Cape Town is a happy place and the Western Cape is our playground. Cape Town's school summer holidays start in November and there are more things to do than merely hanging out at Cape Town’s beaches. We selected a couple of unique November events that will be happening in Cape Town and Surrounds.

Our selection of November events in Cape Town & the Western Cape you don’t wanna miss

The Big Walk - Thousands of people walk for charity, between Simons Town and Cape Town, every year, finishing at the Grand Parade. 30 000 entrants walk the whopping 80km distance anually, making it the biggest timed walk in the world.

Launched in 1982, simultaneously in Cape Town and Johannesburg by the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC), the Toy Run™ is the largest motorcycling-related charity event in Southern Africa and arguably the world.

The Three Peaks Challenge is now an annual event on the Cape Town extreme sport calendar. This truly Cape Town challenge takes place in an awesome arena and is considered to be one of South Africa's toughest foot races. The endurance race involves runners scaling the three peaks that form the Cape Town city bowl (Devil's Peak, Table Mountain and Lion's Head) in succession, returning to the start/end point in Green Market Square after each ascent.

Every year, cyclists, walkers, runners and fellow guests to enjoy the Bonnievale Bonanza, during the first week of November. It's a fantastic festival for young and old to enjoy the beauty and joy of festivities in the countryside, with Enduro routes for motorcyclists and quad biking enthusiasts, as well as a 4x4 route. Be a participant or a  spectator and you’ll be sure to have lot’s of fun.

For those looking for wedding ideas the Spring Fab Bridal Expo offers just that, every year at the renowned Cape Town International Convention Centre.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, South Africa is the fifth largest Scotch market by volume in the world, which is great for those with a passion for tasting whiskey. No wonder, the FNB Whisky Live Festival has grown into the largest whisky and lifestyle event of its kind, attracting more visitors and brands than any other whisky festival globally. See, taste and do.

For those of you that prefer beer to whiskey, the Cape Town Festival of Beer is held in November and will be a weekend to remember (or not, as the case may be). The three day beer festival celebrates all things beer, with world class brewers, local micro breweries, awesome local entertainment, great food and activities. There’s a mix of local artisan beers and popular beers from the big brewers as well as food, entertainment and competitions.

The Kirstenbosch Sunday Summer Concerts are a guaranteed item on the yearly events in Cape Town, from November to April, and feature a broad range of live music performances. It’s easy to see why they have become so popular - concert-goers can enjoy music, whilst picnicking in beautiful, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Arrive early!

"Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot..."

Guy Fawkes Day happens every year on 5 November and celebrates the failing of the Gunpowder Plot of the 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, England. Guy Fawkes celebrations in South Africa continue to this day, with thousands of families and friends setting some time aside each year on 5 November to witness extravagant fireworks displays around the country.

Thanksgiving is a holiday from the United States and it’s also celebrated in Canada. Originating from the harvest festivals celebrated in the US and Canada; the holiday nowadays is 'the day when Americans eat Turkey'. South Africans in the know celebrate it on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October.   

*PLEASE NOTE* All dates are subject to change

Also, read the calendar of events and festivals taking place every year in December that we prepared for you, or discover the overview of the most important and well known annual events in Cape Town. 

Enjoy it!