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

Many of you will be taking a breather after a school holiday that felt like forever! No more trampoline parks. No more pantos. No more slime workshops for the foreseeable future. 

This weekend, it’s all about vibes, Shakespeare and spinning to Beyoncé.

Sci-fi actionados, behold! Otherworld returns this year. Now you can stan your fav author from the sidelines, and maybe get an autographed copy of their book in return. Me, I’m excited for Rave for Revolution: Storm Drill, taking place at the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday.

Also, Honey & Dora Rooftop in De Waterkant is hosting a Raye Tribute Show, headlined by our very own Dita Manila von Teez. Where is my husband? Maybe he’ll be there.

Some free events to note are the Open Mic Film Night at Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room, and the 32nd Japanese Film Festival in Stellies.

CBD

II

• Thursday, 23 July - Saturday, 25 July, 7:30pm and 5pm
• Venue: Artscape Arena, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore 
• Cost: R110 - R250, bookings via Webtickets

The legend of King Richard II has been reimagined countless times. Even Hollywood took a shot at it. But nothing compares to watching it on stage. This time, Shakespeare’s Richard II and Marlowe’s Edward II are depicted as an intimate, poetic chamber piece. With all the ingredients of a Shakespeare tragedy, II is ripe for a Cape Town audience.

Open Mic Film Night - Movement Cinema

• Saturday, 25 July, 6pm - 10pm
• Venue: Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room, 133 Bree St
• Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket

Open Mic Film Night, hosted by Jonathan Inglis, is an opportune time for budding filmmakers to swap notes. The event includes documentaries and short films exploring style and movement onscreen.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Otherworld 2026

• Saturday, 25 July, 10am - 4pm
• Venue: Exclusive Books, V&A Waterfront 
• Cost: Free, bookings via Exclusive Books website

Otherworld returns to the V&A Waterfront’s Exclusive Books this year. Those familiar with Cape Town’s sci-fi literary scene know that the event spotlights local speculative fiction. It provides a space for enthusiasts to connect with authors and engage with the panel of speakers. Also, where else do you have the opportunity to chat with your favourite sci-fi fantasy author?

SPINYONCÉ 

• Saturday, 25 July, noon - 2pm
• Venue: Hustle and Heart Cycling Studio, 311 Main Rd, Sea Point 
• Cost: From R550, bookings via Quicket

What do you get when you combine a spinning class with a Beyoncé soundtrack? A Spinyoncé! 45 minutes of pure power. Sweat. And an iconic playlist. Yes please. The session is limited to 25 riders. Come ready to ride, sweat and slay in your best Beyoncé-inspired outfit.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Samthing Soweto presents Good Morning Live - Cape Town

• Friday, 24 July - Saturday, 25 July, 7pm
• Venue: Concert Hall - Baxter Theatre Centre, Rondebosch
• Cost: R400 - T700, bookings via Webtickets

Marking the official launch of his new album Touch Is a Move: Good Morning, Samthing Soweto has something special in store for fans. Not your typical concert, the show follows a day-in-the-life story, moving through childhood memories, family, love, and growing up in the kasi.

Moyo Kirstenbosch Indoor Concert Classics

• Sunday, 26 July, 6pm
• Venue: Moyo, Kirstenbosch Gardens
• Cost: R225 - R385, bookings via Webtickets

MOYO Kirstenbosch Indoor Concert Classics is a concert series that grants you free access to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a seated dinner and dessert. This Sunday’s concert introduces pianist Isaac Van der Merwe.

CAPE FLATS

Cape Town Opera’s The Cunning Little Vixen

• Thursday, 23 July - Sunday, 26 July, 11am and 2pm
• Venue: Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone 
• Cost: R80, bookings via Webtickets

Bring the little ones to experience Leoš Janácek’s beloved opera The Cunning Little Vixen at the Joseph Stone. Reimagined for Cape Town Opera, this family-friendly adaptation is sung in English and celebrates the wonder of nature and the eternal cycle of life.

Time Out Tip: Did you know The Cunning Little Vixen is based on a serialised newspaper comic strip about animals?

Backyard Ultra - Mandela Month

• Saturday, 25 July, 7am - 9am
• Venue: Princess Vlei Eco Park, Meersig Rd, Elfindale
• Cost: From R67, bookings via Quicket

The Cindy Foundation and The Madhouse x PureFit will host their first-ever Backyard Ultra Challenge at Princess Vlei. 6.7km every hour, on the hour. Help raise funds for the Safe House initiative. Bring family, friends, camping chairs and something for the braai.

Rave for Revolution: Storm Drill

• Saturday, 25 July, 7pm - 2am
• Venue: The Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Rd, Woodstock 
• Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket

I personally feel that Rave for Revolution’s work is vastly under-reported. The mutual-aid initiative merges local nightlife with political activism and community support. This time, they’re jolling for a materials bank for the Housing Assembly. The goal is to establish an accessible resource for housing movements to rebuild following disaster. Stab out, even if it’s just for the R150 entrance charge. Every cent makes a difference.

NORTHERN SUBURBS

A Night with the Stars Lloyiso - GrandWest Arena

• Friday, 24 July, 7pm
• Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park 
• Cost: R400 - R750, bookings via Quicket

One of South Africa’s biggest music exports, Lloyiso brings soul and heart to the Grand Arena. But don’t expect a high-energy show. This one’s high in octane. Stripped down and intimate, A Night With the Stars is a clean, elevated production.

Touch & Feel-Pozi and ShesaNyama - PopUP Restaurant

• Saturday, 25 July, 11am - 4pm
• Venue: Long March to Freedom, Century Blvd, Century City 
• Cost: From R210, bookings via Quicket

You are cordially invited. Join “The World’s No. 1 Cushion” at Long March to Freedom for a culinary journey celebrating South African cuisine. Savour locally produced dishes complemented by Touch & Feel-Pozi ShesaNyama. 

WEST COAST

Round 6 of the Power Series 

• Saturday, 25 July, 8am
• Venue: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Table View 
• Cost: R10 - R850, bookings via Webtickets

The roar of the engines. The blur of speed. The cheers from the crowd. If this is your idea of a perfect Saturday morning, Killarney International Raceway is where it’s happening.

CAPE WINELANDS

32nd Japanese Film Festival

• Friday, 24 July - Saturday, 25 July, 1pm - 6pm
• Venue: Road House Cinema at The Neelsie, 7 De Beer St, Stellenbosch 
• Cost: Free options, bookings via Quicket

The Embassy of Japan in Cape Town and Stellenbosch University Japan Centre present the 32nd Japanese Film Festival. Taking place at the Road House Cinema at The Neelsie, this year’s festival features four exceptional films, each offering a unique cinematic experience.

Shiraz & Shanks... and Comedy with Nik Rabinowitz

• Saturday, 25 July, 6pm - 10pm
• Venue: Goatshed Restaurant, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road 
• Cost: From R975, bookings via Quicket

Like a glass of shiraz with a side of comedy? Well, that’s exactly what Shiraz & Shanks embodies. Comedian Nik Rabinowitz brings the laughs. Fairview brings the food and wine. All you have to do is show up.

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