Cape Town’s biggest parade (and it’s free)

1 000+ performers, Stormers, opulent floats & an afterparty

Last updated: Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Cape Town’s biggest street parade is back. On Saturday, 15 March, you can watch performance groups, magnificent floats and flamboyant costumes at the Cape Town Carnival (for free). Spectators can watch from the Green Point Fan Walk or cheer from the stands and VIP section. Here’s everything you need to know about Cape Town Carnival 2025. 

The Carnival is back for another year on the Green Point Fan Walk. Image: Cape Town Carnival

SEE ‘WOWZA!’ COME TO LIFE 

Every year the Cape Town Carnival brings a new and exciting theme, which always finds ways to uplift and celebrate all things South African. 2025 marks 15 years of the Cape Town Carnival. 

To celebrate the yearly celebration of culture, creativity and community this year’s theme is “WowZA!” which promises glamour, wonder, and a uniquely South African spectacle.  

The theme for 2025 promotes our technicolour and unique South African spirit. Image: Cape Town Carnival

SEE CAPE TOWN PERFORMERS

Over 1 000 performers and community groups from across the city make up the Cape Town Carnival parade. 

For the first time spectators can look forward to the DHL Stormers and Rio Carnival’s Queen of the Drums, Erika Januz, for a touch of international flair. You can also see the yearly favourites: The City of Cape Town firefighters. 

Get ready for a carnival extravaganza that showcases incredible floats, costumes and artworks. Image: Cape Town Carnival

WHAT’S HAPPENING WHEN 

Pre-party: 3pm to 6pm 

Various local acts will take the stage at Carnival Village 1, near Somerset Circle. Both Carnival Villages (Village 2 will be in the Green Point traffic department parking lot) will have bars and food vendors. 

Carnival parade: 6pm to 9pm 

The dazzling carnival begins and makes its way through the CBD. Don’t miss the DHL Stormers who are joining the parade. 

Afterparty: 9pm to midnight 

The afterparty lineup includes DJ Ready D, YoungstaCPT and more.

Entrance to the Fan Walk is free. Image: Cape Town Carnival

GO FOR FREE OR GET TICKETS

Entry to the event is free. For people wanting to sit down or have a raised view there are different options for paid tickets. 

The standard seating tickets are R480, which are on a bleacher-style platform (food and drinks not included). Or you can watch the carnival from atop a Red Bus for R350. 

The VIP Hospitality tickets for R1 950 include a raised viewing platform, finger foods, a bar with beers, soft drinks, and wine, security and toilet access.

Buy your tickets via Quicket. 

Tickets for Cape Town Carnival seats can be purchased via Quicket. Image: Cape Town Carnival

ROAD CLOSURES FOR CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL

GET IN TOUCH WITH CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL

Cape Town Carnival is on: Saturday, 15 March; 6pm onwards
Find it: Fan Walk, Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Book: Buy your tickets via Quicket
Contact them on: 021 406 2258, info@capetowncarnival.com, @capetowncarnival

By Sarah Williams 

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