Organisers of the annual Cape Town Pride Festival have announced the dates for the 2026 edition.
The festival, which unites and celebrates members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, was held in the Mother City earlier this year. It culminated in a vibrant parade and a Mardi Gras bash.
Here’s everything you need to know about next year’s edition:
CAPE TOWN PRIDE: MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FEBRUARY-MARCH
According to Mamba Online, the Cape Town Pride Festival will be a three-week-long celebration. It will run from 5 February to 1 March 2026.
The accompanying parade and Mardi Gras will take place on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The parade begins at 11:00 in Alfred Street, De Waterkant. Marchers will proceed down Somerset Road and Main Road before ending at Green Point Track. Participation in the parade is free.
Mardi Gras, which will also take place at Green Point Track, will also start at 11:00 and will run until 21:00. General tickets cost R100, while VIP tickets cost R550. These are available to purchase online at www.quicket.co.za.
WHAT’S THE THEME?
This year’s Pride event theme was “Rainbow ID.” This encouraged everyone on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to proudly display their true colours and identities.
Next year, the theme is “Ubuntu – I am because we are.” This is a famous South African philosophy that promotes the interconnectedness of humans. It also advocates compassion, sharing and unity among community members.
As such, it’s a fitting way to foster equality and inclusion and to celebrate the shared experiences of the queer community in South Africa and throughout the African continent.
GET READY TO CELEBRATE QUEERDOM IN STYLE AT CAPE TOWN PRIDE
Cape Town Pride Festival may only be three months away, but it gives you plenty of time to plan your trip, from the transport details to the attire.
What’s more, the announcement of the dates serves as a reminder that we need to continue celebrating, uplifting and protecting the Rainbow Nation’s LGBTQIA+ community – not just during Pride season, but beyond.
