Your Guide to the Best Arts Festivals in Cape Town & Surrounds for 2026

Cape Town and its surrounds is a haven for both local and international art, and festivals are a great way to keep up with the city’s art scene. Our guide outlines all the major arts festivals taking place in 2026, and is constantly updated when more information is available.

Spier Light Art

Annually in March / April

Spier’s iconic Light Art display transforms the wine farm into a gallery, with visitors being free to wander among the lights under the stars. Spier hosts sixteen site-specific art installations activating the landscape, and visitors are free to wander, discover, and immerse themselves in the play of light and the stories that each artwork tells.

Visiting the display is free, and there are free guided tours on specific days, which must be booked in advance. Attendees can also enjoy a curated picnic box or a meal at one of Spier’s bespoke restaurants. Enjoy a glass of wine while you’re there, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the lights.

Cost: Free entry

When: 6 March – 6 April 2026 | from 6.30pm
Where: Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch, 7603

Klein Karoo National Arts Festival

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival is an Afrikaans arts festival in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape. It happens yearly around March and April over a week, and festival-goers are treated to a programme of all genres of the performing and visual arts presented by some of the country’s finest talents.

The festival is at the forefront of Afrikaans stage productions. New productions are usually first staged at the Klein Karoo Festival before showing anywhere else in the country.

The festival is also a chance to celebrate the scenic town of Oudtshoorn. It is invested in curating and managing unique content with relevant projects that add value to the communities of Oudtshoorn.

Cost: Event-dependent. Tickets available on the website.

When: 28 March – 4 April 2026
Where: Various venues across Oudtshoorn

LUMENOCITY

April 2026

LUMENOCITY – The Art of Light is Africa’s first major festival dedicated entirely to light-based art, immersive technology, and illuminated storytelling. The historic Company’s Garden is set to undergo a remarkable transformation, inviting locals and travellers alike into a glowing world of colour, creativity, and wonder.

This new concept is created entirely by South African artists, including acclaimed Cape Town illustrator and multi-disciplinary artist Yay Abe. The festival promises a fresh cultural experience that celebrates imagination, innovation, and the unique creative energy of the Mother City.

Cost: R200 | R150 (children). Tickets available on Quicket.

When: 9 – 12 April 2026 | 5pm – 11.30pm
Where: Company’s Garden, Entrance from Orange Street, Cape Town

Cape Town International Animation Festival

Annually in April / May

The bi-annual Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) celebrates all things to do with animation, bringing together animation professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the world.

In collaboration with Comic Con Cape Town, the festival offers attendees an unparalleled experience featuring practical workshops, networking opportunities, project launches, and industry-leading speakers and vendors.

Cost: TBC

When: TBC
Where: CTICC2, cnr Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town

Hermanus Fynarts

Annually in June

Visit the Fynarts Festival in Hermanus for an exuberant celebration of creativity in all its forms – visual, musical, literary, culinary, and performance. The programme is bursting with delights, from theatre and live music in every genre to art exhibitions, talks, workshops, and food and wine experiences.

Cost: TBC

When: 6 – 14 June 2026
Where: Various venues around Hermanus

Prince Albert Open Studios

Annually in June

Open Studios takes place in June every year, and gives attendees the chance to explore the workspaces of their favourite artists. The Karoo landscape does much to inform these artists works, and Prince Albert Open Studios offers art lovers and investors a rare glimpse into artists’ creative spaces.

The event also features workshops, talks and demos involving the local art scene.

Cost: TBC

When: 12- 16 June 2026
Where: Prince Albert

Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly

Annually in October

Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly features multiple artists in studio sites across four different routes. This is a chance to make connections, meet artists in person, explore the area and see some inspiring work, from paintings to ceramics to sculpture, papermaking to illustration, stitching and more.

Cost: Free

When: TBC
Where: Various venues across Fish Hoek & Clovelly

Woordfees

Annually in October

After the grey and wet scenes of winter, spend an uplifting few days in Stellenbosch celebrating arts and culture with the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. While the majority of the festival is focused on Afrikaans-speaking events, there are many events to choose from in English.

The festival hosts a variety of events across art, music, dance, theatre and food, and is a chance to explore the unbridled creativity that South Africa has to offer.

All tickets can be purchased on Quicket.

When: 3 – 11 October 2026
Where: Various venues across Stellenbosch

Solo Studios

Annually in October

Solo Studios offers a unique opportunity to experience art and culture nestled in the homes, studios and galleries of Riebeek Kasteel. Throughout this weekend’s gathering, visitors can attend a selection of guided walkabouts, performances, talks and food events.

Over the weekend, the event’s collection of guided walkabout tours invite guests to stroll through the quaint town to connect with a list of noteworthy solo artists. This is an opportunity for art lovers, buyers and scholars alike to forge relationships with the artists and art spaces that are celebrated in the area.

Cost: TBC

When: TBC
Where: Riebeek Kasteel

Cape Town Open Studios (Architecture)

Annually in October

The highly anticipated behind-the-scenes look at the creative studios shaping Cape Town’s skyline returns.

Step inside the inspiring and usually off-limits studios of designers whose work is well-renowned. Each studio creates its own event with a range of interactive activities, from virtual reality, to model building, in addition to creative workshops.

The event is free and maps are available to navigate routes at every participating location.

When: TBC
Where: Various venues across CBD and Woodstock

Maker’s Festival

Annually in November

Makers Festival is a groundbreaking celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Bringing together artists, makers, and craftsmen from across the country, it’s more than just a festival — it’s the start of something big.

What sets it apart? Hands-on skills workshops where you can learn directly from the makers you admire. Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting out, this is your chance to connect, create, and grow alongside a community of passionate makers. It’s not just about what you’ll see — it’s about what you’ll learn, what you’ll make, and who you’ll meet.

Highlights of the festival include the Maker’s Market, workshops for all ages, inspiring talks & demos, and family-friendly fun.

Cost: TBC

When: TBC
Where: The Ostrich, Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town