Summary: The 2027 L’Ormarins King’s Plate is the 166th running of one of Cape Town’s most established horse-racing and social events, taking place on Saturday, 9 January 2027, at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. The day combines top-class racing, food and wine, fashion, classic car displays and an after-party, with a strictly blue-and-white dress code. The event is for adults aged 18 and over.
Cape Town’s summer social calendar has a date worth circling, and it comes with horses, hats and plenty of style.
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 9 January 2027, bringing its celebrated mix of thoroughbred racing, fashion and on-course entertainment to Kenilworth.
First run in 1861, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate celebrates its 166th running in 2027. The historic race meeting remains one of the Cape’s signature racing and social occasions, giving guests the chance to follow the action on the track while enjoying the atmosphere off it.
- The dress code is part of the occasion’s identity: blue and white is compulsory. Guests can bring out their sharpest summer looks, with the Best Dressed and Best Hat competition adding another reason to put some thought into the outfit. Sponsored by Cartier, the competition opens at 12:00 and closes at 16:00, with Cartier prizes for category winners. Prizes may change before the event.
The day is about more than the racing. The Style Village offers general access to the horse-racing action, Anthonij Rupert wines, local food vendors, tote facilities, displays from the Franschhoek Motor Museum and access to the after-party. Hospitality options are also available for guests looking for a more dedicated race-day setting.
The event runs from 12:00 to 23:00, and as the sun sets over the racecourse, the after-party brings dancing under the stars from 19:00. Tickets are available through Computicket, and guests interested in hospitality can also explore the different options on the official event website before deciding how they would like to experience the day.
The event takes place at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. Guests should plan their arrival carefully: parking, drop-off and collection take place on the inner field off Wetton Road, where ticketing is also handled.
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is strictly an over-18 event. For racing fans, fashion lovers and anyone keen to enjoy one of Cape Town’s best-known summer social events, Saturday, 9 January 2027, promises a full day of racing, style and entertainment. Blue and white is the brief, and the next step is to secure tickets before race day.
Quick details
- Event: L’Ormarins King’s Plate, 166th running
- Date: Saturday, 9 January 2027
- Venue: Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse
- Address: Corner of Rosemead Avenue and Wetton Road, Kenilworth, Cape Town
- Best Dressed and Best Hat competition: 12:00 to 16:00
- Event hours: 12:00 to 23:00
- After-party: 19:00 to 23:00
- Dress code: Strictly blue and white
- Age restriction: No under-18s
- Parking and drop-off: Inner field off Wetton Road
- Tickets: https://computicket-boxoffice.com/e/lormarins-kings-plate-2027-ZEK9PL
- Official website: http://www.lormarinskingsplate.co.za/
FAQs
When is the L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2027?
Saturday, 9 January 2027, at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town.
What is the dress code?
Guests must dress in blue and white, in a style appropriate to a horse-racing event.
What time does the event start?
The event runs from 12:00 to 23:00, and the Best Dressed and Best Hat competition opens at 12:00.
Is the event suitable for children?
No. The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is strictly for guests aged 18 and over.
Where should guests park or be dropped off?
All guests must use the inner-field parking and ticketing area off Wetton Road. Pedestrian gates on Rosemead Avenue will not be open.
Where can tickets be purchased?
Tickets are available through Computicket. Further event and hospitality information is available at lormarinskingsplate.co.za.
