A Magical Evening at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert
There’s something truly special about watching live music under an open sky, surrounded by nature. The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts offer just that—a perfect blend of music, scenery, and relaxation as it is set in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which are just stunning, not to mention the beautiful mountains that tower over the background.
This weekend, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra perform in one of the most stunning botanical gardens in the world.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Gates Open Early—Arrive in Good Time
To make the most of your experience, arrive early. Gates for our concert opened 1 hour 30 minutes before the start, giving us plenty of time to find a good spot, set up our picnic, and soak in the views before the music began. Check your specific concert’s timings in advance, as they may vary.
Book Your Tickets in Advance
These concerts are incredibly popular, especially in the summer months, and tickets do sell out. Book online ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
We booked ours two weeks in advance, and they were sold out on the day of the concert. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking for events during your trip. Webtickets is the only website where you can book tickets.
If you have booked tickets for the concert, you don’t need to book separate tickets to enter the gardens so come early and explore before the show.
You do not need to print your tickets, they are digital.
Rain or Shine, the Show Goes On
The concerts continue regardless of the weather, so be prepared! A light rain jacket or umbrella might come in handy, just in case. Always check the weather forecast beforehand so you know what to pack. Definitely bring a warm layer, though, as it gets cold in the evening, and bring sun protection for the start of the show.
Getting There and Parking
Kirstenbosch has plenty of space in its car parks, but expect delays when exiting. It took us over 20 minutes to even leave our parking bay becuase the entry/exit of the car park was so jammed.
The gardens stay open until 8 pm, so if you’re not in a rush, it’s worth lingering around the gardens to avoid the post-event traffic.
Alternatively, you can park your car along many of the main roads that lead up to Kirstenbosch, and after the concert, simply walk to your car and drive away, avoiding the car park rush.
If you’re using an Uber to get back home, walk down to the main road and order it from there, as it won’t be able to get to the car parks due to the traffic.
Food and Drink — BYO (Bring Your Own)
One of the best things about the Kirstenbosch concerts is the relaxed picnic-style setting. You can bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol, making it a great opportunity to enjoy a homemade picnic or snack box under the open sky. Our AirBnB had a full-on picnic bag and blanket ready for us to take, which was super helpful!
We recommend getting some food from Giovanni’s Deli earlier in the day.
Alternatively, there are small stalls selling snacks and drinks around the concert area. For an extra treat, you can pre-order a picnic from the Tea Room (Gate 2) in the botanical gardens. Just remember to collect it before 4 pm, as the Tea Room closes then.
A friendly reminder: leave no trace! Be sure to take all your rubbish with you to keep the gardens pristine.
Our picnic - It’s not bad, but you can definitely make a better one yourself for a lot less by popping into a Woolworths. Or Consider grabbing some food from Giovanni’s if you're coming from Seapoint or Greenpoint.
Top Tips for a Perfect Evening
Arrive early to explore the beautiful botanical gardens and secure a great spot.
Bring a picnic blanket or low chairs for comfortable seating. No high seats are allowed, as they would block people’s views.
Pack a layer—once the sun sets, it gets chilly.
Take your time leaving to avoid the rush in the car park.
Watching the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra perform in such a breathtaking setting was an unforgettable experience—a perfect way to spend a Sunday evening.
The music, the golden evening light, and the relaxed atmosphere made for an exceptional summer’s night out.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a must-do in Cape Town—a truly magical way to spend an evening!
We hope you think so, too!
PS. You can, if you want, listen to the music for ‘free’. Just pay to enter the gardens at Kirstenbosch and you can picnic in one of the grounds near the concert. You’ll be able to hear the performance in the background but, of course, won’t get to see the stage, and the speakers will be facing the wrong way.