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

1000+ performers, magnificent floats and an afterparty till late

Last updated: Friday, 8 March 2024

Cape Town’s biggest street parade is back. On Saturday, 16 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 2024. 

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

GET ‘LEKKER’ AT THE CARNIVAL

Every year the Cape Town Carnival brings a new and exciting theme, which always finds ways to uplift and celebrate all things South African. This year’s Cape Town Carnival theme is “Lekker”, celebrating things from savannah and ocean creatures to feathers and fynbos. 

The theme for 2024 promotes our technicolour and unique South African Spirit. Image: Cape Town Carnival

SEE CAPE TOWN PERFORMERS

Over 1000 performers and 48 community groups from across the city make up the Cape Town Carnival parade. Spectators can look forward to Masiphumelele drummers, the Western Province Marching Band, Isa Mother City Rollers and more. 

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

WATCH FROM THE FANWALK 

The Fan Walk will be closed to vehicle traffic in the afternoon so that spectators can safely enjoy pre-event activities. The two carnival villages open at 3pm, along with food vendors and bars. (Carnival Village 1 is situated near Somerset Circle and Carnival Village 2 will be situated in the Green Point traffic department parking lot). 

The pre-parade, hosting Cape Town’s heroic firefighters, kicks off at 6pm followed by the main parade at 7pm. Once the parade has ended, around 10pm, there will be an afterparty in Carnival Village 1 with a DJ performance until 11.30pm. 

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

GET YOUR 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. There’s VIP Hospitality tickets for R1950 which includes a raised viewing platform, finger foods, a bar with beers, soft drinks, and wine, security and toilet access.

There’s also standard seating tickets at R450, which are on a bleacher-style platform (no food and drinks included) or a Red Bus ticket at R350 where you can watch the carnival from atop a bus.

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

ROAD CLOSURES ON 16 MARCH 2024

GET IN TOUCH WITH CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL

Cape Town Carnival is on: Saturday, 16 March; 6pm - 10pm
Find it: Fan Walk, Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Book: Buy your tickets via Quicket
Contact them on: 021 406 3584, info@capetowncarnival.com, @capetowncarnival

By Sarah Williams 

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