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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, 15 May to Sunday, 17 May!

Amy Fraser
Written by
Amy Fraser
Content Coordinator, Time Out South Africa
Cape Town at the foot of Table Mountain, steep ,Sunbeams pierce through clouds, illuminating the urban landscape and residential neighborhoods of, grassy slopes.
poco_bw | Sunlight beams breaking through dark storm clouds over Cape Town suburbs
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The Cape of Storms has lived up to its name this past week, with devastating consequences! We’ve compiled a list of the organisations that are either in desperate need of assistance to help repair damaged infrastructure, provide shelter, or collect donations for affected community members. It comes as a relief that, at the time of writing this, no further rain has been forecast in Cape Town for the remainder of this week and next, according to the South African Weather Service

SAWS Cape Town Thursday 14 May.
SAWS

So, if you’re hoping to make the most of the calmer weather this weekend, we’ve rounded up some events happening throughout Cape Town, from theatre to dancing to parkruns and even the opportunity to get practice and more comfortable driving in adverse weather conditions in a safe and controlled environment! 

ICYMI: Cape Town's been voted one of the best cities in the world for culture!

CBD

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer

  • Saturday, 16 May | 6:30pm
  • Location: Star Theatre at Homecoming Centre, 15 Buitenkant St, District Six
  • Cost: From R465 via Fever

After an icy week in the Cape, Candlelight is bringing the warmth with a candlelit evening celebrating the very best of Hans Zimmer, live at the Star Theatre at the Homecoming Centre. 

blurred symphonic orchestra on stage with lots of candles for design purpose
Ruslan LytvynBlurred symphonic orchestra on stage with lots of candles

The Killing of a Union Leader

  • Friday, 15 – Saturday 30 May | 4:30pm, 7:30pm
  • Location: Artscape Theatre, F. Malan St, Foreshore
  • Cost: From R170 via Webtickets

Starring acclaimed actor and CapeTalk’s John Maytham, this new political thriller by Louis Viljoen follows the aftermath of a deadly union strike. A nobleman’s desperate attempt to break the strike and regain his power leads him to join forces with his daughter and a corrupt politician.

The Killing of a Union Leader on at the Artscape
Instagram: Louis ViljoenLouis Viljoen's new political thriller, The Killing of a Union Leader

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

V&A Waterfront High School Band Slam Final

  • Friday, 15 May | From 6pm
  • Location: Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront
  • Cost: Free 

Fifteen high school bands from across the Mother City will take to the Amphitheatre stage to battle it out for the chance to go home with the R20,000 grand prize, R5,000 Spirit Award, R25,000 in musical equipment sponsored by Bothners, and 2 full-day professional recording sessions valued at R40,000. 

V&A High School Band Slam
Facebook: V&A WaterfrontV&A High School Band Slam 2025 winning school: Bishops Diocesan College

Salsa Sundays 

  • Every Sunday | Beginners class at 7pm, salsa party at 8pm
  • Location: Mojo Market, 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
  • Cost: Free

Spicing up the Sunday scaries, Mojo Market is heating the city with Salsa classes open to everyone, even those with two left feet. If you prefer a warm-up before leaving it all on the dance floor, the beginners’ class will help you loosen up and get those hips moving before the real party starts at 8pm. 

Mojo Market's Salsa Sundays
Instagram: Mojo MarketSalsa Sunday at Mojo Market

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Cape Town Marimba Festival

  • Friday, 15 May | 7pm
  • Location: Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
  • Cost: R100 – R180 via Webtickets

Sticking to the theme of music, the annual Cape Town Marimba Festival, born from a collaboration between the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival and Woodworx Marimbas, is gearing up for another exciting run. Bands taking stage this year include Parklands College, Cannons Creek, St Cyprian’s, and Rustenburg Girls' Junior, amongst others.

The Cape Town Marimba Festiva
Instagram: ctbigbandjazzfestThe Cape Town Marimba Festival on at the Baxter

Museum Day weekend at Norval Foundation 

  • Saturday, 16 – Sunday, 17 May | From 10am
  • Location: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai
  • Cost: 50% off all day passes. View prices here. 

To celebrate International Museum Day on 18 May, Norval Foundation is making art accessible with half-price day passes for the weekend. Visitors can explore four world-class exhibitions or take advantage of the sunshine and stroll through the sculpture garden.

Norval Foundation
Photograph: Wieland Gleich

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Century City parkrun

  • Saturday, 16 May | 8am
  • Location: Ratanga Park, 4 Conference Ln, Century City
  • Cost: Free, just ensure that you are registered here 

Taking place every Saturday, this friendly 5k course starts and ends in Ratanga Park. Whether you choose to walk with a friend, jog at your own pace, or try to reach a new goal, this no-pressure event is open to everyone, from complete beginners to dedicated runners who have already finished their workout before most people are awake (I'm talking about myself).

ICYMI: Cape Town parkrun: the complete guide

Century City parkrun
Photograph: Supplied

CAPE FLATS 

Mitchell’s Plain parkrun

  • Saturday, 16 May | 8am
  • Location: Westridge Gardens, Morgenster Road, Mitchells Plain
  • Cost: Free, just ensure that you are registered here 

Run, walk, or jog; everyone at all fitness levels is welcome to take part in this 5k community event. This 3-lap course starts at Westridge Gardens, and covers a mix of paved paths, grass, gravel, and sand. View the full course route here.

Mitchells Plain parkrun
Photograph: Supplied

WINELANDS

Franschhoek Literary Festival 2026

  • Friday, 15 – Sunday, 17 May | From 9am
  • Location: Various locations throughout Franschhoek
  • Cost: From R62.50 via Webtickets 

Fresh off hosting the Montreux Jazz Festival, Franschhoek will once again come alive with the Franschhoek Literary Festival. The weekend of lively discussions, interviews, and literary moments includes more than 100 events, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with renowned local and international authors and thought leaders. 

Got some free time? Here’s exactly how to spend your time in South Africa’s little French corner

Franschhoek Literary Fest
Franschhoek Literary Fest

Winemaker's Dinner

  • Friday, 15 May | 6:30pm
  • Location: The Country Kitchen, Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
  • Cost: R1,350pp. Bookings are essential.

Start with a tour of Mont Rochelle’s historic cellar with Winemaker Michael Langenhoven, and end the evening with a five-course pairing dinner in collaboration with Executive Chef Terence Morris at The Country Kitchen.

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard
Instagram: montrochellehotelWinemaker’s Dinner with Executive Chef Terence and Resident Winemaker Michael at Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

WEST COAST

Killarney Car Track School

  • Saturday, 16 May | 9am – 1:30pm
  • Location: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Rd, Table View
  • Cost: From R250. Contact Terri Philander (021) 557-1639 or info@wpmc.co.za to book

After the extreme weather we’ve just experienced, road safety is more important than ever. With winter fast approaching, knowing how to handle wet roads and challenging driving conditions is essential. Killarney Car Track School is putting safety first by giving drivers the opportunity to build confidence and improve their skills in a controlled, safe environment.

Driving in bad weather conditions
TorjrtrxPerson driving a car attentively and carefully in bad weather.

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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