If you live in Cape Town and haven’t spent a Sunday afternoon sprawled on the lawns of Kirstenbosch with a glass of wine and a live band, do you even live here? The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are more than just a music series; they are the heartbeat of a Cape Town summer.
The 2025/2026 season is currently in full swing, and it is arguably one of the best lineups we’ve seen in years. From the indie-pop anthems of Matthew Mole to the legendary soul of Thandiswa Mazwai, the stage at the foot of Table Mountain is the place to be.
The 2026 Season Highlights
We are currently in the sweet spot of the season. Here are the big ones coming up that you absolutely cannot miss:
- February 15: Jeremy Loops. Expect high energy, loop-pedal wizardry, and a crowd that knows every single lyric. This will sell out—buy your tickets yesterday.
- February 22: Vusi Mahlasela & Jabulile Majola. A beautiful cross-generational collaboration that will likely bring a few tears to your eyes.
- March 8: Matthew Mole. The ultimate feel-good Sunday. Perfect for families and anyone who likes a bit of banjo in their pop.
- March 29: The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. The traditional season closer. It’s grand, it’s cinematic, and when they play “Peter and the Wolf” or themes from Star Wars as the mountain turns purple behind them, it’s pure magic.
The “Kirstenbosch Sprint” & Logistics
The gates open at 16:00, and the music starts at 17:15. If you arrive at 17:00, you will be sitting behind a very large tree or next to the portable toilets.
- The Arrival: Be at the gate by 15:30. When the gates open, there is a polite but firm “sprint” to secure a spot on the main slope with a clear view of the stage.
- The Chairs: You can bring chairs, but they must be the low-profile “beach” variety. If you bring a standard camping chair, you will be asked to move to the very back or the sides so you don’t block the view of the people on blankets.
- No Bins: Kirstenbosch is a World Heritage site and a bin-free zone. Whatever you bring in (bottles, plastic, food scraps), you must take out. Bring a dedicated “rubbish bag” in your picnic basket.
Tickets and Pricing
- Where to Buy: Only use Webtickets. Do not buy from Viagogo or Facebook Marketplace; there are tons of scams for the “Sold Out” shows.
- Prices: Most shows are R360 for adults and R255 for youth (6-21). Kids under 5 are free.
- Weather: The concerts happen rain or shine. If it drizzles, the vibe actually gets quite fun—people just break out the ponchos and keep dancing.
The Picnic Strategy
Kirstenbosch is one of the few major venues in South Africa where you can still bring your own alcohol. This is a privilege, so don’t ruin it by getting messy.
- Pre-order: If you’re feeling lazy, you can pre-order a picnic hamper from the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo. They are usually excellent and save you the hassle of packing.
- Smoking: A big change in recent years—the entire concert area is now strictly non-smoking. This includes vapes. If you need a puff, you’ll have to head out to the designated areas near the parking lots.
Getting There
- Google Maps Link: Kirstenbosch Concert Stage
- Uber: The Uber drop-off/pick-up zone is at Gate 1. After the concert, getting an Uber can be a nightmare (30+ minute waits). Pro tip: walk down towards the main road (Rhodes Drive) and call your ride from there to avoid the traffic jam in the parking lot.
There is something transformative about sitting in a botanical garden that’s millions of years old, watching the moon rise over the peaks while local music fills the air. It’s the quintessential Cape Town experience. See you on the grass!