Spooky season is here, and while I’m not a fan of Halloween, the kids love it. From playing dress-up to fright night-inspired events, Cape Town is pulling out all the stops. There are ample things to keep the little ones entertained. And when the sun goes down, that’s when the real party begins, exclusively for adults only.
Not your vibe? The Red Bull Flugtag is sure to evoke chills of another kind. When homemade flying crafts and epic fails are involved, you know you’re going to have yourself a good time.
CBD
Horrorfest
- Friday, 31 October
- Venue: Labia Theatre, 68 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Cost: From R120 - R750, bookings via Quicket
Running at the Labia until November 9, Horrorfest is not for the faint-hearted. And yet, thanks to its cult following, the festival celebrates 21 years of existence this year. Besides the horror element, the event features classic movies and short films. The goody is the Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary audience participation screening.
Cape Town Jazz Greats Homecoming Series
- Friday, 31 October, 8pm - 10pm
- Venue: 226 Homecoming Centre, 15 M59, District Six, Cape Town
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
The Cape Town Jazz Greats Homecoming series is all that jazz. For those who can’t stomach the thought of existential dread when Halloween comes around, mix things up with a performance by the critically acclaimed Kyle Shepherd Trio or take in the smooth sounds of the McCoy Mrubata Quartet.
Zombie Walk Cape Town 2025
- Saturday, 1 November, 4:30 - 6:30pm
- Venue: 109 Government Ave, Cape Town City Centre
- Cost: Free, bookings essential via Quicket
I, for one, will be participating in this year’s Zombie Walk. Yes, I know I said I’m not a fan of Halloween. But it’s for a worthy cause. Local charities, like the Lucky Lucy Foundation, will benefit the most from the fundraising event. And besides, it’s an excuse to act a fool.
Time Out Tip: The actual event walk is free. You can register via their website.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Red Bull Flugtag
- Sunday, 2 November, 10am - 5pm
- Venue: V&A Waterfront, launch from Jetty 1
- Cost: Free
A global event (spectacle), the Red Bull Flugtag calls on adrenaline-fueled teams to not only design but also launch their homemade flying crafts off a runway and into the water. Yes, it’s very delulu, but it brings the thrills, chills, and raucous laughter.
DON'T MISS: You can also catch Red Bull in full swing at the Time Out Market Cape Town - get your wings before, during and after all the races.
Paws-a-While Pet Fair & Market
- Sunday, 2 November, 10am - 3pm
- Venue: Sea Point Promenade, Sea Point
- Cost: Free
Calling all mamas and papas craving some furry hugs. The Paws-a-While Pet Fair & Market is dedicated to animal adoption, welfare awareness, and pet-friendly fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll walk away with a four-legged baba.
Movember Silent Disco
- Saturday, 1 November, 4pm - 7pm
- Venue: Clifton 1st Beach, Clifton
- Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket
Three DJs. Three hours. Three genres. A sunset silent disco at the water’s edge. What more could you ask for? Don’t forget to respect others and return headphones in good condition.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Laura Searle Prize for Piano Concerto Playing
- Friday, 31 October, 7pm
- Venue: Baxter Concert Hall, Main Rd, Rondebosch
- Cost: From R150, UCT students get free entry, bookings via Web Tickets
Open to all piano students, the Laura Searle Prize for Piano Concerto Playing celebrates excellence in concerto performance while showcasing outstanding pianists from the South African College of Music.
Henry Ate - Live at café Roux
- Saturday, 1 November
- Venue: Cafe Roux, Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoek
- Cost: From R300, bookings via Quicket
How’s this for a blast from the past? Alt-pop legends Henry Ate return to the stage for an intimate acoustic performance at café Roux. For the first time, Karma and Julian will perform live for diehard Henry Ate fans.
Open Air Cinema Halloween Show
- Friday 31 October and Saturday, 1 November, 5pm till late
- Venue: Kirstenbosch Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, and Central Park, Century City
- Cost: From R225, bookings via Web Tickets
Imagine watching a movie on the big screen under a canopy of stars. Now you can. The Galileo Open Air Cinema, Halloween edition, screens two movies this weekend: Halloween and Monsters Inc. Also, the best-dressed attendee will get a special prize. So, dust off that cauldron and witch’s hat.
CAPE FLATS
In Your Presence
- Friday, 31 October, 7pm
- Venue: Blessed Hope, Steenberg
- Cost: R55, bookings via Web Tickets
Inspired by Psalms 16:11, In Your Presence Live calls the youth and young adults to encounter the presence of God through praise and worship. Gather your nearest and dearest for an evening of unity and spiritual breakthrough.
Ramfest x Halloween
- Friday, 31 October, 5pm - 2am
- Venue: Terminal X, 19 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River
- Cost: From R300 to R450, bookings via Howler
There is no rest for the wicked, and that’s why Ramfest x Halloween is the place to be. For one night only, international headliners play alongside South African rock and metal mainstays. The lineup includes The Devil Wears Prada (USA), Fokofpolisiekar, Bongloard (NL), The Narrow, and Facing The Gallows.
Khayelitsha Spring Festival
- Saturday, 1 November, 10am
- Venue: Khayelitsha Stadium, Pama Road, Khayelitsha
- Cost: R150, bookings via Web Tickets
A space where music, identity, and community merge, the Khayelitsha Spring Festival celebrates the richness of our diverse heritage through sound, style, and shared experience.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Harcourts Dunn Brackenfell Oktoberfest 2025
- Friday, 31 October, 3pm - 9:30pm
- Venue: Mikro Primary School, Kuils River
- Cost: R260 - R290, bookings via Web Tickets
Hosted at Mikro Primary School, Harcourts Dunn Brackenfell Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event with face painting, food stalls, and a festive beer garden.
Costume Carnival @Playalot
- Friday, 31 October, 5pm - 8pm
- Venue: Playalot Indoor Adventure Park, Pinehurst, Durbanville
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
A fun-filled afternoon for kids between one and 12 years. This year’s costume theme is characters. Think SpongeBob, Barbie, Super Mario, or Wednesday Addams when dressing your little ones. Or why not go matchy-matchy? Two SpongeBobs look cuter than one.
WEST COAST
Tannie Evita Praat Kaktus
- Sunday, 2 November, noon to 2pm
- Venue: Theatre at Evita se Perron, 8 Arcadia st, Darling
- Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket
A history lesson told through the medium of comedy, Tannie Evita revisits white South Africa, from the arrival in 1662 of the Kaktus of Separate Development, through to the 1948 National Party victory. Of course, she dishes a hearty dose of satire and wit, so don’t be alarmed if she says something that has you clutching your pearls.
CAPE WINELANDS
60s and 70s Golden Hits Retrospective
- Friday, 31 October, 8:15pm
- Venue: Drostdy Theatre, Cnr Alexander St & Bird St, Stellenbosch
- Cost: R210, bookings via Web Tickets
For the love of timeless classics, join Golden Hits Retrospective in Stellies. Enjoy a trip down memory lane, compliments of Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
Wine2Whales
- Friday, 31 October to Sunday, 9 November, races start 7am daily
- Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate to Benguela Cove Wine Estate
- Cost: R15,050 - R28,500 per team, bookings via the Epic Series website
Three times three-day events of mud, sweat, and tears. Welcome to the annual FNB Wine2Whales MTB race. Dubbed as “the race with serious gees,” these mountain bikers don’t come to play.
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