Spring is in full swing, and Cape Town comes alive in October with culture, sport, and plenty of reasons to be out and about. Whether you’re drawn to live music and festivals, inspired by creativity, or excited to lace up your running shoes, this month’s line-up is bursting with variety.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
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Performing Arts & Culture: from Diwali celebrations to tango at sunset and world-class creative gatherings.
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Sport: marathons, mountain biking, and the much-loved Coke Cup Finals.
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Halloween in Cape Town: where to end the month with a party to remember.
Performing Arts & Culture
Portuguese Festival: Blessing of the Fishing Fleet
A Cape Town tradition for more than 30 years, the Portuguese Festival celebrates the start of the fishing season with the ceremonial Blessing of the Fleet. Alongside this, expect delicious Portuguese food, lively music, traditional dancing, and family entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the V&A Waterfront.
Dates: 4–5 October 2025
Location: Jetty 2, V&A Waterfront
Kenny G Live in Cape Town
Smooth jazz legend Kenny G returns to South Africa this October for a rare Cape Town performance at the Grand Arena, GrandWest. With over 75 million albums sold and timeless hits like Songbird and Forever in Love, he remains one of the world’s best-loved instrumentalists. Expect an evening of soulful classics and new material from his latest album, a must for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Date: October 2025
Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest
Rocking the Daisies 2025
South Africa’s premier music and lifestyle festival turns 20 this year, and it’s pulling out all the stops! From 3–5 October, Cloof Wine Estate will host an unforgettable celebration with international stars Summer Walker, Jessie Reyez, Mereba and Sam Tompkins, alongside top local acts. Add gourmet food, local fashion, immersive art and wellness spaces, and you’ve got the ultimate festival experience.
Dates: 3 – 5 October 2025
Venue: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
Loeries Creative Week
The region’s biggest creative gathering brings together leaders from Africa and the Middle East. It’s a packed week of awards evenings, MasterClasses, seminars, and networking events, a celebration of innovation and excellence in the creative industry.
Dates: 5–10 October 2025
Location: Cape Town City Hall & The Homecoming Centre
Diwali: Festival of Lights
Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, at the V&A Waterfront. Marking the triumph of light over darkness, this colourful and spiritual event will feature dance, music, and cultural displays. A chance to join in a joyous and inclusive celebration.
Date: 11 October 2025
Venue: Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront
Photo by: Venkatesan P
Sunset Tango
Step onto the Pierhead Deck at the Waterfront for free outdoor Argentine tango dancing. Whether you’re a dancer or just curious, this welcoming social event invites you to watch, listen, or even join in.
Date: 26 October 2025
Venue: Pierhead Deck, V&A Waterfront
Photo by Max Chen
Sport
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town’s premier running event is in its final year as a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status. The marathon offers something for everyone, from elite athletes to social runners, with multiple distances and scenic routes that showcase the best of the city.
Dates: 18–19 October 2025
Venue: DHL Stadium & Cape Town precinct
SAFA Cape Town Coke Cup Finals
The country’s biggest amateur football tournament reaches its climax at Athlone Stadium. With over 1,000 teams having competed over six months, the finals feature the top youth, women’s, and men’s teams, with equal prize money on the line. A true celebration of local talent and community spirit.
Date: 18 October 2025
Time: 13:00
Venue: Athlone Stadium
FNB Wines2Whales
A highlight of the mountain biking calendar, this three-day stage race combines incredible scenery with trails designed to challenge and inspire. Riders will traverse the SWITCHBACK route from Benguela Cove to Lourensford Estate, taking in vineyards, mountains, and coastal views.
Dates: 31 October – 9 November 2025
Venue: Start – Benguela Cove | Finish – Lourensford Estate
Halloween in Cape Town
Halloween feat. Major League DJz
End October on a high note with a Halloween party like no other. The internationally acclaimed Major League DJz will take over Cabo Beach for a two-hour exclusive set, bringing unmatched energy to the city’s nightlife. Expect an atmosphere that’s both festive and unforgettable.
Date: 31 October 2025
Time: 16:00 – 02:00
Venue: Cabo Beach, Cape Town
Final Thoughts
October in Cape Town is a month of celebration, movement, and creativity. From centuries-old traditions to cutting-edge cultural festivals, from thrilling sporting events to music under the stars, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, the Mother City offers countless ways to make this month unforgettable.
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