Couture Calendar

Top Annual Events In Cape Town

From sports and nature to food and fashion, Cape Town’s annual events have something to suit all tastes.

Cape Town is host to many fantastic annual events, many of which are not only world famous, but attract visitors from all corners of the globe. Discover which of these popular Cape Town events coincide with your holiday to the Cape – or plan your trip around the best festivals, sporting events and happenings in the Mother City.

The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour

Each year, thousands of South African cyclists, as well as many international enthusiasts, descend upon the Cape to participate in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. As the world’s largest individually-timed cycle race, it’s a major event on Cape Town’s annual calendar, and a respected challenge among the racing elite, as well as recreational cyclists.

The Cycle Tour route is one of the most scenic in the country, and the views are almost spectacular enough to distract cyclists from the gruelling track. The trail traverses the magnificent Cape Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and sea, before sweeping over the freshly-restored Chapman’s Peak Drive. Spectators line the roadside from the starting to the finish points – as do medical teams and refreshment points – and those who cross the finish line earn kudos for completing the internationally-renowned race.

Cape Town Fashion Week

Cape Town Fashion Week is a proudly South African production that showcases the best of local and African design talent. It’s one of the most prestigious lifestyle events on the annual Cape Town calendar, featuring the latest fashion trends and catwalk couture out of South Africa and Africa.

Cape Town Fashion Week aims to promote local designers and encourage individuals to purchase locally-designed and manufactured clothing, footwear and textiles. Celebrity guests add star appeal to this glamorous event, which takes place in August, and it’s a highlight on the calendar of all fashion-conscious and trendy individuals.

Hermanus Whale Festival

The Hermanus Whale Festival is held annually to celebrate the arrival of shoals of whales to Walker Bay, which surrounds the beautiful coastal town. Situated just over an hour from Cape Town, Hermanus is famous for the Southern Right whales that congregate in its waters each year during whale season. The Whale Festival attracts visitors from all over, and is a particular hit with international visitors to the Cape.

From the cliff overlooking Walker Bay, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of these majestic creatures as they frolic in the waves below. Take a boat trip into the bay for a closer look, or stroll along the harbour with your binoculars ready. As a popular holiday and resort town, Hermanus also offers plenty of cultural and culinary attractions, including seaside cafes, cocktail bars and restaurants, craft markets, art galleries and wine tastings.

Stellenbosch Wine Festival

Stellenbosch is a wine-farming town just outside of Cape Town, famous for its world-class university and its wine production. Each year, the town hosts the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, which gives visitors the opportunity to sample fine wines and gourmet cuisine whilst exploring the town itself. Guests will also be able to watch professional chefs prove their culinary skills at cooking competitions, and meet the winemakers behind renowned varietals.

Visitors are also encouraged to explore the oak-lined avenues and lush vineyards of Stellenbosch during the festival. Various historic tours are conducted, and local arts and crafts are showcased. The Stellenbosch Wine Festival is one of the oldest and most successful wine events in South Africa, and is recommended for anyone who appreciates fine wines, good food and the beauty of the Cape Winelands.

Planning your Cape Town holiday

Be sure to plan your Cape Town holiday to include some of these top events in your holiday itinerary. Make it easy to experience as much as possible by choosing centrally-located accommodation in the city centre. There are a number of 5-star hotels in Cape Town’s City Bowl, offering exclusive lodgings and opulent amenities to guests. Book your holiday now!

About the Author

Taj Cape Town is a leading hotel in the Cape Town city centre, offering 5-star holiday accommodation and a variety of exclusive hotel facilities to guests. Book your Cape Town hotel accommodation at the Taj now.