Summertime… and the living is easy. What could be better than an afternoon of wine and song? This list includes music festivals, picnic concerts, film and theatre (both open-air, of course) so that you can cover all bases in enjoying the summer season.
1. Up the Creek (31 Jan – 3 February)
This is one of the oldest festivals in Cape Town, and is known for its laid-back, unpretentious vibe. This year the line-up includes the usual suspects of Desmond and the Tutus, Jeremy Loops and Peachy Keen, as well as a host of lesser-known talent like Shotgun Tori and Nomadic Orchestra. It’s held just outside Swellendam.
Check the website here for line-up and tickets: http://www.upthecreek.co.za
2. Galileo Open Air Theatre (weekly until April)
Kirstenbosch has been home to great summer concerts for many years now. In addition to that Capetonian music staple, the beauty of the gardens is open to avid movie-watchers this year, with the introduction of the Open Air Theatre. This means that you can watch a film (ranging from documentary to all-time classic) under the stars once a week until April! You can get a blanket and a chair included in the price of your ticket for R85, but there are cheaper options available.
The schedule and prices can be found on their website, http://www.thegalileo.co.za/
3. Origin (1 – 3 February)
If you’re looking for a trance party, Origin is the one. It takes place in a beautiful valley between Villiersdorp and Greyton, near a lush oak forest. There are multiple stages, a dam for swimming, crazy-mad colours and international headliners.
Find out more here: http://www.originfestival.com/
4. Ballet at Maynardville (27 January – 17 February)
Maynardville is an open-air theatre of a different sort, where every year a Shakespeare play is produced. This year is different: in addition to the choice of two plays (A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Cardenio) they are also hosting a production of the ballet “Gisele”. Tickets from R110 – R130.
Find out more here: http://www.maynardville.co.za/productions/productions_giselle_12.php
5. The Flamjangled Tea Party (15 – 17 March)
Festivals are an integral part of a Cape Town summer, but Flamjangled (in Contermanskloof, near Durbanville) is in a league of its own. You’ll think that you’ve wandered into a Lewis Carroll sketch: bright colours, crazy dress-ups, and free hula-hoops. You can expect great music and plenty of tea. Read about previous Tea Parties here and here.
Check out the website: http://www.theteaparty.co.za/
6. Design Indaba FilmFest (17 February – 3 March)
As part of the run-up to the Design Indaba Conference, this film festival offers access to affordable, inspirational feature films and documentaries. If you’re a professional creative or just a design enthusiast, keep an eye out: they’ll announce the venues and schedule soon on http://www.designindaba.com/events/filmfest-2013
7. Backsberg Picnic Concerts (17 Feb – 3 March)
Backsberg is one of the most beautiful wine estates in Franschoek, and this year they’ll be hosting performers such as Francois Van Coke, the Blues Broers and Koos Kombuis. The gates open at 15:00, leaving you plenty of time to get settled with your cheese platter and wine before the music begins at 17:00. Tickets are R85 pre-sale, R100 at the door.
More information here: http://backsberg.co.za/events/picnicconcerts/
8. Big Blues Festival (1 – 2 March)
Most festivals cover a wide variety of genres, so as to attract a larger audience. The Big Blues festival, however, has no such qualms. Based in Kleinmond, this festival will have you swigging whiskey and growling at your friends from under a hat in no time. Albert Frost and the Blues Broers will be playing, along with Natasha Meister, Dan Patlansky and the Robin Auld trio. Just be aware that if you choose to stay overnight, there is a camping fee of R210. If that’s not your style, the Hangklip-Kleinmond Eco-scape has self-catering and B&B options.
9. De Waal Park Concerts (20 Jan – 17 March)
The De Waal Park concerts combine good music with a natural setting in the middle of the city. They provide a nice alternative to Kirstenbosch if you don’t want to have to defend your picnic-territory for three hours before the show. And, and did I mention that they’re free?
Schedule available here: http://www.dewaalpark.co.za/events-in-de-waal-park/
10. Stellenbosch Wine Festival (25 February – 5 March)
If you ever needed an excuse for wine-tasting, this is it. There’s a great variety of events: 30 restaurants will be offering food and wine pairings, as well as a Wine Expo and vaguely-named Lifestyle Experience. And no festival would be complete without a parade: have you ever seen a flotilla of tractors? Supported by farm workers and local bands, it promises to be quite a celebration.
You can find out more about the tickets and schedule here: http://www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za
