Under the Whale Moon on Paarl Mountain
Popular summer picnic series returns to Taalmonument!
Get out your blanket, pack your picnic basket and look up at the moon! Because this spring, the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM) invites you to spend the evening outdoors at their first Full Moon Picnic of the season on SATURDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2026.
These popular picnics attract locals and tourists alike who enjoy unforgettable evenings thanks to the breathtaking sunset, moonrise, natural beauty and panoramic views over mountains, valleys and the Cape Peninsula. Guests are welcome to relax and picnic at any time between 17:00 and 22:00 while also exploring the monument, a unique sculpture rich in symbolism. A free guided tour, explaining the meaning and design of the monument, starts at 18:30. Visitors can also explore the exhibitions and surroundings, while children can have loads of fun in the playgrounds and with the outdoor games.
This picnic is dedicated to the Whale Moon, in collaboration with the Centre for Astronomical Heritage’s project to promote indigenous full moon names in Southern Africa. The name refers to the time of year when whales visit the Southern African coast to calve. Well-known place names such as Walvis Bay and uMngenga bear witness to this centuries-old connection between people, nature and astronomy.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no glass/fire, please). Also remember warm clothing and a torch to enjoy the evening to the fullest. Free, safe parking is available. The picnic series supports the ATM’s literacy project ‘Let’s Read!’ that aims to introduce children to the joy of reading. Picnickers are warmly encouraged to donate new or second-hand children’s books.
🎟️ Tickets are available at quicket.co.za or the gate; it only costs:
- R40 per adult
- R10 for SA students, pensioners and children 18 and younger
- FREE for children under 6 years as well as annual permit holders
ℹ️ More on the Centre for Astronomical Heritage at cfah.org.za/fullmoon. The next Full Moon Picnics are on 27 November (Milk), 22 January 2026 (Praying Mantis), 20 February (Dassie) and 20 March (Harvest).
ℹ️ Follow Taalmonument and Taalmuseum’s unique events, concerts and courses via
WhatsApp Instagram Facebook Nuusbrief Taalmuseum.co.za/en/whats-on
The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in multiple languages regarding the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also numerous resources for school and research projects.
👉 Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family – includes unlimited access to the ATM, bistro, walking trails and full moon picnics. Call 021 872 3441.