Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts: a musical celebration in Cape Town

As the sun sets over Cape Town, the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden prepares to welcome back its most anticipated summer event: the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. With an impressive and diverse lineup showcasing South Africa’s celebrated artists alongside global talents, this year’s series promises to deliver an unrivalled atmosphere of music and community.

Concert series details

The concerts will unfold against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain every Sunday from 23 November 2025 until 29 March 2026. Entrance gates will open at 16:00, with performances commencing at 17:15, unless otherwise stated. This magical setting transforms every concert into an enchanting experience, merging nature with rhythm in a backdrop that has become synonymous with summer in the Mother City.

Exciting lineup

This year’s concerts kick off with the beloved pop trio Mi Casa, whose blend of soulful vocals and jazzy trumpet riffs is set to ignite the stage on 23 November. They’ll be followed by rock heavyweights Prime Circle and Jesse Clegg, a much-anticipated collaboration on 30 November that promises powerful anthems infused with heartfelt lyrics.

Fans of Afrikaans rock will not want to miss the 10th-anniversary celebration of Karen Zoid and Francois van Coke’s hit duet “Toe Vind Ek Jou” on 7 December, while the soulful harmonies of Bongeziwe Mabandla and Matthew Field on 14 December will surely resonate with audiences. Continuing the trend of crowd-pleasers, The Kiffness returns on 28 December to wrap up the year with infectious beats and brassy fun.

New Year’s Eve spectacle

In what is sure to be a spectacular New Year’s Eve event, Mango Groove and The Billy Joel Experience will captivate concert-goers as they blend pop-kwela with timeless piano classics. New Year’s Eve attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages, as no alcohol will be available for purchase on-site.

Upcoming performances

Looking ahead to January and February, audiences can expect sensational performances from legendary artists including Goldfish, who will transform the venue into a vibrant dance floor on 4 January, and the Whitney Houston tribute featuring Belinda Davids on 11 January, which aims to deliver goosebump-inducing moments. The concert series continues with a range of musical styles, from the Afro-pop joy of Freshlyground to the distinctive sound of Niger’s Bombino, infusing Cape Town sunsets with cultural rhythms from around the globe.

Celebrating South African music

As we move towards March, expect a grounded celebration of South African music with legends Vusi Mahlasela and Jabulile Majola, and the electrifying presence of Afro-soul powerhouse Thandiswa Mazwai, making her much-anticipated return to the Kirstenbosch stage.

With the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s family-friendly concert on 29 March showcasing beloved pieces from classics like “Peter and the Wolf” to modern favourites from “Frozen” and “Star Wars”, the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts cater to everyone. As Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch, notes, this year’s lineup is particularly exciting, fostering a sense of connection and joy. “Whether you come to dance, sing along, or simply soak up the atmosphere, you’ll be part of a Cape Town tradition that grows from strength to strength each year,” she said.

Ticket Information

Concert-goers are encouraged to arrive early, picnic baskets and blankets at the ready, and enjoy the event as a cherished summer tradition. Tickets are available through Webtickets.

Prepare for a unique experience filled with rhythms that echo through the gardens and a sense of community that resonates as deeply as the music itself. The Summer Sunset Concerts are not just concerts; they are a celebration of life, laughter, and the sounds of summer.