Cape Town Minstrels Carnival 2026 – Everything You Need To Know!

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Airtel Malawi

The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival returns to the Mother City on 5 January 2026.

Now known as the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade, this annual event is the longest existing carnival in the city and is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage. Historically this celebration took place on 2 January aka Tweede Nuwe Jaar and the minstrels were to referred to as the Kaapse Klopse – this celebration the Mother City’s biggest event to usher in the New Year.

Capital One

What To Expect at the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival

Thousands of minstrels in glittery uniforms from a variety of troupes with face paint, hats and parasols march through the city’s roads, playing their signature “ghoema” music on banjos, trumpets and drums. The troupes are spaced out so that each performance happens separately, allowing onlookers to hear each troupe. There is also a structure to each troupe, with non-instrument playing members called “voorlopertjies” leading the way with extravagant dance moves while the band provides the backing soundtrack.

Among this year’s troupe lineup you will see Original D6 Hanover Minstrels, Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons, Phantoms Community Development, Ashwin Willemse Orient Community Development, Young Wild Comanches, Manenberg Superstars, Carnival Boys Youth Development (also known as Crystal Palace), Wild Apache, Baruch Entertainers, CPT Hawkers, Fabulous Seawind Entertainers, and many more.

Experience The Magic 

The parade is set to attract a crowd of 80,000 to 100,000 spectators, eager to experience over 16 minstrel troupes and 20,000 performers. 

The parade will begin at the corner of Somerset Rd and Dixon St. The route
will follow along Somerset Rd all the way to the DHL Stadium.  

Road Closures 

To accommodate the parade and ensure public safety, several roads will be closed from 6am on Monday, 5 January to Tuesday, 6 January 2026. 

Affected streets include: 

Street/Road  Restriction    Between  Closure Time  Opening Time 
Main Rd  Full Closure (residential access lane between Upper Portswood Rd & Highfield Rd)  York Rd  Buitengracht Street  06h00  23h59 
Prestwich Street  Full Closure  Alfred St Granger  Chiappini Street  06h00  23h59 
Somerset Road  East Bound closure  Bay Blvd Granger  Granger Bay Blvd  06h00  23h59 
Fritz Sonnenberg  Full Closure  Bay Blvd Granger  Rd Portswood  06h00  23h59 
Somerset Road  Full Closure  Bay Blvd  Buitengracht St  06h00  23h59 
Ebenezer Road  Full Closure (Hotel Access only)  Prestwich St Javis  RD Somerset  06h00  23h59 
De Smit Street  Full Closure  St Napier St Javis  Somerset RD  06h00  23h59 
Moreland Terrace  Full Closure  St Schiebe St  Somerset RD  06h00  23h59 
Napier Street  Full Closure  Dixon St  Somerset RD  06h00  23h59 
Alfred Street  Full Closure  Prestwich St  Somerset RD  06h00  23h59 
Dixon Street  Full Closure  Strand St  Javis St  06h00  23h59 
Chiappini Street  Full Closure  Prestwich St  Somerset RD  06h00  23h59 
Chiappini Street  Full Closure  Napier St Liddle  Somerset RD  06h00   23h59  
Alfred Street  Full Closure (Hotel Access only)  St Beach Rd  Schiebe St  06h00  23h59 
Prestwich Street  Full Closure  Portswood Rd  St Alfred  06h00  23h59 
Cobern St  Full Closure  Granger Bay Blvd  Somerset Rd  06h00  23h59 
Granger Bay Blvd  East Bound Carriage Closure  Helen Suzman  Helen Suzman  06h00  23h59 
Fort Wynyard St  Full Closure  Blvd  Granger Bay Blvd  12h00  23h59 
Fritz Sonnenberg  Full Closure    Beach Rd     
Vlei Road  Full Closure    Fritz Sonnenberg Rd  12h00  23h59 

 Local access and permit holders: 

Street/Road  Restriction    Between  Closure Time  Opening Time 
Main Road  Permit Holders Only  Granger Bay Blvd  Three Anchor Bay Blvd  06h00  23h59 
Granger Bay Blvd  Permit Holders Only  Helen Suzman Blvd  York Rd  06h00  23h59 
Ebenezer Road  Permit Holders Only  Port RD  Prestwich St  06h00  23h59 
Bennett Street  Permit Holders Only  Port RD  Prestwich St  06h00  23h59 
Hudson Street  Permit Holders Only  Waterkant Street  Somerset RD  06h00  23h59 
Hudson Street  Local Access Only  Hudson St  Strand St  06h00  23h59 
Vos Street  Local Access Only  Vos St  Strand St  06h00  23h59 
Rose Street  Local Access Only  Rose St  Strand St  06h00  23h59 
Waterkant  Local Access Only  Buitengracht St  Waterkant St  06h00  23h59 
Cavalcade Road  Local Access Only  York Rd  Upper Portswood Rd  06h00  23h59 
Thornhill Road  Local Access Only  Cavalcade Rd  Upper Portswood Rd  06h00  23h59 

 Entry 

The HollywoodBets Cape Town Street Parade is free for the public. Follow Cape Town Street Parade on Facebook, Instagram, and X, for the latest updates on the start route and other information. 

Related Articles 

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What’s On In Cape Town In January 2026

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Airtel Malawi

Cape Town welcomes 2026 on a high note – January is peak summer, and the city comes alive with an unbeatable mix of concerts, festivals, sport, culture and outdoor experiences. From iconic events like the Cape Town Minstrels Street Parade and the King’s Plate to international music tours, open-air theatre and cricket at Newlands.

Cats, the Musical

📅

2-11 January 2026 📍 Artscape Theatre, Cape Town

Capital One

Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment in association with Cape Town Opera by arrangement with The Really Useful Group presents CATS. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-famous musical Cats brings iconic songs, choreography and theatrical magic to the Artscape stage. Tickets from R180 on Webtickets.

cats the musical

WAV Festival by AfroNation

📅

2 January 2026 📍 Green Point Track, Cape Town

A festival R&B lovers cannot miss! Amapiano’s Kelvin Momo brings his deep, emotional sound to the festival, while Shekinah’s golden voice is set to light up the stage. The lineup also includes Mariah the Scientist, Wale, Langa Mavuso, and Kujenga. Cape Town, get ready for a high-energy stadium showcase featuring the best in R&B. Find ticket information here.

Milk & Cookies Festival

📅

3 January 2026 📍 Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town

This multi-genre festival celebrates music, food, and community. From amapiano to R&B, house to hip-hop, Milk and Cookies blends global sounds with local culture for one unforgettable celebration. Vibrant stages, curated food vendors, immersive art installations, and the kind of energy that turns a crowd into a community – it’s a gathering where culture, connection, and creativity meet. For tickets go to Howler’s website and for more information visit the official page here.

 

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BLANCHE – a luxury daytime event

📅

4 January 2026 📍 The Terrace Rooftop, Salt River

Step into the New Year with Blanche; an All-white outdoor celebration, curated by AfroFuture and PVO. This signature experience blends live music, an unmatched atmosphere, and the most vibrant crowd. Presented by Martell, set against Cape Town’s stunning backdrop. Click here for ticket information.

Freshlyground Reunion Concert

📅

4, 11, 18 January 2026 📍 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Freshlyground reunites for a special open-air concert at Kirstenbosch, delivering feel-good hits in one of Cape Town’s most popular outdoor venues. Find more information and ticket information.

Cape Town Minstrels Street Parade

📅

5 January 2026 📍 Somerset Road & Fan Walk, Green Point

The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival returns to the Mother City on 5 January 2026. The annual event fills the streets with colour, music and tradition, continuing into DHL Stadium for the Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition. Tap here for the latest event information.

St Tropez presents: Uncle Waffles – The ultimate day time escape

📅

5 January 2026 📍 Cabo Beach Club, Cape Town

Turn on the glitz and glamour at this epic Cabo Beach experience. Headlined by global sensation Uncle Waffles, expect nothing less than an unforgettable day of pulsating beats, high-energy performances, and pure sophistication. The event promises world-class local DJs spinning infectious sounds that keep the energy flowing from noon until sunset. Get your tickets now.

MI Cape Town vs Joburg Super Kings

📅

6 January 2026 📍 Newlands Cricket Grounds

Catch SA20 cricket action as MI Cape Town face the Joburg Super Kings at the historic Newlands Cricket Ground. For ticket info, email info@ticketpro.co.za or visit the website here.

Cape Town Jazzathon

📅

9-11 January 2026 📍 Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Celebrating its 29th anniversary this year, the Cape Town Jazzathon is South Africa’s longest-running music festival. Often referred to as “The People’s Festival,” the event will feature performances daily, from 12.30pm to 8pm. Enjoy a rich variety of styles including Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Neo Soul, and Straight Ahead packed into three days of non-stop entertainment… and its free!!! Learn more.

L’Ormarins King’s Plate

📅

10 January 2026 📍 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse

The Running of the 165th King’s Plate – the L’Ormarins King’s Plate is one of South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing events, combining elite racing, high fashion and a vibrant atmosphere. The King’s Plate is a totally blue and white affair where guests can enjoy some of the country’s best racing, wine, food, antique car displays and renowned after party in the peak of Cape Town’s summer. Tickets start from R600. For more information visit here.

king's plate

Maynardville Open-Air Festival

📅

From 13 January 2026 📍 Maynardville Park, Wynberg

Cape Town’s premier open-air theatre experience returns, featuring live performances in a magical forest setting. Opening on 13 January, the Shades of Blue Chamber Concert will feature music from composers influenced by the rhythms and harmonies of jazz. Next up is Jazz in the Park (14 to 15 Jan), a new two-day celebration featuring local jazz legends from Cape Town’s rich jazz tradition. From 16 to 17 January, another crowd-favourite Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra returns with a stirring classical programme. See the full festival programme.

Calum Scott – The Avenoir Tour

📅

14 January 2026 📍 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

International singer-songwriter Calum Scott performs live at Kirstenbosch as part of his global Avenoir Tour. Gates open at 6pm. Concert starts 7pm. For more information, go to Big Concert’s website.

Sheer City Festival

📅

17-18 January 2026 📍 Harrington Street Precinct

Sheer City is launching its inaugural two-day inner-city festival bringing together Cape Town’s most influential underground nightlife crews with international acts like Horse Meat Disco, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, Make A Dance, Freudenthal, and more. It’s a multi-venue, walkable block party across Harrington Street and the City Bowl fringe, a celebration of Cape Town’s creative pulse, queer culture, music, fashion, performance, and community. Expect six venues, over twenty artists, a full weekend immersion in the city’s next cultural moment.

Sheer Drop at Texas – 2pm to 10pm
Sheer Delight at The Electric – 5pm to 2am
Sheer Disco at Harringtons – 6pm to 4am
Sheer D.O.G at Zer021 Social – 8pm to 4am
Sheer Assembly at District – 8pm to 4am
Sheer Dive at Surfa Rosa – 9pm to 4am

Tickets available from Airdosh

sheer city festival

Sundaze at Durbanville Hills

📅

25 January 2026 📍 Durbanville Hills Winery

Long, lazy afternoons, cool beats and Cape Town’s most iconic views. Summer at Durbanville Hills is super chilled, and with it, the popular cellar’s much-loved Sundaze Summer Series. DJ Stefanos will be spinning tracks from 2pm to 6pm while you enjoy crisp wines, cocktails, craft beer, wine slushies, and a mouth-watering selection of eats from the Olive Grove Bistro. Set against panoramic vistas of Table Bay and Table Mountain, Sundaze is the perfect way to vibe with friends and family. Tickets cost R100pp and available via Webtickets.

Shxtsngigs: Daddy’s Home – South Africa Tour

📅

27 January 2026 📍 Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town

The viral podcast duo James and Fuhad bring their Daddy’s Home live show to Cape Town, blending comedy, culture and crowd interaction. Whether you’re a die-hard Cult Baby or just discovering the podcast that’s racked up millions of streams and laughs worldwide, this live experience is your chance to see the boys like never before – live, loud, and uncut. Tickets from R440 via Ticketmaster.

DHL Stormers vs Vodacom Blue Bulls

📅

27 January 2026 📍 DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Get ready for a major rugby showdown as the DHL Stormers face the Vodacom Blue Bulls in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures. Cape Town is set to bring the gees – get your tickets today on the Stormer’s website.

green point stadium cape town

World Sports Betting Cape Town Met

📅

31 January 2026 📍 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse

Prepare for the grand return of the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, where the thrill of elite horse racing converges with a multisensory celebration unlike any other. The 2026 theme Symphony of Style combines fashion, music, and immersive moments. Book your tickets via Computicket.

MET

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12 Days of Summer Giveaways: Day 12 – V&A Waterfront

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Airtel Malawi

It’s our 12 Days of Summer Giveaways!

We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.

Capital One

Win a R5000 V&A Waterfront gift voucher, R3000 dining voucher at Coy Restaurant, and one-night stay for 2 people at the Radisson RED Hotel valued at R2750.

The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa’s most visited destinations. Set in South Africa’s oldest working harbour, with the majestic Table Mountain as its backdrop, this iconic destination is a firm favourite among locals and international travellers.


Start your adventure with a R5000 shopping spree, giving you access to hundreds of stores, restaurants and attractions across this world-class neighbourhood.

Then tuck into a fine-dining feast at Coy Restaurant, overlooking spectacular Table Mountain views. Then unwind with a one-night stay for two at the Radisson RED Hotel in the heart of the Silo District.

The competition ends on 19 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced on Monday, 22 December, at 9am.

Please use this link to enter if the form does not populate: Day 12 – V&A Waterfront – 19th Dec 2025 – Fill out form

Terms and Conditions:

  • The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
  • Gift vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • The hotel stay prize at Radisson RED Hotel can be redeemed between May 2026 and September 2026. The stay is subject to availability and is not valid over block out dates.
  • The hotel stay is for two guests in a Mountain View room with breakfast.

In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.

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A Guide To Your Best Holiday Hair In Cape Town

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Airtel Malawi

Ladies love getting their hair done while on holiday, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in the city to get it all done – from braids and weaves to balyage and blow outs.

Here are a few of our favourites places:

Capital One

For Braids, Wigs, and Extensions

Afro Corner

This City Centre hair salon is your one-stop shop for braids, hair colouring, natural hair styling, and extensions. Professional stylists treat your hair with the care it deserves, ensuring you leave looking and feeling amazing!

Location: 33 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: www.afrocorner.co.za

ASANA Beauty

ASANA is a high-end dreadlocks and natural hair salon founded in 2019 by friends Gugu Nonjinge and Nomahlubi Hewu. But it’s more than just a place for hair; it’s a community and a safe space where you can relax. Treatments include hot oil and scalp treatments for dreadlocks, deep cleans, and protein treatments for natural hair.

Location: The Herringbone, 44 Yew St, Salt River
Website: www.asanabeauty.co.za

Ester Hair Salon

Looking for a wig supplier and expert installations? Ester Hair Salon offers that and more. It’s the spot for ladies to treat themselves, upgrade their looks, and leave feeling fabulous. Hair extensions and quality products complete your perfect style.

Location: No 32 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre
Website: EsterHairSalonSA

Afrosundae

Afro Sundae is all about natural hair done right. This Table View salon specialises in coils, curls, and kinks, giving every strand the love it deserves. Kids are welcome too, with gentle, fun treatments that make hair time a breeze.

Location: 14 Merlot Avenue, Table View,
Website: instagram.com/afrosundae/

For A Luxe Pampering

Excentric Hair Salon

With locations in Kloof Street and Sea Point, Excentric Hair Salon is all about pushing the boundaries. Living by the motto ‘Dare to be different,’ the team specialises in everything from precision cutting and advanced colour techniques to results-driven treatments. They’re constantly exploring the latest trends, like balayage, contouring, geode, rainbow, and unicorn hair.

Location: 39 Kloof Street and 73 Regent Road, Sea Point
Website: www.excentric-hair.co.za

Sorbet

With branches across Cape Town, Sorbet’s hairbars handle it all: cuts, colour, treatments, styling, extensions, and straightening. And with an in-salon nail, lash, and brow menu, you can get the full pampering experience and walk out with that unbeatable, ‘just-been-treated’ feeling. Location: Various locations in the city. Details here.
Website: www.sorbet.co.za

Blue Lemon Hair & Beauty

“Good Hair Days, Every Day!” That’s the motto at Blue Lemon Hair & Beauty in Green Point. Step in and treat yourself to a full range of hair and beauty services, from blow dries and tints (parting, hairline, and roots) to highlights, Brazilian treatments, perms, and even gents’ cuts and colour.

Location: Shop 3, Portside, 41 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Website: www.bluelemonhair.com

Snippets Hair Salon

Balayage specialists in Claremont, Snippets Hair Salon turn every appointment into an experience. They’re warm, welcoming, and happy to accommodate German-speaking travellers. While you’re there, kick back with free Wi-Fi, and if hunger strikes, they’ll happily order from the sushi bar or Jack’s Bagel next door.

Location: 22 Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa
Website: snippetshairsalon.co.za

Marios Hair Atelier

One of Cape Town’s top hair salons, Marios Atzemoglou and his team have built a true hair sanctuary. Women, men, and kids are all welcome. The menu includes quick blow dry, balayage-Ombre, Bio-Ionic Japanese straightening, and Brazilian Keratin treatments.

Location: 2nd Exhibition building, 81 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
Website: marioshairatelier.com

Head Spas

Plush Head Spa

Inspired by viral trends and growing demand, Plush combines traditional head spa techniques with modern treatments and premium products. The treatment aims to bring deep relaxation, enhance scalp health, and promote overall rejuvenation.

Location: Unit A5, Office Park, Heron Crescent, Century Dr, Century City
Website: www.plushheadspa.co.za

Headspace SA

Blending ancient Chinese techniques with modern wellness, this head spa in Claremont promotes deep relaxation and scalp rejuvenation. Guests can choose between a Mini Experience (perfect for those short on time) or the Complete Ritual for a full pampering session. The treatment includes two luxurious washes: one with a clarifying shampoo to cleanse, followed by a nourishing shampoo and hydrating hair mask. This is paired with a head massage, hydro steam therapy, and other calming elements.

Location: Shop 12e, 11 Warwick St, Claremont.
Website: headspacesa.co.za

KITANA Japanese Head Spa

The Claremont Head Spa is by appointment only, and it’s a treat for the whole family! Their Asian-inspired head and scalp treatments cater to women, men, teens, and kids. Whether you’re popping in for a simple blow dry, a dandruff detox scrub, or a traditional hair-growth scalp oil, they’ve got you covered. Guys swear by the Alpha Ritual.

Location: 223 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont
Website: kitana_asian_headspa_capetown

Stylist Tip for Cape Town Hair

Book ahead! Cape Town is in peak season (November to February) and can get busy. Reputable salons, especially those specialising in intricate work like braiding or complex colour, get booked up weeks in advance. Secure your spot before you arrive to avoid disappointment!

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12 Days of Summer Giveaways: Day 8 – DK Villas

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Airtel Malawi

It’s our 12 Days of Summer Giveaways!

We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.

Capital One

Day 8: Win a 4-night midweek stay for two people at the Riverview Hout Bay luxury self-catering apartment, valued at R6600, courtesy of DK Villas.

Spend four nights at DK Villa’s Riverview, a one-bedroom apartment conveniently located a stone’s throw from the beach and a short drive from Hout Bay’s best shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Ideal for two guests, amenities include an open-plan lounge and kitchen, a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-range SMEG appliances, including a kettle, coffee machine, toaster, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.

To enter, complete and submit the online entry form below.

The competition ends on 15 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced the next day, at 9am.

Terms and Conditions:

  • The prize is valid until 31 December 2026, and is not redeemable for cash.

  • The self-catering accommodation is subject to availability. Cleaning services are not included during your stay.

  • The prize is only valid from Monday to Friday, excluding any long weekends, Public Holidays, and Western Cape school holidays. High Season of December 2025, January 2026, February 2026, March 2026 and 15-31 December 2026 are also excluded.

  • There is a R2000 refundable breakage deposit, which is not part of the prize.

  • No parties or functions are permitted.

In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.

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12 Days of Summer Giveaways: Day 4 – Marine Dynamics

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Airtel Malawi
We’re embracing the festive spirit this summer, and from 4 to 19 December 2025, you can win some of the best experiences in Cape Town.

Day 4: Win a shark cage diving and viewing encounter for 2 people to the value of R6710, courtesy of Marine Dynamics.

Marine Dynamics, an award-winning ecotourism and marine company, offers captivating shark cage diving experiences and marine Big 5 tours, all while remaining committed to preserving the marine environment and providing unforgettable marine experiences.

You and a loved one can come face-to-face with the ocean’s apex predators on a thrilling shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai, located around 2 and a half hours from Cape Town.

The competition ends on 9 December 2025, at 23:59 pm SAST. The winner will be announced the next day, at 9am.

To enter, complete and submit the online entry form below.

Capital One

Terms and Conditions:

  • This prize is not transferable and may not be sold, exchanged for cash, or used as part of any commercial promotion.
  • The prize is valid for two people for a Shark Cage Diving experience with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai.
  • Transport to and from Gansbaai is not included in this prize.
  • A conservation fee applies per person and must be paid on the day of the tour.
  • Bookings are essential and subject to availability.  The exact meeting/pick-up time can only be confirmed the day before the trip.
  • The prize is weather-dependent. In the event that the trip is cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled within the voucher’s validity period.
  • The voucher is valid until 30 November 2026.
  • The prize cannot be redeemed by unaccompanied minors. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Should the guest choose not to enter the cage, no alternative or compensation will be provided.
Find Marine Dynamics standard terms and conditions and safety protocols here.
In addition to the above, please view our T’s and C’s here.

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