The Taste Festival, which has previously been held in London, Paris and Dubai, will make its South African debut in the Mother City in November 2026.
Showcasing food, it will feature restaurants, cooking demonstrations and live music, with organisers planning to limit capacity to manage the guest experience. The event is being positioned as an annual gathering for families and food enthusiasts.
Cape Town selected for global recognition
Cape Town was selected as the festival’s newest location following its recent recognition as “The World’s Leading Culinary City Destination”. It will showcase South African cuisine alongside international offerings.
“We are not just hosting an event,” Bonnke Shipalana, CEO of The Allure Group, the local organising company, pointed out, “we are establishing a legacy. Our vision is for ‘Taste of Cape Town’ to become the most anticipated culinary and cultural event of the year.”
Festival features and premium experiences
The festival will feature gourmet food stalls from local restaurants, cooking demonstrations with local and international chefs, sommelier masterclasses, multiple music stages and an artisan producer’s market.
Premium ticket holders will have access to a reserved area with wine pairings and chef masterclasses. A dedicated “African Flavours Pavilion” will highlight continental cuisine.
Family-friendly programming
Family activities are planned, including a “Junior Chef Zone” with cooking workshops and activities for children. The festival grounds will be designed to accommodate families with open gathering spaces.
Steve Steinfeld, Operations Director at Taste of Cape Town, said the event would combine “exceptional food, great music and stunning location into one seamless experience for every member of the family.”
Festival details
The Taste Festival has operated for more than 20 years in various international cities. The Cape Town event is scheduled for November 2026, with early-bird ticket sales expected to begin in February 2026.
Brands interested in participating can contact Caroline Dube at info@thealluregroup.co.za.
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