March in South Africa is when the country begins to move with intention. The light softens, the pace refines and the cultural calendar comes into perfect focus. From Cape Town’s world-class stages and the quiet indulgence of the Winelands to Johannesburg’s confident pulse and the understated ease of coastal and riverside escapes, this is a month defined by discernment.
While our focus is firmly on March, the rhythm of the season naturally carries into Easter and the school holidays that follow. For that reason, we’ve also included a carefully considered selection of family-friendly events taking place over the Easter weekend and into early April - moments designed to be enjoyed together, without compromising on quality or experience.
At its heart sits a landmark moment: the arrival of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek. An international icon choosing South Africa as its next chapter signals something deeper - a season where global excellence and local sophistication meet effortlessly. March is not about doing more; it’s about choosing better.
Cape Town: A Calendar Curated for the Discerning Few
March in Cape Town is a masterclass in contrast - raw athleticism meets refined culture, all set against one of the world’s most dramatic natural backdrops. For those who prefer their social calendar elevated, intentional and impeccably curated, this is what deserves your attention.
15 -22 March | Western Cape
Often described as the Tour de France of mountain biking, the Absa Cape Epic is not merely a sporting event - it’s a global spectacle. Elite cyclists traverse rugged terrain across private wine estates, mountain passes and remote valleys. Even as a spectator, access to finish villages and VIP hospitality offer a front-row seat to endurance, prestige and international camaraderie.
Athletic excellence unfolds against a backdrop of private wine estates, rugged landscapes and refined hospitality, creating a spectacle that’s as much about place as performance - and quietly unforgettable.
21 March | Green Point & CBD
Cape Town Carnival is a bold, high-energy celebration of creativity, design and performance. Think couture-scale costumes, immersive floats and a distinctly African rhythm - all unfolding under the city lights.
This glamorous evening, where art, fashion and cultural storytelling collide, is ideal for those who appreciate spectacle with substance.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
27 - 28 March | Cape Town International Convention Centre
Affectionately known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, this festival attracts world-class international and local jazz icons. Premium seating and hospitality lounges make it a refined yet soulful experience.
This is two nights of musical mastery, global talent and an audience that understands the quiet luxury of exceptional sound.
29 March | Cape Town
More than a race, the SPAR Women’s Challenge is a celebration of wellness, empowerment and community. Whether running or attending, it’s an uplifting close to the month.Why attend: A stylish, purpose-driven event that blends health, philanthropy and social connection.
Cape Town City Ballet Presents Dracula
13 - 29 March | Artscape Theatre Centre
Darkly romantic and visually arresting, Dracula is reimagined through classical ballet with dramatic sets and evocative choreography.
High culture at its most seductive - a perfect evening for lovers of theatre, literature and timeless artistry.
Optional Encore: Lumenocity
9 - 12 April | Cape Town City Hall
If March leaves you wanting more, Lumenocity is worth pencilling in. A fusion of live orchestral music, light projection and architectural storytelling.
This rare, immersive experience transforms heritage into spectacle - perfect for those who value innovation rooted in history.
March in the Winelands: Where the Season Slows and the Senses Lead
As summer softens into autumn, the Winelands come into their own. Vines turn gold, menus deepen and the calendar favours cultured indulgence over crowds. This is a season designed for those who value intimacy, provenance and beautifully considered experiences.
6 March - 6 April | Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
As dusk falls, Spier transforms into an open-air gallery of light installations by leading South African artists. Expect subtle, poetic works that invite slow wandering and reflection.
Envision art, nature and fine wine in quiet conversation - This is an understated cultural highlight best enjoyed unhurried.
International Music & Cape Heritage
Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek
27 - 29 March 2026 | Various venues across Franschhoek
A landmark cultural moment: the Montreux Jazz Festival arrives on African soil for the first time, bringing global artistry into the Franschhoek valley across multiple intimate venues.
It is rare to witness a globally iconic brand enter a new continent in a setting this curated - expect music, wine-country elegance and the kind of atmosphere that feels both international and deeply local.
3 - 5 April | Stellenbosch
An elegant convergence of fine wine, conservation and curated cuisine. Wine & Wild celebrates South Africa’s most expressive vineyards alongside wild game flavours and immersive outdoor dining experiences.
A must attend for that refined yet grounded festival that speaks to sustainability, terroir and elevated taste - This is Stellenbosch at its most thoughtful.
Autumn Flavours of the Winelands
April 2026 | Paarl
A celebration of the harvest season, where bold reds, slow-cooked dishes and local craftsmanship take centre stage. Think less festival frenzy, more refined discovery.
This is a sensory journey that mirrors autumn itself - warm, layered and quietly indulgent.
Every Saturday | Wellington
A gentle counterpoint to the region’s indulgence, parkrun offers a scenic, community-driven start to the weekend. Walk, jog or simply observe with a coffee in hand.
21 March | Paarl
Classical music performed in intimate venues, illuminated entirely by candlelight. Programmes range from timeless composers to modern reinterpretations.On the evening, guests can choose between two distinct performances - a Tribute to Coldplay at 6:00pm or Queen vs ABBA at 8:30pm - both offering modern musical icons reimagined through a classical lens. Prepare yourself for a deeply atmospheric evening that feels private, romantic and transportive - perfect for those who value mood as much as music.
Kenton-on-Sea: Coastal Calm with a Cultured Pour
March on the Eastern Cape coast is quietly exquisite - softer light, empty beaches and a social calendar that favours intimacy over noise. Kenton-on-Sea, long favoured by those who prefer their luxury low-key and deeply rooted in place, delivers one standout moment worth travelling for.
19-21 March 2026 | Kenton-on-Sea
The Great Kenton Wine Festival brings together a carefully curated selection of South Africa’s top wine estates in a relaxed coastal setting. Hosted over a refined weekend, it blends premium tastings with ocean air, thoughtful food pairings and a discerning, well-heeled crowd. The event is most often sold out ahead of time, so book soon!
It’s wine culture without pretence - sophisticated, social and unhurried, set in one of the country’s most beautiful seaside villages.
Johannesburg in March: Energy, Elegance and After-Dark Appeal
March in Johannesburg is unapologetically alive. The city sharpens its pace, its social calendar leans bolder and experiences are designed for those who appreciate scale, status and a well-curated night out. This is Jozi at its most compelling.
22 March 2026 | Johannesburg CBD
A premium urban marathon weaving through the city’s most iconic precincts. It attracts serious athletes, lifestyle runners and a polished spectator crowd. Participate in a powerful expression of the city’s grit and ambition - fitness, skyline and prestige in one statement-making event.
19-21 March 2026 | Johannesburg
LIV Golf brings its globally recognised blend of elite sport, luxury hospitality and entertainment-led golf to Steyn City. Expect international players, curated lounges and a distinctly high-end crowd.
This is golf reimagined - less tradition, more theatre. Music highlights include rising stars Saxby Twins and lordkez, the inimitable Black Coffee, St. Lucia and global headliner Calvin Harris and South African favourites GoldFish.
It’s a rare weekend where world-class athleticism meets headline entertainment and curated social energy - an event that feels as much about celebration as competition
Jazz in the Lights Music Festival
21 March 2026 | Johannesburg Zoo
An atmospheric evening concert set under illuminated trees, where jazz meets nature. Bring picnic baskets, fine wine and an appreciation for soul-toggle sounds. Perfect for that cultured escape within the city - intimate, romantic and effortlessly refined.
21 March 2026 | Johannesburg
Designed for professionals who love to dance but love their sleep more. Expect polished DJs, a stylish crowd and an event that respects your time. Attend for all the energy of a night out, with none of the next-day regret - this is quietly becoming a cult favourite.
21 March 2026 | Johannesburg
Joyful, unapologetic and visually bold, Pink Pop Party is a high-energy celebration of pop culture designed to delight a younger audience - particularly girls who love sing-along anthems, colour and spectacle. The night features tribute acts performing iconic pop favourites, creating a feel-good, age-appropriate atmosphere that’s playful without being chaotic.
Set at Sognage, the experience leans into high-energy escapism with a fashionable, upbeat crowd and a Jozi edge. Expect colour, choreography and carefree fun - social, confidence-boosting and made for memory-making.
Rocking the Vaal: Leisure, Rhythm and Reconnection
March along the Vaal is about space - open skies, water views and events that invite you to linger rather than rush. It’s an easy escape for Johannesburg insiders who value atmosphere, quality crowds and weekends that feel quietly indulgent.
11 April 2026 | Vaal River
Set on the riverbanks, Rocking the Vaal delivers a polished lineup of live performances paired with relaxed luxury - picnic-style seating, sunset views and a social crowd that knows how to do festivals without the frenzy. Expect music, water and a weekend-away energy just over an hour from the city - effortlessly social and endlessly enjoyable.
Touch Africa Nature Run & Wellness Day
22 March 2026 | Vaal Region
More than a run, this is a curated wellness experience. Think nature trails, mindful movement, post-run relaxation zones and a focus on holistic well-being rather than finish times. Expect a restorative day that balances physical activity with calm - ideal for those who view wellness as a lifestyle, not a trend.
Where the Season Leaves Its Mark
As the season unfolds beyond March and into Easter and the early days of April, what remains is not a checklist of events, but a feeling - of having been exactly where you were meant to be, at precisely the right moment. From the prestige of the Absa Cape Epic and the candlelit intimacy of Paarl, to soulful jazz under African skies and the global spotlight cast by the Montreux Jazz Festival in the heart of the Winelands, this is a season that rewards taste, timing and intention.
True luxury, after all, is not about access alone - it’s about alignment. And in this moment between summer and autumn, South Africa aligns beautifully.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, event details may change. Please check with official organisers for the most up-to-date information.
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For over 20 years, Hamilton’s Property Portfolio has been dedicated to meeting the needs of South Africa’s upper property market. Specialising in luxury homes in prime regions such as Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Garden Route and Winelands, Hamilton’s is committed to providing personalised service and expert advice.
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