Full-Moon Picnics

About Full-Moon Picnics

The Taalmonument in Paarl is a fascinating piece of South African history and heritage, providing a peek into what makes this diverse country so colourful. On 24 October, the first Full-Moon Picnic of the season will be held in this beautiful venue, inviting locals and visitors to come and enjoy the prettiness of the Cape Winelands amidst the deep sense of culture.

On this day, the sun will set at 19h07, and picnickers will have the awe-inspiring privilege of watching as the landscape darkens, the skies blacken, and the white glitter of the Milky Way takes over the ceiling of the Western Cape. Just prior to this dramatic scene, at 18h30, a guided tour of the monument will be conducted, giving depth and context to the experience.

Visitors can bring their own picnic baskets to this lovely event. Alternatively, you can order one from the on-site coffee shop (Volksmond - +27 21 863 2800) or simply buy snacks and refreshments directly from the shop, which stays open for these special occasions. It is advisable to bring along a torch as well as some warm clothing, as the October evenings are still chilly. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed. In addition, visitors are not permitted to make fires on Paarlberg (whether for a braai or a bonfire).

To support the Taalmonument’s Let’s Read! campaign (designed to help children to read), visitors are also able to bring a new or used children’s book for donation to this initiative.

There is no need to book in advance to attend the Full-Moon Picnic. The entrance fee is R25 per adult, R10 per South African student, R5 per child over six years of age, and free for little ones under six.