Leadership, scuba diving, concerts + more this Youth Day

Plus markets, fun runs and youth-led conversations (June 16)

Last updated: Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Youth Day (June 16) commemorates the role young people played in shaping South Africa's history, and across Cape Town, organisations are marking the occasion in different ways. There’s a youth-led discussion about the country's future, 2-for-1 scuba diving experience for kids and teens, free community festival, 5km fun run, a classic concert performance and a tote bag painting workshop. Here's how Cape Town is spending Youth Day 2026.

YOUTH LEADERS TAKE THE STAGE 

What would South Africa look like if young people were in charge? State of the Youth Address is a youth-led platform where emerging leaders step into the role of Ministers of the Future, sharing ideas on leadership, innovation and the challenges shaping the next generation. It’s not just a conversation about the future; proceeds go to a youth organisation helping young South Africans shape it.

Date: Monday, 15 June; 6pm
Cost: R100, book via Webtickets
Follow now: On @citizencode

The Star Theatre District Six Homecoming Centre | Cape Town | @homecomingcentre | Image: Homecoming Centre

5KM FUN RUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Hosted by The Cindy Foundation, this 5km Youth Day run raises funds for the organisation's Safe House Project, which helps children and families in need. The route starts at Zandvlei Recreational Park, with each participant receiving a medal and goodie bag. Runners are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations in support of the project.

Date: Tuesday, 16 June; 10am to 12pm
Cost: R150 for adults, R50 for kids, book via Quicket
Follow now: On @_cindyjacobs

Zandvlei Recreational Park | Promenade Road | Marina Da Gama | @_cindyjacobs | Image: Youth in Transformation

FREE COMMUNITY YOUTH FESTIVAL 

The Bothasig CPF Youth Festival is packed with activities for all ages. There'll be a 5km and 10km fun run and walk, a youth market, tug of war challenge, dominoes competition and youth dance. You can also browse awareness stalls, meet local service providers and stand a chance to win prizes throughout the day.

Date: Tuesday, 16 June; 9am to 4pm
Cost: Free entry
Follow now: On Facebook

Bosmansdam High School | Bothasig | Facebook | Image: Unsplash

SCUBA DIVING EXPERIENCE 

Young adventurers are taking a breather from class to learn a new skill and more about the ocean. This Youth Day weekend, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is offering a 2-for-1 Try Scuba Dive experience for ages 10 to 17, where participants learn how to use scuba gear. The experience also includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Aquarium's Turtle Conservation Centre.

Date: Saturday, 13 June to Tuesday, 16 June; 9.30am to 6pm
Cost: R1 942 for 2 people (usually R3 892), book via diveschool@aquarium.co.za
Follow now: On @2oceansaquarium

Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | @2oceansaquarium | Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

WINTER SYMPHONIES AT CITY HALL 

The Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra takes to the stage for Symphonic Adventures, a Youth Day concert featuring 70 young musicians from across the country. The programme includes light classics, world music and film favourites from Frozen, The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, under the direction of Liam Burden, who leads the orchestra.

Date: Tuesday, 16 June; 3pm
Cost: From R70 to R120, book via Webtickets
Follow now: On @baxtertheatre

Main Road | Rondebosch | Cape Town | @baxtertheatre | Image: Joan Ward

A TOTE BAG PAINTING WORKSHOP

Spend Sunday morning painting and decorating your own tote bag at Kind of Crafty’s creative workshop, a relaxed studio space in Woodstock. Participants can customise their own canvas tote bag using a mix of painting and decoupage techniques. Paints, stencils and fabric markers are all provided.

Date: Sunday, 14 June; 9.45am to 11.45am
Cost: R250, book via Quicket
Follow now: On @mooshartspace

160 Sir Lowry Road | The Armoury 4, Buchanan Square | Woodstock | @mooshartspace | Image: Unsplash

By Khadeeja Adams

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