WHEN THE SKY COMES ALIVE: THE CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL RETURNS
The skies above Cape Town are set to come alive with colour, creativity and imagination as the Cape Town International Kite Festival returns to Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery on 24 and 25 October 2026.
There is something special about watching a kite take flight.
For a child it is a moment of wonder. For a parent it can bring back memories of carefree days spent outdoors and for communities it is a reminder of the joy that comes from coming together and sharing an experience.
Now in its 32nd year, Africa’s oldest kite festival celebrates more than the magic of kites.
It brings people together through creativity, community and connection, while raising awareness of mental health through the work of Cape Mental Health.
A Weekend of Colour at the Cape Town International Kite Festival
For two days, the skies above Youngsfield will transform into a moving gallery of colour and creativity as giant kites, intricate designs and larger-than-life characters dance in the Cape Town wind.
Visitors can expect a vibrant programme filled with kite-flying displays, kite-making activities, live entertainment, food vendors, children’s attractions and an amusement area designed for families to enjoy together.
Adding an international flair to the festival, renowned kite flyers from around the world will once again travel to Cape Town to showcase their remarkable creations. Among them are Dave and Claire Hardwick from England’s Octoposse Kite Team, bringing their passion for kite flying and support for mental health awareness to this year’s event.
The festival is also creating space for the next generation of dreamers through its kite competition. Encouraging young creatives to turn imagination into action, the competition offers children the chance to design, build and watch their own ideas take to the skies. It is a celebration of creativity, curiosity and the confidence that comes from seeing something you imagined become reality.
More Than Colour in the Sky
While the kites may be the headline attraction, the festival’s purpose reaches far beyond the horizon.
For 32 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has used the simple act of flying a kite to spark conversations around mental wellbeing, reminding people that connection, support and community remain important in promoting mental health.
In a world that often moves too fast, the festival creates an opportunity to slow down, spend time with loved ones and enjoy moments of simple joy together. It is a place where families connect, friendships are formed and communities gather around a shared experience that uplifts and inspires.
At the heart of the festival is Cape Mental Health, an organisation dedicated to supporting children and adults living with intellectual disabilities, psychosocial disabilities and mental health challenges throughout the Western Cape.
Every ticket purchased and every donation made contributes to this important work, helping to provide access to care, support services and opportunities for individuals and families who need them most.
That means every kite launched into the sky represents something bigger than a colourful display. It becomes a symbol of hope, resilience and the collective effort to build more supportive and inclusive communities.
Whether you spend the day admiring giant kites, supporting young creatives, enjoying the entertainment or simply making memories with family and friends, the Cape Town International Kite Festival offers something truly special.
The Cape Town International Kite Festival 2026 promises a weekend of colour, imagination and meaningful connections, bringing people together for a celebration that reaches far beyond the sky.
So, gather your loved ones and head to Youngsfield Military Base this October for a weekend where creativity takes flight, communities come together and the sky becomes a canvas of colour, connection and hope.
