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Out and About in Cape Town: Things to do this weekend

Your guide to the best experiences across the Mother City this Friday, 13 March to Sunday, 15 March.

Marchelle Abrahams
Written by
Marchelle Abrahams
City Expert, Time Out Cape Town
Crowds throng Clifton Beach, Cape Town, to soak up the sun and paddle in the Atlantic ocean. The beach is a popular hang-out for tourists and locals alike.
skilpad | Clifton beach, Cape Town
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We’re almost a third into 2026. Imagine that! By now, you would have paid off your festive debt. Your credit card’s sitting on a lovely balance, and the kids are settled in school. It’s time to chill. You deserve it. The Galileo Open Air Cinema is screening A Star Is Born at the V&A Waterfront’s Battery Park on Friday. 

Too laidback? How about some drama and intrigue at the Artscape? Renowned choreographer David Nixon presents his much-anticipated ballet Dracula. The reimagining of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel will leave you breathless. Also, cover your neck; you never know what fangs lurk around dark corners.

DON'T MISS: Best March events to plan around

CBD

Dracula

  • Friday, 13 March to Sunday, 29 March, 2pm and 7pm
  • Venue: Artscape, Theatre, Cape Town Foreshore
  • Cost: R200 - R450, bookings via Web Tickets

Choreographed by the celebrated David Nixon (CBE), Dracula is a darkly seductive, full-length show performed by the Cape Town City Ballet. Inspired by Bram Stoker’s titular character, Nixon’s retelling is heavily invested in its Gothic intensity and physically charged choreography.

Dracula ballet
Photograph: Lindsey Appolis

Magé Live at The KAYA Café

  • Saturday, 14 March, 7pm - 9:30pm
  • Venue: KAYA Café, 35 Loop St
  • Cost: From R100, bookings via Web Tickets

Singer/songwriter Magé uses her guitar, her harmonica, her tambourine (with her left foot), and the beat with her right foot to bring stories to life. But most probably her biggest issue is people mispronouncing her name. It’s Magé, darling, like Maggie 2-minute noodles.

South African singer Magé
Instagram: thekayacafeMagé Live at The Kaya Café

ATLANTIC SEABOARD 

Galileo Open Air Cinema presents A Star Is Born

  • Friday, 13 March, 6pm - 10pm
  • Venue: Battery Park, V&A Waterfront
  • Cost: From R155, bookings via Web Tickets

Oooh, I love me some Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The duo is unstoppable in the 2018 musical romantic drama A Star Is Born. A tragic love story of star-crossed lovers, the ending always has me in a chokehold.

Galileo Open Air Cinema presents A Star Is Born
Instagram: thegalileoThe Galileo Open Air Cinema: A Star Is Born

 

Argentinian Tango - Free Entry

This is your chance to let off some steam while doing the tango. The best part is that these classes are suited to curious beginners or those keen to polish their moves. After the class led by tango instructor Hannah, the dance floor opens up with DJ Nicholas setting the vibe for a fun-filled Sunday evening.

488441941
Gianluca68Dance of passion Tango

CTL Queer Family-Friendly Picnic

  • Saturday, 14 March, 2pm - 5:30pm
  • Venue: Greenpoint Urban Park, Greenpoint
  • Cost: From free, booking via Quicket

If you’re new to Cape Town, the CTL Queer Family-Friendly Picnic is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded people. The event is free to attend. Bring the kids, family, and friends along. 

Two girls on picnic in public park
Sergey_KoQueer couple enjoying a picnic

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Books on the Bay

  • Friday, 13 March - Sunday, 15 March
  • Venue: Various locations across Simon’s Town
  • Cost: R80, bookings via Web Tickets

An annual literary event that celebrates the love of reading and storytelling, Books on the Bay brings together authors, illustrators, and book enthusiasts for engaging discussions, book signings, and interactive sessions.

Time Out Tip: Some of the locations are a history lesson on Simon’s Town on their own. The Naval Museum Dockyard Chapel and Simon’s Town Museum are a few of the stopovers in the three-day itinerary.

Books on the Bay Festival
Facebook: Books on the BayBooks on the Bay Festival 2026

WOMANI

  • Saturday, 14 March, 2pm - 5:30pm
  • Venue: Norval Foundation, Tokai
  • Cost: From R590, bookings via Quicket

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Mikateko Media welcomes all purpose-driven women. WOMANI is a platform for bold ideas, authentic voices, and progressive thinking. Your ticket also gains you access to the Art Museum and Art Garden.

Businesswomen holding flutes of champagne and documents during meeting break
Caiaimage/Sam EdwardsBusinesswomen holding flutes of champagne and socialising

CAPE FLATS 

Gino Oliver Foundation Autumn Gala

  • Saturday, 14 March, 5pm - 11pm
  • Venue: Astra School Hall, Pallotti Road, Montevideo
  • Cost: From R175, bookings via Quicket

Cape Town diva extraordinaire Salome takes to the stage at the annual Autumn Gala. Presented by the Gino Oliver Foundation, the event showcases the best in rising talent, from the Gino Oliver Collective to Connor Fritz.

Gino Oliver Foundation Autumn Gala
Facebook: Gino OliverGino Oliver foundation presents their annual Autumn Gala

NORTHERN SUBURBS 

HCSS Carnival and Food Fair

  • Friday, 13 March - Saturday, 14 March, noon - 9pm
  • Venue: Holy Cross Sisters’ School, Bloemhof Rd, Bloemhof
  • Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket

The HCSS Carnival & Food Fair, hosted by Holy Cross Sisters’ School, promises to be a vibrant carnival filled with fairground rides, food stalls, sweet treats, and activities for all ages.

Holy Cross Sisters’ School Carnival and Food Fair
Facebook: Holy Cross Sisters’ School BellvilleHCSS Carnival and Food Fair

WEST COAST

Musical Theatre Movie Night

  • Friday, 13 March, 3:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Venue: M&M Music and Performing Arts College, 191 Sunningdale Dr, Sunningdale
  • Cost: From R35, bookings via Quicket

Join M&M Music Academy for a special screening of Annie (2014). The family-friendly event is an evening filled with fun, laughter, and singing. The sun will come out tomorrow!

Musical Theatre Movie Night
Instagram: mm.musicacademyM&M Music Academy's screening of Annie (2014)

National Extreme Festival

  • Friday, 13 March - Saturday, 14 March, 8am - 6pm
  • Venue: Killarney International Raceway, Table View
  • Cost: From R40, bookings via Web Tickets

In partnership with Smile 90.4 FM, the National Extreme Festival is South Africa’s premier circuit racing series. Petrol heads included, the event is a fun-fest for the whole family. There’ll be food vendors, live music, and market stalls.

Car racing
WirestockLong exposure night photography that shows the traces of light left by the racing cars as they pass through the curve.

CAPE WINELANDS

Absa Cape Epic

  • From Sunday, 15 March
  • Venue: The route starts at Meerendal Wine Estate (Durbanville) before finishing in Stellenbosch
  • Cost: From R119 950 per team. Registrations are sold out, but spectators are welcome

“Let me hop on my mountain bike and traverse the Western Cape in eight days”, said no one ever. Oh, no. That’s incorrect because the Absa Cape Epic attracts thousands of aspiring amateur riders every year, wanting to test themselves.

Professional road cyclist On a Training Ride
Milos BjelicaProfessional cyclist

Stargazing Picnic

  • Saturday, 14 March, 5pm - 10pm
  • Venue: Afrikaanse Taalmonument, Gabbema Doordrift St, Paarl
  • Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket

Ever wonder if we’re the only living beings in an infinite galaxy? So do I. We may not have the answer, but the Orion Observation Group (OOG) is willing to take a guess. Join them on a journey through the universe with telescopes and wide-eyed enthusiasm. 

Stargazing Picnic at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument
Facebook: Afrikaanse TaalmonumentStargazing Picnic at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument

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