It’s that time of the year when the wind plays havoc with our hair, feelings, and no gazebo is left unattended. That’s why October brings with it the Cape Town International Kite Festival. This year, the annual event moves from Zandvlei to Ottery. More space. More fun.
David Kramer’s Orpheus McAdo makes a welcome return to the Arscape. Based on the true story of the Virginia Jubilee Concert Company, it’s a history lesson reimagined as a musical.
CBD
Thando Zide Presents Isineke
- Friday, 24 October, 7pm to midnight
- Venue: YoungBlood Gallery, 72 Bree Street. Cape Town
- Cost: From R350, bookings via Quicket
Music artist Thando Zide returns to Cape Town with her three-city tour, Isineke (Patience). Using the medium of song to tell stories that evoke the strongest emotions, Zide is not afraid to explore uncomfortable themes of betrayal and anger. Join her for an unforgettable, intimate performance at YoungBlood Gallery.
Thursday Rendezvous
- Saturday, 25 October, 4pm
- Venue: 226 Long Street, Cape Town
- Cost: R100 - R150, bookings via Web Tickets
Yes, Thursday Rendezvous is on a Saturday. No, it’s not a spelling mistake. I can, however, confirm that the high-energy music event celebrates Afrobeat and House music. So if this is your vibe, get down to Long Street on Saturday night.
Orpheus McAdoo
- Sunday, 26 October, 2pm
- Venue: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
- Cost: R200 - R550, bookings via Web Tickets
A musical like no other, Orpheus McAdoo is back by popular demand. David Kramer’s stage production is the remarkable true story of the Virginia Jubilee Concert Company, whose performances in the 1890s introduced South Africa to jubilee singing.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Fight Island 4 Summer Showdown
- Saturday, 25 October, 3:30pm to 10:30pm
- Venue: Cabo Beach Club, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: From R300, bookings via Quicket
Calling all UFC fans, Fight Island returns to Cabo Beach Club. And this time, legends and novices will have to compete against each other under the African sun. Rumour has it that former UFC titan Don ‘The Magic Man’ Madge will break from retirement to reclaim his throne.
Time Out Tip: Stop off at the Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront to quell your hangry urges before the big exhibition fight.
Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival
- Sunday, 26 October, 9am - 6pm
- Venue: Amphitheatre, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: Free
The Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival 2025 is presented in collaboration with Stephanie Singh and Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio and The BellaDonnas. It’s a great day out for the family and a chance for the little ones to see beautiful performances by dancers of all levels.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Shanti Wellness & Lifestyle 2 Day Festival
- Saturday, 25 October, Sunday, 26 October, 9am - 5pm
- Venue: Riverside Estate - off Valley Road in Hout Bay
- Cost: From R120, bookings via Quicket
Shanti Wellness Festival is a journey into the heart for yoga enthusiasts. Don’t be deterred by the sound of breath work and meditation. Everyone is invited to experience wellness and what it means to you. There are also activities for the kids, including crafting workshops and a scavenger hunt.
Die Fledermaus
- Saturday, 25 October, 5pm
- Venue: The Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road. Ronderbosh
- Cost: R100 - R500, bookings via Web Tickets
Opera UCT presents Johann Strauss II’s operetta Die Fledermaus. Mistaken identities, masked revenge, and a whirlwind of wit and romance, this timeless classic gets a unique local twist.
Cape Town Cake Picnics
- Saturday, 25 October, 1pm - 4pm
- Venue: Wynberg Park, Wynberg
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
A family-friendly event not to be missed. The premise for Cape Town Picnics is simple: Everyone brings a cake, lays them out on tables, and together we create the city’s biggest cake table. How’s that for having your cake and eating it!
ALSO READ: The best cake in Cape Town
CAPE FLATS
Cape Town International Kite Festival
- Saturday, 25 October, Sunday, 26 October. 10am - 6pm
- Venue: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
- Cost: From R70, bookings via Quicket
Childhood memories are made of these. I remember the look of wonder on my son’s face the first time we attended the Cape Town International Kite Festival. The sky was littered with multi-coloured kites zooming in the wind. Bring the entire family because it’s for a worthy cause. Hosted by Cape Mental Health, the NGO has been working tirelessly behind the scenes for decades, ensuring everyone has equal access to mental health services.
Tote-tally Sip and Paint 2
- Saturday, 25 October, noon - 2pm
- Venue: The Ranch, 738 17th Ave, Schaapkraal
- Cost: From R299, bookings via Quicket
Get ready for an afternoon of tote bag painting, snacks, and drinks. Three hundred bucks gets you painting supplies, a blank tote bag, snacks, and drinks to get those creative juices flowing.
Open Langa
- Sunday, 26 October
- Venue: Lerotholi Avenue, Langa
- Cost: Free
Think of it as First Thursday, but make it the streets of Langa. The series of public space activations is designed to reconnect communities, celebrate heritage, and reclaim our streets as places for people, not cars. Expect a festive, car-free environment with art, music, and activities.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
EMOTIONAL - A story inspired by Inside Out
- Saturday, 25 October, 10am - 5:30pm
- Venue: De Kuilen Primary School, Church St, Kuils River
- Cost: Free - R120, bookings via Quicket
Inspired by the movie Inside Out, a young dancer learns to navigate her emotions in a chaotic and influential world. ALL U Move Dance learners from ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and creative dance classes bring the story to life on stage.
WEST COAST
99 Red Balloons
- Friday, 24 October, 6:30pm - 10pm
- Venue: NG Kerk Bloubergstrand, 3 Batavia Rd, Bloubergstrand
- Cost: From R200, bookings via Quicket
NG Kerk Bloubergstrand celebrates 99 years with 99 Red Balloons, a vibrant festival of music, art, and community spirit. This milestone marks nearly a century of faith, community, and creativity.
Who’s Your Darling? Festival
- Saturday, 25 October, 10am - 5pm
- Venue: Darling Brew Tasteroom, 48 Caledon Street, Darling
- Cost: From R50, bookings via Quicket
In the mood for Weskus charm? Then get down to Darling Brew for ice-cold craft beers, music, and vibes on vibes. There’ll be live music and entertainment, your favourite brew on tap, and craft market stalls.
CAPE WINELANDS
Sip & Savour
- Saturday, 25 October, 10am
- Venue: Viljoensdrift Wine Estate, R317, Robertson
- Cost: R300 - R1,500, bookings via Web Tickets
Spring is in full bloom in the Breede Valley. Make the best of the balmy weather at Robertson’s Sip & Savour Festival. Have your share of world-class wines and gourmet delights, all while lounging in riverside seating.
Franschhoek Art Festival
- Saturday, 25 October to Monday, 27 October.
- Venue: Ebony/Curated, Bordeaux House, Bordeaux Street. Franschhoek
- Cost: Free. Email info@franschhoek.org.za for more info
Every year, Franschhoek hosts the annual festival, showcasing private art collections. This year’s highlight is a unique, once-off display of artworks on loan from private owners. These include works from William Kentridge, Alexis Preller, Dumile Feni, Robert Hodgins, and Maud Sumner.
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