Top 5 summer music festivals in Cape Town
In Cape Town summertime time is festival time! And there’s no better way to celebrate the vibrant summer season than at a cool Cape Town music festival. Cape Town certainly has a steady flow of incredible festivals right throughout the year. But summer is when the Mother City’s music festival scene really kicks off. And you better prepare yourself for epic music line-ups, chilled summer vibes and cool music festival times! Here are the top 5 summer music festivals in Cape Town you absolutely must add to your festival bucket-list.
#1 Up The Creek
- Where: On the banks of the Breede River
- When: 6 – 9 February 2020
Up The Creek is widely known as the ultimate outdoor music festival in Cape Town. Not to mention the fact that it is also the second longest running outdoor music festival in South Africa. And in 2020 they’re taking their cool festival vibes to a whole new level as they celebrate their 30-year reunion. Up The Creek takes place annually on the banks of the magical Breede River. About 23km outside Swellendam in the Western Cape. And is an absolute must for any music festival lover. It’s 4 days jam-packed with great music, good food, chilled vibes, short queues, and a whole lot of gees.
What really sets this cool Cape Town music festival apart is the fact that you get to chill on an inflatable pool lounger on the waters of the infamous Breede River. All while soaking up the summer sun, sipping on some chilled beers and cocktails and listening the soulful rock ‘n roll sounds that fill the air. It’s pure music festival bliss! Up The Creek has several stages that can be enjoyed by music lovers. Including the River Stage, Main Stage and Late Night Stage. While it’s known as the place to be to enjoy the best rock music Cape Town has to offer, pop, indie folk, and a couple of DJs will also be on the line-up. Tickets are limited to less than 3000 to ensure a more intimate and memorable music experience. So, you better act fast to avoid disappointment!
#2 Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series
- Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- When: 24 November 2019 – 5 April 2020
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series has fast become a real summer staple in the Mother City. Undoubtedly making it one of Cape Town’s top summer music festival experiences. And definitely one of the most fun too! Because there’s nothing quite like celebrating the vibrant summer season than to the cool sounds of some of the best local and international music acts. And the fact that you get to do it in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, just makes it all the more special.
November every year marks the start of the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series. Which takes place every Sunday between November and April. And the best thing is, the whole family is invited to join in on the summer concert fun! So, pack your picnic basket and blanket and gather your friends and family. It’s time to enjoy an evening of listening to some of the best music South Africa has to offer. While sitting in the shade of the magnificent Table Mountain.
In addition to its summer line-up, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is also hosting their annual New Year’s Eve Summer Concert Celebration. Enjoy live music by local acts Freshly Ground, Nomadic Orchestra, and Native Young. As you reig in the New Year in true style. Have a look at our Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts Line Up in 2019/2020 for more details on concerts dates, performance line-ups, ticket prices and how to go about booking your ticket.
#3 Wolfkop Weekender: Lilo River Flow
- Where: Wolfkop Camping Villages Citrusdal
- When: 16 – 20 January 2020
Hidden deep within the Citrusdal Valley, the Wolfkop Weekender is by far one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. Known as an immersive boutique music festival, WolfKop Weekender has three events a year. The Lilo River Flow in January, Cooked Sister in June and Power Flower Picnic in September. Thereby providing festival lovers with something fun and exciting to enjoy right throughout the year. But January is all about the Wolfkop Weekender Lilo River Flow!
Celebrating the vibrant summer season, the Lilo River Flow is all about taking full advantage of the Mother City’s mid-Summer heat by enjoying water-based days on the river while floating on an inflatable pool lounger. Festivalgoers are encouraged to enjoy a true back-to-nature experience. As they immerse themselves in the outdoor music festival adventure that is Wolfkop Weekender. With an epic line-up of local and international acts this year, the Wolfkop Weekender Lilo River Flow should definitely be on your Cape Town summer music festival bucket-list.
#4 Origin Music & Art Festival
- Where: Elandskloof Farm, Helderstroom
- When: 31 December 2019 – 2 January 2020
Origin Music and Art Festival is the ultimate Cape Town music festival for all techno and psychedelic music lovers out there. Boasting 2 dance floors and an exciting variety of visionary arts, music and activities jam-packed over 3 days, Origin is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s top music festivals to attend. It is also known as one of Africa’s brightest shining lights for psychedelic music, art, and culture. Thereby attracting quite the local and international music loving crowd. And the fact that they always have an epic line-up of international artists and DJ’s that take the stage, makes it a sought-after festival that people look forward to every year. It’s a weekend of letting loose and enjoying great music with great people in a valley of breathtaking natural beauty to celebrate life and togetherness.
#5 Rocking the Daisies Music & Lifestyle Festival
- Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
- When: Next RTD will be 2 – 4 October 2020
Rocking the Daisies Music & Lifestyle Festival is the ultimate outdoor music festival in Cape Town. Every year it invites music lovers and adventurous souls to come together in an epic celebration of music, life and art. It’s the perfect opportunity to let loose, let your adventurous spirit run free and rampant and march to the beat of the Rocking the Daisies drum. There is no denying the fact that Rocking the Daisies have undoubtedly established themselves as one of the top weekend festivals. Especially for lifestyle exhibitions, gourmet food and live entertainment by bringing the best local and international acts to one epic stage.
Besides being one of the most sought-after festival experiences, Rocking the Daises has also established itself as South Africa’s premier eco-friendly music and lifestyle festival. Encouraging an environmentally conscious approach in the coolest possible way. Thereby enabling festivalgoers to make a difference while having the ultimate outdoor music festival experience. By far one of the best things about this top Cape Town music festival is the fact that it welcomes anyone and everyone with open arms, a cool beat and an invitation to be as bold and boisterous as your festival-loving heart desires. It’s therefore no surprise that it has become one of Cape Town favourite local music festivals.
