The globally acclaimed Taste Festival will make its debut in Cape Town in November 2026, launching what is poised to become the must-attend annual gathering for families, food enthusiasts, and culture seekers.
Taste of Cape Town early bird passes are on sale now at www.tasteofcapetown.com, priced from R400 per person.
What to expect
Taste of Cape Town 2026 will present a curated selection of Cape Town’s finest restaurants, each offering signature dishes created specifically for the festival format, accessible, extraordinary, and produced at a standard that reflects the city’s standing as one of Africa’s great culinary capitals. A chef programme comprising of live fire demonstrations, Cook School masterclasses, and exclusive chef sessions will bring some of South Africa’s most celebrated culinary voices to a single stage, alongside international guests whose presence underlines the global intent of this event.
Beyond the food, Taste of Cape Town will feature a curated artisan market showcasing South Africa’s most exciting small food and beverage producers, a carefully programmed music and entertainment experience, and a premium VIP offering that sets a new benchmark for what hospitality at a live event can look like in this country. The full restaurant, chef, and programme lineup will be announced in stages from July 2026.
A multi-sensory experience
Taste of Cape Town will offer a multi-sensory experience. Attendees can explore gourmet stalls from the city’s top restaurants, witness interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy live music across multiple stages.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the exclusive Connoisseur’s Taste Pass grants access to a reserved lounge, complimentary premium wine pairings, and a private masterclass with a headline chef. Furthermore, the dedicated ‘African Flavours Pavilion’ will celebrate the continent’s diverse culinary traditions, positioning the festival as the definitive gateway to African gastronomy.
“We are not just hosting an event; we are establishing a legacy,” said Bonnke Shipalana, CEO at The Allure Group. “Our vision is for ‘Taste of Cape Town’ to become the most anticipated culinary and cultural event of the year, not only for its gourmet offerings but for its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. This is where memories are made, year after year.”
Junior Chef Zone
Unlike any other festival of its calibre, Taste of Cape Town is meticulously curated to be a multi-generational experience. While parents explore gourmet pavilions and sip on world-class wines, a dedicated Junior Chef Zone will offer hands-on cooking workshops for children, interactive food art stations, and kid-friendly tastings. The festival grounds will be designed with open spaces for families to gather, enjoy their culinary discoveries, and immerse themselves in the day’s festivities.
“We are creating a symphony of the senses,” said Steve Steinfeld, Operations Director at Taste of Cape Town. “Imagine savouring a dish from a world-renowned chef while listening to a live band under the Cape Town sky. We are blending exceptional food, great music, and stunning location into one seamless, unforgettable experience for every member of the family. It’s this combination that will make our festival a permanent fixture in everyone’s annual plans.”
Attendees can enjoy signature dishes from the city’s top restaurants, interactive cooking demonstrations with celebrated local and international Michelin-starred chefs, masterclasses with expert sommeliers, and an expansive artisan producer’s market.
Taste Festival early bird tickets
About Taste Festival: “We are not just hosting an event; we are establishing a legacy,” said Bonnke Shipalana, CEO at The Allure Group. “Our vision is for ‘Taste of Cape Town’ to become the most anticipated culinary and cultural event of the year, not only for its gourmet offerings but for its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.”
Taste Festival is the world’s leading restaurant festival, bringing the best chefs, restaurants, and producers together for unforgettable culinary experiences in major cities across the globe. For over 20 years, Taste has been a celebration of food and drink, inspiring food lovers and supporting the hospitality industry.
What: Taste Festival Cape Town 2026
When: 28, 29 November 2026
Where: Green Point Cricket Stadium, Cape Town
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