There are a ton of exciting music festivals in Cape Town every year. Here’s our guide on how to experience the vibrant stage productions, the stellar lineups of music acts and the psychedelic art installations in some of Cape Town’s idyllic outdoor venues. Each festival has a unique culture and vibe, with fabulous local DJs and live performances from renowned artists to gather that soulful vibe with friends.
Rocking the Daisies
Annually in October / November
Traditionally the first festival of the season, Rocking the Daisies is a four-day music and camping festival and is South Africa’s biggest music and lifestyle festival.
This event is loudly and proudly eco-friendly and features quality entertainment, lifestyle exhibitions and food stations. Attendees have the opportunity to witness the best local and international talent, an incredible main stage and appearances from all the dynamic activations.
The 2024 headliners include Swedish R&B/Soul and Pop singer-songwriter, Snoh Aalegra, Nigerian Afro-pop and R&B singer, Ayra Starr, American rapper, Mick Jenkins and American rap and R&B star, Smino.
Cost: From R1 120pp (festival pass) | From R499pp (general camping pass) | From R3 499 (Daisyland glamping) | Book via Rocking the Daisies
When: Thursday, 3 October to Sunday, 6 October 2024 | From Friday, 8pm to Sunday, 4pm
Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Mamre Rd R315, Darling
Habitat: Arcadian Forest
Annually in November/December
Habitat Arcadian Forest is an electronic outdoor music festival featuring genres of afro, indie, techno, and progressive psytrance on a unique voyage tailored for a surreal outdoor experience.
Arcadia is a utopian vision of life. The journey continues this festive season as guests venture deep in the woods of the Matroosberg Nature Reserve in Ceres for the 2nd edition of the Habitat. General camping is included with every ticket, but the festival also features glamping options that attendees can purchase.
The 2024 international lineup features Township Rebellion (Germany), Tijah (Brazil), and Senior Citizen (Germany). These artists are supported by a selection of local artists TBA.
Cost: From R900pp (festival pass) | From R4 000 (Bell Tent glamping) | Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December 2024 | From Friday, 1pm to Sunday, 5pm
Where: Matroosberg Nature Reserve, Bo Swaarmoed Road, Karoo, Matroosberg, 6849, Breede River DC
Love & Light Festival
Annually in December
The Love & Light Festival is an unforgettable night of cutting-edge electronic music, immersing its audience in the captivating sounds of progressive psytrance and techno. It is not just a gathering; it is a profound musical journey that ignites the senses and awakens the spirit.
Renowned artists from across the globe take to the stage, delivering mind-bending sets that push the boundaries of sonic exploration. The 2024 instalment is headlined by Morten Granau (Denmark) and Blazy (Brazil), with support from Gaya Brisa (Spain), Dan Portal, Sonic Bloom, Fogshow and Rain.
VIP tickets are available and include private toilets, lounge pockets, lazy hammocks, a private bar and a raised viewing space.
Cost: From R300pp | From R550 (VIP) | Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 21 December to Sunday, 22 December 2024 | From Saturday, 2pm to Sunday, 2am
Where: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Alien Safari: Little Forest Festival
Annually in December
The Little Forest describes itself as “a Psychonaut’s Guide To The Galaxy”. Secure your spot on the Starship Supernova, where your passage to a night of interstellar celestial revelry awaits. Prepare your towels, embrace your intergalactic spirit and ready yourselves for the reality-warped roller-coaster ride at the cosmic carnival.
Defying the boundaries of space and time and mixing the laws of physics and laughter. Attendees can expect psytrance and techno music playing all weekend as they welcome the New Year in interstellar style.
Cost: R1 000pp to R1 400pp | R2 800 to R3 950 (glamping) | Book via Quicket
When: Monday, 30 December 2024 to Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Where: Circle of Dreams, Caledon, VXCV+22 Riviersonderend
H2O Party: Kiss Me at Midnight
Annual New Year’s Eve Bash
The H2O Party is paradise for all partygoers with a cosmopolitan mix of clubbers, local residents, mature partygoers, fresh faces, a wide range of global visitors and just plain musical maniacs!
Past line-ups have included DJ Fresh, Roger Goode, Black Coffee, Protoculture, Euphonik, Lady Lea, Dean Fuel, Ryan Dent, Ricardo da Costa, Roger D’lux, Mark Stent, Vimo, as well as live performances by TIMO ODV, Goodluck, Goldfish, Flash Republic and Iridium Project amongst countless others. A guaranteed cracker for a festive New Year’s Eve bash!
Cost: TBC
When: Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Where: Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Wolfkop Weekender
Annually in January
Wolfkop Weekender is an intimate gathering and music event, a best-kept secret hidden deep within the Citrusdal valley past the orange groves and down by the river.The festival takes place over a weekend bearing the brilliant brunt of the mid-summer heat; making for water-based days that see a floatila super-highway take to the river.
Wolfkop combines an effortless landscape with beautiful camping grounds, a curated music selection and wholesome food traders, for a discerning, music-loving audience. Festivalgoers indulge the senses in a crystal-clear back-to-nature experience and take in cool evenings doused with the adventurous energy of campout.
Cost: R850 – R49 950 | Book via Wolfkop Weekender
When: Thursday, 16 January to Monday, 20 January 2025
Where: Wolfkop Camping Villages, 59 Voortrekker St, Citrusdal
Origin
Annually in January
Origin features a full weekend of conscious partying as the techno-shamanic tribes from the cities, towns, fields and forests gather in a valley of breath-taking natural beauty to celebrate life and togetherness.
As one Africa’s brightest shining lights for psychedelic music, art, and culture, Origin strives to promote Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect for all, by strengthening the global community via conscious party ethics and respect for nature.
As always, the line-up promises to host some of the best musical talent South Africa has to offer, plus major international headliners too. Attendees can expect Warm Melodic Techno and Organic Deep House that weaves into an ecstatic eruption of good vibes on the Beats Floor and chill sounds and psychedelic beats on the Origin Floor.
Cost: TBC
When: Friday, 31 January to Sunday, 2 February 2025 | Friday, 12pm to Sunday, 4pm
Where: Elandskloof Farm Cottages, Helderstroom
Up the Creek
Annually in February
Up the Creek is the ultimate outdoor music celebration for loyal creekers, new creekers and everyone in between. The second longest-running outdoor music festival in SA, Up the Creek is held on the banks of the magical Breede River, +/-23km outside Swellendam in the Western Cape. Grab your festie-besties and enjoy four days of great music from 50 plus live bands, good food, chilled vibes, short queues and a whole lot of gees.
Attendees can choose to pitch a tent, or book in at one the Heartbreak Motel’s options. There are four general campsite options available, but you need to decide whether you want to camp with your car or not. Suitable for both campers and glampers.
Up The Creek 2025 artists include – Australia’s Hollow Coves, and local legends Francois Van Coke, Matthew Mole, The Black Cat Bones, Albert Frost, Droomsindroom, Die Piesangskille, Unyazi, and many more.
Cost: R1 495pp to R1 580 (Festival pass) | R275 to R10 000 (camping/glamping) | Book tickets via Howler
When: Thursday, 6 February to Sunday, 9 February 2025 | Thursday, 11am to Sunday, 4pm & Friday, 8am to Sunday, 4pm
Where: Barrydale, Swellendam, via N1 and R62
Habitat: Fields of Love
Annually in February
An unwavering curiosity for divine body music, hosted over a weekend, the Habitat: Fields of Love Festival beckons nature lovers and the free-spirited partygoer, promising a unique and immersive experience that transcends conventional boundaries.
As the Habitat Music Festival unfolds, attendees are not just spectators but active participants in a grand symphony of art, nature, and community. In this spirited celebration, the convergence of diverse souls promises an unforgettable experience, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who partake in this musical odyssey.
Cost: TBC
When: Friday, 14 February to Sunday, 16 February 2025
Where: Mamre Rd off R315, Darling
Bazique
Annually in February/March
Bazique is a unique collaboration of 10 like-minded Cape Town party promoters, and hundreds of creatives, musicians, installation artists, performing artists and workshop leaders.
Taking place over three days and three nights Bazique 2025 will feature 6 music stages, 7 international djs, 110 local DJs and a myriad of performance artists, with spectacular site-art installations, large scale stage architecture, pop-up parties, workshops and talks. Audiences can expect an incredible forested location with warm water swimming among the idyllic surrounds. Artist lineup TBA.
Cost: TBC
When: Friday, 7 March to Sunday, 9 March 2025 | Friday, 11am to Sunday, 12pm
Where: TBC
Ultra Cape Town
Annually in March
The Ultra Music Festival is an annual electronic dance music (EDM) festival that takes place in various locations around the world.
Attendees have the opportunity to experience one of the largest and most well-known EDM festivals globally, known for its massive lineups featuring some of the biggest names in the electronic music industry. Ultra showcases a diverse range of sub-genres within EDM, including house, techno, trance, dubstep and more. This festival is celebrated for its energetic atmosphere, elaborate stage setups and the unique experiences it provides for electronic music enthusiasts.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town
AfrikaBurn
Annually in April / May
AfrikaBurn is a festival that features a community of participants who come together to create art, costume, performance, theme camps, music, mutant vehicles and so much more. AfrikaBurn’s aim is to be radically inclusive and accessible to anyone.
The theme in 2025 is Out of the Blue, emphasising a return to the sea, the horizon and the sky, anything under the sun and anything under the sea. The theme is also about welcoming the completely unexpected, the total unawares, and the beautiful surprises.
Previous artist line-ups for the dancefloors at Afrikaburn have included Johannes Lennon, Elvis Pretorius, Tina Tankwa and Lindiwe Gaga.
Cost: TBC
When: Monday, 28 April to Sunday, 4 May 2025
Where: Tankwa Town, Quaggafontein, between Calvinia and Ceres, Tankwa Karoo
