The Kirstenbosch Summer Concert Series is back, with a lineup of festival stalwarts like Mi Casa and Jeremy Loops, and some fresh faces, like international stars Chef’Special and Neon Dreams. As always, the concerts give Capetonians the chance to experience live music in the open air, soak up the summer sun, and connect through the art of music.
The concerts are picnic-style, with guests encouraged to bring a blanket, snacks, drinks, and a picnic basket. Alcoholic drinks are permitted, although no alcohol is sold on the premises.
Here’s the lineup for 2026/27.
Mi Casa
South African house music trio Mi Casa are back, once again kicking off the Kirstenbosch Concert Series with their infectious blend of deep house, jazz, and soul.
Formed in 2011, the group features the incredibly talented Dr Duda (producer), J’Something (vocals), and Mo-T (trumpet). With chart-topping hits like La Vida, These Streets, and Turn You On, Mi Casa has become a household name in the global music scene. Their high-energy performances and unforgettable sound have earned them several SAMA awards, a dedicated fan base, and a reputation as one of South Africa’s most dynamic and innovative musical acts.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 22 November 2026 | Concert starts at 5.30pm | Gates open 4pm
Freshlyground & Booshle G
After a five-year hiatus, the iconic South African band is back with a new 2026 album, debuting their new vocalist, Mbali Makhoba. Evolving into a new era while staying rooted in traditional African rhythms and contemporary sounds, Take Me Home is Freshlyground’s first album since 2018, featuring Makhoba’s bluesy, soulful voice.
From the Eastern Cape to international stages, Booshle G has become a national phenomenon. His infectious blend of pop, indie, hip-hop and gospel delivers a high-energy show packed with positivity, inspiration and feel-good moments that will have audiences on their feet.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 29 November 2026 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Mandisi Dyantyis
The dynamic Afro-soul-jazz sensation Mandisi Dyantyis comes to Kirstenbosch for one night, fusing jazz, gospel and African indigenous rhythms across a body of work that has earned him recognition as one of South Africa’s leading contemporary composers. The celebrated musician has several local hits, including Molo Sisi, Mabaphile, and Amyoli.
He was the only South African artist selected for Herbie Hancock’s International Jazz Day Global Concert in both 2021 and 2024, and has performed internationally at festivals in Europe, the United States and Japan.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 6 December 2026 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
The Billy Joel Experience
Billy Joel fans who miss the good ol’ days when songs like Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and Vienna topped the charts can get tickets to The Billy Joel Experience, led by Dutch frontman Alexander Broussard. Returning to the Kirstenbosch Concert Series for another year, crowds can sing along to the legendary singer-songwriter’s beloved catalogue.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 13 December 2026 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Lira
Multi-platinum-selling and 11-time SAMA winner Lira brings her R&B and funk-inspired ballads to the lush gardens of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Audience members can expect the national radio hits that made her a star, dating back to 2003, including the vocal showcases Something Inside So Strong, Feel Good, and Hamba.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 27 December 2026 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Matthew Mole & Congo Cowboys (NYE)
South African singer-songwriter Matthew Mole is known for his unique blend of indie, folk, and pop music. He gained recognition with his debut album, The Home We Built, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and introspective lyrics. With hits like Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine and Brand New Day, his music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth, earning him a dedicated following both locally and internationally.
He is joined by Congo Cowboys, a local bluegrass band that blends Congolese kwassa kwassa with traditional Americana for an incredibly unique, international sound.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Thursday, 31 December 2026 | 8.30pm – 12am | Gates open 7pm
Simphiwe Dana & Selaelo Selota
Beloved Xhosa singer Simphiwe Dana is next on the lineup, 22 years after winning two SAMA awards for her debut album, Zandisile. She recently released her latest album, MOYA, featuring live versions of many of her smash hits, including Ndiredi and Mayine.
Supporting her on stage is Selaelo Selota, the iconic multi-instrumentalist best known for the energetic, playful, quintessentially South African single Thrrr…Phaaa!, as well as the fan-favourite albums Painted Faces, Enchanted Gardens, and The Azanian Springbok.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 3 January 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Kurt Darren & Me and Mr Green
The undisputed king of Afrikaans dance floors, Kurt Darren brings his unrivalled catalogue of braai bangers, from Kaalvoet Sokkie and Loslappie to Kaptein and many more. Darren recently remixed his 2002 hit, Meisie Meisie, with trending Afrikaans singer Zaan Sonnekus (Spoed).
He is joined by famous party cover band, Me and Mr Green, led by Daniel Green and Michael Stray.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 10 January 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Lloyiso
One of South Africa’s biggest voices, Lloyiso, returns to the Mother City to perform his signature blend of pop, soul, and ballads. The South African Music Award-winning singer recently released the album Never Thought I Could (Part 1), with tracks like Scary and High continuing to wow audiences with his powerful vocals, emotional songwriting, and effortless switching between upbeat bangers and slow, melodic tracks.
Competing on SA Idols all the way back in 2015, Lloyiso has steadily become a national music icon, with songs like Seasons, Dream About You, and Real Love earning him a huge following and critical acclaim.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 17 January 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Just Jinjer & Goodluck
Get Lucky Summer headliners Goodluck perform their live electronic pop hits, including Fading, Back In The Day, Taking It Easy, and I’ve Been Thinking About You – bringing the ideal energy for an outdoor concert in the summer.
Audiences are then transported to their childhoods with Just Jinjer, the rock band that formed a generation with chart-toppers like Sugarman, What He Means, and Shallow Waters.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 24 January 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Broadway at Kirstenbosch
Musical theatre fans will delight in this collaboration between the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Broadway star Jessica Vosk, best known for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked.
After two Hollywood films have reignited the public’s love for the reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, Vosk performs a curated programme of musical favourites and other popular songs. She is supported by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Africa’s oldest symphony orchestra, which still produces world-class performances season after season.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 31 January 2027 | 5.30pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Carnival of the Animals
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Kirstenbosch for a children’s concert rendition of Carnival of the Animals, a humorous musical composition by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
The orchestra is joined by famous actor, writer, comedian, and theatre-maker Rob van Vuuren, known for his work on several beloved national game shows, stage plays (A Doll’s House & The Promise), and feature films. He currently portrays King Seki in the live-action adaptation of One Piece.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 7 February 2027 | 5.30pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Will Linley
South Africa’s pop sensation Will Linley brings feel-good summer vibes to Kirstenbosch, playing his streaming successes like Last Call, Just Because I Called You, and miss me. He is also sure to bring excerpts from his latest EP, could this be forever?, giving passionate fans the opportunity to experience tracks such as I Loved, I Lost and Head First live for the very first time.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 14 February 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Mango Groove
Mango Groove, the veteran music group known for their trademark fusion of pop and kwela, bring along their irresistible hits that defined generations of South African music, including several beloved singles from their 1989 album such as Special Star, Penny Whistle, Dance Sum More, and Hellfire.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 21 February 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
The Parlotones
Push Me To The Floor and Colourful defined indie rock radio in South Africa, and The Parlotones quickly became one of the country’s biggest and best-selling bands. With nine SAMA wins and several world tours, fans are sure to sing along to Kahn Morbee’s signature singing style throughout this nostalgic summer concert to end off February.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 28 February 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
The CPO returns to Kirstenbosch for its third and final symphony concert, headlined by Bulgarian piano sensation Emanuil Ivanov and his rendition of Rachmaninoff’s technically dazzling Piano Concerto No. 3.
The concert is presented in collaboration with the Cape Town International Piano Competition and is conducted by Arjan Tien, the CPO’s principal guest conductor.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 7 March 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Goldfish
Dominic Peters and David Poole, together as perennial hit-makers Goldfish, create dance music containing elements of house, pop, jazz and African music, carving a distinctive sound that blends infectious rhythms with live instruments, particularly saxophones and bass guitar. Crowds can expect Moonwalk Away, Deep of the Night, and many other fan favourite chart-toppers.
Regulars of the Kirstenbosch Summer Concert Series, the pair have stated that Kirstenbosch will always be one of their favourite venues.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 14 March 2027 | 5.30pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Jeremy Loops
One of the most famous South African musicians of his generation, Jeremy Loops’ debut album saw him immediately rise to local stardom, with tracks like Down South (feat. Motheo Moleko) and Higher Stakes becoming national radio hits. He hasn’t slowed down since, with his recent albums racking up millions of streams, touring worldwide, and winning at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
Another Kirstenbosch mainstay, Loops’ performance acts as one of the closing acts for the concert series.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 21 March 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
Chef’Special & Neon Dreams
An indie pop group from the Netherlands, Chef’Special rose to prominence with relaxing pop songs like In Your Arms in 2014, then cemented their stardom with romantic ballads like Nicotine and Amigo. A great fit for the Kirstenbosch Summer Concert vibe, guests can expect a laid-back evening singing along to love-filled lyrics and easy guitar.
The closing act of the season is Canadian duo Neon Dreams, another international pop group best known for their summery hits that are a perfect curtain-closer in the scenic Kirstenbosch landscape.
Cost: R260 – R370 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 28 March 2027 | 5.15pm – 7pm | Gates open 4pm
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