Cape Town hosts many exciting events, attracting people worldwide. Whether you’re into music, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, there’s always something happening to keep you entertained. Each year, the city comes alive with festivals that showcase the best of Cape Town, from amazing local talent to unique cultural traditions. If you’re planning a visit or just looking for something fun to do, this guide highlights the annual events that you absolutely don’t want to miss. So, grab your calendar, get ready to mark some dates, and let Cape Town’s annual events show you a good time!
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Franschhoek Bastille Festival 🎺
Franschhoek is South Africa’s Culinary Capital in the Cape Winelands and celebrates the area’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage with its annual Bastille Festival. Everyone in this small town takes part in this annual event, so guest houses, hotels and restaurants offer great deals and Bastille packages. This festival exhibits the best of Franschhoek, from its impeccable wines to its delectable foods.
The event’s focal point is the Bastille Food and Wine Marquee, with its vibrant stalls offering dishes such as oysters, sushi, local cheeses, and wine to pair! It doesn’t stop with great wine and delicious food; the entertainment is a booming. There is a French Film Festival, carnival games and competitions, live music and shopping stalls for trinkets and souvenirs.
Cost: TBC
When: 12 & 13 July 2025
Address: Franschhoek Wine Valley
Website: https://www.franschhoekbastille.co.za/
Contact: 066 224 6360
Encounters Film Festival 👁️
Encounters is a one of Cape Town’s premier annual film events. This International Documentary Festival celebrates its 27th year with a bang. The festival takes place at various Cape Town venues over 10 days, showcasing the best and newest documentaries to get your fill. It features award-winning and critically acclaimed works and the most discussed documentaries of the year. This allows space for newer filmmakers to gain media exposure and financial opportunities.
The festival presents an opportunity to support curious minds passionate about research concerning a range of topics, from politics to nature. Encounters Film Festival aims to transform, inform, support and engage with displaying possibly underrated topics whilst broadening the audience’s horizons. Encounters are still taking in project submissions, and they will release the list before the festival, so keep an eye out for their socials.
Cost: TBC
When: 19 to 29 June, 2025
Address: Labia Theatre, 68 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town || Ster-Kinekor, V&A Waterfront, Dock Rd, Cape Town
Website: https://encounters.co.za/
Contact: 074 739 1066
Jive Cape Town Funny Festival 🎤
The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is the city’s biggest and longest-running comedy celebration, bringing a full month of laughs to the stage every winter. Now in its 26th year, the festival returns to the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch offering a carefully curated mix of stand-up, satire, and variety acts from both local and international performers.
This year’s lineup includes well-loved South African MCs Dalin Oliver (2–15 June) and Alan Committie (17–29 June), alongside acts like The Big Boys, Swedish magician Charlie Caper, and musical duo Emo and Loukmaan Adams. Comedy veterans Terry Fortune, Kagiso Mokgadi, and Robby Collins also take the stage, . The winner of the Jive Funny Championship will perform throughout the festival, adding fresh talent to the mix. With something for everyone, it’s a highlight on Cape Town’s winter calendar.
Cost: R140 to R250 (No Under 16’s)
When: 2 to 29 June, 2025
Address: Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Website: https://funnyfestival.co.za/
Contact: 082 450 3151
Ultra South Africa 🎧
Ultra South Africa is one of the biggest EDM (electronic dance) music festivals on the continent, attracting music lovers from across the globe. Known for its spectacular lineups featuring some of the world’s top DJs and an awe-inspiring production experience, this festival is an annual Cape Town event you would not want to miss.
Beyond the music, Ultra is famous for its jaw-dropping stage designs, state-of-the-art lighting, and massive sound systems that create an electrifying atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or new to the EDM scene, Ultra offers something for everyone, from high-energy dance tracks to house, techno, and more. It’s a festival that combines the best of international music with South Africa’s vibrant party culture. Don’t fret that the 2025 date has passed because you can already save the date for 2026!
Cost: TBC
When: 25 & 26 April, 2026
Website: https://ultrasouthafrica.com/
Contact: 082 450 3151
48Hour ⏰
The 48 Hour Film Project occurs worldwide, and Cape Town’s annual event is a must to experience. On Friday, a genre or prompt is assigned to participants, guiding their short film production. They then have only 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit. The organizers screen the short films the following Sunday. 48 Hour showcases the intricacies and hard work put into film with an excellent payoff for independent filmmakers and even students!
All films get a local screening and are eligible for prizes. The winner of Best Film receives a screening at the Filmapalooza Film Festival as well as gains a chance to premier at the Cannes Film Festival. Whilst the nights are sleepless for the filmmakers, audiences can show their support and indulge in their love for cinema all in one night.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC – Usually in September
Website: https://www.48hourfilm.com/capetown
Knysna Oyster & Wine Festival 🍷
The Knysna Oyster & Wine Festival is one of South Africa’s most popular annual events for foodies and wine lovers alike. This festival features the most esteemed winemakers and industry experts with a wide range of delicious wines (and even more delectable pairings). You can chat with distillers and learn more about the in’s and out’s of South Africa’s booming wine industry.
The event showcases both local and international wines; you can explore the world’s best wines in every sip. Not only can you enjoy wine from over 50 different estates, but also enjoy craft liquors such as gin and beer from across the Cape Winelands and Garden Route.
Cost: TBC
When: 4 & 5 July 2025 (Can be subject to change)
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za/events/fine-wine-festival/
Contact: 044 382 5510
From coast to vineyards, stage to street, Cape Town’s annual events calendar has something for every kind of explorer. Whether you’re sipping on world-class wine in Franschhoek, laughing the night away at the Funny Festival, dancing under the stars at Ultra, or diving into local creativity on First Thursdays, these happenings showcase the best of Cape Town. So whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor planning your dream trip, Cape Town’s annual events are more than just dates on a calendar; they’re unforgettable experiences waiting to happen. Keep your eyes on the dates, your dancing shoes ready, and your appetite for culture wide open.
