Cape Town’s biggest street celebration returns to Green Point on Saturday, 21 March 2026, bringing colour, music and thousands of performers to the city.
The Cape Town Carnival is expected to draw around 36 000 spectators, with a spectacular street parade, live entertainment and food stalls taking over Somerset Road and surrounding streets.
This year’s theme, “Follow Your HEART,” will be brought to life by roughly 1 500 performers from communities across the province.
The three-hour parade will be led by 12 creative champions, each sharing stories about their artistic journeys and connection to Cape Town.
Organisers will also honour Khayelitsha hip-hop artist Bravo le Roux, who passed away in January, with a float inspired by his influence and legacy.
What to expect at the Cape Town Carnival
Festivities will begin with pre-parade activities at 18:00, featuring appearances by the City’s Fire and Rescue Services and Law Enforcement officers.
The main parade starts at 19:00, moving from the intersection of York Road and Green Point Main Road to Chiappini Street.
Before the parade, visitors can explore the entertainment village, which opens at 15:00 near the parade starting point.
The area will host live performances, food trucks and bars, and will continue operating until midnight.
The afterparty will feature DJs including Ready D, YoungstaCPT and DJ Summer Heynes.
Watching the parade is free, but spectators can book premium viewing seats or VIP tickets online.
Motorists should plan ahead, as Somerset Road will close from 12:00 until 02:00, with additional closures along Green Point Main Road.
Visitors are encouraged to use nearby parking areas or public transport where possible.
