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What's on in Cape Town this March

A guide to the best things to do and places to go this March in the Mother City.

Amy Fraser
Written by
Amy Fraser
Content Coordinator, Time Out South Africa
Cape Town Carnival 2024
Cape Town Carnival
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It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year and bravely surviving Day 704 of January… and somehow it’s already March. How did that happen?

A quick recap of the past three months: We survived Dezemba, and we all know what that did to our bank accounts. Then came Januworry, the month dedicated to financially, and emotionally recovering from Dezemba. February? That was Januworry’s afterparty, short, sweet, and still slightly broke.

And now here we are in March, the month where we can finally exhale and pretend we have our lives together again, and if the events happening this month are anything to go by, we’re in for a very colourful one!

CBD

Kingdom of Ubuntu – The Musical in Concert

  • Friday, 6 March – Saturday, 7 March | 7:30pm
  • Location: Artscape Theatre Centre
  • Cost: From R150 via Webtickets

The Kingdom of Ubuntu – The Musical In Concert is a moving celebration of African unity, heritage, and shared spirit, bringing together original compositions, rich orchestral arrangements, and contemporary African dance.

Kingdom of Ubuntu – The Musical in Concert
WebticketsKingdom of Ubuntu – The Musical in Concert on at the Artscape

Cape Town Cycle Tour: 42km & 109km

  • Sunday, 8 March | 10am, 6:15am
  • Location: Grand Parade, CBD
  • Cost: Entry is R500 per person for the 42km race, while participation in the 109km race ranges between R600 and R1,700, depending on the ticket option selected.

The Grand Parade Start Area will once again welcome thousands of cyclists as they set off on the 109km and 42km routes of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. Riders tackling the 109km will cross the finish line in Sea Point, while those taking on the 42km route will conclude their ride in Riebeek Street in the city centre. To view the complete routes, click here to view the 42km route and here for the 109km route.

Cape Town Cycle Tour
Photograph: Cape Town Cycle Tour

Pretty Woman: The Musical

  • Thursday, 19 March – Sunday, 19 April | 2pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7:30pm
  • Location: Artscape Theatre Centre
  • Cost: From R250, via Ticketmaster

For the first time ever, Pretty Woman: The Musical comes to South Africa! Based on the iconic 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, this dazzling production makes is making its South African debut. Missing it would be a big mistake. Big. Huge!

Pretty Woman: The Musical
Photograph: Matthew Murphy

People Power: Zolani Mahola ft The Feminine Force

  • Thursday, 26 March | 7pm
  • Location: Homecoming Centre, District Six
  • Cost: From R300 via Quicket

Performing alongside The Feminine Force, Zolani Mahola is giving you the exclusive opportunity to be among the very first to experience unreleased tracks from her latest album, “People Power,” performed live.

P.S. We also sat down with Zolani to uncover some of her favourite hidden gems around Cape Town. Read all about it here.

Zolani Mahola
Photograph: Zolani Mahola

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

  • Friday, 27 March – Saturday, 28 March | 6:45pm, 5:45pm
  • Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre
  • Cost: From R1,350 via Ticketmaster

The event no jazz enthusiast wants to miss is back! You can look forward to an extraordinary lineup of world-class artists, both local and international, including the UK’s Jacob Collier, the USA’s Yellowjackets, and South Africa’s own Nduduzo Makhathini and Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, among many others.

Unknown saxophonist hands playing musical instrument solo in studio spotlights close up. Professional saxophone player performing on stage night club. Silhouette of man musician holding sax indoors.
stockbustersSaxophonist silhouette hands playing musical instrument in spotlights close up.

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

South African International Tattoo Convention

  • Friday, 13 March – Sunday, 15 March | 10am, 5pm
  • Location: DHL Stadium Podium
  • Cost: From R270 via Howler

Ready for some new ink? Experience three days with over 120 of the world’s top tattoo artists, representing more than 20 countries and showcasing a wide range of styles. Watch them do what they do best in the heart of the Mother City at the South African International Tattoo Convention.

Time Out Tip: While all ages are welcome to attend, only those over 18 will be able to get tattooed.

Professional tattoo artist
Xeniya StetsenkoProfessional tattoo artist makes a tattoo on a young man's leg

The Galileo Open Air Cinema – Call Me By Your Name

  • Thursday, 19 March | 6pm
  • Location: Battery Park, V&A Waterfront
  • Cost: From R150 via webtickets

We all know how Cape Town weather behaves – sunshine one minute, showers the next – so make the most of those warmer evenings while you can. Head to Battery Park for an open-air screening of Call Me by Your Name, a queer romance starring Timothée Chalame and Armie Hammer. Set against the dreamy backdrop of the Italian countryside, it’s the kind of film that will have you craving long summer afternoons, first love, and booking a spontaneous flight to Italy, preferably with an Aperol Spritz in hand.

The Galileo Cinema
Instagram: thegalileoThe Galileo Open Air Cinema

Cape Town Carnival

  • Saturday, 21 March | 6pm
  • Location: Green Point Fan Walk
  • Cost: This is a free event, however, there are VIP and seating options available from R350 via Quicket

Now celebrating its 16th year, this vibrant annual street parade draws nearly 50,000 spectators into the heart of the city for an unforgettable evening filled with music, movement, and magic. Featuring over 1,500 performers, the Carnival is a dazzling showcase of culture, creativity, and community spirit – the kind of experience that reminds everyone why there’s truly no place like Cape Town.

Cape Town Carnival 2024
Cape Town Carnival

Stormers vs Dragons

  • Sunday, 22 March | 3pm
  • Location: DHL Stadium
  • Cost: From R85 via Ticketmaster

What’s a Sunday without rugby? The Stormers are set to fiercely defend their home turf as they take on the Dragons in a thrilling Vodacom URC showdown. 

DHL Stormers
Instagram: dhlstormersDHL Stormers supporters

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night

  • Saturday, 14 March | 8pm – 10pm
  • Location: South African Astronomical Observatory, Observatory
  • Cost: R50 and free for kids under six, via their website

Held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory offer guided tours that dive into the Observatory’s fascinating history. Explore the library, museum, and the iconic 120-year-old McClean Telescope. And, weather permitting, you can even do some stargazing through the McClean!

South African Astronomical Observatory
South African Astronomical ObservatoryThis October SAAO is hosting Night Tours, Stargazing, and Open Nights.

"Treasure"

  • Friday, 13 March – Sunday, 15 March
  • Location: The Masque Theatre, Muizenberg
  • Cost: From R70 via Quicket

"Treasure," a production by Claremont Ballet School, follows Anna and Sophie on an enchanting adventure guided by a graceful little dove. Their journey takes them through lush gardens, across the sparkling ocean, and to breathtaking mountain peaks, where along the way they uncover wondrous and unexpected treasures.

Pointe shoes hang on ballet barre in dance class room. Blurred background of ballet classic school.
April Story

CAPE FLATS

Cape Town Opera presents Opera Blocks: Under the Sea

  • Thursday, 26 March | 1pm
  • Location: Gugulethu Library, Gugulethu
  • Cost: This is a free event, however, registration is required via webticket

Directed by Elizma Badenhorst and brought to life by Cape Town Opera’s Judith Neilson Young Artists and Vocal Ensemble, this immersive performance invites kids to dive into the world of music and theatre in a fun, safe, and creative space.

Opera Blocks: Under the Sea
web ticketsCape Town Opera presents Opera Blocks: Under the Sea

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Tasting Under the Stars

  • Thursday, 12 March | 6pm – 9pm
  • Location: Durbanville Hills
  • Cost: R300 per person via their website

Durbanville Hills is opening its doors after hours, inviting you to experience wine tasting under the stars. Savour a curated selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage and brandy, each perfectly paired with delicious tapas, and enjoy an exclusive barrel tasting for a truly memorable evening.

Durbanville Hills
Photograph: Supplied

Sjava 10 Year Celebration Tour

  • Saturday, 21 March | 6pm
  • Location: Grand Arena at GrandWest
  • Cost: R300 via webtickets

The Sjava 10 Year Tour marks a decade-long milestone – ten years of music, storytelling, and cultural impact. Over the past ten years, Sjava has touched the lives of millions of supporters while redefining and reshaping South African music genres.

Sjava
Instagram: sjava_atmSjava 10 Year Tour

WEST COAST

Spier Light Art

  • Friday, 6 March – Monday, 6 April
  • Location: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
  • Cost: Entry is free, but food and drink packages are available on their website, ranging from R140 to R495.

The annual Spier Light Art returns for its eighth edition, once again transforming the farm with artworks that glow, glimmer and surprise. From playful, participatory installations to moments of quiet reflection, this event invites you to pause, wander, and experience the landscape from a new perspective.

Spier Light Art
SuppliedSpier Light Art at Spier Wine Farm

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