Red Bull Flugtag South Africa: Your A-Z Guide

Cape Town is getting ready for one of the most exciting events on the social calendar, as Red Bull Flugtag makes its highly anticipated return to the V&A Waterfront on 2 November 2025. This year’s event promises a day of fun and as team attempt to take to the skies in their hand-built flying machines.

As the teams prepare themselves for a day of excitement and thrill, here is what the thousands of spectators can expect from the day.

A is for Arrival Time

Get there early! With 220,000 spectators attending the 2012 event, this year’s Flugtag on November 2, 2025, promises similar crowds. Gates open at 10am, and guests will want to secure a prime viewing spot before flights begin at noon. The earlier you arrive, the better your view of the six-meter platform at Jetty 1.

B is for Boerewors (and Bunny Chow!)

South African food culture takes flight with teams like Air Wors, Wors Case Scenario, and Bunny Chowers. These team names celebrate local cuisine, and you can expect food vendors throughout the V&A Waterfront serving everything from traditional boerewors rolls to Cape Malay delicacies.

C is for Creativity

This isn’t just about distance; it’s about ingenuity and maximum imagination! Teams are judged on creativity, distance, and showmanship. Expect to see flying taxis (Quantum Mechanics), giant fish (Fishin’ Impossible), and tributes to everything from Da Vinci to Disney. The craft must be made entirely of environmentally friendly materials with no motors or rockets allowed.

D is for Distance

The world record stands at 78.6 meters, set in Long Beach, California in 2013. South Africa’s 2012 winner, Team Bulls Eye, achieved 17.09 meters. Will any team break records this year? The Wing Nuts, veterans from 2012, are certainly trying!

*Image credit: Jakub Fulin | Red Bull Contentpool*

E is for Entertainment

This is a full-day festival, running from 10am to approximately 5pm. Beyond the flying machines, expect live entertainment, big screens at Clock Tower, UCB Square, and the Amphitheatre, and a carnival atmosphere that celebrates South African creativity and humor.

F is for Family-Friendly

Bring the whole family! Red Bull Flugtag welcomes all ages with entertainment designed for everyone. While leashed pets are technically allowed in outdoor areas, organizers recommend leaving them at home due to the large crowds and loud noises that might stress them out.

G is for Gravity

Muscle, gravity, and imagination are the only power sources allowed. Watch as 50 teams discover that what goes up (or off a platform) must come down, usually with spectacular splashes into the Atlantic Ocean!

H is for History

South Africa first hosted Flugtag in Benoni in 2002 with 55,000 spectators. The 2012 Cape Town event was one of the largest in the world with 220,000 attendees. After a 13-year hiatus, the event returns to Cape Town in 2025.

I is for International Inspiration

Red Bull Flugtag began in Vienna, Austria, in 1992 and has since thrilled over nine million spectators across more than 50 countries. South Africa’s version adds local flavor with uniquely South African humor and cultural references.

J is for Jetty 1

This is your focal point! All launches happen from the six-meter platform at Jetty 1 in the V&A Waterfront. Position yourself with a clear view of the launch ramp to catch every hilarious moment and heroic attempt at flight.

*Image credit: Nick Muzik | Red Bull Contentpool*

K is for KwaZulu-Natal

While the Western Cape dominates with 32 of the 50 teams, provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are represented. The Red Flamingoes fly the flag for KZN, bringing regional pride to this national celebration.

L is for Live Screens

Can’t get close to Jetty 1? No problem! Large screens at Clock Tower, UCB Square, and the Amphitheatre will broadcast live action from the ramp, ensuring you don’t miss a single spectacular splash.

M is for Mitchell’s Plain

Meet The Extras, a family crew from Mitchell’s Plain, bringing personality and flair. Their mantra? “If it looks aerodynamic, it probably isn’t, but it’ll look cool going down!” Teams like this represent the full spectrum of South African life, from townships to corporate towers.

N is for No Motors

Read the rules carefully if you’re inspired to compete next time: no motors, no rockets, no “sneaky” elastic bands. Pure human power only! Each craft must also be unsinkable and have no loose parts.

O is for Outdoor Viewing

This is an outdoor event on the Atlantic seaboard, so dress appropriately. November in Cape Town can be warm and sunny or windy and cool, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket. Weather is unpredictable, so prepare for all conditions.

P is for Parking

There is parking available at the V&A Waterfront parking lot, however, please be advised to use Uber to get to the venue, as parking might be limited.

Q is for Quantum Mechanics

One of the 50 competing teams, Quantum Mechanics brings a taxi theme to their aircraft. With team names ranging from Hakuna Matuktuk to Rassies Dassies, expect South African humor and cultural references to shine throughout the competition.

R is for Restaurant Reservations

Want to watch in comfort? Harbour House, Quay 4, PIER, The Waterside, and Life Grand Café offer prime viewing with tables overlooking Jetty 1. Book well in advance, as these spots will fill up fast for the best seats in the house.

S is for Showmanship

Distance alone won’t win this competition. Teams must deliver spectacular performances with costumes, choreography, and crowd engagement. Some teams prioritize spectacle over distance, and that’s exactly the spirit of Flugtag!

T is for Team Size

Each competing team has four members: one brave pilot who rides the craft into the water, and three ground crew members who help launch the machine by running and pushing it down the ramp at full speed.

U is for Unsinkable

Safety first! Every aircraft must be unsinkable and constructed from environmentally friendly materials. With onsite security, medical teams, and lifeguards present, organizers ensure a safe experience for participants and spectators alike.

V is for V&A Waterfront

The destination! The iconic V&A Waterfront provides the perfect backdrop with Table Mountain views, Atlantic Ocean splashes, and excellent facilities. The precinct will have dedicated viewing zones throughout, and key roads are being reopened to ease traffic flow.

W is for Wing Nuts

Don’t miss this Gauteng team, they’re veterans from the 2012 event who’ve spent 13 years planning their redemption. These aviation-crazy pilots and enthusiasts are serious about beating the world record. Will they finally achieve flight glory?

X is for X-treme Attempts

Expect the unexpected! From flying fish to helicopter-hat tributes to Table Mountain (Koppie Kopters), teams push boundaries with wild designs. The crazier, the better after all, this is where ordinary people test the impossible.

Y is for Youth Energy

Team FlySafair represents the next generation all aviation engineers under 26 turning their jobs into flight careers. Look for their striking pink and blue aircraft sporting Springbok pride. Young, old, and everyone in between make this a multi-generational celebration.

Z is for Zero Cost

Red Bull Flugtag is completely FREE to attend! No tickets, no entrance fees—just show up and enjoy world-class entertainment. However, parking will be limited, so use public transport or e-hailing services.