Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to host final concerts of the season.
Image: Supplied
As the sun begins to retreat from the vibrancy of summer, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden gears up for the final chapter of the beloved 2025/2026 Summer Sunset Concerts season. This March, music lovers are invited to experience five extraordinary performances that showcase South Africa's rich musical tapestry, reminding everyone why this series is a cherished cultural tradition in Cape Town.
For months, the gardens have echoed with laughter, music, and shared experiences, as audiences congregate on the lush lawns beneath the watchful gaze of Table Mountain. The culmination of this season promises a series of concerts that balance masterful instrumentation, soulful vocal performances, and vibrant contemporary pop, providing an artistic feast for all ages.
The enchanting final stretch kicks off on Sunday, 1 March, with celebrated guitarist Derek Gripper, renowned for his groundbreaking ability to translate the intricate sounds of the West African kora onto classical guitar. He will be joined by the Kyle Shepherd Trio, featuring Kyle Shepherd’s innovative piano compositions, Shane Cooper’s virtuosic double bass, and Jonno Sweetman’s dynamic drumming. Together, this trio offers an electrifying soundscape that melds technical expertise with emotive storytelling steeped in South African culture.
On Sunday, 8 March, beloved singer-songwriter Matthew Mole returns, bringing his heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies to the stage. Known for his uplifting performances, Mole has become a staple of the summer concert calendar, and audiences can expect an evening filled with warmth, connection, and the anthems that have defined his enduring success.
The excitement builds further on Sunday, 15 March, as iconic vocalist Thandiswa Mazwai takes the spotlight. A fearless storyteller with a powerful voice, she draws on influences from jazz, kwaito, traditional Xhosa music, and Afro-soul. Her performance is expected to resonate deeply with the audience, delivering a bold and moving experience under the expansive late-summer sky.
On Sunday, 22 March, emerging pop sensations Will Linley and Ben Rodrigues will electrify the gardens with their youthful exuberance and catchy rhythms. Both artists have garnered attention locally and internationally, and their collaborative showcase is set to transform the garden into a lively celebration of contemporary South African pop music.
Finally, the season will conclude on Sunday, 29 March, with a family-friendly orchestral extravaganza led by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring storyteller and performer Rob van Vuuren. Audiences can expect to be captivated by timeless classics such as *Peter and the Wolf* alongside enchanting themes from *Frozen* and *Star Wars*, offering a magical musical experience for all ages against one of the country’s most picturesque backdrops.
Reflecting on these final performances, Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch, remarked, “March at Kirstenbosch carries a special kind of magic. As summer lingers and the garden starts to shift in colour, the music becomes more meaningful and celebratory. This closing line-up showcases the depth of South African talent and the joy that live performances bring to our community. We encourage everyone to join us for these final concerts and be part of the last dance of a truly memorable season.”
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts continue to be a highlight of Cape Town’s social and cultural calendar, uniting families, friends, and music enthusiasts year after year. As this sensational season comes to a close, these last five concerts provide one last opportunity to gather on the lawns, embrace the music, and celebrate the beauty of summer in the garden.