Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has unveiled the line-up for this year’s Summer Sunset Concerts, with a star-studded line-up of local and international favourites on the bill.
The Summer Sunset concerts have long been one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of concert-goers to the Gardens each Sunday evening during summer.
With an outdoor stage set beneath the craggy massif of Table Mountain, it ranks as one of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic concert locations. Think Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks, only smaller, greener, more intimate and, we’d say, better.
This year’s concert series kicks off on December 3, and runs until March 31, 2024. In addition to the usual Sunday concerts, the line-up includes separate festive events, international artists, a special gig on New Year’s Eve and an additional concert on New Year’s Day. Check out the full line-up below.
‘It’s wonderful to welcome so many people to the garden, and to be such an ingrained and beloved part of Cape Town’s festive season and summer happenings,’ says Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch. ‘This is a city that has few (if any) rivals for fun, outdoor summer lifestyle living. The summer sunset concerts make the most of this, and of Cape Town’s fantastic weather; long, lingering evenings; breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and fun-loving people.’
Ticket prices vary for each concert, and can be booked through Webtickets, at Pick n Pay supermarkets, and at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden gate. Standard entry to Kirstenbosch Gardens does not include access to the concert area on concert days. Gates usually open at 4pm, and the best seating – near the front, or in the shade of the trees at the back – is in hot demand, so get there early.
But here’s a local tip: if you can’t get a ticket for a concert, or don’t want to spend the cash, simply buy a normal Garden entrance ticket and find a spot within earshot of the concert lawns. You won’t see the stage, but you can kick back and enjoy the tunes with those same beautiful mountain views.
As a picnic-style concert on the wide lawns, concert-goers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but you’ll also find an array of tasty food trucks on offer. Picnic baskets can also be pre-ordered (five days in advance) from the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Restaurant. Note that while you may bring your own food, wine and picnic blankets into the concert area, chairs and umbrellas are not allowed.
What is the full line-up for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts?
December 2023
- December 3: Mi Casa
- December 10: Amanda Black and The Soil
- December 14, 15, 16 and 17: The Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch proudly hosted by the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch. Gates open at 6pm
- December 23: Swing City
- December 31: Jeremy Loops and the Congo Cowboys in a New Year’s Eve special. Gates open at 7pm
January 2024
- January 1: Goldfish
- January 7: Die Heuwels Fantasties and Jack Parow
- January 14: Mango Groove
- January 21: Al Bairre and Shortstraw
- January 27: Lalah Hathaway. Gates open 6pm (International act brought to Kirstenbosch by Showtime)
- January 28: Lloyiso and Ami Faku
February 2024
- February 4: Unity at Kirstenbosch with Emo and Loukmaan Adams
- February 11: The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
- February 18: Matthew Mole
- February 22: Deacon Blue. Gates open 6pm (International act brought to Kirstenbosch by Breakout)
- February 23: Xavier Rudd, Gates open at 6pm (international act brought to Kirstenbosch by Breakout)
- February 25: Mandisi Dyantyis
March 2024
- March 3: The Golden Oldies
- March 10: Fokofpolisiekar
- March 17: Goodluck and Craig Lucas
- March 24: Sun-El Musician and Simmy
- March 31: Neon Dreams and Ard Matthews
Prefer movies to music? You'll love the Galileo open-air cinema.