Bring in 2026 with Mango Groove and Alexander Broussard’s Billy Joel Experience at Kirstenbosch!

This New Year’s Eve, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden invites you to celebrate the dawn of 2026 at one of the biggest nights on the calendar: an exceptional concert featuring South Africa’s legendary Mango Groove as they mark 40 years of music magic, alongside the electrifying international act, Alexander Broussard & Band presenting The Billy Joel Experience

Presented as part of the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, this night promises to be a songfest of nostalgia and invigorating vibes beneath the stars to launch your 2026!

A Night of Legends, Legacy & Celebration 

In this phenomenal moment for South African music– a milestone few bands reach, and even fewer with such an enduring influence– Mango Groove will bring their celebratory run full circle, taking the Kirstenbosch stage for the second time, since their 40^th anniversary show at Kirstenbosch in January. With a genre-bending blend of marabi, kwela and pop, from Special Star to Dance Some More, Moments Away and more, Mango Groove’s sound has been the joyous soundtrack to South African life for four decades.

Reflecting on this, lead vocalist Claire Johnston says: "We can't wait! We kicked off 2025 with our 40th Anniversary Concert at Kirstenbosch, so it seemed fitting that we see in 2026 at the same, gorgeous venue; there really is nowhere else we would rather be! We promise to bring a huge party, something different and an all-in Blast!”

Joining the celebration is Alexander Broussard & The Billy Joel Experience, a worldclass tribute, from the Netherlands, that channels the energy, emotion and piano mastery of Billy Joel’s most iconic songs. From Piano Man to Uptown Girl and more, audiences can expect a singalong spectacle that’s equal parts showmanship and heart.

"Performing at the breathtaking Kirstenbosch Gardens on New Year’s Eve is a dream come true. We can’t wait to celebrate under the Cape Town stars with an unforgettable night of Billy Joel’s timeless music,” says Broussard.

A celebration of icons at one of the most iconic venues

This is a continuation of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s strong tradition of hosting the best acts in a setting like no other, with the majestic Table Mountain as the backdrop. The annual New Year’s Eve concert is a cherished fixture on Cape Town’s cultural calendar, drawing thousands for a safe, open-air celebration of music and community.

Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch, shares: “We are beyond excited to host Mango Groove as they mark four decades of iconic music, and to welcome Alexander Broussard’s Billy Joel Experience to Kirstenbosch for the first time. This concert is the ultimate celebration of togetherness, good memories and new beginnings.”

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Time: Gate opens at 19h00, the concert begins at 20h30 and ends just after midnight. The Billy Joel Experience will perform from 20h30 until 22h00, and Mango Groove from 22h30 to midnight. 

Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town 

Tickets: Will be sold at R540 each, exclusively on Webtickets or at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Ticket Office. *Please beware of third party resellers; tickets purchased outside of official channels do not guarantee entry. Children over 2 years old require tickets. 

Concert-goers are welcome to bring picnic baskets and alcoholic beverages, but there will be no alcohol sold at the venue. There will be delicious food and non-alcoholic beverage options from Moyo Restaurant’s food outlets in the concert area.

As always, this is a non-smoking event with strict enforcement. There are no designated smoking areas at the event or the garden.

We look forward to jamming to classics under the stars with you.

Share your NYE moments using #KBRocks, as the rhythm carries us into 2026!