If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve entertainment that doesn’t involve pricey tickets or schlepping across town in Cape Town’s infamous traffic, the V&A Waterfront is going big with a free open-air music celebration that comes complete with good vibes, harbour views and a midnight fireworks moment to ring in 2026.
This year’s live programme takes place on – well, of course – 31 December 2025, with the festivities kicking off at 6pm and running until 1am. At midnight, the Waterfront will stage a controlled, five-minute fireworks display designed to be visible from across the precinct and from various viewpoints around the city. Signal Hill will offer epic views, if you can find a spot.
Who’s on the line-up?
This year, the NYE bill is headlined by award-winning singer-songwriter Zoë Modiga, with a crowd-friendly mix of live acts and DJs including GoodLuck, Emo Adams and Loukmaan Adams, DJ Shezzy K and the Starlight Band, with KFM’s Carl Wastie on MC duty.
“We love hosting visitors at the V&A Waterfront throughout the year, but there’s something especially magical about this time of year, when families connect, visitors take in the vibe of Cape Town at its best to see out 2025 and welcome the new year,” says Donald Kau, Head of PR & Communications at the V&A Waterfront. “The energy of the evening is truly unmatched, and we love nothing more than being the place where families and friends can come together to welcome the start of a new year in a festive safe and secure environment, sharing in the joy and celebration in community.”
How to do it properly
While the V&A is a one-stop-shop for NYE festivities, the inevitable crowds mean you’ll want to plan ahead to make it a fuss-free evening. Here are the Time Out tips for doing New Year’s right in the V&A:
Arrive early if you want a decent spot. And remember that you can’t bring your own seating (it’s to keep walkways flowing).
Book ahead (you might already be too late) if you’re planning dinner with a view of the stage, and consider experiences like a Cape Wheel ride or a sunset cruise before the countdown.
Bringing kids? Pick up kiddies’ tags at the information desks when you arrive; if a child gets separated, they’ll be escorted to an information point (including those outside Nespresso and Tasha’s).
Getting there and away isn’t easy on NYE. The Waterfront recommends public transport or e-hailing where possible. There are more than 12 000 parking bays on site, and it pays to park a little further away for an easy exit. Battery Park and the Silo District as easier exits when you’re heading home.
How much does it cost? Well, that’s the best part. New Year’s Eve at the V&A is completely free to enjoy.
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