SA Navy Festival 2026 set to attract large crowds in Simon’s Town
Visitors can look forward to ship tours, live demonstrations and family-friendly activities at the SA Navy Festival 2026 in Simon’s Town.
Image: File/Brenton Geach
The SA Navy Festival 2026 takes place in Simon’s Town from Thursday to Sunday, with large crowds expected and traffic disruptions planned.
The free event at the East Dockyard will run daily from 10am to 5pm and will include parades, live demonstrations and access to naval vessels.
SA Navy spokesperson, Lieutenant Sebongile Lucia Mokwena, said the programme includes a Dry Dock Concert today, followed by the main festival activities from Friday to Sunday, including the Right of Entry Parade on Saturday, and a Night Shoot display and a Remembrance Parade on Sunday.
Selected Navy ships and a submarine will be open to the public for tours between 10am and 4pm each day.
“The South African Navy is hosting the SA Navy Festival at the East Dockyard in Simon’s Town,” Mokwena said.
“Metrorail will provide additional train services to Simon’s Town during the festival,” she said.
Mokwena said park-and-ride facilities will be available from Fish Hoek to help ease congestion.
Road closures along Simon’s Town Main Road will be in place between Admiralty House and the Martello Sports Field from 8.30am to 11am tomorrow for a rehearsal, and again on Saturday for the Right of Entry Parade.
Inbound traffic will be diverted via Soldiers Road, Arsenal Road and Runciman Drive, with outbound traffic following the same route.
Mokwena advised residents and visitors to plan ahead and allow for delays, and encouraged attendees to arrive early, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection for what she described as an “action-packed day at the coast”.