Cape Town’s Sky-High Celebration of Colour, Community & Cause

Mark your calendars: the annual Cape Town International Kite Festival is set to take flight once again, a spectacular weekend of vibrant kites, family-friendly fun and meaningful awareness for mental health. Taking place on 25–26 October 2025, the event will be held at the scenic grounds of Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, Cape Town. 

A Kite Festival with a Purpose

This isn’t just any kite-flying event, it’s a colourful tradition that’s been taking place since 1994, hosted by non-profit Cape Mental Health and dedicated to raising both funds and awareness for mental-health support services in the Western Cape. 

Despite its playful façade, the festival carries a powerful message: helping the community heal while beauty soars above.

What to Expect: Colour, Action & Family Fun

Imagine a sky filled with kites of every shape, size and colour from giant inflatables and stunt kites to handmade creations fluttering high above the beach. At previous editions of the festival, entrants have flown kites shaped like dragons, jellyfish, sky-divers and giant hands waving at the crowd. 

Activities aren’t just limited to flying, here’s what you can look forward to:

• Kite-making workshops: Kids and adults alike can roll up their sleeves, decorate or construct their own kite and join the fun. 
• Competitions: From “Heritage Swaeltjie” (traditional swallow-kite) contests to open creative categories, local makers and schools show off their best work for prizes. 
• Food, stalls & crafts: Browse market stalls, snack under the tea-garden tents and soak in the festival atmosphere with friends and family.
• Spectator enjoyment: Even if you don’t fly a kite, you’re in for an uplifting day of scenic views, community spirit and outdoor fun.

Why Cape Town is the Perfect Host

Cape Town’s coastal breezes, open skies and spectacular backdrop make it an ideal location for kite-flying magic. Whether you’re based locally or travelling in, the festival provides a colourful escape and a chance to connect with nature, joy and community.

Who Can Go & What to Bring

The festival welcomes everyone - hobby fliers, families, groups of friends and kite enthusiasts alike. Bringing your own kite is encouraged, but if you prefer to purchase at the venue or join a workshop, options will be available. 

Here’s a quick checklist:

• A kite of your choice (or budget for one at the festival)
• Sun protection (cap, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Comfortable clothing and shoes for beach or grass terrain
• A camera or phone to capture the vivid sky-scenes
• A picnic, or plan to enjoy food-stall treats on-site
• Supporting Mental Health: One Kite at a Time

The festival’s deeper mission lies in supporting Cape Mental Health’s essential services: free or low-cost counselling, outreach programmes and community support in underserved areas. 

The vibrant kites symbolise hope, resilience and upliftment — ideal themes as mental-health awareness gains importance in South Africa and beyond.

Practical Info at a Glance

• Date: 25–26 October 2025 
• Venue: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery, Cape Town 
• Times: Typically starts mid-morning and runs through afternoon; check event website for exact schedule. 
• Tickets & Costs: Entry fees apply (details on official site). All proceeds benefit Cape Mental Health. 
• Accessibility: Family-friendly, with workshops and activities for all ages.

Tips to Make the Most of the Day

• Arrive early to secure a good spot — either for flying your kite or as a spectator.
• Keep an eye on the weather and wind conditions — kite festivals are weather-dependent. 
• Bring cash or card for food, crafts and any kite-making supplies.
• Consider making a day out of it: head to nearby beaches or enjoy a meal in the area to round off the experience.
• Join the social-media buzz: tag your photos with official hashtags and follow the festival’s social channels for updates. 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

• Visual spectacle: The sky above Cape Town will be a living canvas of movement and colour - a great photo-op and memory maker.
• Community spirit: It’s more than fun; you’ll feel the warmth of a cause-driven event where families, friends and enthusiasts fly together.
• Support a good cause: Your attendance helps fund mental-health support across the region, impactful and positive.
• Unique experience: Whether you’re flying or spectating, this event offers something special that you won’t find every day.

Ready to fly high and feel good? Gather your kite (or pick one up at the festival), rally your friends or family, and head to Cape Town for a weekend that’s colourful, meaningful and downright fun. See you under the blue sky and don’t forget to share your best kite-filled moment!