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

Welcome to the first glorious days of spring. Well, if you go with the September equinox, the new season technically starts around mid-September. Mind you, spring isn’t quite spring-ing, considering the erratic weather we’ve been experiencing of late.

But don’t let that put a damper on your weekend plans. The Open Book Festival kicks off on Friday. It’s bound to be a goodie for book lovers. There have been a few programme changes. Not to worry, organisers say equally deserving guest speakers are filling the gaps.

Springbok supporters, you’re up at 5pm on Saturday. Don your green and gold to watch South Africa take on the All Blacks at FNB Stadium. Join the gees at your closest fan park. After the game, head to Cabo Beach Club where Liquideep takes over the decks.

Ease into Sunday at ColorBox Studios for We House Sundays. Or you could let yourself be hypnotized by Andre, the Hilarious Hypnotist at Cafe Roux.

READ: Live Sporting Events Guide: Best restaurants, pubs and bars to watch a match

CBD

Amanxeba ka Odwa Bongo

• Friday, 4 September, 7:30pm - 10pm
• Venue: Youngblood-Africa, 70, 72 Bree St 
• Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket

The title of Odwa Bongo’s brand new show and the lead single from his forthcoming EP, Amanxeba, is a call to lay down our masks, be honest about our wounds, and create a space where vulnerability is met with compassion rather than judgment. 

Cape Town Photography Festival 

• Thursday, 3 September - Friday, 25 September, 1pm - 2pm
• Venue: Programme venues around the CBD
• Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket

With TRUTH as its theme, the Cape Town Photography Festival brings together more than 150 photographers from South Africa and across the globe. Forty exhibitions presented across galleries, museums, cultural institutions and public spaces, including conversations, workshops, a free masterclass, guided walks, and film screenings.

Time Out tip: The festival will host a special outdoor exhibition in the historic Company’s Garden.

Suits&Sneakerz: Masquerade 2026

• Saturday, 5 September, 7pm - 2am
• Venue: Hotel Sky, 27th Floor, 9 Lower Long St, Foreshore 
• Cost: From R100, no under-18s, bookings via Quicket

Fresh kicks. New outfit. Maybe a shower and a shave. Suits & Sneakerz: The Masquerade 2026 is a celebration of drip culture with an elevated twist. Come dressed in tailored suits, sleek evening wear, or high-fashion formal attire. Statement sneakers are a requirement.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 2

• From Tuesday, 1 September - Wednesday, 30 September, 8pm, 4pm, and 2pm
• Venue: Theatre On The Bay, Camps Bay 
• Cost: R295 - R495, bookings via Webtickets

A brand-new production, The Rocky Horror Show 2 boasts a fantastic cast, dazzling performances, iconic costumes, and the incomparable Craig Urbani stepping back into the stilettos of the iconic Dr Frank-N-Furter. 

Time Out tip: The late Tim Curry defined the cult classic with his legendary performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Rest well, Mr Curry.

AISCT 2026 Welcome Back Gala Dinner & Fundraiser Night

• Saturday, 5 September, 6pm - 11:59pm
• Venue: Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate, 1 Victoria Dr, Hout Bay 
• Cost: From R1,500, bookings via Quicket

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Juda’s Peak at Suikerbossie Restaurant, the 2026 AISCT Welcome Back Gala Dinner and Fundraiser is a night of dinner, dancing and music. Every ticket, every bid, every table booked brings the R200,000 vision closer to reality, helping open doors for future students. 

Liquideep

• Saturday, 5 September, 4pm - 2am
• Venue: Cabo Beach Club, 12 S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 
• Cost: R600, bookings via Howler

Thanks to their recent collab with Tyla, everyone wants a piece of Liquideep. Now you can too, come Saturday. The duo will take over Cabo Beach Club, where they are set to play a mix of new tracks and their classics in a one-night-only performance.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Optimal Woman 2026

• Saturday, 5 September, 8am - 1:30pm
• Venue: The Vineyard, 60 Colinton Road, Newlands
• Cost: From R1,600, bookings via Quicket

Join speakers and thought leaders for a panel discussion on perimenopause, menopause, and everything else that comes with life after 40. Morning snacks and a buffet lunch are included. Bring your besties. It’s a day for self-discovery and exchanging advice on how to beat those dreaded hot flashes.

Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist

• Sunday, 6 September, 4pm - 7:30pm
• Venue: Cafe Roux, Chapman’s Peak Dr, Noordhoek
• Cost: From R180, bookings via Quicket

Don’t believe in the power of hypnotism? Why not volunteer to be one of Andre’s audience participants? And then we’ll see who clucks around the stage, pecking “corn” from the ground. Both a comedian and a hypnotist, Andre promises a genuinely funny evening.

CAPE FLATS

Love, No Labels x Spaza Shop

• Friday, 4 September, 6pm - 11pm
• Venue: 42 Trill Rd, Observatory
• Cost: From R60, no under-18s, bookings via Quicket

An all-night spring pre-party featuring up-and-coming local DJs playing amapiano, gqom, and hip hop. The goal is a night that feels like the pres but all night long, like you’re hanging with friends on aux. 

Sun Soaked Sundays

• Sunday, 6 September, 2pm - midnight
• Venue: The Argyle, 1 Argyle Street, Woodstock 
• Cost: R200, bookings via Quicket

My brain immediately went into “Sunday Scaries” mode when reading the midnight clock-out time. Either way, if you live life on the edge and can survive on a few hours’ sleep, go ahead.

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Spring Night Hike on Intaka Island

• Friday, 4 September, 6:30pm - 9pm
• Venue: Intaka Island, 2 Park Ln, Century City 
• Cost: From R145, bookings via Quicket

Spring is sprung. How about bringing in the season of rebirth with a night hike? The guided hike will take you through the wetlands as they come alive after hours. Under the glow of the full moon, you will learn about the importance of wetlands, the changing seasons, and the incredible biodiversity that calls Intaka Island home. 

UWC Varsity Football Fixtures 2026

• Friday, 4 September, 7:15pm
• Venue: University of Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville 
• Cost: R30, bookings via Webtickets

This season introduces one of the biggest changes in the tournament’s history, with Varsity Football moving to Friday nights for the men’s competition. For the first time, supporters can kick-start their weekend by enjoying the country’s best university football. Don’t forget, gates open two hours before game time. 

WEST COAST

Cape Town Kota Festival 

• Saturday, 5 September, 10am - 10pm
• Venue: The Ostrich, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia 
• Cost: From R50, bookings via Computicket

Bringing together the best Kota experiences from across the Western Cape, the Cape Town Kota Fest showcases a delicious fusion of flavours and traditions. Experience vibrant cultural performances by artists, giving you a taste of South Africa’s rich artistic heritage. 

We House Sundays

• Sunday, 6 September, 2pm
• Venue: ColorBox Studios, 3 Industry St, Paarden Eiland 
• Cost: From R200, bookings via Webtickets

We House Sundays is an authentic music event that celebrates the true essence of house music by unifying diverse cultures and connecting artists, music lovers, and dancers from across the Mother City.

CAPE WINELANDS

2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens

• Thursday, 3 September - Sunday, 6 September, 6pm and 9am
• Venue: Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch University
• Cost: R80 - R255, bookings via Webtickets

Hosted by University Sport South Africa and organised by Maties Sport at Stellenbosch University, the event brings together student-athletes from around the world. More than a competition, the championship reflects FISU’s core values: excellence, passion, and team spirit.

Lourensford Market

• Fridays to Sundays, 5pm - 10pm, and 11am - 4pm
• Venue: Lourensford Market, Lourensford Road, Somerset West 
• Cost: Free entrance

Following its winter hibernation, the Lourensford Market returns with its opening First Friday. Combining food, wine, shopping, and entertainment in a scenic outdoor setting, the market offers a lively atmosphere surrounded by landscaped gardens and oak trees.

SIP HAPPENS 

• Saturday, 5 September, 1pm
• Venue: Val De Vine Estate, Drie Lande Farm, R44, Stellenbosch 
• Cost: R190, bookings via Webtickets

Spend the afternoon in the vineyards, compliments of Val De Vine Estate. Fresh country air, stunning views, delicious food, drinks, and an atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and memories.

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