Out and about in Cape Town: Best things to do this (almost) long Heritage weekend

If you’ve played your annual leave Uno cards properly, you’re probably pretty chuffed with your long weekend. The rest of ya’ll, try again next year.

Let’s not forget the significance of Heritage Day. Yes, it’s blue skies and braai vleis. But it’s also a celebration of South Africa’s culture and diversity. And with our nuanced and complicated history, it’s worth taking a moment to ponder how far we’ve come as a nation, and how far we still have to go.

No doubt, you’ll be starting up the skottle from Thursday onwards. And as far as braais go, Lamb Champs is going down in the Boland. Bafunny Bafunny goes live on Friday and Saturday at the Grand Arena.

The rest of the weekend is lit, as well. Don’t forget to braai responsibly, and leave room for seconds.

CBD

No Place Like Home

• Tuesday, 22 September - Sunday, 27 September, 8pm and 3:30pm
• Venue: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town CBD
• Cost: R190 - R225, bookings via Webtickets

An original musical that brings together humour, music and compelling storytelling, No Place Like Home explores family and identity through characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. And of course, with notable theatre luminaries like Loukmaan Adams and Jody Abrahams, you’ll have yourself a jolly good time.

Unofficial Pink Party

• Saturday, 26 September, 9pm - 3am
• Venue: Botanik Social House, 54 Queen Victoria St 
• Cost: From R50, no under-18s, bookings via Quicket

Initially started as a response to the lack of visibility for the LGBTQI+ community, the Unofficial Pink Party has survived 12 years of free movement and expression. Unfortunately, 2026 will be its final dance. Come along for one last joyride.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Mojo Heritage Day Street Fest

• Thursday, 24 September, 2pm - midnight
• Venue: Mojo Market, 30 Regent Street, Greenpoint
• Cost: From R200, bookings via Quicket

Catch Jack Parow in jou moeder se huisie and tons of live bands, DJs and artists at the Mojo Heritage Day Street Fest. For a few hours, Regent Street will transform into one massive street party, serving everything from dancefloor anthems to food stalls.

WOMAD Global Sounds

• Thursday, 24 September, times to be confirmed
• Venue: V&A Amphitheatre, V7A Waterfront
• Cost: Free, visit website for more info

A free outdoor concert, WOMAD Global Sounds is part of a global festival network founded by artists Peter Gabriel, Bob Hewison and Thomas Brooman. The family-friendly event brings together a World of Music, Arts and Dance.

Heritage Day Braai 

• Thursday, 24 September, 1pm
• Venue: The President Hotel, 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay 
• Cost: From R295, bookings via email: bookings@presidenthotel.co.za

The President Hotel is putting a coastal spin on one of South Africa’s most familiar rituals, the braai. Guests are invited for an afternoon of open-fire cooking with the Atlantic and Lion’s Head as the backdrop.

Time Out tip: We’ve been told that the meal portions are generously sized, so arrive hungry to indulge in grilled roosterkoek with snoek pâté and kumquat chutney, and mini boerewors rolls with chakalaka.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Mike Borgia (NYC) & Lonesome Dave Ferguson

• Friday, 25 September, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
• Venue: The Alma Cafe, 20 Alma Rd, Rosebank 
• Cost: From R185, bookings via Quicket

Italian-American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Borgia brings his dynamic 5-octave vocal range to the stage, while ‘Lonesome’ Dave Ferguson is a one-man lo-fi-hi-impact explosion of Trans-Blues. Watch them perform live in this once-in-a-lifetime show.

Kirstenbosch Indoor Concert Classics

• Sunday, 27 September, 6pm
• Venue: Moyo, Kirstenbosch Gardens
• Cost: From R250, bookings via Webtickets

MOYO Kirstenbosch Indoor Concert Classics is an all-inclusive concert and seated dinner in an intimate setting. The series features Carmen Traut, Sarah Pengilly and pianists Dané van Graan and Rouxné Schutte. 

CAPE FLATS

Glastonfurry Vol. 7 2026

• Thursday, 24 September, 11am - 11:30pm
• Venue: Woodstock Brewery, 252 Albert Rd, Woodstock 
• Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket

Rock out for a worthy cause. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Expect psych rock and metal, beer on tap, local food vendors, and an amazing community. The day market starts at 11am; live bands from 4pm.

NORTHERN SUBURBS

SAFRA Heritage Gala 2026

• Thursday, 24 September, 3pm - 5:30pm
• Venue: Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium, 20 Picton St, Parow 
• Cost: From R175, bookings via Quicket

South Africa’s musical heritage is alive with the sounds of free-reed instruments. The SAFRA Heritage Gala celebrates a special milestone, paying tribute to classical music, boeremusiek, maskandi, famo, French chanson, and South African pop. 

CG Fit Club at CapeGate Shopping Centre

• Saturday, 26 September, 10am
• Venue: CapeGate Shopping Centre, Ent 6 Undercover Parking
• Cost: R60, bookings via Webtickets

CG Fit Club is teaming up with Virgin Active and Kauai to bring you a morning packed with movement, good vibes and a little post-workout reward. They’re kicking off the season with a high-energy 45-minute dance class, followed by a 45-minute Pilates Align session. Bring your A game and plenty of liquids.

WEST COAST

Zoid Spawn

• Friday, 25 September, 7:30pm - 9pm
• Venue: NG Kerk Melkbosstrand, 11th Ave, Melkbosstrand 
• Cost: From R150, no under-13s, bookings via Quicket

A new theatrical work by Karen Zoid and Ben Francis featuring Anton Eloff, Zoid Spawn is an immersive reflection of the bonds of blood, music, laughter and team spirit. The story unfolds as a conversation between mother and son, music and visual art.

CAPE WINELANDS

Lamb Champs Boland

• Thursday, 24 September, 9am
• Venue: Hoër Landbouskool Boland, Vrygunsweg, Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Paarl 
• Cost: R150 - R320, bookings via Webtickets

What’s better than a braai? A lamb chop on the braai! Lamb Champs Boland brings 100 of the country’s best sheep farmers to Hoër Landbouskool Boland for a full-day celebration. The best part? Your ticket includes access to lamb tastings from the competing spits.

Swartland Olive Festival

• Friday, 25 September - Sunday, 27 September, 4pm
• Venue: Riebeek Kasteel Town Square, Riebeek Kasteel 
• Cost: R150 - R500, bookings via Webtickets

The Swartland Olive Festival is an institution in these parts. Visitors can indulge in wine and olive tasting, live music, chef demos, a product market, and a family-friendly kids’ zone, all without leaving the town square.

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