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Out and About in Cape Town: Best things to do this weekend

Your complete guide to the best of the Mother City, from Friday, 8 May to Sunday, 10 May!

Amy Fraser
Written by
Amy Fraser
Content Coordinator, Time Out South Africa
Panoramic view of Table Mountain
~UserGI15667539 | Panoramic view of Table Mountain as seen from on top of Lions Head during beautiful sunset as a storm moves in
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May is in full swing and jam-packed with events and outings for the whole family. Just be sure to dress warmly and pack an umbrella, as it’s shaping up to be a cold, wet, and even icy weekend. If you’re brave enough to face the chill, check out these snow hunting spots near Cape Town.

Of course, it’s also Mother’s Day this weekend. If you’ve left your planning to the last minute (life gets busy, we get it), don’t stress, we’ve rounded up the best experiences to spoil mom, from relaxing spa days to creative workshops. You'll also want to avoid any road closure for this Sunday's 10k Run Your City.

If you need some ideas on how to spend your weekend, we’ve done the hard work. All you need to do is hop in the car, get exploring, and enjoy a good time.

CBD

Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome

  • Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 May | Various times
  • Location: Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, 25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre
  • Cost: From R40 via Webtickets 

For a 360-degree cinema experience that transports you into another dimension, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome has various shows available, from galaxies and atoms, to the human body and a dive into whether life exist beyond Earth.

museum and planetarium
Photograph: Shutterstock

Maskandi Fest Cape Town

  • Sunday, 9 May | 10am – 8pm
  • Location: The Castle of Good Hope, Castle St, Foreshore
  • Cost: From R70 via Computicket

This family-friendly festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Zulu folk music – songs rooted in real-life experiences that capture everyday joys and sorrows. The event will feature performances from artists like Khuzani, Umafikizolo, and Limit Nala.

Maskandi Fest
ComputicketMaskandi Fest Cape Town

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

The Wings for Life World Run

  • Sunday, 10 May | From 1pm
  • Location: Vlei Rd in front of Green Point Athletics Track

Although already sold out, you can still show your support for this NGO, which is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. The race begins at Vlei Road, with wheelchair participants and runners starting side by side, and continues through Green Point Park, moving toward Sea Point Promenade along a 5km circular lap course.

The Wings for Life World Run race
Instagram: wflworldrunThe Wings for Life World Run

Silent Sunsets: The Last Hurrah

  • Saturday, 9 May | 5:30 pm – 8:30pm
  • Location: Clifton 3rd Beach
  • Cost: R175 – 200 via Fixr

As we officially say goodbye to the warmer days, the final Silent Sunset of the season will be at Clifton 3rd Beach, as the sun slowly sets. Ticket includes headphones.

Silent Sunsets
Facebook: Silent Events SASilent Sunsets party on Clifton 3rd Beach

The Month of Her Spa and Afternoon Tea Experience

  • Thursday – Sunday through to June| From 2:30pm
  • Location: Cape Grace, V&A Waterfront, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
  • Cost: R1,995 per person via Dineplan

Cape Grace has dedicated May to honouring the women in our lives. The Month of Her is a thoughtfully curated series of experiences, including afternoon tea and a 60-minute Swedish massage at the Fairmont Spa.

The Month of Her at Cape Grace
Supplied / PRThe Month of Her Spa and Afternoon Tea Experience at Cape Grace

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa

  • Friday 8 – Saturday 9 May | 7pm
  • Location: The Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
  • Cost: R75 – R150 via Webtickets

Local primary and high schools, along with youth drama groups, will take to the stage to perform selections from Shakespeare’s plays. On Friday, Evolve Academy, Blue Moon Montessori School and Silvermine Academy will perform. On Saturday, Norman Henshilwood High School, Paarl School, Wynberg Boys’ Acting Association and Micklefield School will take to the stage. The festival concludes on 23 May. 

Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa
Facebook: Shakespeare Schools Festival South AfricaShakespeare Schools Festival South Africa 2026

The Galileo Open Air Cinema: Chicago

  • Saturday, 9 May | Doors open at 5pm, movie starts at 7:30pm
  • Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Dr, Newlands
  • Cost: R150 – R1,000 via Webtickets

If you missed the run of Chicago at Artscape Theatre Centre – which is a real shame, because it was incredible – you can read our review here, or catch the musical at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Time Out Insider: You can attend the Galileo for free during your birthday month, just bring along your ID. We've also rounded up the best birthday freebies in the Mother City to keep the celebrations going.

Galileo Open Air Cinema
Facebook: The Galileo Open Air Cinema

NORTHERN SUBURBS

PNA Art Bar

  • Saturday, 9 May | 10am – 1pm
  • Location: PNA Canal Walk, Century Blvd, Century City
  • Cost: R325, contact Bernadette to book – 064 650 7600

It’s time to get creative with PNA’s Art Bar Class series. This Saturday’s session focuses on jewellery making and pendant art. Participants will design and create five unique, handmade pendant necklaces to take home. All materials are provided.

Little girl making beaded jewelry at table, closeup
Liudmila ChernetskaLittle girl making beaded jewelry at table

CAPE FLATS

Cape Town City FC vs Baroka FC

  • Sunday, 10 May | Gates open at 1pm, kick off at 3pm
  • Location: Athlone Stadium, Cross Blvd, Athlone
  • Cost: Free - but you need to book your spot.

Cape Town City FC will face Baroka FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Cape Town City FC currently ranks 3rd, while Baroka FC holds 16th position. With the cost of the Fifa tickets to see Bafana Bafana in action, this is the best local soccer gees action you'll see. 

Cape Town City FC
Instagram: capetowncityfcCape Town City Football Club

Cycling in Cape Town’s largest Township

  • Friday 8 – Saturday 9 May | 10:30 am, 1:30pm
  • Location: Meeting point is at the Spade Boutique Hotel, 8 Alfred Nzo St, Mandela Park
  • Cost: R1,350 via Webtickets

Cycle through Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township, while exploring its history, heritage, and lived community culture. The experience highlights local cuisine and key landmarks, offering an immersive, ground-level introduction for those seeking a deeper understanding of the area.

Cycle tour through Cape Town's largest township, Khayelitsha
Instagram: abcdconceptsCycle tour through Khayelitsha

WEST COAST

The One Man Show Picnic

  • Saturday, 9 May | 12pm
  • Location: The Ostrich, Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia
  • Cost: From R250 via Quicket

From picnic to party, if you’re after a proper lekker jol, this is it. The day kicks off with a relaxed picnic vibe, and as the sun starts to dip, the whole space shifts seamlessly into a full-on afterparty.

The Ostrich
The Ostrich

WINELANDS

Walk for the Wild

  • Saturday, 9 May | 8am – 1pm
  • Location: Delheim Wine Estate, Knorhoek Rd, Stellenbosch
  • Cost: From R450 via Quicket

Run, hike, and dress like a leopard while you take on a 10km mountain trail in support of the Cape Leopard Trust and the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy. The ticket includes a Delheim wine tasting, a donation to the Cape Leopard Trust, and a contribution to  conservation. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed participants.

Walk for the Wild
Facebook: Cape Leopard TrustWalk for the Wild in support of the Cape Leopard Trust and the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy.

ABBA Tribute

  • Saturday, 9 May | 6pm – 9pm
  • Location: Paarl Golf Club, 848 Wemmershoek Rd, Boschenmeer Golf Estate, Paarl
  • Cost: From R269 via Quicket

If you’re a Dancing Queen or just in the mood to spend a little “Money, Money, Money,” this ABBA tribute will deliver all the well-loved hits. I can almost guarantee you won’t find a single person in the audience who isn’t dancing.

ABBA logo
A bunch of green hood via Wikimedia CommonsABBA logo at the ABBA Museum in Sweden

RECOMMENDED: 

🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town
🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town
🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town
📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

For a guide to events taking place in Cape Town this weekend and further into May, we've got you covered.

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