Cape Town’s iconic summer tradition returns as the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts launch their 34th season. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the world-renowned botanical garden will host 19 outdoor live performances running from Sunday, 22 November 2026 to Sunday, 28 March 2027.
Whether you are spreading out a picnic blanket for a relaxing Sunday dusk or ringing in the new year under the stars, this season delivers an eclectic mix of Afro-soul, pop, rock, electronic beats, and grand classical collaborations.
November & December: Opening Grooves and Festive Legends
The 2026/2027 season opens on 22 November with the infectious house and jazz sounds of Mi Casa. The momentum continues on 29 November with a double-bill featuring Booshle G alongside South African pop-fusion icons Freshlyground.
Afro-soul powerhouse Mandisi Dyantyis takes the stage on 6 December, followed by an international classic rock tribute, The Billy Joel Experience, on 13 December. Following a mid-month pause, the festive spirit picks up on 27 December with soulful songstress Lira. The year concludes with Cape Town’s biggest open-air celebration: a high-energy New Year’s Eve show headlined by singer-songwriter Matthew Mole and the Congo Cowboys on 31 December.
January: Pop Favorites and Orchestral Grandeur
The new year opens on 3 January with rich indigenous rhythms from Simphiwe Dana and Selaelo Selota. January also brings performances by sokkie king Kurt Darren paired with Me & Mr Green, global pop sensation Lloyiso, and a joint bill with alternative rock veterans Just Jinjer and electronic act GoodLuck.
January wraps up on a dramatic high note on 31 January with Broadway at Kirstenbosch, featuring West End star Jessica Vosk performing alongside the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Families should also mark 7 February on their calendars for a special orchestral staging of Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, narrated by comedian Rob van Vuuren.
February & March: Festival Favorites and Global Finales
February packs a punch with breakout pop star Will Linley performing on Valentine’s Day (14 February), followed by perennial crowd-favorites Mango Groove on 21 February and rock giants The Parlotones on 28 February.
Classical enthusiasts can look forward to international pianist Emanuil Ivanov performing Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto in early March. As summer winds down, electronic duo Goldfish (14 March) and folk-pop favorite Jeremy Loops (21 March) return to the lawn. The season officially concludes on 28 March with international co-headliners Neon Dreams (Canada) and Chef’Special (Netherlands).
Event Essentials & Ticket Information
- Concert Times: For standard Sunday shows, gates open at 16:00, with music running from 17:15 to 19:00. The New Year’s Eve concert opens gates at 19:00, with performances running from 20:30 until midnight.
- Garden Access: Concert tickets include full-day entry to Kirstenbosch Garden starting from 08:00 on the day of the event.
- Venue Rules: Picnic baskets and soft blankets are encouraged. Food trucks from Moyo Restaurant will also be available on-site. Kirstenbosch is a non-smoking venue, and no alcohol is sold on the premises (concertgoers may bring their own beverages).
- Bookings: Tickets are sold exclusively online through Webtickets or directly at the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office.
