Event information
HEAT is a winter arts festival set in Cape Town's City Centre, featuring curated art exhibitions complemented by jazz, opera, theatre and digital art programming.
With a focus on small art businesses, emerging artists and live performers, musicians and singers, the festival aims to support young cultural producers across a variety of mediums. This year's theme is 'Ctrl + Z', the universal keyboard shortcut for 'undoing'. For Heat Winter Festival, this concept represents art's ability to rethink, relearn, and rewire how we see the world, 'undoing' the legacies of oppression, patriarchy, and apartheid through cultural expression.
The 2026 edition kicks off with an evening of art and choral music, with 14 exhibitions from some of Cape Town's leading art galleries guiding attendees through the City Centre, backed by the Amici de Lumine Choir.
Musical highlights include performances from rising stars in South African music, such as Giuliette Price, Operation Khataza, and Internet Athi. Throughout the week, guests can engage with many curator-led walkabouts, experimental multimedia performances, art workshops, panel discussions, and stand-up comedy from some of the Mother City's most in-demand talent.
At the helm of curating this year's event are Voni Baloyi, Mary Corrigall and Nkgopoleng Moloi. Tickets to each event are sold separately.