SUMMER
HAS
ARRIVED!
Words by Siyabonga Nyirenda
If there is one thing Cape Town is known for, it’s summertime. The blustering heat of the sun, the calm cold of the ocean, and the sweeping winds there to remind that “yes, I could fly away right now”. But the largest staple of this season is its festivals, from your Kunda Valleys to Helterskelters, the spring and summer offer nothing but merriment for Cape Town locals and Tourists. I decided that it was my duty to let the people know that “yes, summer doesn’t just have to be spent having braais with your family,” so I’ve compiled a list of all the festivals that I think are certainly worth checking out.
13th to the 17th November
1. Kunda Valley
Kunda Valley deserves a place among your stops this festive season as it makes its return from a 1 year hiatus. This four day music experience highlights the best electronic, eclectic, and instrumental sounds South Africa has to offer. With some incredible international artists being invited down (Dr Banana, Millie McKee, Posi Flo) Kunda Valley Chapter 3 is gearing up to be a rave as well as a cultural experience. Included in this musical journey, the team has curated a variety of activations from Swing Dance, Tai Chi, Nidra to Tea Sipping and Breathwork.
This is an expanded take on what a rave can be, as well as what one is able to experience within these far out spaces. Connection in the most unusual of places. It is for this reason why it is placed firmly at the top of my list of things to attend during this Spring/Summer season.
20th – 23rd of November
2. Modem
Looking for a chance to lose yourself in some psytrance, Modem has you at the Du Kloof Lodge, Western Cape. The festival’s initiative is to unite through music and visionary art. Modem’s two main stages are The Arc and the River Flow. The Arc provides a psychedelic audiovisual journey, and its lineup, including acts such as Melt, Killawatt, Solara, and more, are there to take you along that journey. The River Flow offers a heavier journey through soundscapes with genres like D&B, Techno, and Dub, with DJs such as Dr Fungi, Ellipsiis, and Drifter being the conductors of this ride. Modem is great for all those who want a varied but rich music listening experience.
21st – 23rd of November
3. Rumours By The Lake
From the 21st to the 23rd of November, With You is back with their famously beautiful lake venue keeping both you and the party cool all day long. They are known for their non-stop vibes and expertly curated line up. Feeling in the mood for some Techno? This year’s headliner Konfusia will be bringing the party to you all weekend long with an assortment of accompanying DJs including the likes of Robbie Dinnie, Yamz and Tenements with a take-over from Fools Gold to happen alongside the rest of the festival. Rumours By The Lake is shaping up to be one of this year’s main reasons to get away from the summer heat.
29 of November
4. Best Day Out
Coming through with a more wholesome affair that the whole family can enjoy is the Best Day Out festival on Saturday, November 29th, at Company Gardens. After its debut, it returns to the heart of Cape Town, promising a better, more expansive experience with its mix of live bands, DJs, a dedicated kiddies area, food and drink, market stalls, and plenty more for everyone. It is done in collaboration with ‘Mission for the Inner City’ to elevate the event and integrate even more creative energy into this already stellar festival. If you are looking for a one-day affair to take the friends and family out to, look no more, as Best Day Out has you covered
5th – 6th December
5. Playtopia
In the mood to lie back and have a game, from the 5th to 6th of December, Playtopia has you covered this season as Cape Town’s one-stop shop for indie gaming magic with an emphasis on highlighting what our local South African game developers have in store. Playtopia also has its Indie Planet, which is dedicated to showcasing what we have over here in SA to other nations and allows other nations to highlight their independent gaming scene.
6th December
6. Helterskelter
For all those looking for something to scratch that rock and roll itch, Helterskelter makes its return on the 6th of December, showcasing what the rock scene in Cape Town truly has to offer. At this point, we have no idea what the lineup may look like, but I can guarantee, with heavy hitters such as Coasters and Kayla The Crow making their appearances last time around, the next one is sure to be a perfect showcase of what the rock scene in Cape Town is really made of.
15th December
7. Future Frequency Festival: Day Rave
On the 15th of December, Future Frequency Festival: Day Rave, makes its return at the iconic Biscuit Mill, with two internationals in Radio Slave from the UK and Matrixxman from the US. These heavyweights will be accompanied by 17 of some of the hottest DJs Cape Town has to offer, with acts such as Amy Mauritz, Dakota, NISKERONE, and more. Save the date, as what could be better than a rave in the summer heat?
15th of December
8. Between Friends
Between Friends returns on 16-17 December with its biggest instalment at the Old Biscuit Mill, a 12-hour festival where music, fashion, and culture converge. The lineup will be announced in the next few weeks, and the 2nd dancefloor takeover will be revealed in time; however, with all timers like Shakes N Les being at the prior Between Friends, you could assume that the next picks are sure to impress.
3rd of January
9. Milk & Cookies
Now for the festie that’s been on everyone’s Instagram story, Milk + Cookies at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, on the 3rd of January, with its international act being Gunna, which will make Milk + Cookies one of the largest draws of the season. The festival is meant to celebrate music, food, and community, from Hip-hop to R&B and Amapiano acts being present all throughout the event. If any of that interests you, then jot it on your calendar.
