The Cape Town International Kite Festival returns in 2025 with renewed spirit and a powerful theme: #CourageToFly.
Now in its 31st year, the festival has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity, this time celebrating the bravery it takes to face life’s challenges, especially around mental health.
For the first time since the pandemic, the festival will run over two full days—Saturday, 25 October, and Sunday, 26 October 2025 – marking a joyful return to its beloved extended format. Even more exciting, this year’s event will debut at a brand-new venue: Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, where the skies will burst with colour, creativity, and courage.
More info about The Cape Town International Kite Festival
Organised annually by Cape Mental Health since 1994, the Cape Town International Kite Festival raises awareness about mental health and promotes resilience.
Every kite that takes to the air serves as a reminder of freedom, creativity, and the courage needed to seek help, speak openly, and support others on their mental health journeys.
The 2025 theme was chosen against the backdrop of global challenges – from political and social instability to the lingering effects of the pandemic – that have fuelled rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In South Africa, an estimated 16.5% of people live with a mental disorder, with stigma still posing a major barrier to treatment and recovery.
Cape Mental Health CEO Professor Doctor Ingrid Daniels emphasises the strength it takes to persevere:
“Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere.”
For Professor Doctor Daniels, the return of the two-day format is not just a family celebration, but also a tribute to resilience:
“There is great excitement in the buildup to the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival. People have warm and fuzzy memories of the festivals in Muizenberg and every year since COVID, they have asked when we would return to a full festival filled with entertainment and activities for the entire family. This year, we are thrilled to say – we’re back!”
This year’s programme features a dazzling display of kites from local and international participants, live entertainment, kite-making workshops, food vendors, and even an amusement park for children.
More than just a fun family outing, the festival carries a deeper message about the role of mental health in creating a resilient society.
The reach of the Cape Town International Kite Festival extends beyond the October weekend through initiatives such as the EduKite school competition, community fly events like the Heideveld Community Fly, and inclusive activities ensuring children and adults of all abilities can take part.
For those unable to attend, Cape Mental Health invites support through its BackaBuddy campaign, with proceeds funding free services across the Western Cape.
These services ensure that individuals and families affected by mental health challenges receive essential care, extending the impact of the festival well beyond the skies of Cape Town.
Festival Details:
- 25–26 October 2025
- Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
- For more information: Follow @CTKiteFest on social media
- Buy your tickets HERE.
This October, the skies above Cape Town will once again fill with colour and hope, as kites rise as symbols of resilience, unity, and the courage to fly.
Since 1994, Cape Mental Health has proudly hosted the Cape Town International Kite Festival, Africa’s oldest kiting event, raising funds and advocating for mental wellness.
Watch this space for updates in the Events category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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