The 32nd annual Cape Town International Kite Festival is set to take place at the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery on 24 and 25 October 2026. Organised by the non-profit organisation Cape Mental Health, the event aims to raise critical funds and awareness for mental health services while providing a shared space for community engagement.
Celebrating Resilience And Hope
This year’s festival, themed #ColourTheSky, continues a tradition that began in 1994, making it the longest-running kite festival in Africa. The event serves as a platform to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions by encouraging participants to see their personal struggles through the lens of resilience and bravery.
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.
Professor Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health, noted that the use of vibrant colours is intended to foster feelings of optimism and happiness among attendees during challenging times. By bringing the community together, the organisation hopes to highlight the importance of accessibility in mental healthcare across the Western Cape.
A Legacy Of Community Connection
Since its inception, the festival has evolved from a small gathering into a significant annual highlight that combines professional kite flying with interactive workshops and family-friendly activities. The revenue generated through the festival directly supports the free mental healthcare services provided by Cape Mental Health.
The choice of venue at the Youngsfield Military Base provides an expansive, open space suitable for the flight of various intricate kites brought by international and local flyers. Organisers expect a wide turnout as the festival continues its work in fostering public dialogue about mental wellbeing in the South African context.