Killarney Motor Show, full-blown car spectacle & carnival

Drifting, spinning, BMXing + fun fair. Just R45 for kids

Last updated: Tuesday, 14 October 2025

On Sunday 2 November 2025, Killarney International Raceway will transform into an adrenaline-fuelled playground. The Killarney Motor Show powered by the City of Cape Town in association with Smile 90.4FM, is part car show, part carnival.

Think drifting, spinning, 4x4, a BMX and skateboard jam, stunt shows, snake shows, fun fair rides, giant model planes, fire dancers, 58 food trucks and much more! You can even join the action by riding shotgun in a drift car or speeding a race kart around the track.

Killarney has been around for 78 years. Image: Killarney

WHAT YOU CAN’T MISS

Killarney’s Motor Show, now in its eighth year, is where Cape Town comes to play. Every corner of the raceway will be packed, and these events are the biggest crowd-puller, according to the organisers.

The stunt arena, which runs the entire day, keeps the crowd pumped. It is choreographed chaos where cars race, crash, flip and take part in mock police car chases.

Nearby, Monster Energy’s Ramp Rodeo dominates a 40 metre skatepark, bringing together 100 pro BMX and skateboard athletes to flip and fly across the ramp from 10am to 4pm. Fifty vintage tractors will be on show, with some taking part in thrilling tug-of-war demonstrations throughout the day to keep the crowd entertained.

The gymkhana demos, meanwhile, are tests of expert agility. Drivers race through cones, drifting between them with incredible precision to test who’s the fastest and most agile.

They host 150 events throughout the year. Image: Killarney

RARE! RACE AROUND A REAL TRACK

The show is designed for motorsport enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, but welcomes anyone eager to experience the rush of speed. With crowd-favourites like hot laps, passengers are taken for an action-packed spin as pros drift through corners at top speeds.

The drift passenger rides, which are also very popular, take you on a 1km circuit for a mock race that’ll leave your heart pumping. And if you want to be in the driver’s seat, you can climb into a real race kart at R200 per person for 10 laps (children over 1.5 metres can race too).

All you’ll need to join are closed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeve top. You’ll also have to fill out an indemnity form and helmets will be available.

Although there are no official races on the day, there’s no shortage of action. Image: Killarney

1 200 CARS: PORSCHE, JAGUAR & MORE

While one of the most popular drawcards are the racing experiences, not every car needs to move to make an impression. The static show is where collectors and car clubs show off their most prized machines. 

Porsche, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, VW Kombis, Hudsons, Chevrolets and Flamingos are just a few of the 500 classic cars you can expect to see. There will also be 700 street-modified machines with built-in speakers and dropped suspension will line the grounds.

You’ll see old, new and restored cars. Image: Killarney

MORE THAN JUST CARS

Even if you don’t care for cars, you’ll find something to love here. At 10am, fire dancers light up the track with a 15-minute performance of flaming hoops and return for another show in the afternoon. At noon, Zulu dancers take the stage for a 45-minute celebration of rhythm, movement and local culture.

In the air, you’ll catch the South African Model Aircraft Association showing off their model planes. With 3-metre wingspans, they’re so realistic that you forget they’re not fully scaled aircrafts. The F15 Eagle and Eurofighter Typhoon will dart and loop above the track for two shows.

The snake show is another fascinating encounter featuring multiple snakes (including a python) and a lizard. The show takes place twice and is led by an expert handler who walks guests through their habits and habitat before letting kids meet these creatures up close.

The snake shows are usually one hour apart so be sure not to miss it. Image: Killarney

FUN FAIR FOR KIDS

Besides the snake show, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. The fun fair has carnival rides like bungee trampolines, rocket parachute simulators, a human space gyro, swing carousel, inflatable obstacle courses, and the WipeOut sweeper challenge. Tickets cost R25 per ride.

There’s also a dedicated kids’ zone with a play gym, pedal cars and push bikes, as well as bumper cars by the Tracktion drift arena. Add in face painting, games, and a memorabilia stand with prizes, and you’ve got a full day of entertainment for kids while parents explore the rest of the show.

Killarney is a budget-friendly family day out. Image: Killarney

58 FOOD TRUCKS, 2 RESTAURANTS, BEER GARDEN

The Killarney Motor Show isn’t just a feast for your senses. It’s a feast period. With 58 food trucks spread across the venue, there’s so much variety, including chicken, calamari, Thai food, corndogs, pancakes and even Spur.

You can also sit down for a meal at the Tuckshop and Beer Garden or Karting Café, which serves burgers, boerewors rolls, cheesy tikka chicken naan, masala steak pizza, and more. 

There are four bars dotted across the grounds and a beer garden, as well as two VIP zones for those wanting an elevated experience. R1 500 gets you complimentary food and snacks, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, access to the Joubert Pits Lounge, dedicated toilets, and a view of the action.

You’ll need energy to take it all in and the food scene will keep you fuelled. Image: Killarney

KILLARNEY TICKET PRICES & FREE PARKING

If you’ve heard stories of long queues and traffic, forget them. Spectators can enter from Gate 5 where there’s secure parking for 2 000 cars. Arrive by 9am to secure your spot and avoid any queues.

Alternatively, park at Bayside Mall and take the MyCiti bus. For R35, you get all-day parking at Bayside and a free MyCiti ride to Killarney (just show your entry ticket). Those who use the bus can win amazing drift experience prizes. Claim your free Monster Energy drink with your sticker you will receive on arrival at Killarney.  

The Killarney Motor Show is never just about cars; it’s a full-blown spectacle that turns the track into a playground for both motorsport fans and families.

All attendees are encouraged to carpool. Image: Killarney 

TICKETS TO KILLARNEY MOTOR SHOW 2025

Killarney Motor Show is open: 10am to 4pm
Find it: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Table View
Cost: R45 for kids & R130 for adults online; R60 for kids under 16 & R160 adults at the gate
Book: Via Webtickets
Contact on: 021 557 1639 or email events@wpmc.co.za

By Khadeeja Adams 

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