A feast for the senses: Taste of Cape Town 2026 is set to redefine Africa’s food festival scene

Cape Town is gearing up to host what organisers are calling Africa’s most ambitious food and lifestyle festival: Taste of Cape Town 2026.

Set for its debut this November, the two-day event will be held at Green Point Cricket Club on November 28 and 29, promising an immersive celebration of food, culture, and creativity.

Produced by The Allure Group, the festival aims to position the Mother City as a global culinary destination while shining a spotlight on South African talent. Held against the stunning backdrop of Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, the festival will bring together celebrated chefs, live music, artisan experiences, and culinary showcases.

According to Bonnke Shipalana, chief executive of The Allure Group, the event is specifically designed to go beyond the traditional food festival format. "Cape Town is one of the world’s great food cities. We are not building a food fair, we are building the definitive food and lifestyle experience on this continent".

He added that the goal is to set a new standard for the entire continent: "We want Taste of Cape Town to set a new benchmark for what a festival in Africa can be, and in November 2026, we intend to deliver an experience this city will not forget.

The festival will bring together celebrated chefs, live music, artisan experiences, and culinary showcases.

"Visitors can expect to be immersed in multiple sensory zones, featuring chef demonstrations, interactive experiences, and curated food offerings that form the core of the program.

The chef line-up and full entertainment schedule will be announced in phases starting in July. The event is supported by powerful media partnerships, including Independent Media, South Africa's leading multi-platform content company, and Condé Nast, the publisher of titles such as Glamour, GQ, and House & Garden.

This collaboration brings unmatched editorial authority and audience reach to amplify the festival's voice globally. Independent Media noted its pride in supporting an event that celebrates African excellence and places South African culinary and creative talent on a global platform. Recognising Cape Town’s long-standing status as one of the world’s leading food destinations, organisers believe this November’s Taste of Cape Town may offer residents and visitors a fresh opportunity to fall in love with the city all over again.

Early bird tickets are now available at www.tasteofcapetown.com. VIP festival experiences and chef masterclass tickets will be released in phases from June 2026. For more information, email [email protected].