The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, a beloved Cape Town tradition, are set to return for their 34th year. The 19-concert season, kicking off on November 22, 2026, will run until March 28, 2027. This year's lineup promises a diverse range of music, from Afro-soul and kwela-pop to rock, electronic music, and orchestral performances. The concerts will take place on the lawns of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, offering audiences a unique experience against the backdrop of Table Mountain.
South African house band Mi Casa will kick off the season with a performance on November 22, 2026. Other local artists featured in the lineup include Lira, Mandisi Dyantyis, Simphiwe Dana, Mango Groove, Goldfish, and Jeremy Loops. The concerts will also showcase international performers, such as Canadian duo Neon Dreams and Dutch band Chef'Special. According to Kirstenbosch Events and Tourism Manager Sarah Struys, the concerts offer more than just music, providing an opportunity for people to connect while supporting the country's creative industry.
The concerts will feature a mix of established and emerging artists, including Freshlyground, who will share the stage with Booshle G on November 29, 2026. Mandisi Dyantyis will perform on December 6, 2026, followed by The Billy Joel Experience on December 13, 2026, and Lira on December 27, 2026. The lineup also includes Matthew Mole and Congo Cowboys, who will usher in the new year with a special New Year's Eve performance extending beyond midnight.
In January, the concerts will feature Simphiwe Dana, Selaelo Selota, Kurt Darren, Lloyiso, Just Jinjer, and GoodLuck. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will deliver three special performances, beginning with Broadway at Kirstenbosch on January 31, 2027, featuring American singer Jessica Vosk. Comedian Rob van Vuuren will join the orchestra on February 7, 2027, for a children's performance of Carnival of the Animals.
The concerts will continue throughout February and March, with performances by Will Linley, Mango Groove, The Parlotones, Goldfish, and Jeremy Loops. The season will conclude on March 28, 2027, with a performance by Neon Dreams and Chef'Special. According to Sarah Struys, showcasing South African performers supports local talent and the broader creative economy.
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts offer a unique experience, allowing audiences to gather on the lawn, share a picnic, and enjoy live music in a beautiful setting. The concerts have become a staple of the Cape Town cultural calendar, attracting music lovers from across the country. With a diverse lineup and a range of activities on offer, this year's season promises to be an unforgettable experience.
As the 34th annual Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts get underway, music lovers can expect a season of exciting performances and unforgettable summer evenings. With a focus on showcasing local talent and supporting the creative industry, the concerts are set to be a highlight of the summer cultural calendar. The events will take place on the lawns of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, offering breathtaking views of Table Mountain.
Key points
- The 34th annual Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts will feature 19 shows from November 22, 2026, to March 28, 2027.
- The lineup includes a diverse range of local and international artists, including Mi Casa, Lira, and Mango Groove.
- The concerts will offer a unique experience, allowing audiences to gather on the lawn, share a picnic, and enjoy live music in a beautiful setting.
