This October, as the world marks Mental Health Awareness Month, the skies above Cape Town will once again become a canvas of hope and resilience. The Cape Town International Kite Festival, a flagship event for Cape Mental Health, returns for its 31st year on the 25th and 26th of October 2025, carrying the powerful new theme, #CourageToFly.
For over three decades, this vibrant festival has provided a safe, uplifting space to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This year’s theme honours the immense bravery it takes to face life’s challenges and seek healing. The message is particularly poignant given the focus of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, which locally highlights the impact of persistent violence as a catastrophe eroding the mental wellbeing of South Africans.
“On World Mental Health Day… we will place the spotlight on our catastrophe – the impact of violence on the mental health of South Africans,” says Professor Ingrid Daniels, Cape Mental Health CEO. “Trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility. Life gets better when we prioritise mental health.”
Adding to the excitement, the 2025 festival marks a triumphant return to a full two-day weekend format at a brand-new venue: the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery. Attendees can look forward to a spectacular showcase of kites from local and over 10 international flyers, set against a backdrop of family-friendly entertainment, kite-making workshops, and food vendors.
More than just a joyful day out, the festival is a critical fundraiser. For those unable to attend, support is encouraged through a BackaBuddy campaign, with all funds directly enabling Cape Mental Health’s free, essential services across the Western Cape.
This October, join a community soaring towards a brighter future. Let the kites be a symbol of unity and the courage it takes to rise above, together.
Event Details:
- What: 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival
- When: 25 & 26 October 2025
- Where: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
- Tickets: Available via Quicket: https://bit.ly/CTKiteFest2025
#CourageToFly #CTKiteFest
