Golden Hour

How to have the perfect summer? Go to any Golden Hour event

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Golden Hour, the people behind Cape Town’s iconic events

Think Sexy Groovy Love, Alcazar and Retreat Yourself

Last updated: Tuesday, 7 October 2025

If you’ve ever had an epic summer party in Cape Town, then you’ve probably been to a Golden Hour event. From events with seaside cabanas by the beach, to intimate castle soirées in the mountains, Golden Hour is famous for curating festivals at killer venues with powerful moments of euphoria that stay with you long after you’ve left.

They organise everything from extravagant New Year’s Eve parties, with dramatic stage designs and costumes, to a wellness festival that’s grown to become a cherished tradition. This year, they're also bringing a Brooklyn-born festival that’s travelled the party capitals to Cape Town.

We spoke to co-founder, Chris de Vos, about the mission of their brand and the magic they have planned for Cape Town this summer.

Golden Hour is behind Retreat Yourself, Alcazar, Sexy Groovy Love, and more. Image: Golden Hour

BRAND BEHIND CAPE TOWN’S FAVE FESTIVALS

It’s deeper than music for them, says Chris: “Each decision is about how we’re going to make people feel. From who checks you in at the gate, to the way music progresses through the night.”

With this passion, Golden Hour has created some of the Western Cape’s most popular summer festivals, like Retreat Yourself, Alcazar, Sexy Groovy Love, and more.

Their events are joyful, free, and unforgettable. Like a one-day holiday, where everybody is your friend.

OUTDOOR FESTIVALS IN CAPE TOWN 2025

Golden Hour events are famous for having the most iconic venues.“We host festivals anywhere from the medieval castle in Hout Bay and beaches in Granger Bay at the Grand, to beautiful farms in valleys up the coast.”

Diversity runs through the talent line-ups too. “Our festivals definitely showcase the talent that South Africa and Cape Town specifically have, whether it's through music, wellness, yoga teachers, chefs, and comedians.”

They’ve featured South African artists like SONA, who’s collaborated with Drake, and unique DJs like Abby Nurock, who’s one of the only local artists who DJs with vinyl.

Their events feel like a one-day holiday. Image: Golden Hour

SEXY GROOVY LOVE: HALLOWEEN

Sexy Groovy Love kicks off the Golden Hour summer party season with the ultimate Halloween experience at Cabo Beach. The hauntingly elegant event is a tradition, with three dance floors, immersive decor, and world-class DJs like Fka Mash, LHO, and Michael Mayer.

This year there are even special takeovers from events collective Folks, known for their warehouse parties, and Tropical Roast, famous for their quirky and intimate events. “A tip for anyone going for the first time is to commit to your costume. Go all out,” says Chris.

Sexy Groovy Love Halloween: Saturday, 1 November 2025, 4pm to 2am
Find it: Cabo Beach, 12 South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cost: General Access tickets from R390, VIP tickets from R850
Book: Via Howler

The hauntingly elegant Halloween soirée is their first event of the season. Image: Golden Hour

SEXY GROOVY LOVE: NEW YEAR’S EVE

This New Year’s Eve party takes place in a fairytale castle tucked into the mountains, guarded by gargoyles and dragons – Lichtenstein Castle in Hout Bay. “Every Cape Town resident sees the castle their whole lives, and we were the first to actually open it to the public,” says Chris.

Eclectic DJs set the soundtrack, with Grammy Award-winning Zakes Bantwini headlining this year. The guest list is exclusive, and you can arrive early to catch the sunset and take a dip in the heated pool, and party until 2am to send 2025 off in style.

Sexy Groovy Love New Year’s Eve: Wednesday, 31 December 2025, 3.30pm to 2am
Find it: The Lichtenstein Castle, Hout Bay
Cost: R1 650 for Sexy Bird tickets, R1 950 for Late Bird tickets, R3 250 for All-Inclusive tickets
Book: Via Howler

The New Year’s Eve party is intimate and takes place in a mythical castle in Hout Bay. Image: Golden Hour

ALCAZAR NYE 2025/26 AT GRAND AFRICA

The New Year’s Eve festival is famous for being an immersive “no under-21” art experience, with dramatic stage designs, incredible décor, and artists and guests all dressed to match the year’s theme.

This year, the Jungle Fever-themed Alcazar will take over the entire Grand Africa, transforming it into a massive playground (for adults) by the sea. It will be a lush wonderland of prowling panthers, bright parrots, and jungle disco beats as you groove into the new year.

Alcazar is happening: Wednesday, 31 December 2025, 4pm to 2am. No under-21s
Find it: Grand Africa Café & Beach, 1 Haul Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cost: General Access tickets from R650, VIP tickets from R1 500
Book: Via Howler

Alcazar is an immersive art experience. Image: Golden Hour

SEXY GROOVY LOVE: NEW YEAR’S DAY

Sexy Groovy Love’s first event of 2026 will be at the iconic Grand Africa, a stunning private beach venue with white-and-gold accents, lounge couches, and a giant disco ball.

The atmosphere is electric, as you can dance to SONA, Dwson, Layla Benitez, Airrica, and more with house, jungle, experimental electronic and Afrobeat sets. Or relax at your table, soaking in summer beach vibes, with music pulsing all around.

Sexy Groovy Love New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026, 2pm to 2am. No under-21s
Find it at: Grand Africa Café & Beach Café & Beach
Cost: R1 350 for Sexy Bird tickets, R1 650 for Late Bird tickets
Get tickets: via Howler

Sexy Groovy Love’s New Year’s Day event takes place at Grand Africa. Image: Golden Hour

NEW EVENT: ALL DAY I DREAM

A brand-new addition to Cape Town’s summer parties, All Day I Dream, brings its globally celebrated concept to the city for the first time. From its beginnings on a Brooklyn rooftop in 2011, the series has enchanted crowds in Ibiza, London, New York, Berlin, Sydney and beyond.

Headlined by DJ Lee Burridge, known for his magical Burning Man sets and melodic deep house beats, the event will be hosted at Cabo Beach, with sand under your feet and the ocean as your backdrop.

All Day I Dream: Friday, 6 February 2026
Find it: Cabo Beach, 12 South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cost: General Access tickets from R350, VIP tickets from R600
Book: Via Howler

All Day I Dream has enchanted crowds in Ibiza, London, New York, and more. Image: Golden Hour

RETREAT YOURSELF

Retreat Yourself is one of South Africa’s most unique festivals, where families return year after year, and wellness and good times come together. “We created an experience where you don't have to choose between partying and doing a yoga class," says Chris.

The spiritual wellness festival is an eclectic tapestry of learning, movement, and connection, with experiences like the sacred sweat lodges, talk circles, astrology readings, family roller discos and more. Guests book cottages or glamping tents to experience this cherished family tradition.

Retreat Yourself: From Thursday 19 February to Sunday 22 February 2026
Find it: Elandskloof Farm, Riviersonderend
Cost: R1 890 (adults) and R890 (kids) for all 4 days, excluding accommodation
Book: Via the Retreat Yourself website

Retreat Yourself is a family-friendly wellness festival with a twist. Image: Golden Hour

MAKING MEMORIES WITH GOLDEN HOUR

Golden Hour has shaped some of Cape Town’s most memorable festivals, and this summer’s experiences will bring people together in ways that feel both intentional and unforgettable.

Stay in the loop with Golden Hour events: @that_goldenhour, Golden Hour Facebook
Contact on: chris@dvmevents.co.za, nicole@golden-hour.co.za

By Saarah Gierdien

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