Join us at the iconic Cape Town Carnival on the Green Point Fan Walk this Human Rights Day - 21 March 2026.
For one unforgettable evening, the streets of Cape Town become a moving canvas of colour, music and performance, celebrating 16 years of culture, community and creativity in our city. From hand-crafted floats and intricate costumes to powerful dance groups and live music, the Carnival brings together the extraordinary talent that exists across Cape Town and South Africa.
This year’s line-up features beloved artists including songstress Zolani Mahola, singer Anslin Gysman and legendary DJ Ready D. Also taking to the parade route are Suidooster star Natasha van der Merwe, media personality Dylan Majavie and graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter.
Joining them are Siv Ngesi on the Triple Threat float and Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli in Boldly Beautiful - alongside hundreds of performers, musicians and community groups who are the heartbeat of the parade.
And yes - the ever-popular City of Cape Town Firefighters will once again light up the route.
After the final float passes, the celebration continues at the Carnival Village Afterparty.
With this year’s theme, Follow your heART promising heart, wonder, and a uniquely South African spectacle, this is an event you don’t want to miss.
See you on 21 March at 6pm on the Green Point Fan Walk!
To bring this vision to life, we introduced a bold new creative concept for 2026: Pod Champions.
Each major parade pod is inspired by a real individual whose journey of following their heART has shaped the creative direction of that section - influencing its music, choreography, styling, storytelling and energy.
They are the heartbeat behind the spectacle.
Together, they represent a dynamic mix of disciplines, generations and voices - reflecting the diversity, creativity and spirit of Cape Town itself.
What you’ll experience on parade night is personal stories translated into spectacle - passion brought to life in colour, rhythm and motion.
Take a look at what our Champions had to say.
What does Follow Your heART look like for you?
Is it Bold? Street wear? Avant garde? Couture? Carnival flamboyance?
This is your moment to interpret the 2026 theme in your own wearable way.
From campus… to the Carnival stage.
Enter the Campus Best Dressed 2026 competition and stand a chance to win:
How it works:
Be bold. Be original. Be seen.
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