Discover the Festival Line-Up

Maynardville Open-Air Festival

 

Experience the magic of Maynardville Open-Air Festival.

From captivating musical performances to timeless theatrical masterpieces, immerse yourself in a world of artistic brilliance under the stars.

Don’t miss out on unforgettable performances.

classical sophistication, swing, energy, soulful expression

Shades of Blue Chamber Concert

13 January 2026

 

Jazz-infused classical chamber music in a beautiful setting.

Experience an unforgettable evening of jazz-infused classical chamber music in a setting of natural beauty. Showcasing composers influenced by the vibrant rhythms and harmonies of jazz, the program blends classical sophistication with swing, energy, and soulful expression. The concert also features exceptional new star graduates, emerging talents at the beginning of their professional careers in classical performance. Join us for a night of dynamic music-making that celebrates both tradition and innovation, performed by the exciting next generation of classical artists.

bold improvisation, rich textures, powerful instrumentals

Jazz In The Park

14 - 15 January 2026

 

A vibrant repertoire of contemporary and classic jazz compositions.

Jazz in the Park features an ensemble of local jazz musicians in an unforgettable evening of instrumental jazz. This concert showcases a vibrant repertoire of contemporary and classic jazz compositions. Expect bold improvisation, rich textures, and the pure power of instrumental expression in a setting as dynamic as the music itself. More details to be revealed soon.

South Africa’s foremost orchestra

Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

16 - 17 January 2026

 

A classical concert and orchestra for all.

The CPO is South Africa’s foremost orchestra, an orchestra for all, performing in symphony concerts, community concerts, variety and schools concerts and accompanying opera, ballet and musicals. Its vast education and development programme from grassroots to youth orchestras and conductors’ and composers’ competition sets it apart as the leader in this country.

maina gielgud's giselle

Cape Ballet Africa

20 - 21 January 2026

 

A tale of love and devotion in a quintessentially romantic ballet.

Giselle is an innocent and beautiful peasant girl who loves to dance, and unsuspectingly falls in love with a philandering nobleman, Albrecht. When he deceives her, she is inconsolable and dies of a broken heart. The story continues in the moonlit land of the Wilies, a mysterious landscape inhabited by the vengeful spirits of virgin brides who never reached their wedding day. The ghostly Wilies torment Albrecht as he appears in search of the spirit of Giselle.

The duality of the body and spirit, evocation of the supernatural, and the tale of undying love and devotion endears this quintessentially romantic ballet to a universal audience.

swingtime

Cape Town City Ballet

23 - 24 January 2026

 

The perfect marriage between Broadway and Ballet.

Having made its premiere in 2003, Swingtime takes the audience on a nostalgic journey of the Big Band Era. The story centres around Bojangles, the owner of the Swing Club where it all happened. Bojangles’ journey takes the audience back in time where romance was the order of the day, and dancing was a way of life for the young and young-at-heart.

The audience will accompany Bojangles on his trip down memory lane where he remembers his past loves and the shenanigans during his time at the Swing Club. The perfect marriage between Broadway and Ballet, providing a high-impact production and a visual feast that will entertain audiences of all ages.

shakespeare's timeless tale of love, deception and mistaken identity.

Twelfth Night

30 January - 8 March 2026

 

Witty repartee meets the hedonistic charm of Italy’s ‘Sweet Life’.

Experience the Bard’s beloved comedy like never before in our al fresco production of Twelfth Night, set to a sultry jazz soundtrack that echoes the sophisticated sounds of 1960’s Rome.

Couture costumes, Sofia Loren-style, shimmer under the stars as our cast brings to life the timeless tale of love, deception and mistaken identity, infused with the decadent glamour of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

Join us for a night of revelry and romance, where Shakespeare’s witty repartee meets the hedonistic charm of Italy’s ‘Sweet Life’.

captivating, exciting, fresh, and moving.

Charl Du Plessis Trio

8 February 2026

 

Crossover and jazz music fuelled by musical chemistry.

The Charl du Plessis Trio hails from South Africa and comprises pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies and drummer Peter Auret.

The trio was formed in 2006 with the aim to promote crossover and jazz music, fuelled by an undeniable musical chemistry and understanding of each other’s musical personalities. Their sound is captivating and exciting, and always strives to be fresh, original and moving.

It is particularly the juxtaposition of classical and jazz music in their arrangements that led to international recognition as one of the leading crossover exponents of their time.

Gershwin in the Park

Cape Town Opera

15 February 2026

 

A a one-night-only celebration of the golden age of American music.

Experience Cape Town Opera in Gershwin in the Park, a one-night-only celebration of the golden age of American music at the Maynardville Open-Air Festival! Set beneath the stars in the enchanting Maynardville Park, this vibrant concert features iconic selections from Porgy and Bess and other timeless works from the Gershwin era. Performed by some of South Africa’s most exceptional voices, including the award winning Cape Town Opera Chorus, this unforgettable evening blends jazz, opera, and Broadway in a magical open-air setting. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to revel in the rich sounds of a truly American musical legacy - live and under the night sky.

rich harmonies, irresistible rhythms, vintage charm

The Great American Songbook

22 February & 1 March 2026

 

The Paul Roos Orchestra under the baton of Wessel Odendaal.

Ease into the golden glow of late afternoon with a lush celebration of timeless tunes. The Paul Roos Orchestra under the baton of Wessel Odendaal joins forces with the best local jazz vocalists to bring you the very best of the Great American Songbook, featuring beloved classics by the likes of Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington. From smooth swing to soulful ballads, this concert promises rich harmonies, irresistible rhythms, and vintage charm to match the mood.

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Maynardville Festival Buzz

Maynardville Open-Air Theatre to Mark 70 Years in 2026

Maynardville Open-Air Theatre to Mark 70 Years in 2026

One of South Africa's most beloved cultural traditions, the Maynardville Open-Air Festival, 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...

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Internship Application

Internship Application

Are you eager to gain invaluable insights and hands-on experience in the world of professional theatre making? Look no further! The Maynardville Open-Air Festival is thrilled to offer an exceptional educational internship opportunity. What You'll Gain: Practical...

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