Heritage Day is on Thursday, 24 September 2026, and Cape Town has plenty of ways to spend the public holiday. Whether you’re into history, food, music, art, nature or just looking for something different to do, there’s a good chance you’ll find something happening.
Cape Town is packed with stories, cultures and traditions, so Heritage Day is a great excuse to explore a little more of the city. You could visit a museum in the morning, grab a proper South African lunch, check out some live music and finish the day with friends. And, of course, we can’t forget the braai. It wouldn’t really be Heritage Day without one.
Heritage Day in Cape Town
Cape Town is a pretty special place when it comes to heritage. The city has a mix of Khoisan history, Cape Malay culture, African traditions, colonial history, slavery, District Six, apartheid history, music, food, and art. Heritage Day is about celebrating all of those different cultures and the people and traditions that have helped shape South Africa.
It’s also a good excuse to get out and see a different side of Cape Town. Instead of doing the usual tourist spots, why not visit a historic neighbourhood, check out a museum, try some traditional food or find a local event? You don’t need a complicated plan either. Pick a place, grab your friends or family and make a day of it.
A Quick Look at the History
Heritage Day wasn’t always Heritage Day. 24 September was originally known as Shaka Day in KwaZulu-Natal, celebrating King Shaka of the Zulu nation. When South Africa’s new public holidays were being decided after apartheid, the day was initially left off the list.
The Inkatha Freedom Party objected, and eventually a compromise was reached. Instead of focusing on just one part of South Africa’s history, 24 September became National Heritage Day, giving everyone a day to celebrate the country’s many cultures and traditions. The first official Heritage Day was celebrated on 24 September 1995.
And then there’s the braai. The humble South African braai became a big part of the day thanks in part to the Braai4Heritage campaign, which promoted the idea of South Africans coming together around a fire, food, and good company. Today, Heritage Day is about much more than a braai, but let’s be honest, it’s still one of the best parts.
5 Places to Go on Heritage Day
District Six Museum
If you want to learn more about Cape Town’s past, put the District Six Museum on your list. District Six was once a lively, multicultural neighbourhood before thousands of people were forcibly removed during apartheid. The museum shares the stories of the people who lived there and what happened to the community. It’s an emotional visit, but an important one. You’ll leave with a much better understanding of how the history of Cape Town has shaped the city we know today.
Website: https://www.districtsix.co.za/
Address: 25A Buitenkant St, District Six, Cape Town, 8000
Iziko South African Museum
Looking for something you can do with the family? The Iziko South African Museum is a solid Heritage Day option. You’ll find everything from natural history and fossils to exhibitions about South Africa’s people and culture. It’s right in the company’s garden, so you can easily combine your museum visit with a walk around the gardens afterwards. It’s also a good option if the Cape Town weather decides to do its usual four-seasons-in-one-day thing.
Website: http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum/
Address: 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Robben Island
For one of Cape Town’s biggest historical experiences, take the trip out to Robben Island. The island is best known for its political prison and its connection to Nelson Mandela, but there’s much more history to discover here too. It’s not a quick afternoon stop — you’ll need to allow time for the ferry and tour, but Heritage Day is a pretty fitting time to visit one of South Africa’s most important heritage sites.
Website: https://www.robben-island.org.za/
Kirstenbosch
Not every Heritage Day activity needs to involve a museum. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a great option if you’d rather spend the day outside. Walk around the gardens, pack something to eat, and enjoy the mountain views. There are also Heritage Day activities happening at Kirstenbosch, so you can get a bit of culture while enjoying one of Cape Town’s best outdoor spaces. Basically, it’s a good option for anyone who wants a Heritage Day that doesn’t feel like homework.
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735
Heritage Day Events in Cape Town
Heritage Day at Norval Foundation
24 September 2026 | 10:00–16:00 | Tokai
Norval Foundation is celebrating Heritage Day with a full day of art, music and culture. Expect live music, traditional dancing, marimba and choir performances, plus activities for families. There will also be complimentary guided museum tours. There are tours in English and isiXhosa, and museum admission is 50% off for Heritage Day. If you’re looking for something cultural but still fun, this one is worth checking out.
Website: https://www.norvalfoundation.org/
Address: 4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town, 7945
Heritage Day at Zeitz MOCAA
24 September 2026 | 10:00–18:00 | V&A Waterfront
Free entry is always a good start. Zeitz MOCAA is opening its doors for free on Heritage Day, with guided exhibition tours, architecture tours, creative workshops, music, and family activities. You can also grab something to eat at the Waterfront, making it pretty easy to turn this into a full day out. Get there early if you can, though. Free things in Cape Town have a habit of getting busy.
Website: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/
Address: S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
Mojo Heritage Day Street Fest
24 September 2026 | From 14:00 | Sea Point
If museums aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, Sea Point has you covered. The Mojo Heritage Day Street Fest is bringing live music, DJs, food, and a proper party atmosphere to Regent Road. The 2026 line-up includes artists such as Bongeziwe Mabandla, Jack Parow, Dwson, Kujenga, and Mila Smith, with a mix of Afro-soul, jazz, hip-hop, amapiano, and rock. Tickets start at around R200, depending on the option you choose. This is probably the one to pick if your ideal Heritage Day involves music, food, and a few drinks with friends.
Website: https://mojomarket.co.za/
Address: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Heritage Day Braai at Central Park
24 September 2026 | 11:00–15:00 | Century City. Let’s be honest, sometimes all you really want on Heritage Day is a braai. Central Park in Century City is hosting a Heritage Day braai with live entertainment, kids’ activities and lawn games. You can bring your own braai setup or choose the braai hire option. A bring-your-own braai ticket is listed at around R220, while the braai hire option is around R550. Grab some meat, bring your friends, and spend the afternoon outside. Simple.
Website: https://centurycity.co.za/
Address: Central Park, 1 Park Lane, Century City, Cape Town
So, What Are You Doing?
Heritage Day in Cape Town doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day reading museum displays. You can learn about the city’s history, eat some great food, listen to live music, visit an art gallery, spend the afternoon in the garden, or simply get a group together for a braai. The best part is that Cape Town gives you plenty of options.
So, if you’re planning a full day out or just looking for somewhere to go on the public holiday, 24 September is a good excuse to explore the city, try something new, and celebrate what makes South Africa so lekker.
Quick tip: Check event times, ticket prices, and availability before you head out, as details can change closer to the day.