A chance for kids to meet firefighter heroes, witness and experience their life-saving work in action, meet K9 service dogs, go on fire truck rides through the forest, conquer obstacle courses and abseiling, wise up on the environment and enjoy a bubble and water party! Proceeds go to a worthy cause.
Cape Town, South Africa (12 November 2026) – Capetonians, what are you doing on Saturday 28 November? You’re going to Volunteer Wildfire Services‘ annual family-friendly Open Day at its Newlands Forest Fire Base in Table Mountain National Park!
The fun-filled day is a hugely popular event in Cape Town that raises wildfire awareness, showcases the skills of the city’s heroic volunteer firefighters and raises vital funds ahead of the upcoming fire season.
The event also includes a presentation from the city’s newly qualified VWS firefighters – it’s a wonderful chance for families to celebrate the extraordinary everyday South Africans who have dedicated their time and effort through rigorous training to become volunteer heroes who protect communities and nature.
Kids absolutely love it. This year, the VWS has an incredible programme planned.
Families will get the chance to witness exciting live firefighting demonstrations, which features a thrilling helicopter water drop! There will also be fire truck rides through the forest, and a chance to experience what it feels like to handle a real firefighting hose.
There will also be a specially designed obstacle course for kids, abseiling fun, and a knowledge centre where little ones can learn about conservation and biodiversity through interactive exhibitions – some even feature snakes!
To round the day off, the VWS will be hosting its legendary bubble and water party.
There will also be a variety of food and drink stalls, and stations where merch, toys and fire helmets can be purchased.
As a non-profit, volunteer organisation, the VWS relies entirely on public donations and fundraising to cover its running costs. All funds raised during the Open Day will go directly toward supporting firefighting efforts during the upcoming 2026/27 fire season.
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Entry is FREE for children, although adult accompaniment and pre-registration is compulsory. Adult entry tickets and registrations must be done online – follow this link!
On the day of, parking will be provided at UCT alongside a dedicated shuttle service to transport visitors directly to the main entrance gate.
Go and support firefighter volunteers, learn about wildfire safety, and enjoy a perfect day in the forest!
All of the fantastic images you see above were captured at the VWS’ Open Day in 2012 and 2013 – a long-running tradition of community and family fun!
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