Suidoosterfees Returns To Cape Town

Suidoosterfees returns to Cape Town from 29 April to 3 May 2026, celebrating the theme “Home”—a tribute to Cape Town as the festival’s long-standing host city and the sense of belonging it creates among artists, audiences, and communities.

The Suidoosterfees 2026 programme expands beyond its traditional Artscape base to include new venues such as the Cape Town Civic Centre, increasing accessibility and creating additional performance spaces across the city. The festival continues to showcase Cape Town’s cultural diversity through a wide-ranging programme of jazz, classical music, cabaret, music theatre, and contemporary South African productions.

Jazz Highlights: Oorkant die Pad Series

A major new feature is the Oorkant die pad jazz series at the Cape Town Civic Centre, offering an intimate live music experience where audiences can enjoy dinner, drinks, and performances by leading Cape jazz artists including Eldred Schilder, Bheki Khoza, and Ramon Alexander, celebrating the heritage and evolution of Cape jazz.

Opening Concert: Konsert van Hoop

The festival opens with the iconic Konsert van hoop, a large-scale collaboration featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Cape Town Opera, and the National Youth Music Foundation. The concert brings together established South African performers and emerging talent, highlighting music as a unifying force across generations.

Major Suidoosterfees 2026 Productions

Key programme highlights include:

• Nataniël – Händel en die donkie, blending storytelling with Baroque, jazz, and contemporary music
• Stille vuur, featuring Frieda van den Heever, Coenie de Villiers, Mauritz Lotz, and narration by Deon Meyer
• Suidooster Stormsterk, bringing the popular kykNET television series to the stage with high-energy performances
• Suidoosterfees Boogie, a nostalgic celebration of 70s and 80s music with comedy and audience participation

Jazz and Tribute Performances

The jazz programme also includes Anna Davel and The Melisizwe Plaatjie Collective, alongside Echoes of the Cape Doctor: Remembering Robbie Jansen, a tribute to one of Cape Town’s most influential jazz musicians.

Choirs, Development & Community Music

The festival continues its strong developmental focus through the ATKV-Suidoosterfees Choir Competition, marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The programme culminates in the ATKV Choir Gala, showcasing outstanding choral talent from across the Western Cape.

Cabaret, Music Theatre & Literary Works

Audiences can also expect a diverse selection of cabaret and theatre productions featuring Stephanie Baartman, Elzabé Zietsman, Helena Hettema, and Pieter-Dirk Uys, as well as works inspired by Afrikaans literary heritage.

Classical and Choral Highlights

Classical music remains a core feature of the Suidoosterfees music programme, including:

• Vivaldi en die vondeling
• Magnifico
• Orfeo ed Euridice
• Spiritual Songs
• A special milestone performance by the Stellenbosch University Choir

Tickets are available via Webtickets. For the full programme, click here.

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