Mi Casa, Lira and more join 19-concert line-up in Kirstenbosch

As the Mother City moves towards another summer, the familiar promise of long evenings, outdoor gatherings and music beneath Table Mountain is beginning to take shape.

But this season also comes with a changing weather outlook, as a developing El Niño has raised concerns about hotter conditions, increased fire danger and pressure on Western Cape water resources, issues explored in recent coverage of the province’s El Niño outlook.

Against this seasonal backdrop, one of Cape Town’s best-loved open-air music traditions is preparing to return to the Kirstenbosch lawns.

Cape Town’s summer soundtrack is set to return to the lawns of Kirstenbosch, with Mi Casa opening the 2026/27 Summer Sunset Concerts on Sunday, 22 November.

The 19-concert programme runs until 28 March 2027, bringing together some of South Africa’s best-known performers, emerging talent and international acts for a season that spans Afro-soul, pop, rock, electronic music and orchestral performances.

Now in its 34th year, the annual series remains a regular fixture on the city’s summer events calendar, with this season’s line-up including Lira, Mandisi Dyantyis, Simphiwe Dana, Mango Groove, Goldfish, Jeremy Loops and The Parlotones.

The series’ place in Cape Town’s summer calendar was also evident at the close of its 2025/26 season, when a final programme of five concerts brought another run of performances to the Kirstenbosch lawns.

A mix of local favourites and international acts

Mi Casa will open the new season on 22 November, followed by Booshle G and Freshlyground on 29 November. Mandisi Dyantyis takes the stage on 6 December, with The Billy Joel Experience scheduled for 13 December and Lira performing on 27 December.

The New Year’s Eve concert will feature Matthew Mole and Congo Cowboys, with performances running from 20:30 until just after midnight.

The programme continues into January with Simphiwe Dana and Selaelo Selota, Kurt Darren and Me & Mr Green, Lloyiso, and Just Jinjer alongside GoodLuck.

February brings performances by Will Linley, Mango Groove and The Parlotones, while March sees Goldfish and Jeremy Loops return to the Kirstenbosch stage. Canadian duo Neon Dreams and Dutch band Chef’Special will close the season on 28 March.

The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will feature in three special performances during the season, offering a different dimension to the outdoor programme.

The first, Broadway at Kirstenbosch, takes place on 31 January and features American singer Jessica Vosk, known for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked.

On 7 February, comedian and performer Rob van Vuuren joins the orchestra for a children’s concert featuring Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.

The orchestra’s final performance is scheduled for 7 March, in collaboration with the Cape Town International Piano Competition. Conducted by Arjan Tien and featuring pianist Emanuil Ivanov, the concert will include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

“For this season, we have brought together artists and sounds that give people different ways to enjoy live music together. The concerts give people a chance to gather on the lawn, share a picnic, and experience music in Kirstenbosch’s beauty. This sense of connection is what keeps the tradition alive.

“Just as importantly, putting South African artists on this stage connects local talent with audiences and supports the people whose skills make live music possible. In that way, the concerts positively contribute to the country and city’s creative economy,” says Sarah Struys, who is the Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch.

Also see: Kirstenbosch: Cape Town’s Garden Jewel That the World Can’t Stop Talking About

Full 2026/27 concert line-up

All performances take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, unless otherwise specified.

Tickets are available exclusively through Webtickets or at the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office.

Organisers advise concertgoers to purchase through these official channels, as tickets bought elsewhere cannot be guaranteed.

For Sunday performances, tickets allow entry into Kirstenbosch from 08:00, while the concert venue gates open at 16:00. Music is scheduled to run from 17:15 to 19:00.

The New Year’s Eve event follows a different schedule, with concert venue gates opening at 19:00 and music starting at 20:30, continuing until just after midnight.

Concertgoers may bring their own picnic baskets and blankets. Food will also be available from Moyo Restaurant’s food trucks and menu, including pizzas, prego rolls, boerewors rolls, snacks, gelato and refreshments.

Pre-ordered picnic hampers can be arranged through Fynkos Restaurant or Moyo Restaurant up to five days in advance.

Although attendees may bring alcoholic beverages, alcohol will not be sold at the venue. The concerts are also strictly non-smoking events, with no designated smoking areas.

With the opening performance less than three weeks away, the 2026/27 programme offers a broad selection of live music, from familiar South African acts to orchestral performances, across 19 dates at one of Cape Town’s best-known outdoor venues.

For further information, visit Webtickets or the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden website.

Featured image: Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape

Originally published by Cape{town}etc.

Also see: Fun activities to explore at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden this school holidays

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