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Cape Town Carnival 2026!

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!

The Cape Town Carnival is a FREE event!

However, should you be interested in some limited TICKET options in VIP, Seated Stands or the Red Bus

Follow Your heART.

Campus Best Dressed Competition

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:

  • VIP Carnival Tickets for two
  • A night at Southern Sun Sun Square
  • A Takealot voucher

How it works:

  1. Submit your look below.
  2. Online voting – 6-10 March.
  3. Winners announced on 12 March at 6pm.
  4. Finalists parade in their outfits in the Cape Town Carnival on 21 March on the Fanwalk.

Be bold. Be original. Be seen.

Interested in being part of the carnival as a community group?

Interested in being part of the carnival as an individual lead performer?

Interested in hiring an artwork, costume, specialised performer, or group?

A huge thank you to our wonderful, supportive sponsors and partners, who have helped make this new dream a reality.

Would you like to make a difference and be part of our amazing community?

Media Office

If you have any questions for our media office, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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