Something is happening in Cape Town. And no, we're not talking about another queue for the Table Mountain cableway. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and the city's social calendar is beginning to look rather ridiculous. One weekend, giant colourful kites will be flying over the city. The next, artists and designers will be opening their studios. Then come international sport, coffee festivals, concerts beneath the mountains, and enough food events to make your jeans question your life choices. Welcome to Cape Town in spring 2026. While much of Europe is preparing for winter, the Mother City is getting ready to show off. And here's the best part: you don't need to wait until December to experience the fun. We've picked nine events and experiences worth building a Cape Town holiday around between now and the end of November. 1. Look Up! The Cape Town International Kite Festival Is Back 24–25 October Youngsfield, Ottery Some festivals are about music. Others are about food. This one is about looking up at the sky and wondering how on earth someone got a giant flying octopus off the ground. The 32nd Cape Town International Kite Festival takes place this coming weekend, 24–25 October, at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery. Expect colourful kites, family entertainment, kite-making activities, food stalls and plenty of opportunities to photograph something wonderfully unusual. The festival also raises awareness of mental health, giving it a purpose beyond the spectacle. Why we'd go: It's fun, it's different, and you don't need to be a kite enthusiast to appreciate a sky full of enormous flying creatures. Our tip: Take a camera, protect yourself from the sun and check the latest event information before travelling. 2. Cape Town's Designers Are Opening Their Doors 21–25 October Various city venues Cape
Something is happening in Cape Town. And no, we’re not talking about another queue for the Table Mountain cableway. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and the city’s social calendar is beginning to look rather ridiculous. One weekend, giant colourful kites will be flying over the city. The next, artists and designers will be opening their studios. Then come international sport, coffee festivals, concerts beneath the mountains, and enough food events to make your jeans question your life choices. Welcome to Cape Town in spring 2026. While much of Europe is preparing for winter, the Mother City is getting ready to show off. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to wait until December to experience the fun. We’ve picked nine events and experiences worth building a Cape Town holiday around between now and the end of November. 1. Look Up! The Cape Town International Kite Festival Is Back 24–25
