To say Cape Town has its share of festivals would be a great understatement. South Africa’s unofficial festival capital hosts hundreds events every year. So get off your couch, pack your picnic-basket, bring some beer and enjoy! But where do you go? So little time, so much to choose from… No stress, we’ll help you out. A guide to the festivals we think you simply can’t miss.

The Hermanus Whale Festival, 23/9 – 26/9
Seeing a giant whale is one of most impressive things you’ll see in your life, they say. Hermanus (near Cape Town) is known as the world’s best places to spot these mammals, they say. Never been there? Well, what are you waiting for? Every year, when it’s peak whale watching season, the Southern Right Whales are waiting for you on the coast. Add a couple of musicians, loads of crafts-shops, Rugby matches (and other sports) and over thirty performances, and we’re talking about the thrill of your life!
For details check www.whalefestival.co.za.

Kaapse Klopse Karnival, 1/1 – 3/1
Guess what happens if more than ten thousand strange individuals in green and orange suits take over the streets of Cape Town? Think lots of music, lots of little shiny umbrella’s and – most importantly - lots of smiles. The Cape Town New Year’s Carnival - better known as the Kaapse Klopse Karnival - runs from the end of December until March and celebrates the one day slaves had off- the 2nd of January. Forget about Rio. Cape Town is the place to be for a great carnival!
Read more about the Cape Carnival…

The Cape Town Jazzathon
South Africans love their jazz, and man do they have a lot to be proud of. If you want to get caught by the virus as well, go see the Jazzathon at the V&A Waterfront. The biggest names in SA jazz have performed at this festival. Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo and Sipho Gumede to name but a few. Over 40 shows on three stages in four days makes the Jazzathon the largest free open-air festival in South Africa. Nuff said.
For details check: www.jazzathon.co.za.

Cape Town Festival, 14/3 – 22/3
Music, literature, photography, spoken word, dance, comedy and nightlife. Not a lot will be left out with the Cape Town Festival hits the city in March. Call it a week of extreme joy or a week of total madness, but one thing is for sure: you’ve got no reason to be bored. About seventy thousand Capetonians, as well as tourist, will get together in venues around Cape Town to celebrate. Celebrate what? Well… uhm… Just the beauty of the city I guess. You know, South Africans don’t need a reason to throw a party.
For details check: www.capetownfestival.co.za.

Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, 3/4 – 11/4
You don’t have to drive all the way to Grahamstown for a big national arts festival. Oudshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, is much closer. You do want to get a program for the festival as soon as possible, ‘cos there are more than two hundred shows to choose from! See Abdullah Ibrahim play the piano, watch Koos Kombuis do his thing or go for the surprise and watch an unknown artist. It’s all possible.
For details check: www.kknk.co.za.

North Sea Jazz Festival, 10/4 – 11/4
Yes, we know the North Sea doesn’t go anywhere near Africa, but that doesn’t stop Cape Town from hosting its very own North Sea Jazz Festival. Supported by the legendary Dutch festival, South African jazz fans are proudly celebrating the festivals fifth anniversary already. This edition of ‘Africa’s Grandest Gathering’ will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the first time, and features shows by the legendary South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, soul diva Angie Stone, Dutch talent Tasha’s World and many others. Two nights, four stages, over thirty (international and South African) artists. Tickets are on sale for R266 a day and R399 for the whole weekend.
For details: www.nsjfcapetown.com.

An interview with Dutch diva Tasha’s World is coming up.

Mother City Queer Project
Eight thousand gays on a mission to paint to city pink, that’s basically the MCQP, in a nutshell. The fact that Capetonians still talk about the party in 2002, when the colourful event took over Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope, says a lot. The MCQP has been running for the past ten years, and kicks off each year with a grand gala costume party. Don’t you dare to show up without a costume. They’ll strip you down and make you wear Christmas decorations! Not recommended for people who hate the colour pink, but a blast for all you party freaks out there as the MCQP will soon be one of the biggest summer events.
For details check: www.mcqp.co.za.