Cape Town Pride 2026: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Cape Town Pride 2026 officially kicks off on 5 February and unfolds across three vibrant weeks, transforming the city into a living, breathing celebration of queer identity, culture, history and community.

With dozens of events spanning art, sport, dialogue, nightlife and the great outdoors, this year’s festival builds steadily toward the iconic Pride Parade and Mardi Gras on Saturday 28 February.

This year’s theme, Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are, reflects both a deeply South African philosophy and two major milestones: 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution and 20 years since the legalisation of same-sex marriage. It’s a reminder that Pride is not only a party, but also a collective act of visibility, resistance and care.

Cape Town Pride brand ambassador Nkosinathi Sangweni captures it best, saying, “Even as our community continues to face real challenges, our voices rise, our stories grow louder, and our presence becomes ever more undeniable. Pride remains our declaration that we will not dim our light, that we will continue to love fiercely, and that we will shape a future where every one of us can stand fully seen.”

Here’s a look at some of the highlights happening as Pride Month unfolds, leading up to the Parade and Mardi Gras on Saturday, 28 February.

Friday 6 February: Pride Opening Party
Zer021 Social Club, District Six | 9pm
Cape Town Pride kicks off officially with a high-energy opening party featuring dancing, drag and unapologetic celebration. Performers include Kendall Li and Maxine Wild, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.

Saturday 7 February: Langa LGBTQI+ SOGI Workshop and Inclusivity Mural Launch
Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre, Langa | 9am to 1pm
Hosted by Langa Cultural Pride and the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, this important community event focuses on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGI). The day also sees the launch of an LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Mural, affirming Langa as a welcoming and safer space for all.

Wednesday 11 February: Pride Karaoke
The Duchess Lounge, Observatory | 7pm
Hosted by Pichi Keane, this Pride Karaoke night invites everyone to grab the mic and sing their heart out. Expect pop anthems, camp classics, supportive vibes and a packed dance floor.

Saturday 14 February: Live, Love, Lobster – Exhibition Opening
AITY Gallery, Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock | 11am
Artist Kyle Jardine opens his solo exhibition Live, Love, Lobster, a joyful and theatrical exploration of togetherness, queer culture and shared moments. The exhibition runs until 2 March.

Saturday 14 February: Unhinged – The Friendzone (Pride Valentine’s Edition)
Outlore Base, Cape Town CBD | Doors 7pm, show 8pm
A chaotic and hilarious live dating show where people pitch their single friends to a live audience using PowerPoint presentations. Hosted by Daniele du Plessis, this Pride Valentine’s edition collides with Baked Shakespeare for maximum chaos.

Saturday 14 February: Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride Pageant
Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone | 6pm
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by witnessing the crowning of the new Queen and King of Cape Town Pride in a glamorous evening of confidence, performance and community pride.

Thursday 19 February: Let’s Talk Pride
The Book Lounge, Cape Town | 5.30pm for 6pm
A thoughtful discussion on what Pride is, who it serves and how it can evolve. Panellists include Daniel Conway, author of The Queer Politics of Pride, exploring questions around activism, corporate sponsorship and global LGBTQ+ movements.

Thursday 19 February: Pretty How Town – Film Premiere
Ster-Kinekor, V&A Waterfront | Evening
This South African film follows a transgender woman returning to her hometown to care for her dying mother, navigating identity, memory and belonging. A quietly radical story about coming home as yourself.

Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February: CT LGBTI Tennis Open
Green Point Tennis Club
The popular three-day tennis tournament returns, welcoming players and supporters for a weekend of sport, community and friendly competition.

Saturday 21 February: Pride Hike – Boomslang Cave
Meet 6.30am, start 7am | Kalk Bay
An adventurous Pride hike along the Echo Valley Trail to Boomslang Cave, offering spectacular views over False Bay. Participants should bring a torch or headlamp for the cave section.

Sunday 22 February: Pets for Pride Promenade Walk
Mouille Point Lighthouse | 10am
Proud pet parents and their furry companions gather for a relaxed promenade walk to Sea Point Pavilion and back, with prizes for best-dressed pets.

Thursday 26 February: Apero Urbain
Alfred Street, De Waterkant | 6pm
Hosted by the Consulate General of Belgium, this event celebrates the anniversary of the “Embracing Openness” mural. Belgium is a long-time supporter of LGBTQI+ rights and diversity initiatives globally.

Friday 27 February: The Resurrection Files – “AI Deleted the World. Drag Brought It Back”
Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre | 7.30pm
A futuristic drag theatre spectacle starring Madones and Celeste. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by AI, the show blends iconic music, glitchy visuals and over-the-top glamour.

Saturday 28 February: Cape Town Pride Parade
Starts 11am | De Waterkant to Green Point Track
The Pride Parade begins in Alfred Street, De Waterkant, proceeds through Somerset Road, stops at the Rainbow Crossing for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, and ends at Green Point Track. Participation is free and open to all.

Saturday 28 February: Cape Town Pride Mardi Gras
Green Point Track | 11am to 9pm
The celebration continues with the Pride Mardi Gras, featuring performances by Armand Joubert, Craig Lucas, Belinda Davids, 3 Tons of Fun, DJ Lelowhatsgood, DJ Tollie Parton, Jimmy Nevis, Stella Rosé, DJ K Dollahz, DJ Kixi and the stars of Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap.
Expect food trucks with halaal and vegan options, market stalls, an NGO village and interactive entertainment. Tickets are available online via Quicket only, with no sales at the gate.

Win tickets to the Cape Town Pride Mardi Gras

To celebrate Cape Town Pride 2026, MambaOnline will be giving away three highly sought-after double tickets to the Cape Town Pride Mardi Gras. Keep an eye on MambaOnline’s social media platforms for the official announcement and details on how to enter.