Cape Town is preparing to welcome 2026 with a diverse range of exciting events that promise to cater to every taste and age group across the Mother City.
The festive celebrations will showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage alongside modern entertainment, offering both free and ticketed events at some of Cape Town’s most iconic venues.
Cape Malay Road March brings tradition to the streets
The New Year festivities will begin with the traditional Cape Malay Road March, featuring authentic Malay music, drums and marching as several choirs take to the streets of the Cape Town CBD on Tuesday evening, 31 December.
The procession will start from Rose Street in Bo-Kaap at 20:30, making its way down Wale Street before concluding in Adderley Street.
The celebration is expected to continue until approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 1 January 2026.
This free event allows the public to line up along Rose Street, Wale Street and Adderley Street to join in the festivities with the participating bands and choirs.
Several roads in the CBD will be closed from 17:00 on 31 December until 04:00 on 1 January 2026 to accommodate the procession and ensure public safety.
The closures will affect Wale Street between Pentz Street and Adderley Street, Adderley Street between Wale Street and Darling Street, and Queen Victoria Street between Wale Street and Bloem Street.
Additional closures include Longmarket Street, Burg Street, Long Street, Loop Street, Bree Street, Rose Street, Spin Street and Church Street at various intersections.
Due to these closures, the MyCiTi service in the inner city will experience disruptions. Commuters are advised to check the MyCiTi website for detailed service information.
Mango Groove headlines Kirstenbosch concert
Music enthusiasts can enjoy an evening under the stars as iconic South African band Mango Groove, joined by The Billy Joel Experience, takes the stage at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
The New Year’s Eve concert promises an upbeat sound and nostalgic energy in the spectacular setting beneath Table Mountain.
Gates open at 19:00, with the concert scheduled to begin at 20:30. Tickets are available through Webtickets.
Cricket action at Newlands
Sports fans can catch T20 cricket action at Newlands Cricket Ground, where reigning champions MI Cape Town will face the Pretoria Capitals in an SA20 clash.
MI Cape Town will be looking to maintain their fortress-like home record, having gone unbeaten at Newlands last season.
The match starts at 17:30, with gates opening three hours before play begins.
General parking is available at Groote Schuur Primary on Campground Road and Groote Schuur High School on Palmyra Road. Tickets can be purchased from the MI Cape Town website.
V&A Waterfront hosts family-friendly celebration
The V&A Waterfront will present one of Cape Town’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering a free, family-friendly event at the waterfront destination.
The evening will feature live performances by Emo & Loukmaan Adams, Zoë Modiga, GoodLuck, DJ Shezzy K and the Starlight Band.
Entertainment begins at 18:00, with various acts performing throughout the evening.
For more information on these and other events taking place in Cape Town, visit www.eventsincapetown.com.
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