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Are you ready for a little R&R this Freedom Day weekend? Beyond the extra day off, 27 April marks the anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, when millions could vote freely for the very first time. A defining moment in our country’s history and a powerful reminder that freedom was hard won. Aluta continua!
It is also a chance to celebrate and enjoy the simple freedom of making the most of your city. Best you choose wisely? Freedom to sleep in. Freedom to say yes to one more glass of wine at the festival of your choice. Freedom to pretend a museum crawl counts as cardio. And yes, even, the freedom to dance until 2am at Ultra and then question your life choices over brunch on Monday.
From weekend markets and heritage walks to paddles around Robben Island and concerts worth losing your voice over, Cape Town is serving options. Consider this your official guide to do absolutely the most!
Time Out Tip: Don't forget, it's an extra short week ahead, with another upcoming public holiday on Friday, 1 May!
Atlantic Seaboard
RARE Freedom Day Market
- Monday, 27 April | 12pm – 5pm
- Location: Time Out Market Studio
- Cost: Free entry
As part of Time Out Market Cape Town’s Freedom Day celebrations, this market spotlights the best of local talent. Featuring a selection of everything from art and fashion to vinyls and a Kids’ Creative Corner, this is one way to see a different side of the Mother City, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
The Stories That Ran Away
- Saturday, 25 April | 3pm – 5pm
- Location: Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art Africa, Silo district, V&A Waterfront
- Cost: Free entry for kids. Standard rates apply to adults.
The Stories That Ran Away is an immersive exhibition and book launch by Meridian Berndt, bringing African myths, legends, and creation stories to life in a hands-on experience where children can see, feel, and step into the stories. A book signing with the author will take place from 4pm.
Prescient Freedom Paddle
- Monday, 27 April | From 7:30 am (gates open at 6:30am)
- Location: Oceana Power Boat Club, Haul Rd, Green Point
- Cost: Follow the registration process here
The Prescient Freedom Paddle is a race around Robben Island that celebrates freedom, endurance, and unity on Freedom Day. Participants can choose between a 10km course (two 5km laps in front of Oceana) or the full 27km route around the island. More than just a Freedom Day celebration, the event supports important causes: ocean conservation in partnership with SANParks Honorary Rangers and Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit, as well as Operation Smile, which helps children with cleft conditions.
CBD
The Freedom Day Museum Crawl
- Monday, 27 April | 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Location: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens
- Cost: From R100 via Quicket
Many would argue that one of the best ways to learn the history of a city or country is on foot, while staying safe and aware at all times. It is in conversations with local vendors and artists, in the rhythm of the streets, and in those not-so-hidden gems that you really come to understand a place. Sometimes, it even means getting lost, the good kind of lost. If that sounds like your kind of experience, this walking crawl, guided by Cameron Peters of Cape Town Heritage Tours, begins at the Iziko South African Museum. From there, you will explore five landmark museums in and around the CBD before finishing six hours later at the Bo Kaap Museum on Wale Street.
LEGACY: The Pageant Ball
- Saturday, 25 April | 9pm – 2am
- Location: Hearty / The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
- Cost: From R80, bookings via Quicket
The Mother City's iconic ballroom celebration returns with a night dedicated to love, pride, and chosen family. Walk. Vogue. Celebrate. Dance. Experience the power of community at The Pageant Ball — and with Freedom Day weekend as the backdrop this year, it carries extra resonance.
Northern Suburbs
Ella Mai
- Sunday, 26 April | 5pm
- Location: Grand Arena, GrandWest
- Cost: From R790 via Webtickets
Are you ready to be boo’d up, Cape Town? Award-winning R&B Singer-Songwriter, Ella Mai, will be performing at the Grand Arena at GrandWest. This tour follows the release of her latest album, Do You Still Love Me?, meaning fans can look forward to brand-new music, and of course, her older hits, including Boo’d Up and Trip.
Long March to Freedom
- Tuesday to Sunday weekly | 10am – 4:30pm
- Location: Century Blvd, Century City
- Cost: From R20 via Webtickets. Children under 6 enter for free
The Long March to Freedom honours the leaders and activists who played a part in South Africa’s 350-year journey to liberation. From Nelson Mandela and Walter Ulyate Max Sisulu to Miriam Makeba and Lilian Ngoyi, this 100-statue exhibition stands as a powerful reminder of how far the country has come, where it is now, and what still lies ahead.
Cape Flats
Langa Run 4 Freedom
- Monday, 27 April | From 7:15am
- Location: Langa Sports Ground, Bitterhout Street, Langa
- Cost: From R70. To see manual entry and race number location areas, click here
Starting and ending at Langa Sports Ground, participants can choose between a 6km and 10km course, exploring the streets of Cape Town’s oldest township on foot. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at 9am.
Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival
- Saturday, 25 April | From 11am
- Location: Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium, Pama Rd, Khayelitsha
- Cost: From R300 via Webtickets
The Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival is an annual celebration of traditional Maskandi music, style, and culture – all brought together in one space. It’s all about showcasing local talent and uplifting township pride. And if you miss this one, don’t stress, another edition is coming up on 7 November.
Southern Suburbs
Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Cape Town
- Saturday 25 (SOLD OUT) to Sunday 26 April
- Location: Claremont Cricket Club, Constantia
- Cost: from R350 (includes 20 wine tokens for tastings) Bookign via web tickets.
One of Cape Town’s popular lifestyle events returns this long weekend to a new venue at the Claremont Cricket Club at the Constantia Sports Complex. This is a showcase of the Mother City’s secret season, celebrating South Africa’s wine with delicious food options and live music.
Surf & Berth - A Heritage Walking Tour from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay
- Saturday, 25 April | From 9:30am
- Location: The Striped Horse - Bar, Grill & Music, 12 York Rd, Muizenberg
- Cost: From R100 via Webtickets
Starting at The Striped Horse and ending at Olympia Café, this three-hour tour blends local history with well-timed ice cream stops along the Muizenberg–Kalk Bay coastline. Guided by Cameron Peters of Cape Town Heritage Tours, he invites you to "reimagine this stretch as the true birthplace of South African leisure time."
Newlands Market
- Saturday, 25 – Sunday, 26 April | 10am – 9pm
- Location: Newlands Cricket Ground, 146 Campground Rd, Newlands
- Cost: Free entry
Inspired by the spirit of Freedom Day, this edition celebrates community, showcasing a vibrant mix of proudly South African products, from sweet treats and freshly baked goods to local art, fashion, and family-friendly activities.
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Winelands
TrailFun Holiday Series: Freedom Day
- Monday, 27 April | From 7am
- Location: Vredenheim Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Lynedoch, Stellenbosch
- Cost: From R120 via TrailFun website
Whether you run the whole way, mix running and walking, or take it easy with friends, the TrailFun Freedom Day Run is not about being the best or the fastest. It is about moving at a pace that feels right for you, without pressure, and is aimed at "anyone who believes freedom can be quiet." Whether you choose the 5 km or 10 km route, all participants will receive a pair of Freedom Day commemorative socks.
The Bubbly Festival
- Saturday, 25 April and Sunday, 26 April | Noon – 5pm
- Location: Anura Wine Estate, Off Simondium Road, Klapmuts
- Cost: From R450, bookings via Webtickets
Live music, interactive food stalls, giveaways, and a vibrant atmosphere — all centred on sparkling wine in a stunning estate setting. The Bubbly Festival lands beautifully on the Freedom Day long weekend.
West Coast
Ultra South Africa
- Sunday, 26 April | 2pm – 2am
- Location: The Ostrich, Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia
- Cost: From R1,095 via Howler
Looking for a lekker jol? You’re in luck. Africa’s largest electronic music festival is landing in the Mother City with a stacked lineup, headlined by US DJ Dennis Ferrer and local favourite Shimza. Expect electrifying beats and sore feet the next day.
Beyond Cape Town
AfrikaBurn 2026: Through the Prism
- Monday, 27 April – Sunday, 3 May
- Location: Quaggafontein, Tankwa Karoo (~200km from Cape Town)
- Cost: Check afrikaburn.org for ticket availability
Once a year, a temporary city rises from a semi-desert 200km north of Cape Town and then disappears without a trace. AfrikaBurn is South Africa's official Burning Man regional event — a week-long gathering built on gifting, radical self-expression, communal effort, and leaving no trace. Art installations, mutant vehicles, theme camps, fire rituals, and absolutely no money changing hands inside the event. This year's theme is Through the Prism. General sale tickets typically sell out within minutes — check the resale platform and the survival guide on the official site.
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