April events in Cape Town

April events in Cape Town range from the foolish to the fiery, but either way, there’s something for everyone.

Autumn is upon us, but before you start squirreling away the short sleeves and spirits of adventure, take a look at our jam-packed April event listing for Cape Town. From the light-hearted – April Fool’s Day and International Pillow Fight Day – to the last of the season’s music festivals, there’s an intimidating amount on offer, and trust us, there’s bound to be something you don’t want to miss.

Events in April in Cape Town and surrounds

If you thought the fireworks were fabulous on New Year’s Eve, you ain’t seen nothing yet!  During April, the Mother City is treated to a spectacular, four-night extravaganza, the Dunhill Symphony of Fire. Competing nations synchronise firework displays to music, and the event culminates in an exciting play-off, which takes place on the fourth night.

For those who’d rather a “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, don’t miss the Eagles concert on 4 April at the Cape Town Stadium. These rock legends soar into the Western Cape for the first time ever, and you can bet even the middle-aged men with bald spots and boeps will be waving their panties at the American music men.

Easter comes early this month, and whether you’re looking for an inner city egg hunt, a relaxing weekend away or a leisurely brunch or four, there’s lots on offer both within Cape Town and outside. 

For starters, there’s the Bloemendal Wine Estate’s annual Oyster and Champagne Festival. Twenty-thousand fresh west coast oysters accompanied by French Champagnes and local Cap Classiques rival even the sweetest Easter bunny treats, and music, food stalls and loads of entertainment for kids will keep the whole family amused.

Since its humble beginnings in 1970, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has followed a beautiful 56-km scenic route around the Cape Peninsula. This year, spectators will once again line the course to cheer runners on. The race ends at the University of Cape Town, where the whole family can enjoy a carnival extravaganza. It is one of the biggest Cape Town Marathons and a highlight on every marathon runner’s calendar.

World Pillow Fight Day is a free charity event intended to inspire giddy, childish joy in everyone and, for the last few years, has been held in numerous cities across the globe. It’s all about reclaiming public spaces as a playground for all to enjoy. If you're a Capetonian who wants to have some serious fun and contribute to a great cause, listen up! Everyone has some clothes that are in a great condition, but just won't ever be worn again. You can make a difference by grabbing an old pillow case, stuffing it full of your fabulous, but unused, apparel and donating it to the Jam-Packed Pillow Case Campaign.

No standing ovation necessary, but you’ll certain want to put your hands together for the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah concert on 13 April. As the first of the live music performances of the adidas All Originals series, these Indie rock artists look to set the pace for the off-kilter series established by the We-Are-Awesome events company.

Decorex is South Africa’s esteemed annual décor event; popular with DIY crowds, interior designers, architects, home renovators and the city’s design-conscious.

Not just for hippies: Houtstok, the yearly Afrikaanse Musiekfees Festival, was held in 2010 for the first time, in Malmesbury near 'Kaapstad'. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re a musiek loving tannie, a pop princess pre-teen or a beer and sports loving oke, there will be something for you at Houtstok Festival.

Besides being a mind-blowing party in the middle of the Karoo, AfrikaBurn is primarily an arts festival. The event hinges on the idea of creating a temporary community in a non-commercial environment, and is based on radical self-expression and self-reliance. The Burning Man-inspired celebration has the same principles; there is nothing for sale, so there are no vendors and no advertising. The gift economy that’s upheld is about the giving of oneself, without expecting anything in return.

For one of the last stomps of the season, don’t miss Easter Vortex. This outdoor, psychedelic trance festival takes you on a whimsical journey, and let’s face it – it’s a prime opportunity to dance like no one's watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like no one's listening and live like it's heaven on earth.

The South African Cheese Festival in Franschhoek – one of the biggest and most sought after cheese festivals of the year - is the only event of its kind. Set at the lovely Sandringham wine estate in Stellenbosch, the celebration offers live music all day long, ample seating under big, old oak trees, umbrellas and tents, different breeds of dairy animals in the Milk Factory, cheese, wine and related food products.

For those planning an upcoming wedding, the Cape Town Wedding Festival outshines other wedding events. All the exhibitors - from wedding photographers and videographers, to best wedding venues, dress designers, musicians and more – have been approved by The Wedding & Honeymoon Association of South Africa. After all, you just can't afford to take a chance with your big day!

Crush on Constantia is a grand garden party with live entertainment and a lifestyle market which celebrates Constantia. If spending a Sunday afternoon in the company of good friends, sipping fine wine and sampling dishes prepared by Constantia’s highly acclaimed chefs is your idea of bliss, then The Crush on Constantia is definitely the event for you! One of the highlights of the day is the hotly contested competition for the best dressed couple title, which sees winners and runners-up walk away with sensational prizes. 

Lucky you, April claims a couple of Public Holidays. It starts with 6 April - Good Friday, followed by April 9 - Family Day and 
27 April - Freedom Day. Find all South African Public Holidays in our overview Public Holidays. 

Do note, these are only a few of the not to be missed April events in Cape Town. For the latest update check our Cape Town Events Calendar closer to the time and follow us on our Facebook Page.

Also, read the calendar of events in May in Cape Town and surrounds that we prepared for you, or discover the overview of the most important and well known annual events in Cape Town.

Enjoy it!