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.
Quay, 6 W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
The Table Bay Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. It boasts beautiful views of the working harbor, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It features a pool and a spa. Each air-conditioned room comes equipped with a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The private bathroom includes a bath and shower with free toiletries.
Convention Square, Lower Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
The Westin Cape Town’s airy rooms have deluxe bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Cape Town. Selected rooms have a spacious lounge area, all rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a vigorous work-out in the well-equipped gym which boasts panoramic city views. The outdoor pool is drenched in sunshine
40 Chiappini St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Offering a rooftop bar and restaurant, The Capital Mirage Hotel is conveniently situated between Cape Town’s city centre and trendy De Waterkant. Free WiFi and parking are available. The spacious suites and apartments offer a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, kitchen facilities and bathrooms with bath and shower. Air-conditioned and fitted with a hairdryer
Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Situated just opposite the V&A Waterfront’s timeball tower, Dock House impresses with personalized service and panoramic views of the harbour and its surroundings. Enjoy breakfast in the elegantly furnished morning room, followed by a swim in the stylish outdoor pool.Classic décor and a spacious layout make each of the guest rooms and suites at Dock House a welcome retreat after a busy day. Marvel at stunning views of the waterfront from your balcony.
10 Hospital StreetCape Town, 8001, South Africa
Set between the V&A Waterfront and Signal Hill, Harbouredge offers modern apartments with
over ’s skyline or . It features a gym and is provided.The apartments are elegantly furnished, and come equipped with a fully
leading into an open-plan lounge and dining room. The bathrooms include bathtubs and a separate shower.32 Prestwich StreetCape Town, 8001, South Africa
The The Rockwell Luxury Suites offers self-catering accommodation with scenic views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the harbour. It features a health club with indoor swimming pool, gym and massage treatments.
Opening out onto panoramic patios, the spacious apartments are fitted with designer furnishings. Each includes a stainless steel kitchen with dining area and a large lounge with Smart TV.
23 Jarvis StreetGreen Point, Cape Town, 8051, South Africa
Purple House Accommodations offers a B&B and seven self-catering units situated in De Waterkant district, just 2 km from Cape Town City Center. An additional self-catering apartment is located within the City Centre, a 20 minutes’ drive from the Cape Town International Airport.
The modern furnished units offer different configurations and facilities. All of the units include a seating area and a kitchen. The en-suite bathroom contains free toiletries.
137 Waterkant StreetCape Town, 8001,South Africa
This charming guest house with Georgian-style façade is situated in the heart of De Waterkant Village. It offers views over Cape Town landmarks Table Mountain and V & A Waterfront from its rooftop terrace.
The Charles is comprised of 3 historic Georgian houses connected together. Rooms feature African art work and original Cape cottage furniture. Each room offers amenities including free WiFi, a ceiling fan and tea-coffee maker. Some rooms offer an open-plan bathroom.
Victoria Rd, Clifton, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Clifton Private Beach Villa featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a bar, a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
Fulham Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
This secure and luxurious mansion includes a maid and bulter service. It is equipped with a heated pool, private gym, home cinema and 6 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar and there is a pool table and 3 lounges for relaxation.
84 Camps Bay Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South Africa
Merridew Villa is a stylish 6-bedroom villa, five of the six bedrooms are en suite and some of them have a balcony with ocean views, a fully equipped kitchen and separate lounge areas for guests to relax in. as well as an outdoor pool.
23 Geneva Dr, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South Africa
Geneva Drive Villa Offers air conditioned accommodation with 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a living room, a dining area and a well-appointed kitchen with a dishwasher, and washing machine. An outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi
74 Waterkant Street,Cape Town, 8001,South Africa
This iconic gay eating, meeting and chilling spot is the longest standing venue in the heart of de Waterkant village and has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Whether your intention is a quick bite to eat, a cheeky afternoon cocktail on the terrace, or a late night rendezvous in the bar, at this welcoming venue anything could happen.
120 Strand St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Spacious night time club, perfect for dancing with live DJ. Open Turs to Sat
55 Prestwich St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Conveniently located on Prestwich Street in the well-known De Waterkant area of Cape Town, Honey & Dora is a mix of a café style offering serving Breakfast and Lunch with a more relaxed bar vibe for after work drinks and a great Friends Catch-up spot.
Link Rd, Bothasig, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
The Gat Party Milnerton is a newly-established dance venue that offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTIA). At our establishment, patrons are encouraged to bring their own refreshments, ice and snacks, as no cash bar is provided.
46 Canterbury St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Hosts a busy cocktail hour, drag acts and live shows. Very busy during live show nights
10 Cobern St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Gay bar and nightclub in Cape Town with hunky barmen, sexy go-go dancers, and theme nights. Recently reopened in a new location (2024)
299 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Gay cruise club with busy “underwear night” and very popular theme parties
Highlights of the party!
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We have chosen hotels in Cape Town that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars