Now boarding: Red Bull Flugtag

Controlled falling, likely followed by a rapid unscheduled disassembly. That’s what’s in store for the band of brave aviators who have signed up to compete in the Red Bull Flugtag, which returns to Cape Town in November.

Red Bull Flugtag first took flight in Vienna, Austria, in 1992, and since then, this wacky festival of ‘flying’, if we can call it that, has thrilled more than a million fans across 50 countries.

But in a delay lasting longer than your last budget flight, it’s been 13 years since 220 000 people last packed Cape Town harbour to watch the Red Bull Flugtag 2012. Happily, this year’s event is shaping up to be the city’s most joyous belly flop of the year. 

In 2025, 50 teams will shove their homemade ‘flying’ machines off a six-metre-high platform at Jetty 1, chasing glory, distance and laughs. Teams are judged on three criteria – distance, creativity and showmanship – with prizes awarded to the top three aviator teams.

Here’s the low-down on getting a front-row seat to see these marvellous (wo)men and their flying machines.

When & where

On Saturday, 2 November, Red Bull Flugtag takes over the V&A Waterfront’s Jetty 1. That’s the pier that sticks out from the central mall, and across from the NSRI base. The precinct wakes up from 10am, flights start 12pm, and things wrap around 5pm. It’s free to attend, but it is likely to be busy, so arrive early.

Where to watch

Dedicated viewing zones will available throughout the precinct, with big screens at Clock Tower, UCB Square and the Amphitheatre beaming live action from the ramp. Want to eat while you watch? Harbour House, Quay 4, PIER, The Waterside and Life Grand Café offer the best tables with sightlines onto Jetty 1… but you’d best book ahead.  

What you’ll see

Flugtag is equal parts engineering challenge and performance art. Teams are judged on flight distance, creativity and showmanship, so expect skits, costumes and the (occasional) surprisingly long glide before splashdown.

Who’s flying?

There are 50 teams on the roster, and Cape Town’s lineup reads like a love letter to local-is-lekker humour. Look out for Mitchells Plain family crew The Extras, 2012 veterans Wing Nuts, the multinational Koppie Kopters, and Team FlySafair’s young aviation engineers. Also in the mix: pun-happy pioneers like Air Wors, Wors Case Scenario, Bunny Chowers, Hakuna Matuktuk and Rassies Dassies.  

What’s the record?

The last Cape Town edition drew a huge crowd and crowned Team Bulls Eye as the winners, after they flew 17.09 metres!

Good to know

Public transport or e-hailing is strongly recommended, as parking garages will fill up quickly. The event is family-friendly; there’ll be on-site security, lifeguards and medical teams. Pack sunscreen, a hat and patience... big crowds are part of the fun.

Can I still enter?

Nope. Applications are closed, sorry.

Need-to-know recap:

• Date: Sunday 2 November 2025
• Venue: V&A Waterfront (Jetty 1
• Time: From 10am
• Price: Free!
• Time Out Tip: Arrive early; use public transport. Book a table today to enjoy in-flight dining.

Why not grab a bite afterwards at the Time Out Market Cape Town?

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