Cape Town is about to get lit: Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts returns

You know we’re in ke Dezemba mode when Kirstenbosch announces its Summer Sunset Concerts lineup. This year’s music bill reads like an all-star cast of South Africa’s best talent.

Kicking off the 34th iteration of the summer concerts series is Mi Casa on Sunday, 22 November 2026. Because what better way to bring in the festive season than grooving to ‘Ter Mais’? Or, as my kid likes to sing, “der mice”. 

For decades, Kirstenbosch has hosted the Summer Sunset Concerts below the foot of Table Mountain. The annual tradition has become an institution in the Mother City; a gathering place for families, picnics and good vibes. Oh, and don’t forget the live music.

Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch, said this season they wanted to bring together artists and sounds, offering different ways for visitors to enjoy live music together. “This sense of connection is what keeps the tradition alive,” Sarah explained.

“Just as importantly, putting South African artists on this stage connects local talent with audiences and supports the people whose skills make live music possible. In that way, the concerts positively contribute to the country and city’s creative economy,” she added.

Kirstenbosch has delivered on that vision. From jazz to Kwele pop and classical music, concertgoers will experience it all until Sunday, 28 March 2027.

Same-same but different

US singer Jessica Vosk, known for playing Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, joins the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday, 31 January. The following Sunday, Rob van Vuuren takes the stage with the orchestra for a children’s concert featuring Saint-Saëns’ ‘Carnival of the Animals’.

You’ll get to see some familiar faces onstage. Besides Mi Casa, Freshlyground, Mango Groove, Goldfish, Matthew Mole, and Jeremy Loops will feature in the line-up. The Parlotones will also make a welcome return after several years.

READ: Jeremy Loops brings Cape Open Air back to Muizenberg this summer

Full artist line-up 

• 22 November 2026: Mi Casa
• 29 November 2026: Booshle G and Freshlyground
• 6 December 2026: Mandisi Dyantyis
• 13 December 2026: The Billy Joel Experience
• 27 December 2026: Lira
• 31 December 2026: Matthew Mole and Congo Cowboys
• 3 January 2027: Simphiwe Dana and Selaelo Selota
• 10 January 2027: Kurt Darren and Me & Mr Green
• 17 January 2027: Lloyiso
• 24 January 2027: Just Jinjer and GoodLuck
• 31 January 2027: Broadway at Kirstenbosch featuring Jessica Vosk with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
• 7 February 2027: Carnival of the Animals A children’s concert with Rob van Vuuren and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
• 14 February 2027: Will Linley
• 21 February 2027: Mango Groove
• 28 February 2027: The Parlotones
• 7 March 2027: Rachmaninoff’s Third, The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in collaboration with the Cape Town International Piano Competitionr
• 14 March 2027: Goldfish
• 21 March 2027: Jeremy Loops
• 28 March 2027: Neon Dreams and ChefSpecial
  
  

The Summer Sunset Concerts have given local artists a platform to perform for 34 years. Every concert also draws on musicians, technical crews, and event services. They all sustain creative work and keep live music part of Cape Town’s cultural and tourism offering.

Ready to get lit? Here's a taste of last year's Summer Sunset Concerts

Good to know

Lots of food options will be available. Bring a picnic and blanket and settle in for the afternoon, or pop around at Moyo Restaurant’s new food trucks and see what’s on the menu. 

Alcoholic beverages are allowed, but the venue does not sell alcohol. Concertgoers can pre-order picnic hampers from the Kirstenbosch Fynkos Restaurant or MOYO Restaurant up to five days in advance. 

And leave your vapes and ciggies at home. Kirstenbosch is a non-smoking venue with no designated smoking areas.

More info:

• The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts run from Sunday, 22 November 2026 to 28 March 2027 
• Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Dr, Newlands 
• Cost: R260 - R550, bookings via Webtickets
• Times: Concert venue gates open at 4pm for Sunday concerts, with music starting at 5:15pm and ending at 7pm. On New Year’s Eve, concert venue gates open at 7pm, with music from 8:30pm until after midnight.

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