All you need to know about Maynardville Open-Air Festival

With extended shows of Twelfth Night! See about parking, tickets & more

Last updated: Thursday, 26 February 2026

There’s nowhere quite like the Maynardville Open-Air Festival, where fairy lights glow through the trees and the sound of music fills the air. Since its first Shakespeare performance in 1956, this wooded amphitheatre has evolved into a beloved celebration of the arts with a flagship Shakespeare production. 

This year it’s Twelfth Night, and for the first time ever, Maynardville is extending the performances until 14 March 2026. It’s your last chance to catch it!

The open-air festival has everything, from captivating musical performances to timeless theatrical masterpieces. Image: Maynardville Open-Air Festival

70 YEARS OF MAGIC IN MAYNARDVILLE

In 2026, the Maynardville Open-Air Festival marks 70 years since its first performance of Shakespeare In The Park transformed a quiet Wynberg park into one of Cape Town’s most beloved summer traditions. 

In 1949, philanthropist Margaret Molteno converted the park into an open-air venue to help fund education in the Cape Flats. After many early dance seasons, Shakespeare arrived in 1956 with The Taming of the Shrew, and the tradition of Shakespeare in Wynberg Park began.

Since then, Maynardville has remained a space for connection and inclusivity, welcoming diverse audiences even during apartheid. That legacy continues today through the All Access programme, which includes sign language-interpreted performances for deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

Maynardville Open-Air Festival runs from 13 January to 14 March 2026. Image: Maynardville Open-Air Festival 

TWELFTH NIGHT: ON UNTIL 14 MARCH 2026

Twelfth Night is Shakespeare’s timeless comedy about love, disguise and mischief. During the 2026 season, it was incredibly popular with unprecedented demand. Maynardville is extending the run with performances from 11 to 14 March 2026. You can get tickets for Maynardville’s Twelfth Night here. 

This modern take on Shakespeare, set in 1960s Rome and inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, swaps Illyria for the glamour of Italian high society. The story follows Viola, a shipwrecked noblewoman who disguises herself as a man and falls in love with Duke Orsino. The Duke, however, falls for Viola’s male alter ego. 

The production is directed by Steven Stead. Sharp-eyed theatre goers may remember as Ariel in The Tempest in 1994. After nearly a decade directing for English National Opera in London and Europe, he co-founded Durban’s KickstArt Theatre, where he has built a strong reputation for inventive, award-winning productions.

This year’s flagship production is Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.. Image: Maynardville Open-Air Festival

ELEVATED EVENING FOOD MARKET

The food market is open two hours before the performance begins, so you can arrive early and have dinner at the long tables underneath twinkling strings of lights. Or, following a half-century of tradition, by picnicking on the park lawns overlooking the lake. 

The market celebrates Cape Town’s diverse culinary scene, with indulgent comfort food and gourmet treats, great for dining before the show with a glass of wine. There’s also a bar that opens two hours before performances start.

The Food Market opens two hours before every performance so you can arrive early and grab a bite. Image: Maynardville Open-Air Festival

MAYNARDVILLE GOES VIP 

For the first time, Maynardville Open-Air Theatre is offering a VIP experience which includes premium reserved seating, blankets and pillows, access to a private lounge and bar, early entry, and complimentary secure parking. 

Prices range from R249 to R699 for a VIP experience, a great choice if you’re looking for a unique date night or to experience the theatre in style.

LINEUP & TICKETS

All tickets can be booked via Quicket. Although any available tickets will be sold on the door, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Pensioners and students receive a 15% discount on all tickets (except VIP seats). Check out the Maynardville Open-Air Festival programme here.

The annual Shakespeare is also popular with school groups, enquire about school bookings here.

BEST PLACE TO PARK

Secure parking is available at Simon van der Stel Primary School Sports Field, just 150 metres from the theatre entrance. It’s patrolled by festival security and costs R50 per vehicle (card payments only). All proceeds support community initiatives at the school and festival. 

There’s also street parking, which is manned by car guards. See Google Maps locations for Wolfe Street, Young Lane, Standard Lane or Roos Lane. 

EXPERIENCE MAYNARDVILLE OPEN-AIR FESTIVAL

Seventy years in and Maynardville Open-Air Festival remains a cherished summer tradition, bringing together theatre, music and dance under the stars. Each season builds on this legacy, with new performances that continue to enchant audiences of all ages.

Maynardville Open-Air Festival is on: 3 January to 14 March 2026

Find it: 27 Piers Road, Wynberg

Cost: From R249

More information and book: Via Maynardville’s website

Contact on: 082 773 5397, boxoffice@maynardville.co.za, @maynardville

By Saarah Gierdien

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