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

This weekend is all about smooth jazz and paying tribute to musical greats. The Artscape Theatre hosts The Echoes of the Cape Doctor: Remembering Robbie Jansen on Friday. Robbie Jansen fans will be pressed not to miss it. And then, Asara Wine Estate has something special in store as Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Tribute takes to the stage on Saturday.

BTW, this is something I just discovered, but did you know Cape Town has an alpaca farm? Specifically Wellington. Quenti Alpaca Farm produces alpaca fleece onsite, and guess what? Friends of Iziko will be visiting them this weekend. Think of it as a school excursion, but after hours.

ALSO SEE: Cape Town favourite grabs spot on the World's Coolest Streets list

CBD

The Echoes of the Cape Doctor: Remembering Robbie Jansen

• Friday, 21 November, 7:30pm
• Venue: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
• Cost: R180, bookings via Web Tickets

When we think about local jazz icons, Robbie Jansen comes to mind. Born in Elsies River, the late Jansen never forgot his roots and paved the way for others after him. The Echoes of the Cape Doctor is a musical tribute honouring his legacy.

Summer Symphonies At The City Hall

• Saturday, 22 November, 7:30pm
• Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town
• Cost: R190 - R450, bookings via Web Tickets

Principal guest conductor Bernhard Gueller takes the reins in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.5. Known for its dramatic journey from mourning to triumph, the symphony features the famous opening funeral march.

Don Vino Saxy Vibes - The Festival

• Saturday, 22 November, 3pm
• Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Castle Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
• Cost: R150 - R350, bookings via Web Tickets

Renowned saxophonist Don Vino brings his saxy vibes to the Castle of Good Hope, and we’re here for it. A fusion of jazz, gospel, and R&B, Vino is a proud son of Cape Town. The signature live show is a showcase of ballad-style performances.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD 

Swatch ULT.X 2025

• Friday, 21 November - Saturday, 22 November, 1pm - 6pm
• Venue: V&A Waterfront Battery Park, 19 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
• Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket. Kids under four are free

Finally, BMX culture is getting the recognition it deserves. Swatch ULT.X is billed as the country’s “elite action sports” event. The adrenaline-fuelled affair promises to showcase the best of local and international park BMX and skate talent.

 Italy in Town 2025 - Italian Street Festival

• Saturday, 22 November - Sunday, 23 November, 9am - 4pm
• Venue: Cape Quarter, 27 Somerset Rd, Green Point
• Cost: From R80, bookings via Quicket

For one weekend, the Old Cape Quarter will transform into a lively Italian piazza filled with food, wine, music, and culture. Tickets are assigned according to morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions. Kids under 12 pay R50.

Time Out Tip: Your ticket includes access to the festival areas, food stalls, entertainment, and kids’ activities, plus a complimentary welcome drink.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Kommetjie Festival 2025

• Saturday, 22 November, noon - 11pm
• Venue: De Kom Tidal Pool, Kommetjie
• Cost: From R20, bookings via Quicket

Kommetjie residents bring their vibrant spirit and community to the inaugural Kommetjie Festival. All funds raised by the festival will be used to support the community and enhance the quality of life in the area. Expect a day of fun and inclusivity. Don’t forget your swimming costume!

Tinsel Dorp: A Baked Shakespeare Christmas Show

• Friday 21 November - Sunday 23 November, 8:30pm - 10pm
• Venue: Kalk Bay Theatre, 71a Main Rd, Kalk Bay
• Cost: From R180, bookings via Quicket

Welcome to Tinsel Dorp, where everyone’s “high” on the festive spirit. Baked Shakespeare x The Outlore are serving culty small-town charm, 80s nostalgia, and a completely unhinged take on your favourite holiday tropes.

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts - Mi Casa

• Sunday, 23 November, 5:15pm
• Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town
• Cost: R255 - R360, bookings via Web Tickets

Mi Casa kicks off the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts with a rhythmic bang. The chart-topping trio will transform the famous botanical gardens into a dancefloor with Table Table as the main character and you as the backup singers. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket.

CAPE FLATS 

Cooking Demo by Kitchen Saam

• Saturday, 22 November, 10am - noon
• Venue: An Nur Mosque, 114 Victoria Road, Grassy Park
• Cost: From R170, bookings via Quicket

Why not spend a chill Saturday morning learning how to cook? A live two-hour demo presented by Kitchen Saam promises a flavour-packed experience. Your ticket includes a tasting session, a little thank-you gift, and loads of spot prizes.

NORTHERN SUBURBS 

Beauty and the Beast

• Friday, 21 November - Saturday, 22 November, 7pm - 9pm
• Venue: Curro Brackenfell, 67 Vredeveld St, Brackenfell
• Cost: From R80, bookings via Quicket

Bring the little ones along and introduce them to the world of ballet, but make it relevant with a few hip-hop beats. See classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast, like never before.

Jonathan Rubain Presents Ladies Wear Your Crown

• Sunday, 23 November, 4pm
• Venue: AGS Goodwood, Vasco Blvd, Tygerdal
• Cost: From R80, bookings via Web Tickets

You are a queen, and sometimes you need reminding of that. Ladies Wear Your Crown is an event where we can come together and be encouraged and empowered by the testimonies of strong women.

WEST COAST

She Leads: A Celebration for Female Business Owners

• Friday, 21 November, 2:3pm - 5pm
• Venue: Good Thyme Cafe, Racecourse Rd, Milnerton
• Cost: From R380, bookings via Quicket

November celebrates all things women’s empowerment-related. Share your journey of business growth with other solo entrepreneurs. She Leads is an opportunity to connect and celebrate big and small wins.

CAPE WINELANDS

Friends of Iziko Sam Guided Tour: Quenti Alpaca Farm and Mill Visit

• Saturday 22 November, 10:30am
• Venue: Quenti Alpacas Farm Studio, Klein Limietrivier Farm, Palmietvlei Rd, Wellington
• Cost: R150 - R170, bookings via Web Tickets

I was today years old when I learnt about Quenti Alpaca Farm. And now I must admit I’m curious. For instance, did you know alpaca wool is one of the world’s most rare, softest, and luxurious fibres? Neither did I. Maybe we should join the Friends of Iziko on Saturday on their planned excursion.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Tribute at ASARA Wine Estate & Hotel

• Saturday, 22 November, 6pm - 10:30pm
• Venue: Asara Wine Estate & Hotel, Polkadraai Rd, Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
• Cost: From R390, bookings via Quicket

Okay, let’s first sort out the obvious. No, Fleetwood Mac is not performing at Asara Wine Estate. Yes, it is a tribute band, and dare I say, almost as good. The tribute show is centred around one of Fleetwood Mac’s most successful albums, Rumours. It spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Even today, Rumours is a testament to the band’s status as one of the greatest of all time.