
Where: The Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch
Cost: Prices will vary from show to show. Tickets are not yet available but will be being sold on Webtickets soon.
Website: www.funnyfestival.co.za
Rocking the Daisies, October
The dates and line-up for the festival this year have not yet been announced, but this annual music festival is well worth adding to your 2019 calendar. Rocking the Daisies has seen local and international musicians, from the new up-and-comers to famous names like 6lack (USA), Desmond and the Tutus (SA), alt-J (UK), and MGMT (US), to name a few, over the 13 years it has been running.
There are three large stages each dedicated to different genres, from rock to electro, with one stage on the ‘beach’ by the venue’s dam which festival goers can swim in as they enjoy the atmosphere.
Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
Cost: Tickets have not yet been made available for 2019, but prices in 2018 ranged from R595-R895 and may or may not be higher this year.
Website: www.rockingthedaisies.com
Picture: Facebook / Rocking the Daisies