Cape Town Carnival 2025: What you need to know

Cape Town Carnival celebrates 15 years

The renowned Cape Town Carnival will mark its 15th anniversary this weekend on 15 March 2025, promising an unforgettable celebration.

According to the City of Cape Town, over the last 15 years, the carnival has become an unmissable, family-friendly event celebrating South Africa’s incredible diversity, culture, creativity, and the arts, all while promoting a sense of community. 

“It really has been incredible to witness the Cape Town Carnival’s growth from an event with just over 11 000 spectators on Long Street in 2010 to a fully-fledged festival attracting around 30 000 people.” Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith said.

What to expect

Carnival-goers are in for a treat this year, with a multitude of top performers and colourful floats.

In addition to the traditional parade on Somerset Road and Green Point Main Road, the carnival will also have an entertainment village with a stage for performances and food trucks.

Headline acts will include, YoungstaCPT, DJ Ready D, Bravo Le Roux, Paxton Fielies as well as the SA Youth Choir.

There will also be appearances by the DHL Stormers, the Drag Cartel and Rio’s Carnival’s Queen of the Drums, Erika Januza.

Where and how much?

The Cape Town Carnival parade will kick off at 18:00 and takes performers from the intersection of York Road and Main Road to the end point in Chiappini Street.

Entry to watch the carnival is absolutely free; however, you can also reserve a spot in the seated area for R480 and VIP tickets are also available at Quicket for R1 950.