From sporting action and comedy shows to cultural happenings, stay in the loop with Time Out's guide to all your can't-miss events in Cape Town!
As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events.
Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, and festive events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City.
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Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
When: Wednesday evenings
Why Go: Settle in for the sultry sounds of the best jazz the Mother City has to offer, with the weekly Jazz Wednesdays. Look forward to an ever-changing roster of talented musos who’ll bring the groove while you explore the great food (and wine) on offer in the Tim Out Market on the ground floor. Grab a bite, find a drink and settle in for smooth jazz every Wednesday night this summer.
When: Every Thursday, 6.30pm - 9pm
Why Go: Join Quizmaster Jon Keevy for an unforgettable trivia experience that will challenge your knowledge like never before! From the conventional to the unexpected, get ready to put your encyclopaedic knowledge, logic, and quick reflexes to the test. Gather your team of experts and mavericks to show off your brainpower, impress your friends, and go head-to-head with other trivia enthusiasts. All of this excitement awaits you amidst the mouth-watering cuisine of the Time Out Market.
When: Various dates, 2024
Why Go: These world-renowned equestrian performers are based at Mistico Equestrian Centre near Paarl, one of just two locations in the world displaying equestrian history, toe-tapping tunes and stallions to steal your heart.
The South African Lipizzaners host regular performances showcasing the impressive skills of the balletic white stallions. Watch them perform jaw-dropping movements used in ancient battles, and dance to tunes you can't help but sing along with. After the show guests can meet the stallions for an interactive, educational and musical experience.
When: May 17-19, 2024
Why Go: A cultural highlight of the Cape Winelands, held annually on the third weekend in May, the Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) brings together authors, publishers and bibliophiles from across the world in a gathering filled with talks, readings and debates about all-things-literary.
It’s a platform for discourse and discussion, with sessions dedicated to topical talking points and light-hearted banter. And the Franschhoek Literary Festival is dusted with a little extra celebrity sparkle in 2024, with the news that actor, comedian, and children's book author David Walliams will take to the stage at this year’s festival.
When: May 26, 2024
Why Go: This is a race with a difference. Set against the backdrop of Cape Town's chequered history, the Slave Route Challenge takes runners and walkers on a route tracing the history of human migration in the city. From the City Hall to District Six, the Company Gardens to the Bo Kaap, the race commemorates the legacy of slavery and migration in the city. And it’s not just for crazy-fit runner: the line-up of activities includes a 21.1km Half Marathon, a 10km Run, a 10km Big Walk, and a 5km Fun Run/Walk. Entries close on May 12, 2024.
When: May 31 – June 2, 2024.
Why Go: Whether you’re into plant-powered eating or conscious consumerism, you’ll want to head for The Good Life Show, South Africa’s largest expo devoted to sustainable living. Look forward to chef demonstrations at The Good Life Kitchen, and conscious cocktails by leading mixologists at The Sustainable Pub. Another highlight is the Expo marketplace, where you’ll find an array of sustainable products from beverages to beauty, appliances to accessories. Expect plenty of free samples and tasters!
When: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Why Go: The arrival of winteris no excuse tom is out on First Thursdays, with galleries open late for art lovers to wander from gallery to restaurant to trendy boutique. This monthly cultural experience is centred around art, food and music, with art galleries, restaurants and bars concentrated in walkable precincts including Church Street, Loop Street, Bree Street, Church Square, and the Silo District. Most venues are free and open to the public. Each month's programme can be explored online at first-thursdays.co.za.
When: June 7-17, 2024
Why Go: The annual Hermanus FynArts Festival plays host to some of South Africa’s leading artists, musicians, authors, journalists, chefs and winemakers, presenting an engaging programme of performances, workshops, exhibitions and theatre productions across 10 days of arts and culture. Look out for the new Sculpture on the Cliffs exhibition and the FynArts ceramic and small sculpture exhibitions. This year will feature the first FynArts exhibition of bonsai trees, while internationally acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge will receive the 2024 FynArts Legacy Award and present a talk.
When: June 10 - July 7, 2024
Why Go: Now in its 25th year, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is the Mother City’s most-popular comedy festival, attracting a line-up of international and local comics to the stage of the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch. This year look forward to classical comedic pianist Kev Orkian and American star funnyman Mario Queen of the Circus, while local stars including Emo and Loukmaan Adams, Dalin Oliver, Kagiso KG Mokgadi and Yaaseen Barnes will be kept in check by MC Alan Committie.
When: June 18-19, 2024
Why Go: A collision of musical cultures creates a memorable evening of African music. Hailing from Mali, Ballaké Sissoko is known as the greatest touring virtuoso on the kora, a stringed instrument of West Africa. A seminal improviser with an ability to unlock every nuance of the kora, he’ll appear alongside Derek Gripper, a classical guitarist from South Africa. Gripper’s love of the kora has seen him transcribe and record some of the greatest works of the instrument, changing the face of classical guitar and giving the instrument its very first African repertoire. In the complex web of theme and variations spun by Sissoko’s twenty-two strings and Gripper’s six, a new African string theory is elaborated.
When: February 17 – August 11, 2024
Why Go: The life and work of world-famous Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu is celebrated in a landmark exhibition at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town’s Company Gardens. ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective, is curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, and highlights Dr Esther Mahlangu’s meteoric rise as a contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim.
Through the language of colour and form, the exhibition charts Mahlangu’s contribution to contemporary art in a career stretching across close to seven decades. More than 100 artworks have been loaned from international collections, carefully curated alongside historic photographs and a short film. Also included in the exhibition is Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car which makes its historic return to South Africa for the first time in more than 30 years.
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Why Go: The 2024 Tokara Rare Plant Fair and Open Garden is a unique opportunity to enjoy the private farm gardens of this acclaimed wine estate on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. Along with vendors selling rare plants to delight garden-lovers, visitors have the rare opportunity to enjoy the rolling farm gardens on walks dotted with magnificent sculptures by local artists.
Explore the dedicated oasis of indigenous plants, discover the climbing terraces of the picking garden, the rising path at the wetlands, and the mountain stream dipping down into a soothing lily pond. A highlight is the Adamastor Moss Garden, settled into the hills near the Boat House. Pre-order picnics are available, or book a table one of Tokara’s two restaurants. Entry, R50 per adult, supports local charities.
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