Just when you thought it was safe to breathe again, you find yourself rushing to get the little ones ready for the last school term. The bright side is that the end of the school holidays spells the start of the festive season.
Yes, soon we’ll be jingle bell rocking our way into the Christmas spirit. In the meantime, this weekend is popping.
The Cape Town Club is serving the tea on The Big Tea Dance, and Stellies plays host to its annual woordfees. Oh yes, and if you’re in the mood for a party, Woodstock Hub is bringing it with a night of all things Beyoncé.
CBD
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Live in Concert
- Friday, 10 October, 7pm
- Venue: Artscape, Opera House, Cape Town
- Cost: R250, bookings via Web Tickets
Tyla could never! Grammy-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings their powerful isicathamiya music back to the Artscape stage. Fans can look forward to beloved classics like The Lion Sleeps Tonight and fresh new tunes.
The Big Tea Dance
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Sunday, 12 October, 3pm - 9pm
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Venue: Mara Lounge, 18 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town
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Cost: From R 130, bookings via Quicket
Ever heard of The Big Tea Dance? Neither have I, but I’ll admit I’m curious. Billed as the Cape Town Club’s first Tea Dance, it’s all about an afternoon of drinks and catchy tunes. I was told to watch out for surprise performances and even an occasional line dance. So, grab your partner, do-si-do.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
CTL Queer Family Picnic
- Saturday, 11 October, 2pm - 5pm
- Venue: Greenpoint Urban Park, Green Point
- Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket
Look out for the rainbow flag near the South Gate entrance. That’s where you’ll find the CTL Queer Family Picnic. Even if you’re not queer and an ally of the community, you’re welcome to attend. Introduce yourself to Lara and she’ll do the rest of the intros. Bring a blanket, snacks, and your charming smile.
The Roman Kiki Ball
- Saturday, 11 October, 8:30pm
- Venue: Botanik Social House, De Waterkant
- Cost: R125 - R800, bookings via Web Tickets
Are you not entertained! Then step into the Colosseum in loving memory of Rowan Roman, an indomitable force at Bertha House and Lalela. Don your favorite ballroom outfit and dance the night away. Part of the proceeds will go towards aiding the fight against cancer in Rowan’s memory.
Mojo Zumba
- Sunday, 12 October, 10am - 11am
- Venue: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point
- Cost: Free, visit Mojo Zumba Sunday Mornings on Facebook
Hosted by Mojo Market, get ready to shake your booty and work those glutes because we all know summer bodies are made in, um, summer. Zumba by Orian leads the hour-long session. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Down The Rabbit Hole
- Friday, 10 October, Saturday, 11 October, 7:30pm and 9pm
- Venue: The Masque Theatre, 37 Main Rd, Muizenberg
- Cost: From R120, bookings via Quicket
A fun way to end the September school holidays, the retelling of Alice’s Adventures is a show made for kids by kids. The classic storybook is reimaged as a fantastical show immersed in technology, making Wonderland’s most famous character more relatable than ever.
Fresh Faces 2025
- Saturday, 11 October, 6pm
- Venue: Baxter Theatre Concert Hall, Baxter Theatre Centre, Rondebosch
- Cost: R160 - R225, bookings via Web Tickets
Presented by Real Art World (RAW) and Eighteen Entertainment, Fresh Faces features 16 of the Mother City’s most promising emerging artists competing for the title. Headlined by local songstress Rowlene, expect an evening of music, comedy, dance, and poetry.
Time Out Tip: Limited VIP packages available for exclusive seating and meet-and-greets.
CAPE FLATS
The 3rd Annual Obs-cene Film Festival
- Friday, 10 October, 6:30pm - 10pm
- Venue: Observatory Community Recreation Centre, Observatory
- Cost: From R40, bookings via Quicket
A collaborative project, the Obs-scene Film Festival creates a platform for aspiring filmmakers. The event isn’t only about the great films but also celebrates and supports local art and craft vendors.
Beyhive Party
- Saturday, 11 October, 6pm - 11pm
- Venue: Woodstock Hub, 170 Victoria Rd, Woodstock
- Cost: From R80, bookings via Quicket
BeyHive, unite, because for one night only, the Woodstock Hub will be dedicated to all things Beyonce. A party ain’t a party until Madison Scarr and the Scarrletts take to the stage. And bring your A-game for the vogue contest.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Puff. Pose. Paint. Pause
- Saturday, 11 October, 11am - 2pm
- Venue: OHM Studio & Event Venue, 11 Falcon St, Durbanville
- Cost: From R300, bookings via Quicket
Pack your yoga mat, blanket, and pillow. The day will start with a gentle yoga session, followed by painting and live entertainment. Please note that Puff. Pose. Paint. Pause is a cannabis-friendly event. No under-18s allowed.
Neurodivergent Social Board Games
- Sunday, 12 October, noon - 3pm
- Venue: De Oude Social Café, 1 Pandoer St, Welgemoed
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
Socialising can feel awkward when you’re neurodivergent. Thankfully, spaces are becoming more inclusive. Join Divergent Tabletop for a relaxed, neurodivergent-friendly evening of board and card games. Make friends, connect, and have a lekker time.
WEST COAST
Killarney Spinning
- Saturday, 11 October, 9am - 5pm
- Venue: Castrol Spinning Pitch at Killarney International Raceway, Table View
- Cost: R10 - R95, bookings via Web Tickets
This uniquely South African pastime is every motorhead’s dream. This time, Killarney International Raceway plays host to the most outrageous stunts, in a legal and regulated manner, of course.
The Repeat Silent Disco
- Saturday, 11 October, 4pm - 7pm
- Venue: Blouberg Beachfront, Blouberg
- Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket
Silent discos are the moment. No longer a trend, the movement has become so much more, encouraging funseekers to let their inhibitions go. Dance freely, connect with friends, and lose yourself in the music.
CAPE WINELANDS
Ateljeebesoeke: Lunga Kama
- Saturday, 11 October, 11am - 1pm
- Venue: Mawethustraat 304, Kayamandi, Stellenbosch
- Cost: From R40, bookings via Quicket
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees is an integral part of the community. An annual event marks 25 years this month. A celebration of art, culture, and stories, the festival’s theme is “Share,” with Ateljeebesoeke: Lunga Kama being one of 400 unique productions. Kama works in the medium of photography with a focus on portraits. Show him some love and check out his work.
WATERSHED on the Lawn
- Sunday, 12 October, 6pm - 9pm
- Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
- Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket
Sing your cares away while rock band Watershed belts out crowd favourites at the Lourensford Estate open-air concert experience. The show ends at 9pm, so you can skip M-Net’s Sunday night blockbuster.
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