Cape Town’s 2025 events calendar delivered strong attendance, measurable economic returns and significant job creation, reinforcing the Mother City’s standing as Africa’s leading destination for major events.
Between 1 January and 31 December 2025, the City of Cape Town’s Events Permit Office approved 1 064 events, spanning international sporting fixtures, large-scale festivals and community-based cultural gatherings. Collectively, these events drew more than 3.47 million spectators and participants across the year.
A review of 25 City-supported events points to a broad economic footprint, extending beyond ticket sales to include supply-chain activity, destination marketing value and opportunities for small businesses.
Notably, 15 of these events generated economic activity exceeding R2.5 billion, highlighting the sector’s role as a consistent economic driver.
Cape Town’s 2025 calendar was marked by a diverse mix of headline-grabbing spectacles and crowd favourites.
Among the stand-out moments were a sold-out Springboks vs Australia Test match, the Barbarians’ first-ever tour of South Africa, and two capacity crowds for DHL Stormers United Rugby Championship fixtures.
Cricket fans turned out in force for the Proteas vs Pakistan New Year’s Test, while motorsport and extreme sports enthusiasts were drawn to the FIM World Supercross Championship season finale and the return of Red Bull Flugtag.
Cultural and lifestyle events also packed venues, from a sold-out Comic Con Cape Town to more than 100 000 attendees at the Festive Lights Switch-On, capped by the 15th anniversary edition of the Cape Town Carnival.
As outlined by the City, targeted support through its Special Events Support Process played a central role in sustaining the sector’s momentum.
The assessment of the year’s programme shows that the 25 reviewed events alone created approximately 40 900 employment opportunities, spanning both temporary and permanent roles.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the results underline the City’s long-term strategy to grow a resilient events economy.
‘Through its Special Events Support Process, the City provided support to scores of events in 2025, reinforcing our commitment to growing the events sector and strengthening its long-term economic sustainability,’ Smith stated.
He added that the impact extended well beyond jobs.
‘Just seven of these events generated a combined PR and destination marketing value of more than R600 million, while creating trading and exhibition opportunities for over 2 000 SMMEs.’
Smith said this approach reflects the City’s intention to work closely with organisers to stimulate growth, encourage social cohesion and position Cape Town as ‘a globally competitive destination for events of all scales’.
Momentum has already carried into the new year, as Cape Town opened 2026 with the Cape Town Street Parade, two sold-out DHL Stormers matches, and a capacity crowd at the SA20 Final at Newlands Cricket Ground.
Looking ahead, the calendar features a mix of established favourites and high-profile international fixtures, including the highly anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks Test match at DHL Stadium.
Rugby fans can also expect the Stormers vs All Blacks clash as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour, while combat sports take centre stage with the EFC’s Knox Legacy Series at GrandWest’s Grand Arena in February.
With a packed programme already unfolding, the City believes the year ahead will build on the gains of 2025, further cementing Cape Town’s reputation as a premier global events destination.
For more information on events hosted in the Mother City, visit www.eventsincapetown.com.
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