Media Planners, Take Note - The Western Cape's 2025 Event Calendar Is A Goldmine For Ooh

Where the people go, your brand should follow

The power of OOH is its real-world presence, meeting audiences exactly where they are. And in 2025, they’re going to be everywhere. Race routes, transport hubs, festival venues, the V&A Waterfront… each offers a high-impact touchpoint for the right brand, at the right moment. OOH lets you tap into emotion, energy, and relevance – not just impressions.

Wellness brands? Get in front of thousands of fitness enthusiasts at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in October. Luxury labels? Start planning now for the elegance of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate in January 2026. Tech and audio brands? Ultra Music Festival in May is your ultimate demo zone.

Plan ahead to be seen

We’re seeing smart brands book OOH sites six to nine months in advance, and it’s paying off. High-traffic spots don’t stay available for long. Booking early secures better locations and better value, especially around major events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April or Comic Con in May.

But planning ahead doesn’t mean sacrificing agility. With DOOH (digital out-of-home), you can launch dynamic, real-time campaigns that change with the crowd. Update creative by the hour. Add a live race tracker. Celebrate a viral win. The tech is ready – and so are the audiences.

Hyperlocal is the new national

Cape Town’s diverse neighbourhoods are packed with micro-communities. From Muizenberg surfers to art lovers at First Thursdays and jazz fans at Kirstenbosch, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all audience.

That’s why hyperlocal OOH is booming. Take the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts – perfect for nature-loving, music-minded families. Or We Love Summer events for the lifestyle conscious. Or whale watching season in Hermanus, which draws local and international visitors through the winter. If you know your people, you’ll know your placements.

Stand out by stepping up

It’s not just about being seen – it’s about being remembered. And in today’s world, that means creativity. If you want attention, why not use AR to show.

Want attention? You can add interactive touchpoints or motion graphics that turn a static billboard into a living, breathing story. At events like Red Bull King of the Air or the Cape Town Boat Show, bold visuals and immersive experiences win big. The best campaigns don’t just observe – they participate. And audiences notice.

Why Cape Town delivers more for less

Unlike over-saturated global cities, Cape Town offers a clean canvas. Less ad clutter means your campaign doesn’t just blend in, it stands out. With a population that’s mobile, event-driven and open to new experiences, there’s massive potential to connect in meaningful ways. From the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival to the New Year’s Eve celebration at the V&A Waterfront, your brand could be part of the memory, not just the marketing.

Make your mark on the city

Cape Town in 2025 is full of movement, energy and opportunity. Whether your brand is local or global, the chance to connect through powerful, contextual OOH has never been bigger. Plan ahead. Think local. Get creative. And make this year the one your brand becomes part of the city’s story.

Where the crowds will be in 2025

Cape Town International Jazz FestivalWhen: 25-26 AprilWhere: CTICCWhat: A prestigious jazz festival showcasing top local and international artists.Expected attendance: 30,000+

Pick n Pay Wine & Food FestivalWhen: 25-26 AprilWhere: Claremont Cricket ClubWhat: A culinary celebration with renowned chefs, food producers, and wine estates offering tastings and masterclasses.Expected attendance: 15,000+

Comic Con Cape TownWhen: April 27-29Where: CTICCWhat: A pop-culture and gaming festival with international guests and exhibitors.Expected attendance: 25,000+

The Wine Tourism ConferenceWhen: 8 May 2025Where: Lanzerac Wine Farm, StellenboschWhat: An event centered on food and wine tourism, bringing together industry professionals to discuss trends, opportunities and strategies.Expected attendance: 1,000+

Ultra Music FestivalWhen: 9 MayWhere: The Ostrich, Cape TownWhat: An electronic dance music festival attracting global DJs and fans.Expected attendance: 20,000+

RISE Africa 2025 Urban Action FestivalWhen: 25-29 MayWhere: Homecoming Centre (former Fugard Theatre)What: An event focusing on urbanization challenges and solutions.Expected attendance: Global leaders and industry professionals

Sign Africa Cape Town ExpoWhen: 14-15 MayWhere: CTICCWhat: An expo showcasing innovations in signage and printing technology.Expected attendance: Industry professionals

Jive Cape Town Funny FestivalWhen: 2-29 JuneWhere: The Baxter TheatreWhat: A comedy festival featuring performances from local and international comedians.Expected attendance: 10,000+

Decorex Cape TownWhen: 5-8 JuneWhere: CTICCWhat: An exhibition of the latest trends in interior design, decor and lifestyle.Expected attendance: 15,000+

kykNET SilverskermfeesWhen: 20-23 AugustWhere: Camps BayWhat: South African and Afrikaans film festival with screenings, panel discussions, workshops and awards.

Open Book FestivalWhen: 5-7 SeptemberWhere: Homecoming Centre (former Fugard Theatre)What: A literary festival featuring author talks, book launches, and panel discussions.Expected attendance: 10,000+

WOMAD Cape TownWhen: 22-28 SeptemberWhere: Various venues across the cityWhat: A celebration of world music, arts and dance.Expected attendance: 20,000+

Loeries Creative WeekWhen: 5-10 OctoberWhere: Various venuesWhat: An event honoring creative excellence in brand communication and advertising.Expected attendance: 10,000+

https://www.instagram.com/filmfestival.capetown/When: 9-19 OctoberWhere: V&A WaterfrontWhat: A platform for filmmakers and cinema lovers, with screenings, workshops and networking opportunities.Expected attendance: 10,000+

Sanlam Cape Town MarathonWhen: 18-19 OctoberWhere: Various routes across Cape TownWhat: A globally recognized marathon with various race categories.Expected attendance: 25,000+ (runners and spectators)

Boatica Cape TownWhen: 27-29 OctoberWhere: V&A WaterfrontWhat: A showcase for luxury yachts, maritime innovations and boating enthusiasts.Expected attendance: 15,000+

Red Bull King of the AirWhen: 22 November 22 – 7 DecemberWhere: Cape Town’s beachesExpected attendance: 10,000+What: A prestigious kiteboarding event with international riders.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations at the V&A WaterfrontWhen: 31 DecemberWhere: V&A WaterfrontWhat: The iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in Cape Town, featuring live music, fireworks and an exciting atmosphere as the city ushers in the new year.Expected attendance: 20,000+

L’Ormarins King’s PlateWhen: January 2026Where: Kenilworth RacecourseWhat: A prestigious horse-racing event featuring high society, fashion and top-tier races.Expected attendance: 15,000+

About Tractor Outdoor

Established over two decades ago, Tractor Outdoor is a national out of home (OOH) media owner, which specialises in connecting brands to consumers through its network of traditional and digital inventory, as well as its transit networks and ambient platforms. Tractor Outdoor owns one of the largest digital out of home (DOOH) networks in South Africa and is a member of Outdoor Measurement Council (OMC), the Out of Home Media South Africa (OHMSA) and the Interactive Advertising Bureau South Africa (IAB SA).