The Maynardville Open-Air Festival – one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural traditions – is celebrating 70 years of Shakespeare in the park in 2026 with a bumper season of music, theatre and dance, running from 13 January till 8 March – now with the addition of jazz!
Maynardville Festival creators VR Theatrical continue to nurture and grow the experience that they became custodians of in 2023. Says Executive Producer, Jaco van Rensburg, “It’s encouraging that 70 years after the first Shakespeare at Maynardville, there is still a very big appetite for the works of Shakespeare – that we can pack in the houses for more than a month of Shakespeare is an inspiring indication of the legacy of great storytelling.”
The 2026 programme is themed In Full Swing; a journey through the style and sensuality of the golden eras of music. Bookings are already open for the early birds on Quicket.
Here’s what to expect:
Midsummer Music to Kickstart the Magic
Opening on 13 January, the Shades of Blue Chamber Concert will feature music from composers influenced by the rhythms and harmonies of jazz. The concert serves as a platform for young up-and-coming musicians in classical performance as an appetizer that will be followed by Jazz in the Park (14–15 Jan), a new two-day celebration featuring local jazz legends from Cape Town’s rich jazz tradition. From 16–17 January, another crowd-favourite Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra returns with a stirring classical programme. The 2025 concerts sold out in a flash.
A Return for Dance
Ballet lovers will be thrilled to hear that ballet is back at Maynardville – and with a double bill! Cape Ballet Africa will bring their mesmerising production of Maina Gilgud’s Giselle (20-21 Jan). Cape Town City Ballet will also be returning with Swingtime! (23-24 January); a nostalgic journey into the Big Band Era, in a perfect marriage of Broadway and ballet.
The Sweet Life with Shakespeare
No Maynardville season would be complete without the Bard, and this year, the stage will be transformed into 1960’s Rome with a new take on Twelfth Night (30 Jan – 8 March). The production will be set to a sultry jazz soundtrack – think Sofia Loren and Fellini’s La Dolce Vita peppered with Shakespeare’s witty repartee and a modern twist.
Sunday Concerts
Now a firm favourite with Maynardville audiences, Sunday concerts are the ultimate relaxing finish after a busy weekend. Starting in the late afternoon and ending in twilight, they are memorable experiences for the whole family. First up in 2026 is the Charl du Plessis Trio (8 February). Next is the hugely popular Cape Town Opera singing Gershwin in the Park (15 February) and then it’s the turn of The Great American Songbook, a lush late afternoon celebration of timeless tunes with the Paul Roos Orchestra under the baton of Wessel Odendaal, and featuring the best of Cape Town’s jazz vocalists. (22 February and 1 March).
Book Ahead
The full schedule and ticketing details are available HERE. Early booking is strongly encouraged – especially for signature performances that traditionally sell out. Tickets will also be sold at 2025 prices until 31 December, after which a small increase will be implemented on 1 January 2026. Patrons are encouraged to book early.
The Festival has a busy schools programme for the Shakespeare performance which the organisers are opening for booking early this year in good time for 2026 planning.
GET YOUR 2026 DIARY OUT and SAVE THE DATES for Maynardville Open-Air Theatre 2026 !!
WHAT: Maynardville Open-Air Theatre 2026
WHERE: Maynardville, Cape Town 8001
BOOKING: Programme & Booking details HERE |
WHEN: 13 January to 8 March 2026
INFO: VISIT
Maynardville Open-Air Festival is made possible with the support of the City of Cape Town.
