On Sunday 29 March 2026, Fête de la Musique will take place in Cape Town for the first time – joining the city’s open street experiment called Bree Street Sundays.
An initiative of the French Embassy and French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), the event will bring free live music to Bree Street from Whale to Strand, including Shortmarket Street.
Created in France in 1982, Fête de la Musique is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. Its guiding principle is simple: free music for all. Open to musicians of all levels and to audiences of every age, the festival encourages live performance in public space and makes music accessible beyond conventional venues.
Free entry
In Cape Town, the car-free Bree Street Sundays will run from 10am to 5pm, with Fête de la Musique performances taking place from 2pm to 5pm. Entrance is free.
As part of Bree Street Sundays, the Fête de la Musique programme will follow a simple street format rather than a formal stage event. Performances will take place as small busking-style sets with minimal amplification placed along Bree Street. Musicians will perform directly within the public space, allowing people to move through the street, stop to listen, and experience live music as they walk, eat, and spend time along the route.
Artists on the bill
The programme reflects the range of Cape Town’s music scene. Live performances will feature Mfazwe Ya Mwezi, Kila G, Deslynn Malotana, Sihle Soana, Lady Felicity and The Trumpets, and Qaqamba Ntshinka. DJ sets by Nasi and De Mpora will complete the afternoon line-up.
“IFAS is proud to continue providing platforms like Fête de la Musique that support artistic expression and cultural exchange. The expansion of the festival to Cape Town is a celebration of music and an opportunity for artists to develop their craft, connect with new audiences, and be part of a larger creative network,” said Dorine Lebreton, Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of IFAS.
Ricardo Mackenzie, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the Western Cape welcomed the introduction of Fête de la Musique to Bree Street Sundays, noting the value of accessible cultural programming in the inner city and the role of public events in strengthening community life.
“The arrival of Fête de la Musique in Cape Town is a wonderful celebration of music, creativity and cultural exchange. Experiences like this bring our city’s streets to life, create platforms for talented local artists, and make the arts more accessible to everyone. It is particularly fitting that this global festival will be experienced in a public space as part of Bree Street Sundays, where communities can gather, discover new music and celebrate the diversity of our cultural scene. The Western Cape Government welcomes initiatives that open doors for artists while enriching the social and cultural life of our province,” said Mackenzie.
Fête de la Musique Cape Town is implemented, supported and funded by Bassline, TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa, the Alliance Française of Cape Town, Young Urbanists through Street Experiment SA, Bridges for Music, the City of Cape Town, Mission for Inner City Cape Town and Jazz in the City.
National programme in 2026
The Cape Town edition forms part of the 2026 national programme. Fête de la Musique will return to Victoria Yards in Johannesburg for its 15th edition on Saturday, 20 June 2026. The Alliance Française of Pretoria will host an edition of Fête de la Musique on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
Since its introduction to Johannesburg 15 years ago, the festival has become a recognised fixture on the city’s cultural calendar. In keeping with the original French concept, it remains a platform for amateur musicians while also presenting established artists. Previous editions have featured Msaki, BCUC, Samthing Soweto, Vaudou Game, Nakhane, SunEl Musician and Bongeziwe Mabandla, among others.
The 2026 Johannesburg edition is organised by the French Institute of South Africa and co-produced by Bassline, with the support of TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa. The call for artists will be announced soon.
What: Fête de la Musique Bree Street Sundays 2026
When: Sunday 29 March 2026
Where: Bree Street Cape Town
WS
