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Welcome to the Secret Season (aka May), when the weather is mild yet pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. It’s probably one of the rare times that Cape Town belongs to its people.
Starting the month off strong is Workers’ Day (Friday, 1 May). Yay for another long weekend! If you’re in the mood for a lekker braai, make a day of it at the Worcester Braai Festival. The three-day event celebrates the best of braai culture, including music and food, obviously. Entanglements - Cape Town, hosted at Ganesh, Observatory, kicks off at 11am. The grassroots music festival aims to create an inclusive, borderless space where all sounds are equal.
Don’t forget Mother’s Day (Sunday, 10 May). Chances are, if you haven’t booked that lunch yet, you’ll find yourself in the Woolies rotisserie chicken line as soon as the store opens.
From Tuesday, 19 May, Carmen comes to the Artscape. Widely considered one of the most performed operas worldwide, the show will run until Sunday, 31 May. Ending off the month is the Boyz II Men Live in South Africa Tour. No matter how many times the R&B group comes to South Africa, their shows always sell out. Sorry for you if you haven’t secured your ticket yet. It’s not the end of the road.
Word on the street is that SecretEATS is hosting another secret dinner this month at an undisclosed venue. The only info we have is that you should keep the evening of Sunday, 24 May, open. Visit the website to request a private invitation to join the soirée.
CBD
Carmen
- Tuesday, 19 May - Sunday, 31 May, 7pm
- Location: Artscape Arena, Cape Town CBD
- Cost: R180 - R950, bookings via Webtickets
While Georges Bizet’s Carmen may be one of the most widely performed operas in the world, the initial reception was anything but warm. Premiering in Paris in 1875, the opera was branded “scandalous”. The four-act opera comique, based on Prosper Mérimée’s novella, tells the story of a soldier’s obsession with a spirited gypsy, leading to betrayal and murder.
The Good Life Show
- Friday, 29 May - Sunday, 31 May, 10am - 6pm
- Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), 1 Lower Long Street
- Cost: From R175, bookings via Quicket
Marketed as Africa’s “premier and pioneering event”, The Good Life Show returns for its 6th annual event. A hub for innovation and connection, the show serves as a platform for the sustainable, plant-based, and wellness markets. Expect interactive kitchen demonstrations, product launches, and masterclasses.
Also see: Veld and Sea: Exploring the Cape's wild dining table
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Cape Town Marathon - Spectator Experience
- Sunday, 24 May from 6am
- Location: Green Point Precinct and Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town
- Cost: Free to attend
Even if you’re not lacing up for the race, the Cape Town Marathon is one of the city’s best spectator events. Expect buzzing roadside support, live entertainment, and some of the best people-watching in town as runners take on one of the world’s most scenic urban routes. Grab a coffee, find your cheering spot along the promenade or near the finish line, and soak up the electric atmosphere as thousands of athletes and supporters bring the city to life.
SEE: Marathon star coming to Cape Town!
Night of the stars
- Friday, 1 May, 7pm - 2am
- Venue: 24 Somerset Rd, Green Point
- Cost: From R99, bookings via Quicket
Picture this: Exclusive black tie event. Red carpet arrival. Welcome drinks. Night of the Stars brings the world’s most iconic artists to life. Hosted at Honey and Dora Rooftop, guests are treated to a curated three-course dining experience and live show.
READ: Local Intel: Kit Gilardi
Sewing Supper Club
- Wednesday, 6 May, 6pm - 9pm
- Venue: Arthur’s Mini Super, 15 Arthurs Rd, Sea Point
- Cost: From R400, bookings via Quicket
Your intentions were pure when you bought a sewing machine. The appeal of designing and making your own clothes was exciting. That was the dream. In practice, it wasn’t as easy as it looked. No amount of YouTube tutorials or TikToks is going to get you behind that machine again. But what if you joined a sewing club? The Sewing Supper Club, to be exact. No judgement. No sassy comments. Just people coming together, learning how to use their grandma’s sewing machines.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
BeerEx Africa
- Thursday, 21 May - Saturday, 23 May, from 12pm
- Location: The Wicket Expo Hall, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
BeerEx Africa is the continent’s biggest beer expo and conference, bringing together brewers, homebrewers, and serious beer lovers for three days of tastings, talks, and all things hops. Expect craft beer bars, brewing demos, expert-led tastings, food pairings, and plenty of opportunities to meet the makers behind your favourite pours. The weekend wraps up with the African Beer Cup Awards Party, crowning the best beers on the continent.
Check out: The 18 best craft beer taprooms in Cape Town
Mother's Day Gin, Blooms & High Tea
- Saturday, 9 May, 1pm - 4pm
- Venue: Constantia Valley
- Cost: From R1490, bookings via Quicket
Award-winning chef Elsa van der Nest has something special in store for all the moms. In collaboration with Musgrave Gin and uBlom, van der Nest has curated a high tea like no other. Think stunning tablescapes, fresh blooms, vintage glassware, and gracious hospitality.
Time Out Tip: Every guest leaves with a bottle of gin, their bouquet, and a cupcake from Crumbs.
Stirred Not Shaken
- Tuesday, 12 May - Saturday, 23 May, 8pm and 3pm
- Venue: Masambe Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch
- Cost: R140 - R180, bookings via Webtickets
Award-winning actor Lynita Crofford returns to the stage for her captivating one-woman dramedy. Crofford plays Kathryn, a perfect wife and mother who wakes up to the reality of a bitter betrayal. With Natasha Sutherland helming the direction, Stirred Not Shaken is a gritty and relatable show with belly laughs in between.
CAPE FLATS
Powerfit Ladies Bootcamp Big Walk
- Friday, 1 May, 9am - 2pm
- Venue: Bishop Lavis Sports Field, 7490, Bishop Lavis
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
Join Powerfit Ladies Bootcamp and Men’s Bootcamp at Bishop Lavis Sports Field for a community Big Walk. Bring the rents along. Bribe them with the promise of refreshments if they manage to reach the finish line.
SEE: The 6 best junior gym memberships in Cape Town
Shamrock420 Edibles Tasting Experience
- Saturday, 4 April - Saturday, 29 August, 2pm - 7pm
- Venue: Shamrock420 Boutique Lounge, 143 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket
Shamrock420 Boutique Lounge hosts an Edibles Tasting Experience every Saturday from 2pm till early evening. For R250, you get five different edibles, juice, a bottle of water, and light snacks for the munchies in a relaxed, premium lounge setting.
READ: Cannabis in Cape Town: lounges, laws and rollups
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Boyz II Men Live in South Africa Tour
- Wednesday, 27 May, 6pm
- Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park
- Cost: R750 - R1450, sold out online
It’s about that time when Nathan, Wanyá, and Shawn serenade the aunties screaming in Golden Circle. The second they sing, “We belong together…” the crowd goes wild. Look, if you don’t have a ticket for this concert, chances are they’ll be back in several years to fill their retirement kitty.
Winter Night Market on Intaka Island
- Friday, 29 May - Friday, 28 August, 4pm - 9pm
- Venue: Intaka Island, 2 Park Ln, Century City
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
Intaka Island’s Winter Night Market returns with delicious street food, locally made crafts, and live music. Bring the little ones along for hot chocolate and marshmallows while you soak up the winter vibes.
WEST COAST
The One Man Show Picnic
- Saturday, 9 May, noon - 10pm
- Venue: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia
- Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket
Set against the scenic backdrop of The Ostrich, The One May Show Picnic invites guests to experience the movement in its purest form, where music, nature, and community come together. Featuring Scorpion Kings, the cultural event is known for a seamless fusion of R&B, house, and commercial favourites.
Evita@90
- Saturday, 30 May, noon - 1pm
- Venue: Theatre at Evita se Perron, 8 Arcadia St, Darling
- Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket
Who would have thought Tannie Evita would make it to 90? The most famous white woman in the country has lived a life. And yes, she still has a few stories to tell, including her opinions on 30 years of ANC rule.
CAPE WINELANDS
A Mamma Mia Celebration with the South African Lipizzaners
- Sunday, 10 May, 11:30am - 1pm
- Venue: Mistico Equestrian Centre, R312, Paarl Farms
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
How about Mother’s Day with a difference? Forgo the fancy brunch or lunch and opt for something a bit more upbeat. As in ABBA upbeat? The South African Lipizzaners will take centre stage to ABBA’s classic hits. So be a Super Trouper and treat your special Dancing Queen to feel-good nostalgia.
Franschhoek Literary Festival 2026
- Friday, 15 May - Sunday, 17 May
- Venue: Franschhoek Main Road, Franschhoek
- Cost: Various prices, bookings via Webtickets
Franschhoek appears to be the Darling Bud of May. Fresh off hosting the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, the dorpie will once again come alive with the Franschhoek Literary Festival. The weekend of lively discussions, interviews, and literary moments includes more than 100 events to choose from.
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