Out and About in Cape Town: Best things to do this Easter Long Weekend!

Four days off in a row thanks to the Easter public holidays is a gift worth making the most of! Cape Town has responded accordingly. Over the next couple of days you experience sacred music, trail runs, tree-planting, wine estates, egg hunts, candlelit string quartets, and an open air screening of Wonka at Kirstenbosch, as if you and the kids needed an excuse to sit on a lawn with a blanket and some popcorn at sunset! 

Here's your full Easter long weekend, organised by day - there's no reason not to get out and about this weekend.  

ICYMI: What's on in Cape Town this April

Good Friday — 3 April

St John's Passion at St George's Cathedral

• Friday, 3 April | 7pm – 9pm
• Location: St George's Cathedral, 5 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
• Cost: R200 (unreserved) | R260 (reserved) — bookings via Quicket

St George's Voices and the St George's Chamber Orchestra perform Bach's St John's Passion in a Good Friday concert conducted by Annien Shaw. Soloists Arthur Swan and Patrick Tikolo take on the roles of Evangelist and Jesus, with Mia-Lana Slier, Danielle Speckman, and Themba Mdlalose rounding out the programme. A meaningful and beautifully appointed start to the Easter weekend. 

Don't miss: Lumenocity set to light up Cape Town

Handel's Messiah — City Hall

• Friday, 3 April | 7:30pm – 10pm (also Easter Sunday, 5 April)
• Location: City Hall, 56 Darling St, Cape Town CBD
• Cost: From R175 — bookings via Quicket

The Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town presents Handel's Messiah under conductor Richard Cock, with soloists Brittany Smith (soprano), Minette du Toit-Pearce (alto), Jason Atherton (tenor), and Conroy Scott (bass) with the Philharmonia Chamber Orchestra. As per tradition, performed on Good Friday and again on Easter Sunday. Two chances to see it, zero reasons to miss both. 

Galileo Open Air Cinema: Rise of the Guardians

• Friday, 3 April | Gates open 5pm | Movie starts 7:30pm
• Location: Central Park, Century City
• Cost: R155 – R275 (includes popcorn, backrest and blanket) — bookings via Webtickets

The Easter Friday Galileo is a proper family affair. The 2012 animated adventure features Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost teaming up to save the world from darkness - thematically appropriate for Good Friday, depending on your reading. Gates open at 5pm for food stalls, lawn games, face painting, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny before the movie rolls. 

Spier Light Art — Easter Eggventure

• Friday, 3 April – Monday, 6 April | Evening trail: 6:30pm – 10:30pm | Daytime hunt: 9am – 12:30pm
• Location: Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
• Cost: Evening trail free, booking essential via Dineplan | Easter Eggventure Hunt R230 per child, adults free

Spier Light Art's eighth edition runs over the full Easter weekend, transforming the wine farm into an illuminated open-air trail each evening. Twenty-one artists working with light, sound, and installation are spread across the farm's walking paths - informal and self-guided, easy to do with children. Over Easter mornings, the Eggventure Hunt adds a clue-based trail for kids across the farm, with wine-tasting stations set up for adults along the route. A properly satisfying combination for all parties.

Reforest Fest 2026 at Bodhi Khaya

• Friday, 3 April – Monday, 6 April | From 8am
• Location: Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat, R43 Grootbos Rd, Stanford (~2.5 hours from Cape Town)
• Cost: From R1 250 (adults) | R425 (children 4–12) | Under 4s free — bookings via GreenPop

Africa's largest tree-planting festival returns for its annual Easter residency at Bodhi Khaya in the Overberg. Organised by Greenpop, the four-day programme blends live music from acts including Crimson House Duo and DJ Okapi, laughter yoga, incense-making workshops, curated wine tastings, an Easter Sunday Harvest Feast, silent discos, and glamping - all anchored by the Saturday morning centrepiece, when the community plants 5,000 indigenous trees together in the Platbos Forest Reserve. Dedicated family planting areas make it manageable for younger children. Shuttle service available from Cape Town.

Time Out Tip: This is a full four-day commitment - immersive and deliberately low-impact. Think of it as the antidote to every other Easter long weekend plan on this list. 

Easter Saturday — 4 April

Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay — Norval Foundation

• Saturday, 4 April | 6pm (Ed Sheeran/Coldplay) | 8:30pm (Hans Zimmer)
• Location: Norval Foundation, Tokai
• Cost: From R585 (Ed Sheeran/Coldplay) | From R600 (Hans Zimmer) — bookings via Fever

Thousands of LED candles set the scene for two back-to-back intimate live music experiences at the Norval Foundation. A string quartet performs a cinematic mashup of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay in the first session, followed by a separate Hans Zimmer programme later in the evening. Arrive early to walk the sculpture garden before the lights go down.  

The Great Durbanville Hills Easter Trail

• Saturday, 4 - 6 April | From 11am
• Location: Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, Durbanville 
• Cost: From R230. Booking via Webtickets

Durbanville Hills has set up a self-guided Easter trail across the estate for adults and children. Armed with an illustrated trail map, guests explore five locations around the farm — from the olive grove to vineyard lookouts — following hidden clues and collecting Easter stickers. Adults have the very reasonable option of pausing at wine-tasting stations along the route. A relaxed, very Cape Town interpretation of the Easter egg hunt. 

Outfits With S: Secret Sunrise Cape Town

• Saturday, 4 April | 5:30pm – 6:30pm
• Location: 32 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand
• Cost: From R50, bookings via Quicket

April is showing up in something that starts with "S" — sequins? Sailor? Superhero? Something slightly outrageous? — and moving like you mean it. Come ready to move, breathe, and let go at one of the most low-key joyful events of the month.

Simonsig Family Vineyards Easter Egg Hunt

• Saturday, 4 April | From 9am
• Location: Simonsig Family Vineyards, Kromme Rhee Road, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch 
• Booking: Secure your spot via the Simonsig Vineyards website

A relaxed, family-friendly Easter celebration at one of the Winelands' best-loved estates. While the little ones take part in egg hunts and face painting, parents can work through a tasting or pair a bottle of Simonsig with a sourdough pizza. A genuinely pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning in the Winelands without the usual long-weekend stress. 

Take the Stage: Easter Weekend Edition

• Saturday, 4 April
• Location: Watershed, V&A Waterfront

A live music showcase at the Watershed featuring Shannon-Leigh - a dynamic crossover vocalist blending jazz, pop, and R&B - alongside Vernon White, a gifted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Mannenberg who weaves soulful Afrikaans and Xhosa musical traditions into his performances. An afternoon of real local talent in one of the city's liveliest public spaces. 

Hazendal Easter High Tea

• Saturday, 4 April | 12pm – 3pm (also Easter Monday, 6 April)
• Location: Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
• Cost: R450 per person — bookings via Dineplan | Bubbles & Brie from R350.

Hot cross buns, pickled fish, Easter pastries, and sweet treats served to a backdrop of smooth live jazz at Mark's restaurant on Hazendal. There's also a Bubbles & Brie experience (10am–4pm), estate picnics, an Easter egg hunt for children, and family putt-putt at the Kleine Hazen Putting Park with an Easter hamper included. Advance bookings are essential across all activities.

Easter Sunday — 5 April  

F1RSTSUNDAY: Street Luxe

• Sunday, 5 April | 11am
• Location: Rands Cape Town, 35 Makabeni Rd, Village 1 North
• Cost: R300, bookings via Webtickets

F1RST SUNDAY: Street Luxe is where fashion meets rhythm. From the streets to the dancefloor, celebrate how fashion and style shape the music scene. Expect curated sounds, elevated street style, and an energy that feels fresh, inclusive, and unforgettable.

1st Sunday of the Month Open Water Swim (1SOMS)

• Sunday, 5 April | 9am
• Location: Clifton 4th Beach
• Cost: Free — register on the beach

The monthly 1600m open-water swim at Clifton 4th Beach, supported by paddlers and rescue personnel. The first Sunday Open Water Swim of April falls on Easter this year, which makes swimming into the Atlantic before breakfast either the most Cape Town thing imaginable or a genuine spiritual experience, depending on how cold the water is. 

Hop Into Easter @ The Lawns, Camps Bay

• Sunday, 5 April | Noon – 4pm
• Location: The Lawns @theroundhouse, Camps Bay
• Cost: From R350 — bookings via Quicket

The Lawns has created an elevated Easter experience for little ones — bunny ears, stickers, pens, pencils, colouring sheets, a pocket hug, marshmallow eggs, and an Easter egg scratch card surprise. Camps Bay is the setting, which means the adults are well looked after too.

 

Easter Sunday Brunch at Taj Cape Town

• Sunday, 5 April | 12:30pm – 4pm
• Location: Mint Restaurant & Wood Fired Grill, Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale St
• Cost: R695 (adults) | Children half-price — reservations: 021 819 2000

Taj Cape Town marks Easter Sunday with one of its legendary festive multi-table buffets at Mint Restaurant — hot cross bun pudding, Easter macaroons, chocolate fountains, candy floss machines, and face painting for the kids. Treats and activities are woven into the full afternoon, making it a genuinely festive family occasion rather than just a very large meal.  

Galileo Open Air Cinema: Wonka at Kirstenbosch

• Sunday, 5 April | Gates open 5pm | Movie starts 7:30pm
• Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Newlands
• Cost: R175 – R275 (includes popcorn, backrest and blanket) — bookings via Webtickets

Kirstenbosch gets the Easter Sunday Galileo, and the film is Wonka (2023) — the origin story of a young Willy Wonka and his dream of sharing chocolate with the world. Thematically perfect for Easter. Gates open at 5pm for food stalls, lawn games, face painting, giveaways, and the obligatory Easter Bunny photo opportunity. Bring a picnic, bring the family, bring everyone. 

Carrot Quest Zone — Willowbridge Mall

• Until 7 April | 10am–5pm (10am–3pm on Good Friday & Easter Sunday)
• Location: Willowbridge Shopping Centre – PnP Court
• Cost: Free entry with a minimum spend of R200 at any store

Kids can hop into Easter fun at Willowbridge Mall’s Carrot Quest Zone, running daily across the long weekend. Expect interactive activities and playful challenges designed to keep little ones entertained while parents enjoy the mall. Simplyspend R200 at any store to receive a free entry pass and let the Easter adventure begin. 

Easter Egg Hunt — Century City

• Sunday, 5 April | 8am - 3pm
• Location: Century City – Grand Central Precinct
• Cost: R85 per child includes easter egg and activity| R37 per adult — bookings via Quicket

Little hunters can follow the clues around Century City’s Grand Central Precinct in this timed Easter egg hunt experience. Each session offers kids the chance to search for sweet surprises while parents enjoy the lively atmosphere of the precinct.

Whipple Wonderland Easter Experiences — One&Only Cape Town

• Sunday, 20 April | Afternoon Tea: 2pm–5pm | Easter Lunch: 12:30pm–3:30pm
• Location: One&Only Cape Town
• Cost: Afternoon Tea R695 | Easter Lunch R995 adults | R495 children Booking via the One&Only website.

Celebrate Easter in indulgent style at One&Only Cape Town with two themed experiences. The Whipple Wonderland Afternoon Tea serves up playful Easter-inspired treats in the afternoon, while the Easter Sunday lunch at ROOI offers a seasonal feast overlooking the waterfront. 

Johnny Cash Tribute Show

• Saturday, 4 April | 6pm – 10pm
• Location: Hillcrest Restaurant, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville
• Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket

Riaan Smit brings Johnny Cash to life on stage. From his deep baritone voice to the iconic songs that defined a generation, experience The Man in Black in a tribute that is raw and unforgettable.

Easter Monday — 6 April (Public Holiday)

Simonsberg Easter Trail Run

• Monday, 6 April | Arrival 8:30am | Start 8:45am
• Location: Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
• Cost: R220 (12km) | R165 (6km) | On-the-day entries + R50

End the long weekend on an energising note with a trail run along the slopes of Simonsberg. Crisp autumn air, panoramic Winelands views, and an Easter egg for every finisher — plus grab-and-go meals, wine, and beer to toast the finish. Choose the 6km or 12km route. Both deliver solid terrain and the smug satisfaction of having done something healthy at the tail end of a four-day weekend. 

HintHunt Escape Rooms

• Monday, 6 April | 10am – 5:30pm
• Location: HintHunt, Cape Town — check website for address
• Cost: From R395pp (team of 6, escape rooms) | From R395pp (team of 4, Mission Room) via the HintHunt website.

HintHunt hides Easter treats — chocolates, vouchers, and surprise prizes — throughout their escape rooms over the long weekend. On Easter Monday, the Bomb Time Mission room ups the stakes: the fastest team of the day wins a R5 000 Easter hamper. A genuinely fun group option that requires no outdoor shoes and zero pollen. 

West Coast Safaris Easter Day Trip

• Friday, 3 April – Monday, 6 April | 8am – 5pm | Game drives: 9am and 2pm
• Location: Corner of R27 & R315, Yzerfontein (~1 hour from Cape Town)
• Cost: R750 per adult | R300 per child — bookings via Activity Bridge

Just an hour up the West Coast, West Coast Safaris offers guided game drives to see giraffes, buffalo, springbok, and rare golden wildebeest up close. Combine it with a horseback safari along the beach at Yzerfontein or add a cultural visit to !Khwa ttu. A genuinely different kind of Easter Monday - one that doesn't involve a mall or a braai. Unless you want both, which is also valid. 

Running All Weekend

These events and experiences run across the full Easter long weekend and are worth building your days around. 

Easter at the V&A Waterfront

• Friday, 3 April – Monday, 6 April | Times vary by activity
• Location: V&A Waterfront
• Cost: Various (many free activities)

If your Easter plans need a little lift, the V&A Waterfront has a long weekend lineup designed for families, food lovers and culture seekers alike. Expect Easter egg hunts, Mini Explorer passports for kids, chocolate tastings, live music, silent discos and harbour-side wanderings. With more than 100 restaurants, creative experiences at Maker’s Landing, exhibitions at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and playful activities across the precinct, it’s an easy way to turn a simple day out into a full Easter adventure. 

Long March to Freedom — Century City

• Open daily across the long weekend
• Location: Century City, Cape Town
• Cost: R20 self-guided (SA visitors) | R75 guided | Wine-tasting special: R120 (guided tour + five-wine tasting) - Booking via Webtickets

Over 100 life-size bronze sculptures tracing 350 years of South Africa's resistance history, from early Khoi leaders to 20th-century struggle icons. A self-guided visit - or you can take a private group tour - is unhurried and genuinely moving. Over Easter, there's an egg hunt on site on Sunday, and a wine-tasting special in partnership with The Wine Spot — R120 for a guided tour plus a tasting of five wines from emerging Black winemakers.

Zeitz MOCAA School Holiday Workshops

• Running across the March/April school holidays
• Location: Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, V&A Waterfront
• Cost: Check zeitzmocaa.museum for current sessions and bookings

Children's workshops at the BMW Centre for Art Education are running across the school holidays, set against the backdrop of Africa's largest museum of contemporary art. A good option for a mid-morning activity before heading to the Waterfront for lunch. Check the museum's website for specific sessions over Easter. 

Pretty Woman: The Musical — Artscape Opera House

• Until Sunday, 19 April | Various times — no shows on 3 April or 6 April
• Location: Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan Street, Cape Town CBD
• Cost: From R250 — bookings via Ticketmaster

South Africa's first-ever production of the Broadway hit, featuring an all-SA cast and a score by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams, is running at Artscape throughout April. Over Easter, there are shows on Saturday (4 April) and Sunday (5 April), but no performances on Good Friday or Easter Monday. Closing night is 19 April before the production moves to Johannesburg's Montecasino.

Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat, and drink in the Mother City.