Lit-up City of Cape Town at night
Photograph: Arnold Petersen | Lit-up City of Cape Town at night
Photograph: Arnold Petersen

Events: What’s on in Cape Town

Cape Town's calendar is hotting up with live music, fun events and theatre galore. Here's what's hot and not to be missed in the Mother City!

Amy Fraser
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As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. We're tapping into all the vibes with our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town.

Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, special shows and fun events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City.

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What's on in Cape Town

  • Comedy

What happens when Yaseen Barnes, Dalin Oliver, KG Mokgadi and Waseem Fredericks meet a wine farm? The Steenberg Comedy Night.

Set beneath the stars, the evening brings together four distinctive performers for a night of quick wit, sharp satire, relatable storytelling and music-infused comedy, all against the picturesque backdrop of Steenberg.

Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic blankets and chairs or opt for one of the available dining experiences, including prepared picnic baskets and a three-course dinner prepared by the Tryn team.

2. First Thursdays

Cape Town turns it on the first Thursday of every month. Think open galleries, buzzing streets, clinking glasses, and DJs spinning next to sculpture installations. It’s part art walk, part block party, and all about vibing with the city’s creative pulse – no tickets, no gatekeeping, just show up and soak it all in. Start in the CBD - Bree, Loop, or Church Square – and just follow the crowd (or the saxophone in the distance). The art’s great, and the people-watching is next level.

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  • Things to do

Surf Expo Africa is South Africa’s first trade show dedicated to ocean sports and beach lifestyle, happening at the CTICC from 6 to 8 November. Expect thousands of ocean lovers coming together to celebrate surf, paddle, dive, swim, and the future of our blue planet.

Tip Out Tip: Heading to the Mother City for the expo? Don’t miss our guide to the best local waves!

  • Sport and fitness

The world’s top rugby sevens teams are returning to Cape Town for a weekend of world-class sport, live music, great food, and unbeatable vibes. On 5 and 7 December, DHL Stadium will transform into a gees-filled hotspot. Rally your crew, dress for the occasion, and get ready for a truly lekker time!

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  • Music

Rock legends Live are returning to Cape Town this December at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on 8 December, with an additional date added for 9 December.

Led by frontman Ed Kowalczyk, the iconic rock band will deliver a banging set featuring favourites like Lightning Crashes, alongside classics such as I Alone, Selling the Drama, and Overcome.

While the 8 December show is already sold out, a limited number of tickets remain for the 9 December show.

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  • Music

Acclaimed R&B singer Kehlani is heading to South Africa this festive season as part of the KEHLANI WORLD TOUR.

The two-time Grammy Award-winner will be performing in Pretoria on 15 December before bringing the tour to the Mother City on 17 December at the Grand Arena, GrandWest. Joining Kehlani on the South African leg of the tour will be American singer- songwriter Destin Conrad.

  • Music
  • Music festivals

One of Cape Town’s most loved radio stations, Heart FM, is bringing the ultimate summer vibes this December with Heart Fest.

On Saturday, 19 December, Kenilworth Racecourse will come alive as the station’s much-loved DJs and personalities take to the stage alongside some of the best local artists.

Gates open at 12pm, with the show kicking off at 2pm. Look forward to food trucks, entertainment, and bars, making it the perfect way to enjoy a lekker jol.

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  • Music

Icelandic blues-rock band KALEO will make their South African debut with a performance at  Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Thursday, 4 February 2027, as part of their Way Down We Go Tour, before heading to Jozi for the next stop of the tour.

The concert will run from 6pm to 10pm, featuring hits such as Way Down We Go, All The Pretty Girls and No Good, all performed against the stunning backdrop of Kirstenbosch.

  • Dance
  • Ballet

Cape Ballet Africa’s Swan Lake takes centre stage at Artscape for a strictly limited season of just two weeks, from 3 to 13 February 2027.

Set to Tchaikovsky's score, this timeless ballet brings to life a tale of passion, betrayal and eternal devotion. Selected performances will feature a live orchestra. Each performance runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one interval.

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  • Things to do

Three days of over 150 of the world’s best tattoo artists from over 20 countries, specialising in various tattoo styles, doing what they do best right here in the heart of the Mother City. This year, the South African International Tattoo Convention will take place from 26 to 28 February 2027 at DHL Stadium.

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

Based on the iconic 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard makes its South African debut in March 2027 at the Artscape Theatre.

The production follows the story of superstar singer Rachel Marron, whose life is threatened by a stalker, and Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent hired to protect her.

Featuring some of Whitney Houston’s biggest hits, including Run to You, the production promises a blend of romance, suspense and emotion.

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  • Dance

To celebrate 30 years of iconic Irish dance and music, Riverdance is embarking on a special anniversary tour in 2027, with stops across South Africa. 

Riverdance 30 – The New Generation takes the stage in Pretoria in April 2027, before heading to Grand Arena at GrandWest from 16 to 18 April in Cape Town, bringing its signature precision, skill and passion to the stage.

  • Music

Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Miguel is returning to South Africa in May 2027. 

Known for hits including Adorn, Sure Thing and Coffee, he will be performing at the Grand Arena at GrandWest in the Mother City on 21 May, before heading to the North West and wrapping up the tour in Gauteng.

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