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The kids are back at school, you’re back to adulting, and we’re back to normal programming. Except, the dry January memes are coming in thick and fast. If only money had the same ability.
Imagine a fast reset to payday. Until then, we’ve attempted to search for weekend events that won’t cost you the bank or your sanity.
Something to look forward to is the Maynardville Open-Air Festival that kicks off with a performance by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Sheer City Festival is also an event worth noting. The walkable block party takes place across Harrington Street and the City Bowl this Saturday.
CBD
Deep In The Vinyl Groove Vol.8
- Friday, 16 January, 8pm - 2am
- Venue: 102 Castle St
- Cost: From R100, no under 18s, bookings via Quicket
Resident host Ra Mava will share a selection of records that touch all corners of his sound. Curated with intention and love, Deep In The Vinyl Groove not only gets you dancing, but will get you thinking too.
OCTH Fundraiser Walkabout: Talks by Nadia Kamies and Daiyaan Petersen
- Saturday, 17 January, 10am - noon
- Venue: Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, The Old Granary Building, Buitenkant St, District Six
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
NPO Our Cape Town Heritage is proud to present a series of focused fundraising initiatives. Led by author Nadia Kamies and historian Daiyaan Petersen, the ticketed exhibition walkabout is designed to support marginalized artists in bringing their creative visions to life.
Sheer City Festival
- Saturday, 17 January - Sunday, 18 January, 2pm - 4am
- Venue: Harrington Street Precinct
- Cost: From R250, bookings via Airdosh
A multi-venue, walkable block party across Harrington Street and the City Bowl, Sheer City Festival is a celebration of Cape Town’s creative pulse, queer culture, music, fashion, performance, and community.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
CPT Sunset Braai and Bubbly by Hush In My Kitchen | Makers Landing Summer Sessions
- Saturday, 17 January, 6pm - 9pm
- Venue: Makers Landing, The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: From R595, bookings via Quicket
A delicious, social sunset experience you do not want to miss. For less than R600, you get a welcome snack, two glasses of bubbly, and all the ingredients to create your own braai platter.
New Moon Ecstatic Dance
- Saturday, 17 January, 4pm - 9pm
- Venue: Clifton 1st, Clifton
- Cost: From R110, bookings via Quicket
I don’t know about ya’ll, but I can get behind a party that advocates for Zero Alcohol • Zero Waste • Zero Colonialism. Bring water, a sun hat, food, swimwear, and towels. Oh, and if you really want to attend but can’t afford it, WhatsApp the organisers for a 50% discount code.
Directions: Walk down to Clifton 1st Beach. Facing the ocean, turn right. Walk across Clifton 1st beach towards the boulders. A tiny pathway leads over the rocks to Clifton Zero beach.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Maynardville 2026: Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
- Friday, 16 January - Saturday, 17 January, 8:15pm - 9:45pm
- Venue: Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, Maynardville Park, Wynberg
- Cost: From R245, bookings via Quicket
Conductor Brandon Phillips will lead the programme featuring Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer, Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet, Duke Ellington, and a selection from Bernstein’s West Side Story.
Time Out Tip: This year, the Maynardville Open-Air Festival celebrates 70 years under the stars. Festival attendees can look forward to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with a bumper season of music, theatre, and dance under the stars.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts - Freshlyground/ Manana
- Sunday, 18 January, 5:15pm - 7pm
- Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Kirstenbosch
- Cost: R255 - R360, bookings via Web Tickets
Can I get a “hell yeah” now that Freshlyground has reunited for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts? The band’s catching energy meets the contemporary sound of Manana. Personally, I can’t wait to hear their combined sound.
CAPE FLATS
NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night
- Saturday, 17 January, 8pm - 10pm
- Venue: South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Observatory
- Cost: From R50; kids under six are free, bookings via website
Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) are held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Each evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science, followed by a guided tour of the observatory’s history.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Plaasmark @ Boeretroos
- Friday, 16 January - Sunday, 18 January, 9am - 4pm
- Venue: Boeretroos, Bakoorjakkalsdraai Farm, Red Hill Road, Joostenberg Vlakte
- Cost: Free
Plaasmark @ Boeretroos in Joostenberg Vlakte is a family-friendly market where little ones can roam carefree and feed the animals. The adults can indulge in a hearty meal at the local restaurant.
WEST COAST
Kids Club @Rev&Race Slotcar racing
- Friday, 16 January, 6pm - 8pm
- Venue: Rev&Race, Paddocks shopping centre, 0A Racecourse Rd, Milnerton
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
Every Friday evening, Rev&Race comes alive with their exciting Kids Club, designed for children who love all things speed, teamwork, and fun. It’s the opportune time to introduce young racers to the thrill of slot car racing in a safe, welcoming, and high-energy environment.
CAPE WINELANDS
Galileo Open Air Cinema @ Alelee Bleue
- Saturday, 17 January, 5pm - 11:59pm
- Venue: Allee Bleue Wine Estate, intersection of R45 and R310, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
- Cost: From R155, bookings via website
Into tear-jerkers? Then you won’t want to miss The Notebook showing at Allée Bleue on Saturday. Pack a picnic or tuck into some delish meals at the Galileo mini-market.
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