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 three-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 line up in 2023 includes British rapper Stormzy, Nigerian artist Ayra Starr and The Vamps.
When: 17 – 19 Nov 2023 | 8pm Friday to 4pm Sunday
Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Mamre Rd R315, Darling
Cost: From R1095 | Book tickets via Rocking The Daisies Tickets
Habitat: Arcadian Forest
Annually in 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. Hosted by Freedom Fighters (Stereo Society) with an exclusive 3 hour set. Full line up TBA.
When: 1 – 3 Dec 2023 | From Fri 2pm- to Sun 2pm
Where: Bo Swaarmoed Road, Karoo, Matroosberg
Cost: R750 – R2450 | Book via tickets Quicket
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. The headline act in 2023 is international power player Vini Vici.
Renowned artists from across the globe take to the stage, delivering mind-bending sets that push the boundaries of sonic exploration. The Love & Light Festival is not just a mere gathering, it is a profound musical journey that will ignite your senses and awaken your spirit.
When: 23 Dec 2023 | 2pm to 2am
Where: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Cost: From R350pp | Book tickets via Howler
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.
When: 30 Dec 2023 – 1 Jan 2024
Where: Circle of Dreams, Caledon, VXCV+22 Riviersonderend
Cost: R500 – R1200 | Book tickets via Quicket
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!
When: 31 Dec 2023
Where: Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Cost: From R250pp| Book tickets via Howler
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.
Back in January 2014 this jewel of a venue and its taste for a well-seasoned celebration and rolling bassline was revealed to a group of unassuming revellers, who’d come to the valley under the guise of experiencing ‘a different kind of weekend away’.
This ‘Islands On The River’ festival in Wolfkop combines an effortless landscape escape with beautiful camping grounds, a curated music selection and wholesome food traders, for a discerning music-loving audience.
When:Wed, 17 Jan 2024 – Fri, 19 Jan 2024
Where: Wolfkop Camping Villages, 59 Voortrekker St, Citrusdal
Cost: R1195 – R6495 | Book tickets via Wolfkop Weekender Bookings
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.
The Psychedelic Temple continues to grow and spread its tendrils under a canopy designed specifically for Origin by Artescape Decor. As always the line-up promises to host some of the best musical talent South Africa has to offer, plus major international headliners too.
When: 26 – 28 Jan 2024 | Fri 1pm to Sun 12pm
Where: Elandskloof Farm Cottages, Helderstroom
Cost: R1295 – R1495 | Book tickets via Quicket
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 festival’s return in February 2024 is the first reunion at the river since 2020.
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.
When: 8 – 11 Feb 2024 | Thurs 11am to Sun 4pm & Fri 8am to Sun 4pm
Where: Barrydale, Swellendam, via N1 and R62
Cost: R1380 (Just the Weekend) | R1580 (Full Festival) | Book tickets via Howler
Habitat: Fields of Love
Annually in February
An unwavering curiosity for divine body music, hosted over 2 days, the Habitat Music 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.
When: 17 – 18 Feb 2024 | Sat 12pm to Sun 5pm
Where: Mamre Rd off R315, Darling
Cost: R500 – R1600 | Book tickets via Quicket
Bazique
Annually in February
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 3 days and 3 nights Bazique 2024 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.
When: 23 – 25 Feb 2024
Where: Kromrivier Farm, Riviersonderend, 7250
Cost: Various | Book tickets via Howler
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.
When: 1 March 2024
Where: Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town
Cost: R895 – R2500 | Book tickets via Ultra Cape Town
Afrikaburn
Annually in April / May
AfrikaBurn is a community of participants who come together to create art, costume, performance, theme camps, music, mutant vehicles and so much more.
South Africa’s regional event, inspired by the Ten Principles of Burning Man, to which they’ve have added an 11th – each One Teach One – encourages the sharing of knowledge and a barter culture.
Previous artist line-ups for the dancefloors at Afrikaburn have included Johannes Lennon, Elvis Pretorius, Tina Tankwa and Lindiwe Gaga.
When: Mon, 29 April to Sunday, 5 May 9am
Where: Tankwa Town, Quaggafontein, between Calvinia and Ceres, Tankwa Karoo
Cost: From R2799 | Book tickets via Quicket