Don\'t miss MCQP: Maid In China at the CTICC. Photo courtesy of MCQP

Endless sunshine, ice-cold drinks and spectacular events are guaranteed to give you a summer in Cape Town that you’ll never forget.

Whether you’re selecting the most outrageous costume for MCQP, making sure you look your absolute best for the J&B Met or gathering your friends for an Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concert, you’re sure to be having fun this hot season.

Don’t miss the following top 10 summer events in the Mother City:

December:

MCQP

It’s the BIGGEST lifestyle party of the year! Don’t miss the always fabulous Mother City Queer Project party at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Date: 17 December

Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Contact: +27(0)861 915 8000

Website: www.computicket.com

Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts

Pack a picnic basket, gather some of your mates and head down to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens this summer to see some fantastic locals acts, including Prime Circle, Flash Republic and Mango Groove in action.

Date: 11 December – 8 April

Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Contact: +27(0)21 761 2866

Website:  www.webtickets.co.za

January:

Cape Minstrels Carnival 2012

See the colourful Cape Minstrels in all of their vibrant splendour as they march through the City Centre to celebrate the onset of 2012.

Date: 2 January

Location: District 6/ City Centre, Cape Town

Contact:+27 (0) 21 761 5239

Website: www.capetowngov.co.za

Maynardville: The Comedy of Errors

Comedian superstar Rob van Vuuren makes his turn as a Shakespearean hero in the hilarious Comedy of Errors production at the Maynardville Open Air Theatre.

Date: 10 January – 18 February

Location: Maynardville Open Air Theatre, Wynberg

Contact: +27(0)861 915 8000

Website: www.computicket.com

J&B Met

It’s the social and fashionable calendar event of the year. Be sure to place your bets on the horses and get your couture costume!

Date: 28 January

Location: Kenilworth Racecourse, Kenilworth

Contact: +27(0)21 700 1808

Website: www.jbmet.co.za

February:

Cape Town Pride Festival 2012

Flamboyant costumes, impressive floats and non-stop parties makes the Cape Town Pride Festival 2012 an absolute must-do this summer.

Date: 24 February – 4 March

Location: Cape Town City Bowl

Contact: 0861 9 PRIDE (77433)

Website: www.capetownpride.org

Design Indaba Conference and Expo 2012

For a feast and gathering of the most innovative designs and creatives, don’t miss the Design Indaba at the CTICC.

Date:  29 February - 2 March

Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Contact: +27 (0)21 465 9966

Website: www.designindaba.com

March:

Cape Town Festival 2012

A carnival down Long street, free concerts and plenty of fun are guaranteed with the Cape Town Festival.

Date: 17 -21 March

Location: Cape Town

Contact: +27(0)21 465 9042

Website: www.capetownfestival.co.za

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Gorge your ears and eyes on two days of sultry jazz tunes by some of the world’s most renowned artists at the CTICC.

Date: 30 - 31 March

Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Tel: +27(0)21 422 5653

Website: www.capetownjazzfest.com

April:

Taste of Cape Town Festival

Foodies will love the spectacular combination of gourmet dishes and warm sunshine as the Green Point Cricket Club plays host to the delicious Taste of Cape Town Festival.

Date: 19-22 April

Location: Green Point Cricket Club, Cape Town

Contact: +27(0)11 463 0355

Website: www.tasteofcapetown.com