March is one of the most dynamic months in Cape Town. The weather remains warm and settled, the high-summer crowds begin to thin, and the city’s events calendar reaches full stride. Whether based locally or visiting from abroad, March 2026 offers an exceptional mix of music festivals, cultural celebrations, theatre, family markets and outdoor experiences.

From internationally recognised performances to community-driven gatherings, here is a comprehensive guide to what’s on in Cape Town in March 2026.

In this blog we cover…

• Cape Town International Jazz Festival – A globally respected jazz festival featuring leading international and South African artists.
• Cape Town Carnival – A large-scale street parade celebrating culture, creativity and heritage.
• Corona Sunsets Festival – A multi-layered festival blending music, sustainability and immersive art.
• Spier Light Art  – A free outdoor light installation exhibition in Stellenbosch.
• Cape Town City Ballet: Dracula – The South African premiere of an acclaimed international ballet production.
• Red Bull Locked In  – A high-intensity esports LAN event centred on Apex Legends.
• Kirstenbosch Concert: Matthew Mole – An open-air concert at one of the world’s most celebrated botanical gardens.
• Paws-a-While Pet Fair – A pet-friendly adoption and lifestyle market along the Sea Point Promenade.
• St Patrick’s Day at The Range – A festive Irish celebration with live music and dance.
• RockHammer Festival – A showcase of South Africa’s alternative rock scene.
• Mommy and Me Expo – A curated pregnancy, baby and toddler market experience.

Live Music & Concerts

Kirstenbosch Concert: Matthew Mole

An evening at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden remains one of Cape Town’s most iconic concert experiences.

Matthew Mole’s performance unfolds against the natural backdrop of Table Mountain, with picnic blankets spread across the lawns. Attendees may bring their own picnic or pre-order from on-site restaurants, with food trucks available at the venue.

The setting alone makes this a highlight of the month.

📆 8 March 2026
📍Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Dr, Newlands

Image: @kirstenboschsummerconcerts on Instagram

Kirstenbosch Concert: CPO Kid’s Concert

Enjoy an afternoon designed for the whole family as the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra presents a children’s concert at Kirstenbosch. The programme includes Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Rob van Vuuren, alongside selections from Frozen and Star Wars.

Blending storytelling with orchestral performance, the concert introduces young audiences to classical music in an accessible and engaging format. With the mountain backdrop and relaxed outdoor setting, it offers a family-friendly way to experience live orchestral music.

Image: @kirstenboschsummerconcerts on Instagram

Theatre & Performing Arts

Cape Town City Ballet: Dracula

Cape Town City Ballet presents the South African premiere of David Nixon CBE’s Dracula, a production recognised internationally for its dramatic intensity.

Set in Victorian England, the ballet follows Jonathan Harker’s encounter with Count Dracula, unfolding themes of seduction and suspense through striking choreography and staging. The production balances narrative storytelling with visual impact.

📆 : 13 - 29 March 2026
📍Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town City Centre

Image: @capetowncityballet on Instagram

Festivals & Large-Scale Celebrations

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” this internationally acclaimed festival is one of the largest jazz events on the continent.

The 2026 line-up includes global acts Jacob Collier and Yellowjackets, alongside celebrated South African artists such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Nduduzo Makhatini, Rorisang Sechile and Manana. Multiple indoor and outdoor stages host performances across two evenings, creating a diverse and immersive programme.

Workshops, masterclasses and exhibitions add further depth, making this a standout event for music enthusiasts.

📆 27–28 March 2026
📍Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square

Image: @capetowninternationaljazzfest on Instagram

Cape Town Carnival

The Cape Town Carnival transforms the city centre into a spectacular open-air stage where colour, rhythm and storytelling take over the streets. As night falls, illuminated floats glide through the city, dancers move in intricate formation, and bold, imaginative costumes bring themes of heritage and fantasy vividly to life.

Drawing nearly 50,000 spectators, the celebration features more than 1,500 performers, powerful live music and visually striking set pieces that reflect the diversity and creativity of the Mother City. This anniversary edition includes special appearances by the DHL Stormers and prominent local performers, adding even greater energy to an already electric atmosphere.

Attendance is free, with optional paid seating and VIP experiences available for those seeking a more elevated vantage point.

📆 21 March 2026
📍The Fanwalk, Green Point

Image: @capetowncarnival on Instagram

Corona Sunsets Festival

The Corona Sunsets Festival combines music with art, sustainability and immersive experiences in a setting designed for lingering.

The 2026 edition features performances by Purple Disco Machine, Sun-El Musician, Msaki and Zakes Batwini, alongside large-scale installations and curated food gardens. Environmental collaborations and wellness activations add further dimension.

It is a festival built as much around atmosphere as it is around the line-up.

📆 21 March 2026
📍Glen Country Club, 1 Victoria Rd, Clifton, Cape Town

Image: @coronasunsetsfest on Instagram

RockHammer Festival

RockHammer Festival delivers an evening dedicated to South Africa’s alternative rock scene.

With artists including Mark Haze and Harmony Junction on the line-up, the event promises strong stage presence and a crowd ready for live performance at full volume.

📆 28 March 2026
📍The Daisy Jones, Summerhill Wines, R44, Stellenbosch

Image: @daisyjonesbar on Instagram

St Patrick’s Day at The Range

St Patrick’s Day at The Range brings Irish music, dance and community spirit together for a full day of celebration.

Live Celtic bands, traditional Irish dancing performances and family-friendly entertainment create a festive atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to dress in green and gold, with prizes awarded for best dressed.

📆 15 March 2026
📍The Range Venue, Orpen Rd, Tokai, Cape Town

Image: Irish South African Association on Facebook

Art & Design

Spier Light Art Exhibition

As dusk settles, Spier Wine Farm becomes an illuminated landscape of contemporary art.

Sixteen site-specific installations invite visitors to explore the grounds at their own pace, discovering light, shadow and storytelling woven into the environment. Entry is free, with guided tours available on selected evenings.

Paired with a picnic or dinner on the estate, it offers a refined and relaxed night out.

📆 6 March – 6 April 2026
📍Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch

Image: @spierwinefarm on Instagram

Family, Lifestyle & Community Markets

Paws-a-While Pet Fair & Market

Along the Sea Point Promenade, this monthly event combines animal adoption with a relaxed seaside market atmosphere.

Rescue organisations, pet-care stalls and live entertainment create a welcoming community space. Visitors can browse, connect and support animal welfare initiatives, all with ocean views in the background.

📆 1 March 
📍Sea Point Promenade, Sea Point

Image: @paws.a.while on Instagram

Mommy and Me Expo

The Mommy and Me Pregnancy, Baby and Toddler Market offers a curated retail environment designed for expecting parents and young families.

From nursery décor and educational toys to maternity fashion and baby essentials, the two-day expo brings together specialist vendors in a welcoming marketplace setting.

📆 28 - 29 March 2026
📍Klein Joostenberg Events Venue, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch

Image: @mommymeexpo on Instagram

Gaming & Esports

Red Bull Locked In

Red Bull Locked In introduces a high-intensity LAN gaming format centred on Apex Legends. Over 48 hours, teams compete through knockout mechanics and real-life challenges, creating a pressure-driven competitive environment.

It represents a significant addition to Cape Town’s growing esports calendar.

📆 6 - 8 March 2026
📍Bellville Velodrome, Carl Cronje Dr, Bellville Park

Your Base for Experiencing Cape Town in March

As the final days of summer unfold, Cape Town’s March calendar offers a dynamic blend of music, culture, family experiences and large-scale celebrations, making it one of the most rewarding months to experience the city. Whether attending a world-class jazz festival, enjoying an open-air concert at Kirstenbosch, or exploring community markets and cultural showcases, there is something happening in every corner of the city.

If visiting and looking to stay close to the action, Nox Cape Town offers a curated portfolio of premium holiday rentals across the Atlantic Seaboard and surrounding neighbourhoods. From contemporary apartments to spacious villas, Nox provides the perfect base for experiencing everything the Mother City has to offer.

FAQs - March in Cape Town

What are the biggest events in Cape Town in March 2026?

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Cape Town Carnival are among the largest events, drawing significant local and international audiences.

Is March a good time for outdoor events?

Yes. March typically offers warm, stable weather ideal for festivals, markets and open-air concerts.

Are there family-friendly events in March?

Yes. The Cape Town Carnival, Paws-a-While Pet Fair, Kirstenbosch Concerts (artist dependent) and Mommy and Me Expo are suitable for families.

Should tickets be booked in advance?

Major festivals and theatre productions often sell out. Advance booking is recommended for high-demand events.