Cape Town's Kite Festival returns with a two-day celebration

The Cape Town International Kite Festival is back for its 31st year on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, returning to a full two-day format for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the festival will be held at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, where the skies will be filled with colour and creativity under the theme #CourageToFly.

Since 1994, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been organised annually by Cape Mental Health as part of its mission to raise awareness of mental health and promote resilience. Each kite is a symbol of freedom, courage, and the strength it takes to speak openly about mental health challenges. 

In South Africa, around 16.5% of the population lives with a mental disorder, and the festival aims to break down stigma and promote support and understanding.

Professor Doctor Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health, said: "Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere. The return of the full festival is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to come together in celebration."

She said the return of the full two-day festival is not only an opportunity for families and communities to come together in celebration, but also a way to honour that resilience. 

“There is great excitement in the buildup to the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival. People have warm and fuzzy memories of the festivals in Muizenberg, and every year since COVID, they have asked when we would return to a full festival filled with entertainment and activities for the entire family. This year, we are thrilled to say - we’re back!”

The festival will feature local and international kite displays, entertainment for all ages, kite-making workshops, food vendors, and a children’s amusement park.

Beyond the two-day event, initiatives like the EduKite competition for schools, community fly events like the Heideveld Community Fly, and a variety of inclusive activities will ensure that children and adults of all abilities can participate.

For those unable to attend the event, Cape Mental Health is running a BackaBuddy campaign, with all funds raised going directly to its essential free services across the Western Cape.

These services enable individuals and families affected by mental health conditions to access the care and assistance they need, ensuring that the festival’s impact extends beyond the festival in October.

The event runs from 10am to 6pm on both days. Tickets are available at Quicket.

For more information, follow @CTKiteFest on social media.