Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts return with an electrifying line-up that brings together legendary icons, global stars and South Africa’s hottest rising talent.
From Afro-soul and indie-folk ,to desert blues and full orchestras, this is the ultimate soundtrack to summer in the city.
| KIRSTENBOSCH SUMMER SUNSET CONCERTS 2025-26 |
| Mi Casa – 23 November 2025
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 The season launches in style with South Africa’s chart-topping House trio. Expect smooth vocals, jazzy trumpet riffs and grooves that make you move. With Table Mountain glowing in the late afternoon sun, Kirstenbosch transforms into the city’s ultimate dance floor. Bring your friends, picnic, a blanket and lose yourself in the rhythm. Summer starts here; Mi Casa makes sure it’s with a bang! |
| Prime Circle/ Jesse Clegg – 30 November 2025
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Two powerhouse acts ignite the ultimate summer vibes, for one night only. Prime Circle bring their stadium-sized sound, while Jesse Clegg delivers soaring, heartfelt hits that beg to be sung along to. The Kirstenbosch stage will shake with energy as rock fills the air. This promises to be an afternoon of anthems and memories you won’t want to miss. |
| Karen Zoid & Francois van Coke – 7 December 2025
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Afrikaans rock royalty takes the stage when Karen Zoid and Francois van Coke bring their explosive energy to Kirstenbosch, marking 10 years of their smash hit Toe Vind Ek Jou. Expect a fiery mix of duets and solo favourites that showcase two of South Africa’s most powerful voices. With Table Mountain as the backdrop, the Garden will pulse with raw emotion and unfiltered rock ‘n roll. |
| RY X (Australia) – 12 December 2025 (not part of the summer sunset concerts)
Gates: 18:00 Concert: 19h00 to 22:00 BreakOut Events and Anything Goes are proud to announce the highly anticipated Cape Town debut of globally acclaimed singer-songwriter RY X. Expect an evening of quiet intensity and connection – a live performance that feels like a ritual: intentional, immersive, and deeply human. An intimate concert in a setting as serene as the sound. Tickets: RY X – Live in Cape Town |
| Bongeziwe Mabandla/ Matthew Field – 14 December 2025
Gates: 16:00 Concert: 17:15 to 19:00 Bongeziwe Mabandla and Matthew Field come together on one stage for an exceptional afternoon of live music. Mabandla, known as the “enigmatic spirit of folk,” captivates with his haunting Xhosa folk and evocative soundscapes, while Matthew Field, lead singer of Beatenberg, charms with his melodic pop and heartfelt lyrics. Though distinct in style, both artists share an honesty and vulnerability that makes for unforgettable performances. This rare double bill offers audiences the chance to experience two of South Africa’s most unique voices on one stage. Pack your picnic, bring a blanket and come enjoy artistry in an intimate showcase of soul and song. |
| Rotary Christmas Carols at Kirstenbosch – 18, 19, 20 and 21 December 2025 (not part of the summer sunset concerts)
Gates: 18:00 The enormously popular Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch is the flagship project of The Rotary of Kirstenbosch, kindly sponsored by Pick n Pay. The Carols pageant is narrated by the well-loved voice of Nick Plummer leading our pageant cast of talented soloists and volunteers; accompanied and supported for over 20 years by the Cape Town Concert Brass Band and more recently the Friends Swing Choir. It’s a fun way to bring your own picnic and come picnic on the lawns, or pre-order a picnic from Pick n Pay and get into the mood for Christmas, all while helping to raise funds for deserving charities in and around Cape Town. Ticket Pricing: General Access – Adults: R175 | Scholars: R125 | Under 6years enters free. Tickets Sales: www.webtickets.co.za Picnic Sales: see website, and is an optional extra to your ticket price. |
| The Kiffness – 28 December 2025
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Expect laughter, wit and irresistible beats when The Kiffness takes the Kirstenbosch stage. Known for viral collaborations and clever remixes that blend humour with serious musical chops, David Scott’s live shows are as entertaining as they are unforgettable. This is music designed to make you smile, dance and sing along. |
| Mango Groove/ The Billy Joel Experience – New Year’s Eve : 31 December 2025
Gates open 19:00 Concert: 20:30 to 00:15 Two legends, one stage. Mango Groove’s 40-year legacy of pop-kwela joy meets the timeless magic of The Billy Joel Experience with Alexander Broussard & band. Expect nostalgia, singalongs and an unforgettable celebration. Gates open at 18:00, and the concert begins at 19:00 into 2026! Bring your picnic, a blanket and some drinks to cheers to the festivities, as there will be no alcohol sold on site. As always, this is a non-smoking event. Children from 2 years old require a ticket for this New Year’s Eve concert. |
| Goldfish – 4 January 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Cape Town’s biggest summer party returns as global electronic icons Goldfish lights up Kirstenbosch. Bringing their unstoppable blend of sax riffs, double bass grooves and house beats. As the summer sun give the garden a golden glow, expect an ocean of sound and energy that transforms the stage into a blooming open-air dancefloor like no other. |
| Belinda Davids – 11 January 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Experience the magic of Whitney Houston’s music brought to life by international sensation Belinda Davids. Her breathtaking voice and emotional performance have wowed audiences worldwide, and now she brings that power to Kirstenbosch. Expect nostalgia, timeless hits and goosebumps! |
| Freshlyground/ Manana – 18 January 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Freshlyground, South Africa’s beloved Afro-fusion band, reunites with their joyful rhythms and timeless anthems. Sharing the stage with Manana, whose soulful, jazz-infused sound is captivating audiences everywhere, this is a cross-generational celebration. Bring your blanket, picnic and crew for an afternoon filled with harmony, dance and beautiful vibrations. |
| Bombino – 25 January 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Feel the desert heat as Bombino, Niger’s Tuareg star guitarist, brings hypnotic desert blues to Kirstenbosch. Nicknamed the “Sultan of Shred,” his electrifying riffs and soulful vocals blend tradition and rock energy into an unforgettable sound. This is music that transcends borders, carrying audiences to the Sahara under Cape Town’s sky. Bring your picnic and blanket for a rare, powerful afternoon of rhythm and spirit. |
| The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra – 1 February 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:30 to 19:00 A moment of grandeur awaits as the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra fills Kirstenbosch with rich harmonies and sweeping soundscapes featuring German bandoneon specialist, Lothar Hensel, for his rendition of a selection of Argentinian tango composer, Astor Piazzolla’s works from Adios Nonino to Libertango. The programme will also include fiery dances by Villa Lobos, De Falla and more, to transform Kirstenbosch into Cape Town’s most elegant stage for the day. |
| Msaki & the ALT BLK Collective – 8 February 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert starts: 17:15 Visionary artist Msaki presents The ALT BLK Collective for a groundbreaking Kirstenbosch performance. Known for her poetic lyrics and soul-stirring voice, Msaki weaves intimacy into bold experimentation. The ALT BLK Collective, consisting of 8 musicians from across the African continent, expands the sound into new dimensions. Gates open at 16:00, bring your picnic, a blanket and a free spirit. |
| Calum Scott (UK) – 14 January 2026 (not part of the summer sunset concerts)
Gates: 18:00 Concert: 19h00 to 22:00 Breakout Events is excited to announce the return of Calum Scott for another tour of SA in January 2026, again reaching Cape Town and Durban, and also now with his first show in Pretoria. Tickets: Calum Scott – The Avenoir Tour – Cape Town |
| Jeremy Loops – 15 February 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Jeremy Loops brings his sunshine-soaked energy and infectious folk-pop anthems to the Kirstenbosch stage. Known for his loop pedal wizardry, soaring choruses and feel-good performances, he will transform the Garden into a giant summer singalong. With the mountain magic as your backdrop, this will be pure joy under the summer sun. Bring your picnic, a blanket and good vibes. |
| Vusi Mahlasela/ Jabulani Majola – 22 February 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 “The Voice” of South Africa, Vusi Mahlasela joins rising talent, Jabulani Majola, for an afternoon of inspiration and artistry. Mahlasela’s iconic sounds of freedom and hope meet Majola’s vibrant contemporary style in a powerful dialogue across generations. With Table Mountain behind them, the concert becomes a hymn of resilience and beauty. |
| Derek Gripper/ Kyle Sheperd Trio – 1 March 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Two virtuosos share the stage for a day of spellbinding musicianship. Derek Gripper, famous for transcribing the kora to classical guitar, and Kyle Sheperd, one of South Africa’s most innovative pianists, bring worlds together in sound. Look forward to intricate, soulful and unexpected harmonies, with the Kirstenbosch Garden providing the perfect setting. |
| Matthew Mole – 8 March 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Sing along under the summer sky with Matthew Mole, one of South Africa’s most beloved singer-songwriters. Known for his uplifting lyrics and unique blend of folk, pop and electronic elements, his concerts are filled with warmth, energy and joy. Kirstenbosch provides the perfect stage for his heartfelt music. |
| Thandiswa Mazwai – 15 March 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 An icon takes the stage. Thandiswa Mazwai’s commanding voice and boundless artistry draw from Afro-soul, jazz, kwaito and Xhosa folklore, creating performances that are exceptional, avant-garde and unforgettable. For this show, Kirstenbosch National Botanical becomes the perfect canvas for her storytelling, activism and musical mastery. The setting, an illustrious cultural archive in its own right, allows the artist room to deliver the ultimate culmination of spirit and strength. |
| James Bay (UK) – 19 March 2026 (not part of the summer sunset concerts)
Gates: 18:00 Concert: 20:30 to 22:00 Brought to Kirstenbosch by Breakout Events, UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer James Bay upholds traditions of timeless songcraft while confidently challenging himself and popular music in equal measure. He spikes a tried-and-true style with clever lyricism, honest confessions, and instrumental proficiency. On the heels of his platinum- certified 2015 debut ‘Chaos And The Calm’, Bay garnered Grammy® nods in the categories of “Best New Artist,” “Best Rock Album,” and “Best Rock Song” for the gold-selling single “Hold Back The River.” Meanwhile, “Let It Go” went triple-platinum. Tickets: James Bay – Live in Cape Town |
| Will Linley / Ben Rodrigues – 22 March 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:15 to 19:00 Rising pop stars Will Linley and Ben Rodrigues take the Kirstenbosch stage for a feel-good summer showcase of catchy hits and fresh energy. Known for melodic hooks, heartfelt lyrics and irresistible authenticity, Linley and Rodrigues are fast becoming South Africa’s brightest new talents. With Table Mountain glowing in the late afternoon sun, expect an atmosphere of joy, connection and music that makes you move. |
| The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Children’s Concert – 29 March 2026
Gates: 16:00 Concert 17:30 to 19:00 A magical afternoon awaits as the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra brings music to life for children and families. With playful storytelling and delightful arrangements, from Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Rob van Vuuren, to film music from Frozen and Star Wars, this concert introduces young audiences to the orchestral sound. Against the mountain backdrop, it promises to be an afternoon of wonder and discovery for budding music-lovers. |
Concert Tickets
Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za, our ONLY online ticketing partner, as well as Pick n Pay stores (Webtickets partner) and the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office.
Children between the age of 0 and 5 years don’t require a concert ticket.
All concerts take place irrespective of rain. Regret no refunds are issued.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos
- Do bring picnic blankets and/or low deckchairs that don’t obstruct the view of the people behind you.
- You may bring a high chair, but please note that high chairs must be positioned on the perimeter of the lawn.
- Do bring a picnic hamper if you wish. Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but no alcohol is sold at the event.
- Do leave the garden by 20h00
- Do take all your litter home, the concert venue is bin-free.
- Do respect the peace and cleanliness of adjacent residential areas when leaving.
Don’ts
- Don’t smoke at Kirstenbosch. There are no designated smoking areas in the concert area or the rest of the garden.
- Don’t climb in trees or walk in the flower beds.
- Don’t leave litter in our World Heritage Site.
Food and beverages
Feel free to bring your own picnic. Alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Moyo Restaurant’s food outlets in the concert area have delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale at all our concerts. Please note that there will be no alcohol for sale at any of the concerts.
Disabled parking
Disabled concert goers will be given special parking in the service entrance, 400m south of the main entrance of Kirstenbosch along Rhodes Drive.
Concert info: 021 799 8783


