Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
The MCQP (Mother City Queer Project) party takes place every December in Cape Town. It is the highlight of the gay Summer season.
The MCQP party takes place in December in Cape Town. Each year the theme is different with elaborate costumes, amazing light and sound, guest DJs and outrageous drag acts.
- Visiting Cape Town for Christmas? Stay close to the bars in DeWaterkant at The Old Foundry Hotel, featuring stylish designer rooms and superb breakfasts in an excellent location.
The Party
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates and theme – Typically second weekend in December.
- The Mother City Queer Project (or MCQP for short), began in 1994 and has become a highlight on the Cape Town gay calendar.
- The party has grown into South Africa’s biggest dress-to-theme party attended by all sorts of fun-loving creative people, from all over the world.
- A combination of music festival, circuit party, burlesque cabaret, drag variety show, circus, and Viennese ball, the event attracts more than 10,000 visitors.
- Each year the party has a different theme with guest DJs, amazing decor and over the top costumes. Previous themes have included ‘Bollywood,’ ‘The Love Ball,’ ‘Drag Race,’ and many more.
- Upgrade your Cape Town experience at The Silo Hotel, rated “Exceptional” by guests featuring designer rooms, high-end amenities, stunning views and superb service.
The Venue
- 2025 Venue to be confirmed.
- Gardens Commercial High School, Cape Town – Located 12 minutes from De Waterkant.
- Expect to see the venue transformed into an otherworldly escape with world class entertainment serving nothing but vibes to keep the dance floors packed.
- Discover the best places to party, stay and play with our Gay Cape Town Guide.
Gay Cape Town
- De Waterkant – Often dubbed Cape Town’s ‘Pink District’, De Waterkant is a lively and vibrant area with a plethora of LGBTQ+-friendly bars, restaurants, and shops. Cobbled streets, colorful houses, and a European-esque vibe set the scene.
- Green Point: Just a stone’s throw away from De Waterkant, Green Point offers a mix of nightlife, beautiful parks, and a chill atmosphere.
Recommended Hotels in Cape Town
The following hotels are popular with our visitors to Cape Town and are close to the city’s gay bars and top attractions. They are also gay-friendly.
Icon Luxury Apartments, The Westin Cape Town, DysArt Boutique Hotel The Cape Royale
Stay in DeWaterkant, close to the gay
bars Book now and pay on arrival.
The Glenn Hotel in Cape Town’s Seapoint.
Stylish, great pool and gay operated.
For further information and advice on
The MCQP Party, check out Instagram
Most of the gay bars are located in the De Waterkant area, surrounded by some lovely restaurants and only a short walk to the shopping streets, we have chosen some hotels and apartment that keep you in the hard of all the action.
Address: Quay, 6 W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Address: Convention Square, Lower Long St, Cape Town City Centre
Address: 40 Chiappini St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001
Address: Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Rd
Address: 10 Hospital Street Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Address: 32 Prestwich StreetCape Town, 8001, South Africa
Address: 23 Jarvis StreetGreen Point, Cape Town, 8051
Address: 137 Waterkant StreetCape Town, 8001,South Africa
Address: Victoria Rd, Clifton, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Address: Fulham Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Address: 84 Camps Bay Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040
Address: 23 Geneva Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South Africa
Address: 74 Waterkant Street,Cape Town, 8001,South Africa
Address: 120 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Address: 55 Prestwich St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Address: 46 Canterbury St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Address: 12 Cobern St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Address: 299 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Address: 123 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Highlights of the party!
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking
We have chosen hotels in Cape Town that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

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