March in Cape Town is a vibrant and exciting time, with a range of events to suit everyone’s interests. From the world’s largest timed cycle race to a women’s golf tournament, a literary festival, and a mountain biking stage race, there’s plenty to see and do. The city also celebrates its diverse cultural heritage with a colorful carnival, while the Red Bull Shay’iMoto competition and Cape Town Surf Pro add some adrenaline to the mix. The month culminates in the SPAR Women’s Challenge, inviting runners to race through the city’s streets.
What events can you attend in Cape Town in March?
March in Cape Town offers a diverse range of events including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Sunshine Ladies Tour, Open Book Festival, Absa Cape Epic, Cape Town Carnival, Red Bull Shay’iMoto, Cape Town Surf Pro, and SPAR Women’s Challenge. These events cater to various interests such as sports, literature, and culture, making Cape Town a destination for everyone.
The Cycling Extravaganza
Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, is gearing up for an exhilarating March brimming with an assortment of captivating events. As the charm of the southern hemisphere’s autumn sets in, the city is preparing for a diverse mix of experiences, catering to various interests and preferences. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a sports fanatic, or an art aficionado, Cape Town is the place to be.
The city springs into action with the [Cape Town Cycle Tour](https://capetown.today/the-cape-town-cycle-tour-a-scenic-odyssey-in-africas-jewel-city/), the world’s largest timed cycle race. Scheduled to take off on 10 March 2024, the event draws more than 30,000 cyclists from all over the world. The participants will traverse two routes, 109km and 49km, around the picturesque Cape Peninsula. This annual tradition transforms the city into a melting pot of cultures, brimming with energy and enthusiasm.
Women’s Golf and the Literary Festival
Soon after the cycling tour, the city turns its attention to the Sunshine Ladies Tour featuring the 10th edition of the Cape Town Ladies Open. The golf tournament is set to happen from 13 to 15 March 2024. It boasts an impressive line-up of both local and international female golfers. More than a competition, the event also serves as a platform for budding players to get a taste of international professional play.
Running parallel to the sporting events is the Open Book Festival Youth Fest, an extraordinary literary event for young book lovers. This festival is an extension of the annual Open Book Festival and is scheduled to run from 13 to 20 March. The event aims to foster a love for literature and creative expression among the city’s youth. It takes traditional literature beyond books to poets, writers, illustrators, and local storytellers. The festival will conduct a series of events in schools, public libraries, and book lounges.
Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure and Cultural Celebration
In the middle of this literary immersion, the adrenaline-pumped [Absa Cape Epic](https://capetown.today/the-unforgettable-echo-of-south-african-gospel-joyous-celebration-choir/) takes the limelight from 17 to 24 March 2024. This event is the foremost mountain biking stage race on the globe and attracts over 1,000 riders vying for the coveted title of the Absa Cape Epic champion. The eight-day race spans across four Western Cape towns, mapping a course through the city’s breathtaking landscapes.
On 16 March 2024, the city will come alive with the magnificent [Cape Town Carnival](https://capetown.today/cape-town-carnival-returns-with-an-afrenergy-filled-parade/). This colorful celebration pays tribute to the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The carnival showcases massive floats, intricate costumes, and over 1,400 performers from communities across the city. The 2024 edition focuses on the theme ‘lekker,’ ensuring a delight for spectators and participants.
Motor Sports and Surfing Pro
In sync with the carnival, the thrilling world of motorsports unfolds at the Red Bull Shay’ iMoto competition. The event, set on 16 March 2024, will feature the country’s top spinners showcasing their best stunts and competing for the championship title.
The city’s fondness for the outdoors takes a turn towards the sea with the [Cape Town Surf Pro](https://capetown.today/wavescape-surf-ocean-festival-an-artivistic-celebration-and-ocean-charity-fundraiser/) on 16 and 17 March 2024. This event, approved by Surfing South Africa, brings together the best senior surfers from around the globe.
Running Challenge and a Recap
Capping off the month is the SPAR Women’s Challenge on 24 March 2024. As the Cape Town leg of the national event, it invites over 10,000 runners to race through the streets of Green Point, Sea Point, and Mouille Point.
In conclusion, March 2024 in Cape Town offers a perfect mix of culture, sports, and literature. The city, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant spirit, is ready to deliver a month filled with unforgettable experiences for both its residents and visitors.
What is the Cape Town Cycle Tour?
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the world’s largest timed cycle race held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. The event draws over 30,000 participants from around the world who ride two routes, 109km and 49km, around the picturesque Cape Peninsula.
What is the Absa Cape Epic?
The Absa Cape Epic is the foremost mountain biking stage race on the globe held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. The race spans eight days and covers four Western Cape towns, mapping a course through the city’s breathtaking landscapes.
What is the Cape Town Carnival?
The Cape Town Carnival is a colorful cultural celebration held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. The carnival showcases massive floats, intricate costumes, and over 1,400 performers from communities across the city, paying tribute to the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
What is the SPAR Women’s Challenge?
The SPAR Women’s Challenge is a national running event held annually in South Africa. The Cape Town leg of the event invites over 10,000 runners to race through the streets of Green Point, Sea Point, and Mouille Point.
What is the Open Book Festival?
The Open Book Festival is an annual literary event held in Cape Town, South Africa. It aims to foster a love for literature and creative expression among the city’s youth, taking traditional literature beyond books to poets, writers, illustrators, and local storytellers.
What is the Red Bull Shay’iMoto competition?
The Red Bull Shay’iMoto competition is a motorsports event held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. It features the country’s top spinners showcasing their best stunts and competing for the championship title.
