As 2023 draws to a close, Cape Town is preparing to conclude a successful year of events on a high note. The City, in collaboration with its Events Department, has extended financial support, municipal services, and venue waivers to a total of 62 events scheduled for the remainder of the year, building on its support for 81 events earlier in the year.
Recognizing the vital role these events play in the economy, job creation, and community cohesion, the City of Cape Town has been an active partner in these events. Several major events, including the Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade, Formula E, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Cape Town Carnival, and the Netball World Cup, have made their mark, attracting of participants and spectators.
Although September has already seen the conclusion of FAME Week Africa, Open Book Festival, Extreme Festival National Championship, WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), and DRIFTCity, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.
Looking ahead, October promises a bustling calendar of events. Zakes Bantwini’s Abantu Festival at the DHL Stadium marks the first time an African artist headlines a concert at the venue, supported by an array of musicians on 28 October.
Operalia, the World Opera Competition, will take place at the Artscape Artscape Opera House from 30 October – 5 November, featuring 34 of the world’s emerging opera singers in a competition designed to launch their careers. October also sees the return of the Kapstadt Cup, the Mother City’s premier grassroots football festival, providing a platform for over 1700 youth footballers under the age of 16.
The FIA World Rallycross series will electrify Cape Town on 7 – 8 October with daring overtakes and breathtaking jumps featuring all-electric rallycross cars. On 14 October, the finals of SAFA Cape Town’s Coke Cup will bring together the best teams from the metro at Athlone Stadium, while the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, taking place on 14 – 15 October, entering its second year as an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate!
Finally, less than 100 days remain until the revamped Cape Town SVNS festival, featuring the top 12 men’s and women’s sevens rugby teams competing for the ultimate World Sevens title, promises an electrifying end to the year’s event calendar. The DHL Stadium will host the tournament on 9 – 10 December 2023.
