Kirstenbosch Summer Open Air Concerts

IN BRIEF:

What: Open Air Music Concerts.

When: Sunday Evenings in Summer.

Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Itinerary / Booking: Old Mutual Concert Information
During summer, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens host a variety of open air concerts every Sunday afternoon/evening.

The botanical gardens are world famous and promote the unique flora indigenous to the Cape Peninsula.

Set in these gardens, one couldn’t hope for a more spectacular venue for music concerts. The shows range from symphonies, to latest local rock bands (Fokofpolisiekar, Freshlyground to name two), to South African icons such as Johnny Clegg of Savuka and Juluka fame. International artists also play here.

Here’s the link to the current itinerary.

Kirstenbosch Concert - stage

The photo was taken at the Johnny Clegg concert in 2009. The beauty of the venue is obvious. One can see the Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge in the background. As an aside, these are two popular hikes/ascents of Table Mountain. Don’t attempt them unless you are fit. They are very steep.

Kirstenbosch is located in the Bishopscourt / Newlands area. It’s pretty close to the border of these two suburbs and I’m not sure which one it officially belongs to.

Tickets should be bought in advance to avoid being disappointed. Get to the popular concerts about an hour early as you’ll struggle to find a decent spot to sit otherwise. Bring your own picnic, and picnic blanket. Alcohol is allowed. Chairs and things like beach umbrellas are not. Find a spot on the grass and enjoy yourself.