Experience Cape Town like never before: family-friendly carnival hits the streets this March
The Cape Town Carnival transforms the streets with bold performances, dazzling costumes and over 1,200 performers celebrating self-expression and community spirit.
Image: Instagram/phando_jikelo
Cape Town Carnival
Cape Town is gearing up for one of its most vibrant celebrations as the Cape Town Carnival returns.
This year’s theme, "Follow Your heART," puts self-expression, passion, and creative courage front and centre, promising a parade that’s as bold as it is beautiful.
Expect over 1200 performers from more than 50 community groups to flood the streets with eye-popping costumes, moving artworks, live music, and powerhouse performances.
From dancers and musicians to costume-makers and visual artists, the Carnival transforms the city into a living, breathing masterpiece and everyone is invited to be part of the spectacle.
Adding extra sparkle this year is a line-up of special guests, including Zolani Mahola, Natasha van der Merwe, Anslin Gysman, DJ Ready D, Dylan Majavie, Rizah Potgieter, Nyaniso Tutu-Burris, Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli and Siv Ngesi.
The Cape Town Carnival 2026 is a family-friendly, joyful celebration of culture, creativity and community, highlighting the city’s talent and spirit.
Where: Green Point Fan Walk.
When: Saturday, March 21, at 3pm.
Hike with Purpose
Distance 4 Difference (D4D) is excited to introduce its "HIKE with Purpose", a unique outdoor experience that combines adventure with giving back.
Participants can join one or both hikes, each limited to 30 people and led by experienced volunteer guides, ensuring a safe and inspiring journey through South Africa’s stunning landscapes.
More than just a hike, this event is about embracing nature, staying active, learning from experts and connecting with like-minded people, all while supporting vulnerable children.
D4D has spent over 21 years raising more than R14 million for children’s charities across Somerset West, the Helderberg region, and the greater Western Cape.
This event continues that legacy, allowing participants to make a real impact through their outdoor adventure.
Hikers will explore breathtaking trails of varying distance and elevation, with guidance on equipment, safety, and fitness. Participants are encouraged to bring essentials like food, water, warm clothing, hats and sunscreen.
As a bonus, D4D’s famous HIKE with Purpose brownies will be on hand to keep energy levels high.
Where: Table Mountain,
When: Saturday, March 21, at 6am and Sunday, March 22, at 12pm.
Jak de Priester: Van Sally tot Somerset-Wes
Jak de Priester marks 25 years in music with a milestone concert celebrating his journey from his 2001 hit "Sally Williams Nougat" to his ATKV Crescendo-winning debut album.
Fans can enjoy a mix of classic and new songs, enriched by de Priester stories, with Ruben Davis on guitar and Rickardo vd Horst on drums.
Where: Drostdy Theatre, Stellenbosch.
When: Friday, March 20, at 7pm.