Cape Town’s kite fest turns skies into global magnet

When you hear “Cape Town International Kite Festival”, think more than colourful sails in the sky. Think nations arriving, cameras clicking, social feeds buzzing – and your next holiday destination being decided right here. The international kite festival Cape Town isn’t just a pretty show, it’s a tourism engine.

This year’s 31st edition happens on 25–26 October 2025 at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, under the bold theme #CourageToFly. The event is organised by Cape Mental Health and supports awareness and funding for mental health services. As reported by Southern & East African Tourism Update, international flyers will again join locals in transforming Cape Town’s skies.

What draws people from abroad

1. Awe and wonder in vivid display

You don’t see giant dragon, whale or jellyfish-shaped kites every day. These majestic creations, flown by international participants, make for powerful visuals and compelling social media moments. The AP News team noted kite fliers came from the United States and Tunisia in past years.

2. Media buzz amplifies reach

Because the festival blends artistry, advocacy and community, it garners coverage from local and global media – TravelTrade calls it a “tourism boom” for Cape Town. This exposure draws eyes and wallets to the Mother City.

3. Mixed travel demand

International visitors arrive for the kites but stay for more: Table Mountain, the Winelands, coastal drives, markets. Their spending on hotels, dining and tours boosts the whole tourism ecosystem.

4. Engagement beyond the weekend

Through initiatives like EduKite school competitions and Heideveld Community Fly days, the festival extends its footprint into local communities. Those efforts often turn casual attendees into repeat visitors.

What this means for Cape Town – and you

Tourism spikes: The festival channels fresh tourists into Cape Town’s broader attractions. Hotels fill up fast. Tour guides get booked. Local economies hum.

Image and diplomacy: By hosting international kite fliers, South Africa positions itself as open, creative and culturally vibrant – a branding win.

Mental health spotlight: Because the festival is tied to a cause, more people engage with mental wellness messaging. 2oceansvibe highlights how this year’s focus links violence and mental health in South Africa.

Infrastructure and community upgrades: To host such crowds, venues and surrounding communities must improve transport, sanitation, safety. These upgrades benefit locals long after the kites land.

What’s next for kite tourism

Expect satellite kite events cropping up across South Africa. Organisers might bundle themed travel packages – kite fest plus nature or wine tours to boost longer stays. Partnerships with airlines and global kite associations could cement Cape Town as a “must-fly” annual stop.

Book your spot at the Cape Town International Kite Festival now and experience what nations are flying in for.