AfrikaBurn Decompression 2025

ABOUT

The life Tankwatic was an incredible underwater odyssey, a deep dive into imagination and wonder – even if it was just for a week! Now that we’ve surfaced from the depths, it’s time to gather once again and share our tales, treasures, and currents of creativity at the 2025 Decompression event.

"What is Decompression?", you ask. Just like Tankwa Town, Decompression is your open sea. It’s a bring-your-own, do-your-own, dream-your-own affair - so quite unlike a normal evening out in Cape Town. It’s far more like a little slice of Tankwa Town, tucked into a venue in Cape Town, and created and conceptualised by you, yourself and I.

What’s different to Tankwa Town? You can buy your food from awesome food trucks, and you can get drinks at any of the bars. Other than that it’s going to be just packed with principles, dust and shenanigans. Just like you like.

When: July 26 2025, 4pm to 2am

Where: The Castle, Cape Town

Event Page

WHY THE CASTLE?

This year, we have chosen the Castle of Good Hope as the venue for AfrikaBurn’s Decompression event on Saturday 26 July. Given that it is a site of historical violence and trauma, it is incumbent upon us to acknowledge this and to figure out together how Decompression can amplify the Castle’s efforts towards being “unapologetically decolonial, inclusive, brave, challenging, and educational”.

In this process, we are consulting with indigenous Khoe and San ’Burners’ on how we can work together to foster legitimate acts of radical inclusion as a creative community, recognising that it doesn’t erase or remedy past and present genocide.

By centring the voices of and honouring First Nations Aboriginal South African artists and elders, we are inviting restorative presence and co-creation. This is an opportunity to reclaim spaces in remembrance, to reclaim energy and restore earth connection.

GET INVOLVED

Do you have a pearl of an idea, an art piece, or an activity you want to launch into the mix? Seahorse racing? Mermaid pageants or parades? Sunset cruises or midnight melts? We want to hear your call across the waves! Email [email protected] to find out how your Creative Project can be a part of the event.

TICKETS - Strictly limited to 1000 tickets

R300 online

R350 at the gate (if not sold out online)

R30 Anathi Tickets - (please request via [email protected] up until the 22nd of July, and when approved, purchase at the door)

Kids 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult (tickets only available online): FREE!

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Decompression is your underwater reef of creativity—just like Tankwa Town, you chart the course for performance, art, sound, and all the nautical nonsense. Bring what you love to do and share it with the community.

Got a Mutant Vehicle? Bring your octopus on wheels! Got a costume? Wear it like the shimmering mermaid you are!

- Sound stages (whale songs optional)

- Live music

- Food trucks

- Artworks

- DJs spinning tunes deep into the night

- A wild, underwater adventure starring: you!

AMENITIES

- Bars stocked with enough grog to sink a ship

- Food trucks with flavours from around the world

- Coat check and Lost & Found

- Secure parking

VOLUNTEER

Just like Tankwa Town, this event is a ship built by all hands on deck. It takes many skilled sailors to navigate this vibrant community carnival to shore. If you have skills and some time to spare, step up and help chart the course for this unforgettable day.

Interested? Send your signal to [email protected]

We can’t wait to see you, celebrate together, and create even more memories Out Of The Blue.

Artwork in image: Time To by Elparo

Original photo: Richard Ahlstrom

DIRECTIONS