For more than three decades, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has transformed Cape Town‘s skies into a symbol of hope, resilience and human connection. In 2026, the beloved event returns to #ColourTheSky for its 32nd year on 24 and 25 October at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, bringing together thousands of people in support of mental health awareness and the life-changing work of Cape Mental Health.
Since its launch in 1994, the festival has grown into Africa’s oldest kite festival and one of South Africa’s most recognised mental health awareness events. Beyond the colourful displays and family-friendly atmosphere lies a powerful purpose: breaking down stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviour and reminding people that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
“We are excited to host the 32nd Cape Town International Kite Festival this Spring – a time of growth, renewal and colour. The kite festival provides us with an awesome opportunity to brighten the sky with messages of hope, stories of resilience and to celebrate the courage and bravery of those who live with a mental health condition. The kite festival gives us the opportunity to host our international, national and local kiters who will bring vibrant colour and flair to the sky. It’s a time when Cape Town comes alive after the cold winter months to support Cape Mental Health raise much needed funds and mental health awareness.” – Professor Ingrid Daniels, Cape Mental Health CEO.
This year’s theme, #ColourTheSky, celebrates the power of connection and the difference each of us can make in creating brighter, more supportive communities. Just as every kite adds its own colour to the skyline, every act of kindness, understanding and support can help brighten someone’s world. For one spectacular weekend, giant kites from local and international kite flyers will #ColourTheSky, creating a breathtaking display of colour and creativity.
“#ColourTheSky perfectly captures the visual spectacle and emotional energy of the event. The beautiful kites immediately transform the blue sky into a bright, moving canvas that attracts participation and community spirit. It has universal appeal – colour speaks to all ages, cultures, and languages embracing diversity and inclusion without needing translation. Bright colours naturally trigger feelings of joy, optimism, hope, positivity and happiness despite difficult and challenging times. Colour overrides darkness and gives hope in the face of adversity. Kites soar against gusty winds and colour the sky in adverse conditions. Colour is a great neutraliser against dark and negative attitudes, stigma and harmful misconceptions about mental health conditions.” – Professor Ingrid Daniels.
Visitors can look forward to family entertainment, interactive activities, delicious food vendors and fun for all ages, while supporting Cape Mental Health and its vital work in the community.
Since its launch in 1994, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been much more than a kite-flying event. It has become a powerful platform for raising awareness about mental health, encouraging conversations around emotional wellbeing and helping to reduce the stigma that still prevents many people from seeking support.
The Cape Town International Kite Festival has inspired generations of South Africans to embrace the festival’s enduring message of hope, resilience and community. Whether you’re attending for the giant show kites, the family-friendly atmosphere, the chance to fly your own kite or simply to enjoy a memorable day outdoors, the Cape Town International Kite Festival offers something for everyone. Most importantly, every ticket purchased and every donation made helps Cape Mental Health continue providing essential free mental health services to vulnerable communities throughout the Western Cape.
This October, join thousands of others as we fill the sky with colour, celebrate the strength of community and show that together we can make a difference.
The 32nd Cape Town International Kite Festival takes flight on 24 and 25 October 2026 at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery. Tickets are available via Quicket.
Heart FM is the proud official radio partner of the festival, helping to bring the spirit of #ColourTheSky to audiences across the Western Cape.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Date: 24 – 25 October 2026
Venue: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
Tickets via Quicket: https://bit.ly/CTKiteFest2026
For more information, visit www.capementalhealth.co.za/ColourTheSky