12 summer festivals in and around Cape Town

Posted by Welcome Lishivha on 7 September 2017

Summer is upon us and the weather is getting warmer, which means more time for wine and fun in the sun. Need more excuses to soak up the sunshine? Here are 12 festivals that’ll make it easier to head out and indulge in some Vitamin D.

1. Rocking the Daisies

Price: From R850 for a weekend pass for phase1 (Phase 2 is R950 and phase 3 R1050).
Dates: 5 – 8 October 2017.
Venue: Cloof Wine Estate.
Contact: 0105912947, [email protected].

Listen to some of the best music South Africa has to offer, along with outstanding international acts.

Rocking the Daisies is South Africa’s biggest and hottest outdoor gathering, and takes place over four days. As always the festival will be hosted in Darling at Cloof Wine Estate. The festival promises a variety of entertainment, from the jam-packed line-up of music to comedy, art, film with hundreds of top local acts and some of the world’s most inspiring artists performing on multiple stages. From music to camping, and fun across a variety of genres, this years’ Rocking The Daisies promises goers a memorable weekend. If you can’t get your hands in tickets be sure to visit Cloof this summer anyway and check out the wines in the Cloof Tasting Room – just R35 for four wines.

2. Franschhoek Uncorked

Price: R150 per person for a weekend pass. Pre-book tickets online.
Dates: 16 – 17 September 2017.
Venue: Franschhoek Wine Valley.
Contact: 0218762861, franschhoekuncorked.co.za.

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, Dieu Donne.

The Franschhoek Uncorked festival is an annual event celebrating the tradition of wine-making and the wine farms in Franschhoek that have secured the spot as one of South Africa’s high tourist destination. The festival includes a variety of wine tastings and food pairings from the surrounding wine farms and also offers entertainment like great live music and giant Jenga.

3. Cape Town Fringe Festival

Price: To browse and book shows, visit their website.
Dates: 21 September – 8 October 2017.
Venue: Cape Town City Hall will be the hub but the festival will be hosted throughout the city central.
Contact: capetownfringe.co.za.

View of Cape Town from a helicopter.

The Cape Town Fringe Festival is the brainchild from the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. It brings favourites and highlights from the National Arts Festival and goers can expect a variety of art performances and unusual pieces. From music, dance, comedy, award-winning plays, food, magic and a children festival. The Fringe is also a great platform for upcoming artists to test out material ahead of the National Arts Festival next year, and unlike the National Arts Festival that’s based in Grahamstown, the Fringe offers a more urban space with lots more to do for those who are flying down to the Cape specifically for this event.

4. Chocolate and Coffee Expo

Price: R100 for entrance, buy tickets online here.
Dates: 6 – 8 October 2017.
Venue: Durbanville Race Course.
Contact: 0825633332, [email protected].

Coffee & Chocolate Expo. Photo by: Christiaan Kotze

The Chocolate and Coffee expo offers tips, techniques and the latest trends on coffee and chocolate. The event is perfect for those who cannot live without these treats. Sample and taste anything related to chocolate and coffee and learn a thing or two about how they’re made.

5. Thousand Sensations Craft beer and food festival

Price: R90 for a day visit and R120 for Friday and Saturday. Children between 13 and 18 pay R30 and children under 13 get in for free.
Dates: 15 and 16 September 2017.
Venue: The Wilderness Hotel.
Contact: 0824575675, thousandsensations.co.za.

A Thousand Sensations Craft Beer and Food Festival on the Garden route is the largest of its kind in this region. As always there’s craft beer and delicious food on the menu. The Wilderness Hotel along with 10 gourmet food stalls are tasked with keeping stomachs full and guests satisfied throughout the weekend. There will be live performances from local bands and artists will ensure entertainment in an already scenic set-up.

6. Hermanus Flower Festival

Price: R25 per person for each day.
Dates: 22 – 25 September 2017.
Venue: Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Contact: [email protected].

Hermanus’ striking shoreline. Photo by Tyson Jopson.

Find great exhibits and information on the variety of fynbos that grows in Hermanus at the annual Hermanus Flower Festival. Hosted at the Femkloof Nature Reserve, the festival will be celebrating 60 years since the establishment of the reserve. The event includes activities and installations such as a floral display in the hall and exhibit of up to 400 named specimens in flower, landscaped indigenous gardens in the amphitheatre plus an opportunity to buy plants from a selection of 300 species. The Fynbos Cafe will also be serving teas and lunches with wine and much more.

7. Darling Wild Flower Festival

Price: R60 per person
Dates: 14 – 17 September 2017.
Venue: Darling Club.
Contact: 0849161111, [email protected].

We came across these flowers on a day trip to Darling from Cape Town. There’ll be plenty more with varied colours and texture at the Darling Wild Flower Festival. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.

The Darling Wild Flower Festival is celebrating its 100th year this year and they’ve put together a jam-packed programme to celebrate one of the most longstanding flowers festivals in the country. The exhibition of flowers at the festival is selected by the Darling Wildflower Society. Funds and proceeds made from the festival go towards the preservation of flowers and the biosphere of this little village.

8. Oyster & Champagne Festival

Price: R160 per person. Book online here.
Dates: 14 – 15 October 2017.
Venue: Hillcrest Quarry, Hillcrest Wine Estate.
Contact: Follow their Facebook page, Oyster & Champagne Festival.

Oysters with Tabasco.

Oysters and Champagne? We needn’t say more. There’s honestly no better way to take advantage of the warm weather than to indulge in a wide selection of bubbly, Cap Classique and sparkling wines accompanied with a range of oysters. Upon arrival at the Oyster & Champagne Festival, you’ll receive a branded flute glass and 5 tasting tickets with more tasting tickets available for purchase as you need them.

9. Hermanus Whale Festival

Price: Free.
Dates: 29 September – 1 October 2017.
Venue: 100 Main Road, Hermanus.
Contact: 0283130928, hermanuswhalefestival.co.za.

A flying whale. Photo by Steven Benjamin.

Hermanus is considered the whale-watching capital of the world. Get a stunning view of the migration of the whales and other marine wildlife in this quaint little coastal town. Not far from Cape Town, the Hermanus Whale Festival is a great reason to visit the charming town, watch whales and enjoy live music performances.

10. Robertson Wine on the River

Price: Weekend pass: R250 for early bird & R280 for the second phase. (Friday R140, Saturday R200, Sunday R120)
Dates: 20 – 22 October 2017.
Venue: Robertson Wine Valley, 2 Reitz Street, Robertson Goudmyn Farm.
Contact: 0236263167, wineonriver.com.

Robertson Wine Valley Festival.

Enjoy wine and the stunning views of the Breede River at the Robertson Wine on the River Festival. The banks of this stunning river on Goudmyn Farm will come alive with the Valley’s esteemed winemakers, local chefs and producers, with almost 30 wineries to taste from. There’ll be entertainment for children, boat cruises, horse and tractor rides.

Also read: Visit Robertson: bourgeoisie for beginners.

11. Cape Town International Boat Show

Price: R100 adults.
Dates: 20 – 22 October 2017.
Venue: V&A Waterfront.
Contact: 0215315703, boatshow.co.za.

The V&A Waterfront.

Referred to as ‘the granddaddy of boat shows on the African continent’, the Cape Town International Boat Show attracts thousands of boat enthusiasts from across the continent. The show includes exhibitions of a verity of boats, boat-related products for purchase, demonstrations and competitions with prizes to be won.

12. Season of Sauvignon Festival

Price: Free and up to R300.
Dates: 28 October – 29 October 2017.
Venue: Durbanville Wine Valley.
Contact: 0833101228 or [email protected].

Durbanville Hills Wine Estate. Photo by Jose Romeu.

Usher in the white wine season with a vibrant and fun weekend and find the best blancs on the block. A 20-minute drive from Cape Town, the Season of Sauvignon Festival includes 12 prestigious wine farms, offering a wide variety of festivities over the weekend. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to try out new wines from this wine route, such as the Durbanville Twelve Sauvignon Blanc.