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

Now that the past long weekend has taken all our money, options might be limited in terms of cash. Don’t despair, I’ve got a few free events for ya’ll, starting with spectating Growthpoint SA Nationals Squash, held at Maker’s Landing until Saturday, 22 August. 

Bertha House also hosts a free screening of the documentary Resisting Erasure on Saturday. The commentary delves into the 2025 Living Rights Festival.

One event I’m looking forward to is Friday’s The Shlounge at The Commons in Muizenberg. Think snoodies, snug blankies, warm drinks and cosy snacks.

CBD

Uncorking the Bitter Truth: Slavery’s Legacy in Cape Wine

• Friday, 14 August, 10:30am
• Venue: Iziko South African Museum, Queen Victoria Street, Gardens 
• Cost: R120 - R150, bookings via Webtickets

The dop system had a devastating effect on the Coloured community in the Winelands. Today, families are still dealing with the trauma. Uncorking the Bitter Truth documents that painful legacy. It reveals how colonial slavery has left a mark on farmworker communities through poverty, low wages, poor working conditions, and restricted housing rights.

In Harmony With Tygerberg Children’s Choir

• Sunday, 16 August, 3pm
• Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street
• Cost: From R549, bookings via Viagogo

A collaborative choral concert series featuring the renowned Tygerberg Children’s Choir, In Harmony will spotlight choral favourites and contemporary pieces. High school choirs from across the province and special guest stars are set to bring the sound of music to Cape Town’s famed City Hall.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Growthpoint SA Nationals Squash

• Thursday, 13 August - Saturday, 22 August
• Venue: Makers Landing, Pierhead District, V&A Waterfront
• Cost: Spectators get free entry; visit website for more info

Long before there was padel or pickleball, squash courts ruled sweaty gyms. Old school, it’s not. So get yourself to the 2026 Growthpoint SA Nationals squash tournaments if you’re into playing hardball. The division schedules include the U17 and U19 finals from August 13-15, and the Seniors and U15 division from August 20-22.

Rescue Remedy

• Friday, 14 August - Saturday, 15 August, 8pm and 6:45pm
• Venue: Waterfront Theatre School, Cnr Port Road, V&A Waterfront 
• Cost: From R150, no under-13s, bookings via Quicket

Part of the Heat Festival, Rescue Remedy is a relatable coming-of-age dramedy. The play shines a spotlight on queer people in contemporary South Africa, a soldier’s trauma and mental health. 

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Brasse, Tot Laat Toe 

• Friday, 7 August - Saturday, 15 August, 7pm
• Venue: Masambe Theatre - Baxter Theatre Centre, Rondebosch Main Road
• Cost: R150, bookings via Webtickets

A nostalgic and thought-provoking piece, Brasse, Tot Laat Toe explores friendship, masculinity and family disputes. Rich in Kaaps and brought to life through physical theatre, the play features a stellar cast and creative team. 

Time Out Tip: Brasse, Tot Laat Toe is written and stage-managed by Zubayr Charles, a 2026 Cape Town Theatre Awards nominee for Best New Director.

The Shlounge

• Friday, 14 August, 7pm - 11:59pm
• Venue: The Commons, Surfers Corner, Beach Rd, Muizenberg 
• Cost: From R250, no under-18s, bookings via Quicket

Whoever thought of this idea is a genius. The Shlounge is a Shwinter social club designed to make going out feel more shcomfortable than staying in. Come Friday, 14 August, Muizenberg Commons transforms into a shquishy, shcuddly, shcozy Shlounge filled with shrugs and shcushions. Yes please! Sign me up.

CAPE FLATS

Resisting Erasure: A Documentary of the 2025 Living Rights Festival

• Saturday, 15 August, 12:30pm - 3pm
• Venue: Bertha House, 67, 69 Main Rd, Mowbray 
• Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket

Sometimes it’s good to educate yourself on issues you don’t know that much about. Resisting Erasure is one such instance. The documentary captures the voices and conversations that shaped the 2025 Living Rights Festival. The LRF is an annual community-led initiative dedicated to advocating for peaceful coexistence, social justice, and human rights. Personally, I think it’s something we can all get behind.

I’m in My Thirties, Now What? - Redefining Success in Your 30s

• Saturday, 15 August, 4pm - 6pm
• Venue: CAFE 51, 51 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock
• Cost: From R350, bookings via Quicket

Most women face an existential crisis once they’ve reached the almost-halfway point of their lives. Don’t worry, it’s normal. But if you crave connection and want to be in a room of like-minded women, you should join life coach Karen Grant for an afternoon of uplifting, honest conversation.

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Sunset Sweat Shop

• Friday, 14 August, 8pm - 9pm
• Venue: Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville, Heritage Square C/O Gladstone and Vrede St, Durbanville 
• Cost: From R185, bookings via Quicket

Sunset Sweatshop is a whole vibe. Formed in 2016, the band infuses their signature blend of folk, rock, and reggae with feel-good tunes. The jol ain’t over after the live performance. DJ Jinx takes over, keeping the dance floor alive with all your favourite party anthems.

Comedy Night with Antie Katriena and Lyntjie Jaars

• Sunday, 16 August, 5pm - 7pm
• Venue: Brackenfell Town Hall, Paradys St, Brackenfell 
• Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket

Defrost your funny bone at Comedy Night with Antie Katriena and Lyntjie Jaars. Oppiestoep alumni Lyntjie brings her infectious energy, while Antie Katriena will dazzle you with stories from the Noord-Kaap.

WEST COAST

Sketch your bestie!

• Saturday, 15 August, 10am - 1:30pm
• Venue: Canvas and Craft, 108 Raats Dr, Table View 
• Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket

Suitable for children 8 - 12 years old, Sketch your Bestie! is an interactive art workshop for young artists. Kids get to learn simple portrait-drawing techniques while sketching themselves or their bestie in an encouraging and laughter-filled environment. 

CAPE WINELANDS

Tessa from Cape Talk’s Memoir Panel

• Saturday, 15 August, 3pm - 4pm
• Venue: Flagstone Wines, W.R. Quinan Blvd, Paardevlei 
• Cost: From R60, bookings via Quicket

Chats with Tessa van Staden from Cape Talk have become the mainstay of the Indie Authors Rise Up book festival. This year proves no different as Tessa invites authors in the memoir genre to join her for a fireside chat.

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