Cape Town food festivals are as diverse as its people, combining global influences with local heritage in every bite. Think fresh seafood straight from the harbour, biltong spiced to perfection, and handcrafted gin made with indigenous flora. Taste your way through Cape Town’s culinary scene with our guide to the best food festivals. These events showcase the city’s rich flavours, from wine pairings and braais to street food and artisan markets. So grab a fork (or your fingers) and dive into Cape Town’s buzzing food scene; there’s something delicious around every corner.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Cape Town Fresh 🌻
The Cape Town Fresh Wine & Food Festival is a paradise for food lovers. This Cape Town food festival brings together some of South Africa’s most talented chefs, offering gourmet bites from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. The focus on ‘freshness’ ensures fresh seasonal ingredients deliver a taste of a proper Cape Town summer. Professional chefs expertly craft each dish to highlight the city’s diverse culinary landscape alongside the city’s best wines.
With over 45 exhibitors, the festival offers a fantastic variety of wines, craft beer, and gin. Live music sets the mood, making this festival a perfect outing for foodies and wine lovers. Cape Point Vineyards‘ setting, with beautiful vineyard views and fresh air, provides an ideal backdrop for the celebration! The dates and ticket prices are to be confirmed, so check out the website and social media for updates. The festival is usually held early in the year, between February and March.
Address: Silvermine Rd, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Website: https://www.capetownfresh.com/ or https://cpv.co.za/happenings-events/
Contact: 021 789 0900
Franschhoek Bastille Festival 🎺
Franschhoek is South Africa’s Culinary Capital, located in the Cape Wineland, which makes it the perfect spot for foodies. Their annual Bastille Festival is a highlight for the entire country, celebrating French-Huguenot heritage. Everyone in this small town participates in the event, so guest houses, hotels and restaurants offer great deals and Bastille packages. This Cape Town food festival exhibits the best of Franschhoek, from its award-winning wines to its esteemed chefs.
The festival offers a weekend filled with culinary delights, great wines and lively entertainment. Attendees can get a taste of French dishes with a South African twist. Festivities include unique and fun events such as barrel rolling contests, best-dressed competitions and more! Franschhoek’s Bastille Festival pushes people to explore and experience the area’s history in some of the best ways.
Cost: TBC
When: 12 & 13 July 2025
Address: Franschhoek Wine Valley
Website: https://www.franschhoekbastille.co.za/
Contact: 066 224 6360
Chinese Lantern Festival 🏮
The Lantern Festival is a holiday celebrated in China and other Asian countries to honour ancestors. But don’t worry; Cape Town delivers the experience right to your doorstep. The Chinese Lantern Festival & Market is an annual event showcasing Chinese culture. This popular cultural cuisine experience offers authentic Chinese dishes alongside music, entertainment, and more.
There is an authentic five-course Chinese feast in store and an outdoor bar offering the finest Cape Town wines, craft beer, sake/soju, and Chinese beer. The feast is entertaining for kids, who can paint their own lanterns, make fortune cookies, and learn about the Year of the Wood-Snake. Traditional Chinese dance and music are also part of the entertainment at this popular Cape Town food festival.
Cost: R388 pp
When: 8 February 2025, 6 pm to 9 pm
Address: Main & Princess St, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Website: Check socials for details
Contact: 084 451 8888
Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival 🍻
The Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival is an excellent experience for lovers and foodies. The festival hit with a boom last year and promises to deliver again in 2025. With a large selection of wines to taste and eats from the Pick n Pay Fresh Food market, you will be spoiled for choice. The food market delivers a selection of Cape Town’s best streetfood including delightful chees and charcuterie platters, fish and chips, pizzas, burgers and more!
Tickets include 20 wine-tasting vouchers, with the option for private wine tastings. The event’s vibe is lively, with great music from local musicians and the option to add a picnic share basket for those who prefer. Pick n Pay ensures that this is one of the Cape Town food festivals that deliver a grand experience perfect for an outing with friends and family.
(Details subject to change)
Cost: R275 – R2850
When: 26 & 27 April 2025, 12 pm to 6 pm
Address: Constantia Sports Complex, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia
Website: https://www.pnpwineandfoodfestival.co.za/events/capetown/
Knysna Oyster Festival 🦪
The Knysna Oyster Festival is the year’s foodie event, delivering delectable culinary experiences and wine tastings since 1983. The theme of the year is a ‘shucking good time!’ celebrating the flavours and charm of Knysna. This 10-day event premises oyster eating, shucking, farm tours, and themed dinners, attracting over seventy thousand attendees nationwide.
Besides oysters, the Knsysna Wine Festival boasts a full lineup of the best wine producers in South Africa. Many exhibitors also offer authentic Southern African foods and craft alcoholic drinks. For sports lovers, there are often events such as marathons, soccer, mountain biking and theatre shows. The icing on the cake for food lovers, however, is the cooking demonstrations and tastings.
Cost: TBC
When: 4 to 13 July, 2025
Address: Knysna Central, Knysna, 6570, Garden Route
Website: https://www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za/
Contact: 044 382 5510
Good Life Show 🌿
If you’re a health-conscious foodie, The Good Life Show Experience is one of the most popular Cape Town food festivals. You can discover hundreds of natural, organic and plant-based products to buy and taste. The event aims to show people the fun and innovation behind vegan and vegetarian meals. With more and more people leaning towards health-conscious food choices, the Good Life Show focuses on meaningful ways to experience and delight in choosing green!
One of the headline attractions of this Cape Town event is Chef Magic, a pioneer of ethical gourmet raw foods that will showcase workshops and taste tests. There will also be mixology demos, mindfulness experiences, and two South African cooking personalities (names to be revealed). Delight in all the Good Life Show has to offer and leave feeling renewed!
Cost: R175 – R 265
When: 30 May to 1 June, 2025
Address: 1 Lower Long St, Convention Square, Cape Town
Website: https://goodlifeshowafrica.com/
Contact: 087 700 6521
Mitchell’s Plain Festival 🪩
The Mitchell’s Plain Festival at Westridge Gardens is a must-visit event for food lovers. This community festival celebrates local culture and offers a chance to taste the diverse flavours of Mitchell’s Plain. Organised by Cycle of Life, the festival aims to unite residents of Mitchell’s Plain, Khayelitsha, and surrounding areas, fostering community pride and showcasing local talent and entrepreneurship. The festival highlights local vendors, many of whom serve fresh, authentic dishes that reflect the area’s multicultural vibe.
From traditional South African dishes like braai to a variety of fast food and international options, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find everything from hearty local favourites to creative food combinations. It’s not just about eating. It’s about supporting local businesses and experiencing the unique food culture that thrives in Mitchell’s Plain. So enjoy the amazing performances, carnival rides and more at Cape Town’s Mitchell’s Plain Festival
Cost: R50 – R80
When: 28 to 20 November 2025, starts 9 am
Address: Westridge Gardens, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town
Website: https://www.mitchellsplainfestival.com
Contact: 021 439 8000
Cape Town Halaal Festival
The Cape Town Halaal Fest is a Cape Town food festival that’s worth carving out time for. It’s not a glossy tourist attraction or something you’ll find on a typical “top 10 things to do” list. But that’s exactly what makes it special. It feels local, grounded, and full of life. The festival takes place at the Youngsfield Military Base in Wetton, and once you walk through the gates, it’s like stepping into a lively, open-air market with the smell of food in the air and music somewhere in the background.
There are stalls everywhere serving everything from slow-cooked biryani and loaded shawarmas to bubble tea, koeksisters, and sliders piled high with toppings. It’s impossible to leave hungry. The festival also gives smaller local businesses and creatives a space to shine. You’ll find everything from homegrown skincare brands and modest fashion to woodwork, artwork, and jewellery. The Cape Town Halaal food festival is a must-visit if you want a truly culturally enriching experience.
Cost: TBC
When: 19 to 22 December
Address: Youngsfield, Cape Town, 7700
Website: https://cthalaal.co.za/
Contact: 065 943 5012
Cape Town’s love for food is celebrated throughout the year, showcasing the best the city can offer. From international cuisine to local flavours, these culinary experiences are unmatched. With food, drinks and great vibes, Cape Town’s food festivals offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for streetfood bites in Cape Town, an incredible outing with friends or luxurious delicacies, these festivals are happy to serve!
