Unique: New Year’s Eve in Cape Town

Hello 2024: Festival in a castle, family dinner, disco & more

Last updated: Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Party in a mythical castle? Boogie at a country club? Botanical garden concert? We’ve gathered some of the best and most unique events happening on New Year’s Eve 2023. From a masquerade ball to an outdoor family concert at Kirstenbosch. Keep an eye out, we’re constantly updating with more events to make your 31 December memorable.

CELEBRATE NYE IN A MYTHICAL CASTLE 

Just outside of Cape Town lies a hidden castle snatched out of a fairytale. Join Sexy Groovy Love as they return to celebrate New Years Eve. Explore hidden pathways, magical waterfalls and high castle walls, as you dance to the sounds of afro house, indie, techno and more. Kiss 2023 goodbye with Sexy Groovy Love at The Castle.

Time: 4pm to 2am
Cost: R1 350 via Howler

The Lichtenstein Castle | Hout Bay | @sexygroovylove | Image: Sexy Groovy Love

COMEDY SHOW IN THE CITY CENTRE

Award-winning local comedian Loyiso Gola will be performing a new comedy set at the Homecoming Centre from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024. Ring in a new year by laughing with the crowd as Loyiso gives us a comedic take on the year.

Time: 8pm to 9.30pm
Cost: R275, book via Quicket

15 M59 | District Six | Cape Town | @loyisogola | Image: Homecoming Centre

SOUTH PENINSULA BRAAI AND BOOGIE 

Join Clovelly Golf Club’s New Year’s boogie, with local musicians and a lamb spit braai. Mike McCully and the Harmonix will be singing all your favourites from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. You’ll hear hits from artists like The Beatles, The Bee Gees, James Brown, Tina Turner, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Bon Jovi, Queen and more.

Time: 6pm to 2am
Cost: R675, book via Quicket

177 Clovelly Road | Clovelly | @clovelly_country_club | Image: Clovelly Country Club

DISCO AND DINNER IN HERMANUS

Benguela Cove Wine Estate is throwing a party with food, drinks and dancing. The evening starts with sunset canapes and drinks at the Moody Lagoon, followed by a dinner. The after party kicks off with live music and a complimentary glass of bubbles to toast at midnight.

Time: 7pm to 1am
Cost: R1650 for adults, R850 for kids; book via benguelacove.co.za

R43 | Hermanus | @benguelacove | Image: Benguela Cove

NAUGHTY MASQUERADE BALL 

Babylon meets The Great Gatsby at Epicure Club’s masquerade ball. There’ll be mature adult entertainment combined with kinks and fetishes. There will be live DJs, burlesque shows and more at this adults-only sensual entertainment event close to Hout Bay.

Time: Sunday, 31 December, 8pm to Monday, 1 January, 11am
Cost: Starts at R500, book via Quicket

4 Little Lions Head Road | Mount Rhodes | Cape Town | @epicure.club | Image: Epicure Club

ROOFTOP NYE PARTY IN THE CBD

Park Inn by Radisson will be hosting a party on their rooftop eatery at Harald’s Bar & Terrace. There will be live entertainment, a welcome drink and a selection of canapes served butler style. This is a no-under-18’s party.

Time: 9pm to 1am
Cost: R495, book via Quicket

Park Inn by Radisson | 29 Heerengracht Street | Foreshore | @parkinncapetown | Image: Park Inn

SUNSET CONCERT AT KIRSTENBOSCH

Kirstenbosch is back with its popular sunset concerts, and on NYE, you can pack a picnic and listen to music from Jeremy Loops and Congo Cowboys. Gates open at 7pm with the concert starting at 8.30pm and running until after midnight for you to dance into the new year.

Time: From 7pm
Cost: R530, book via Webtickets

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Rhodes Dr | Newlands | @kirstenboschsummerconcerts | Image: Diandra Yorke

SIX-DAY WELLNESS RETREAT & FESTIVAL 

Thrive is a six-day consciously-curated festival and retreat. Expect daily workshops for adults and kids, breathwork, yoga, a New Year’s Eve banquet, live music, DJs, fire dancing, sunset dinners and much more.

Time: Thursday, 28 December, 12pm to Tuesday, 2 January, 11am
Cost: Starts at R2200 for kids & R3800 for adults, book via website

Hoogekraal Farm 182 | Sedgefield | @thrive_festivalofbeauty | Image: Thrive Festival

SA’S BIGGEST INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE

For parents looking for daytime activities on New Year’s Eve, you can take your kids to South Africa’s biggest inflatable course. This maze is 300 metres long with 30 obstacle challenges to complete including slides, wall climbing, balance balls and more. Grip socks can be purchased on entrance for R30, or brought with if already owned.

Time: 9am to 5pm, 90 minute sessions or all day passes
Cost: R120 for 1 hour toddler session, R150 for all ages 90 minute and R750 for unlimited all day pass; book via Quicket

False Bay Rugby Club | Constantia Main Road | @tuffnutterzsa | Image: Tuff Nutterz

By Sarah Williams 

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MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Keep the party going with these plans for New Year’s Day. 

Make a list of summer activities as you explore new places. 

Discover activities to do this week(end). 

We’ve put together a list of 100+ bucket list experiences.

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