Cape Town hosted an impressive 206 events in November 2024, drawing approximately 400 000 attendees to the Mother City. The month’s highlight was Bafana Bafana’s Africa Nations Cup qualifier against South Sudan at DHL Stadium, which attracted the largest crowd of 53 000 spectators. Other key events included Freestyle Kings, Ultra-trail Cape Town and a variety of markets and festivals, demonstrating the city’s versatility as a premier events destination.
The city’s events permit office is currently processing over 160 applications for December when the calendar is already packed with diverse events.
Jean-Pierre Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, commented: “This coming weekend, Cape Town is hosting 53 events, growing to around 115 leading up to the long weekend around Reconciliation Day. Our events permit office continues to ensure health and safety standards are upheld, reinforcing Cape Town’s reputation as a major events hub.”
The month began on a high note with the festive lights switch-on, which drew a crowd exceeding 80 000 people to performances by artists such as Mafikizolo, Dr Victor & the Rasta Rebels and Carletheia.
Key upcoming events in December
The line-up for December includes major sporting, cultural and community events:
• HSBC Cape Town SVNS – DHL Stadium, December 9-10
• MCQP – Gardens Commercial High School, December 14
• Festival of Chariots – Sea Point Promenade, December 15
• Unity on the Square – Greenmarket Square, December 16
• South Africa versus Pakistan (ODI) – Newlands Cricket Ground, December 19
• DHL Stormers matches – DHL Stadium, December 21 and 28
• Cape Town City FC versus AmaZulu – DHL Stadium, December 29
• Cape Malay Road March – Grand Parade, December 31
• New year’s eve celebrations – V&A Waterfront, December 31
