You know that song ‘Dilemma’ by K.Keed? She raps, “I feel like bad decisions”. This line basically describes what New Year’s Eve should be. Do people still do that? Use one night of the year to throw away their name and their inhibitions for the sake of spontaneity?
I get it. I was once young, free, and regretting my life choices, and a New Year’s Eve party gave me carte blanche to do silly things without worrying about the consequences. Now, people think before they act, which is always a good thing. But if you plan on painting the town red, do so responsibly.
In the meantime, here’s a list of New Year’s Eve events happening in and around Cape Town. As a country, we’ve gone through the most this year, so let’s show 2025 flames and send her off with a bang.
Psst: Keep an eye on this list as we'll add more parties as they become available.
Think Fifty Shades of Grey, but make it invite-only. Upmarket adult club Epicure will be transformed into a masquerade ball that titillates the senses with no judgment. The tagline: No questions asked. No Photography. No regrets. No shame, says it all. Come dressed in an appropriate costume. Failure to comply with the dress code means no entry.
How about starting your NYE celebration with a last supper of biblical proportions? COPA’s multi-course menu will take you handsomely into the new year. You’ll be treated to bubbly on arrival and serenaded by live entertainment. If the mood takes you, why not stay and check into the Pepperclub Hotel?
Experience the Mother City’s culinary delights at Enter the Jungle. You get access to 13 kitchens, four bars, and a wine boutique. And that’s before sunset, because once dusk comes around, that’s when the real party starts: a dance area, DJs, and prime positioning for the iconic V&A Waterfront fireworks. Now that’s a NYE party to remember.
Time Out Tip: Your R750 ticket includes R250 loaded onto a Time Out Market Card for food and drinks. Kids under 16 get a R150 market voucher. You’re welcome!
Also, a family-centric event, OUIBAR is officially giving 2025 the finger, because, let’s be honest, we want a refund on 2025. NYE Family Style is calling it. The best DJs, a kids’ gaming lounge, and live music from The Black Ties bring the chill vibes.
You know it’s going to be a whole jol when Mango Groove comes to town. With 40 years in the local music industry, many of us grew up listening to the upbeat sounds of ‘Hometalk’. Paired with The Billy Joel Experience, you get a two-for-one special.
Here's the full Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts 2025/26 line-up!
How’s this for a little taste of things to come? An hour of bold comedy, cirque, and burlesque. ROUGE has been running for the festive season and takes its final bow on New Year’s Eve. Daring, dazzling, and deliciously unpredictable, the show is a black-tie event and strictly for 18 years and older.
Celebrate the end of 2025 with live music, gourmet food, and magical views as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. Mi Casa and Will Linley bring the beats; you bring the gees. Bubbly, fresh oysters and sharing-style picnic snacks are on the menu.
If it’s an epic gathering you’re after, Secrets NYE 2025 is taking things to insane new levels. The guys behind the event are set to build South Africa’s first-ever 180° main stage, designed for a fully immersive audio-visual experience.
Attention all kiddies, this one’s for you. Leave your devices at home because you won’t need them at Trailblazers Club. A holiday adventure for kids aged seven to 12, the Survivor-themed holiday club is packed with tribal challenges, map hunts, mystery missions, obstacle courses, creative builds, and cooking challenges.
How about a break from the doof-doof? A sunset silent disco lets you control the mood by choosing from WeAreSilentVibe’s three curated music channels.
Now for the wind down. If you have the time and the constitution to make it all the way to Paarl, New Years in the Vines is worth it. The family-friendly picnic event, hosted by Paarlchilla, is a celebration of community and South African summers. Bring along a picnic basket and blankets.
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