Welcome all to the last week of November. Yes, end-of-the-year fatigue is setting in, but we move. The good news is that ‘tis the season of giving. So expect a few freebies.
Entrance to Surf Expo Africa at the CTICC is free this whole weekend. So is Kuier@TheCastle, an all-day family-friendly event at the Castle of Good Hope. And because Christmas is a heartbeat away, holiday markets are in full swing, including the annual Edgemead Christmas Market.
Marc Lottering blesses us with his presence in Colleen The Musical at the Baxter Theatre, and the DStv KykNet Mitchell’s Plain Festival takes over Westridge Gardens.
CBD
Surf Expo Africa
- Friday, 28 November - Sunday, 30 November, 9am - 6pm
- Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Foreshore
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
Surf Expo Africa is the premier event for surfing enthusiasts. A celebration of surf culture, attendees will be introduced to cutting-edge innovations, the latest surfboard designs, and apparel.
ALSO READ: Where to catch the best waves in Cape Town
Best Day Out
- Saturday, 29 November, 11am
- Venue: The Cape Town Company’s Garden, Cape Town city centre
- Cost: R150 - R300, bookings via Web Tickets
Best Day Out returns to a new venue, the Company Gardens. Get ready for a full day of music, food, and community. Families are welcome, especially the kiddos who get free entry (under 12). Mission for the Inner City, Hofbräu, and Hey Dude have partnered to elevate this year’s experience. There’ll be a kiddies play area, food and drink vendors, and giveaways.
Kuier@TheCastle Holiday Market
- Saturday, 29 November, 10am - 4pm
- Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Castle Street, Foreshore
- Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket
Who’s excited about Kuier@TheCastle? Me. I am. And I’ll tell you why. Firstly, it’s an opportunity to shop only local talent and to meet the faces behind your favourite brands. It’s the fun of it all where creativity, commerce, and community are integral to the market’s success.
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Rugby at the Time Out Market
- Saturday, 29 November, 5pm
- Venue: Time Out Market, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: Free entry
Catch all the rugby action live at the Time Out Market Cape Town this Saturday, with every try on their big screens. Don’t miss the CBC beers and Klipdrift & Coke specials - all while enjoying the best of Cape Town under one iconic roof.
WILD Feast at the Waterfront
- Friday, 28 November, 7pm - 9:30pm
- Venue: Makers Landing, The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: From R1500, bookings via Quicket
A delight for the senses, WILD Feast is where Africa and the Caribbean unite through flavour, music, and heritage. Imagine this: start the evening with a signature cocktail followed by a four-course meal curated by chefs Absalom Kotsokoane (South Africa), Adrian Cumberbatch (Barbados), and Wisani Marivate (SA). Now, that’s living.
Where Justice Meets Art - A Talk by Albie Sachs, a Presentation by the Stellenbosch Art Law Society, and an Art-making Workshop
- Saturday, 29 November
- Venue: Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: R150 - R400, bookings via Web Tickets
Albie Sachs is a giant among us mere mortals. The activist, lawyer, and former Constitutional Court judge will present a talk at Zeitz MOCAA in collaboration with the Stellenbosch Art Law Society on Saturday, exploring the intersection between art and law.
German-inspired Christmas market
- Saturday, 29 November, 9am - 3pm
- Venue: Yes! exclusive flowers, 33 Section St, Paarden Eiland
- Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket
Nothing says festive quite like an authentic European Christmas tree. And if you’re in the mood for mistletoe and eggnog, then get your booty down to Yes! exclusive flowers. Talking about Christmas, the market will have everything festive decor-related.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Colleen The Musical
- Saturday, 29 November, 3pm
- Venue: The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter, Ronderbosch Main Road
- Cost: R200 - R380, bookings via Web Tickets
Everything comedian Marc Lottering touches turns to gold, whether it’s theatre, comedy, or music. Not one to let an opportunity pass him by, Lottering has taken a fan favourite character and transformed her life into a musical. Colleen The Musical is a modern-day love story complete with cashiers, Karens, and supervisors. And don’t forget, if you want a return, your box is your guarantee.
Time Out Tip: Marc Lottering leads a cast of stellar performers, featuring David Chevers, Carlo Daniels, Jill Levenberg, and Sizwesandile Mnisi. So you know it’s going to be a riot.
POSA World Pole Art Championship
- Saturday, 29 November and Sunday, 30 November
- Venue: UCT Sports Centre, Madiba Cir, Rondebosch
- Cost: From R180, bookings via Quicket
And here you thought pole dancing wasn’t a sport. In fact, it’s an art form that strengthens the core and tones the body. Now you get to see the world’s most talented pole athletes push the limits at the World Pole Art Championship 2025.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts - Prime Circle/ Jesse Clegg
- Sunday, 30 November, 5:15pm - 7pm
- Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Kirstenbosch
- Cost: R255 - R360, bookings via Web Tickets
Sorry for you if you haven’t bought your tickets yet, because you know it’s going to be a jol when the sun goes down at Kirstenbosch Gardens this Sunday. Prime Circle brings their stadium-sized sound, while Jesse Clegg delivers heartfelt hits. How’s that for ending off your Sunday on a high?
CAPE FLATS
DStv KykNet Mitchell’s Plain Festival
- Friday, 28 November - Sunday, 30 November, 11am - 11pm
- Venue: Westridge Gardens, Mitchell’s Plain
- Cost: From R50, bookings via Computicket
One of Cape Town’s biggest annual community celebrations, the DStv KykNet Mitchell’s Plain Festival celebrates culture and community. With a strong focus on community and upliftment, festivalgoers can look forward to three days of live entertainment, food, and lifestyle exhibitions.
Grand Finale - Silver Fez Award
- Saturday, 29 November, noon - 8pm
- Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cross Blvd, Athlone
- Cost: From R40, bookings via Quicket
The Silver Fez is the holy grail of Cape Malay music in Cape Town, and this Saturday sees the grand finale crown the Silver Fez Champion 2025. Last year, the honour went to the Ottoman Sporting Club. There’s no guessing who will take this year’s award.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Edgemead Christmas Market
- Saturday, 29 November - Thursday, 24 December, 10am - 8pm
- Venue: Community Hall in Edgemead Drive, off Bosmansdam Road, Edgemead
- Cost: Free, contact admin@capecrafts.co.za for more info
Ain’t no party like a north side party. Okay, Christmas market to be exact. The Edgemead Christmas Market is basically a sound-off to the start of the festive season in the northern suburbs. No Temu here, only originals.
Time Out Tip: Most vendors are from out of town, so please show them some love, especially the oom who travels all the way from the West Coast, selling his frozen paella.
Still haven't made Christmas lunch plans? Here are our recommendations for the best Christmas lunches in Cape Town
Sundaze
- Sunday, 30 November, 2pm
- Venue: Durbanville Hills Winery, Durbanville
- Cost: R100, bookings via Web Tickets
Durbanville Hills is popping this weekend. Even organisers are bringing music, cocktails, award-winning wines, and vibes. Dance into the sunset as DJs take to the decks, playing deep house, R&B, and hip-hop.
WEST COAST
Street2Strip at Killarney
- Friday, 28 November, 6:30pm - 10pm
- Venue: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Table View
- Cost: R10 - R95, bookings via Web Tickets
Rev up your weekend with roaring engines. Street2Strip is back by popular demand and only open to street-legal cars. Bring your cooler box and gazebo, light up your skottelbraai, and make a night of it.
Toddler Play Date
- Saturday, 28 November, 9:30am - 11am
- Venue: Giggles and Grow Play Studio, Table Bay Mall, Table View
- Cost: From R220, bookings via Quicket
Spend an afternoon filled with music, dance, sensory play, social skills, and one-on-one bonding with your little munchkin.
Noddy Party 2025
- Friday, 28 November, 6:30pm
- Venue: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West
- Cost: R50 - R100, bookings via Web Tickets
It’s this time of the year when I miss being a child. Grown-up parties don’t hit the same as the kiddie equivalent. Take the Noddy Party, for example. It has tractor rides, picnics, and a special gift from Father Christmas.
Capitec Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
- Saturday, 29 November - Sunday, 30 November, 11am
- Venue: Franschhoek Monument, Franschhoek
- Cost: R400 - R450, bookings via Web Tickets
Think stylish garden party without the overbearing grans sitting in the corner and judging you. This year’s theme, “Champagne White with a Pop of Blue and a Note of Pinot Noir Red”, is open to interpretation. Why am I picturing an old, vintage button? You know those you find in the bottom drawer, and it smells like mothballs?
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