The Cape Town International Kite Festival will take place on 24 and 25 October 2026 at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, with a focus on mental health awareness under the theme #ColourTheSky. Organised by Cape Mental Health, the festival aims to raise awareness and support for mental health services across the Western Cape.
Cape Mental Health has hosted the event for over three decades, with the 2026 edition marking its 32nd year. The festival combines the joy of kite flying with an important social message, drawing community members together to engage in open conversations about mental health challenges and resilience.
Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health, told eNCA, “The Cape Town International Kite Festival is an amazing platform for us to change the conversations around mental health.” She emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue beyond the event and Mental Health Awareness Month, adding, “We don’t only want to talk about mental health during the Cape Town International Kite Festival or Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day.
The event also serves as a fundraiser for Cape Mental Health, contributing to the development and delivery of mental health services in the region. As reported by AP News in 2024, the festival plays a critical role in providing hope and resources to people living with mental health challenges.
Held at Youngsfield Military Base, situated in Ottery within the greater Cape Town area, the festival is well positioned to attract attendees from the Cape Flats and other Western Cape communities. This well-established event unites families, mental health advocates, and kite enthusiasts in a colourful and uplifting environment.
While Cape Mental Health describes the festival as Africa’s oldest kite festival, this claim has not been independently verified by multiple sources. Similarly, details such as the full international kite flyer lineup and precise attendance or fundraising totals for 2026 have not been confirmed as of this report.
The Cape Town International Kite Festival remains a prominent example of community-driven initiatives addressing mental health stigma and promoting resilience across the Western Cape. The festival’s unique blend of recreational activity and social awareness continues to engage diverse audiences and provide a platform for meaningful conversations.
Cape Flats.co.za will follow updates on the festival’s programming and impact as the event approaches in October 2026.