Events: What’s on in Cape Town

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.

From 4th to 13th July, the 42nd Annual Knysna Oyster Festival invites all to break out of their shells! With 10 action-packed days featuring everything from oyster cooking competitions to thrilling sports events, lifestyle experiences, delicious food, and refreshing drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. While some activities require ticket purchases, many events offer free entry, making it the perfect festival for all.

Mark your calendar for 19 July, when the Professional Fighters League (PFL) brings a landmark event to Cape Town’s GrandWest Arena. In a first for the continent, PFL Africa will debut alongside the high-stakes PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai. The evening promises intense MMA competition, with a lineup that blends international names with top African fighters. Among the highlights is Ceileigh Niedermayr, who will make history as the first South African woman to compete in the PFL. She’ll be joined by fellow South Africans Nkosi "King" Ndebele, Shannon van Tonder, and Justin Clarke, all stepping into the cage in front of a home crowd.

HYROX, the ultimate fitness test, is returning to the Mother City. This high-energy, circuit-style race challenges participants with eight functional workout stations, each separated by a 1km run. Cape Town's fittest will rise to the challenge at the CTICC on 19 and 20 July for a two-day test of strength, endurance, and determination.

Mandisi Dyantyis, in collaboration with the renowned Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, presents Symphonic Celebration – a momentous event he describes as “the biggest night of my life.” On 11 and 12 July, the iconic Artscape Opera House will come alive with two unforgettable evenings of orchestral brilliance. The 65-piece symphony orchestra will breathe new life into selections from Mandisi’s acclaimed albums Cwaka and Somandla, along with previews from his highly anticipated release, Intlambululo.

The Waterfront Theatre School brings the South African premiere of the acclaimed West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to the Artscape this July. Inspired by a true story, Everybody's Talking About Jamie explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the strength it takes to live authentically. The production features students from the Waterfront Theatre School and runs from 9 to 19 July.

Enjoy a FREE side when you order a main meal via the Time Out Market app. Simply download the app, verify your local status, and redeem this exclusive deal. Selected items only!

Click here to download the Time Out Market app on Android and here on Apple

Unwind after work at the Time Out Market with 30% off house beers, wines, and selected cocktails every weekday from 4 to 6 pm. Verified local users unlock the deal automatically through the app.

Click here to download the Time Out Market app on Android and here on Apple.

Get ready for a weekend of French flair, fine wine, and festive vibes in the Cape Winelands on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2025. This year’s event takes place at the Franschhoek Hospice parking area, promising two days of all the classics you know and love – live entertainment, delicious food and top-notch wines. Tickets cost R390 per person per day, which includes a souvenir wine glass and 10 tasting tokens.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, South Africa’s two premier classical ballet companies – Cape Town City Ballet and Joburg Ballet – will unite to present the timeless classic Swan Lake on tour. This landmark collaboration will take place at Cape Town’s CTICC from 25 to 27 July. Each performance lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.

Spend a winter’s day picking your own produce – from farm to pocket – at the Boschendal Citrus Festival. Taking place on 26 and 27 July 2025 in Franschhoek, Cape Town, the festival promises award-winning wines, farm-fresh produce, live music, delicious food, local crafts and family-friendly entertainment.

The Cape Town Plant Expo & Market, hosted by Rays Retail Nursery, is shaping up to be a great thyme for plant lovers of all kinds – whether you're a collector, rare plant hunter, or indoor jungle enthusiast. This one-day event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 2 August, bringing together a vibrant mix of rare and exotic plants, expert growers, and unique plant-related products – all under one roof. Kids under 15 get in free, and convenient parking is available at the CTICC’s P1 parking lot.

The Open Book Festival returns this September for three days of thought-provoking dialogue and literary exchange. Taking place at the Homecoming Centre from 5 to 7 September, the festival brings together authors, publishers, and readers for a wide range of discussions, readings, and performances. With panels, poetry, and conversations at its core, the event celebrates the power of storytelling to deepen understanding and foster empathy across communities. The programme and tickets will be available from early August, so be sure to check their website regularly.

Get ready to be dazzled – the world’s sexiest musical, CHICAGO, is back at the Artscape! This sizzling, jazz-infused spectacle brings the roaring 1920s to life with a thrilling tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz. Packed with sultry choreography, unforgettable music, and razor-sharp wit, CHICAGO returns to Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre for a limited run from 27 August to 28 September.

Internationally renowned saxophonist Kenny G is set to grace South Africa with his presence this October for a highly anticipated tour. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide, the smooth jazz legend will take the stage at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, on 2 October 2025. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening featuring a blend of his most iconic hits and fresh material from his latest album.

Missed your chance to see the sold-out run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat? Good news – it's coming back to Cape Town this October! This high-energy musical, inspired by the biblical tale of Joseph and his coat of many colours, bursts with a vibrant mix of musical styles, from country and calypso to rock ‘n’ roll. Catch the return run at Theatre on the Bay, starting 4 October.

Get your bank cards ready and mark your calendars – UK singer-songwriter Calum Scott is returning to Cape Town in 2026 to light up the iconic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as part of his 'Avenoir Tour'. He’ll be performing on 14 January 2026, with tickets going on sale at 9am on 28 May 2025.

A series of refined wine experiences set to dazzle throughout the chilly season, Time Out Market Cape Town’s Winter Wine Series brings together the finest local wineries from the Western Cape. Curated into a special journey, it promises to educate, entertain and captivate wine enthusiasts of all levels.

Join us at Time Out Market for the ultimate anything-goes experience! No scripts, no limits - just pure entertainment.

Kickstart your weekend with the perfect blend of great music and breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Join us every Friday evening for live performances from Soul and R&B DJs that will set the tone for a memorable night. Entry is free, so bring your friends, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and indulge in amazing food and drinks as you groove into the weekend!

When: 27 June to 6 July 2025

The much-loved Bluey is heading to Cape Town later this year for 23 live performances at the Artscape. From 27 June to 6 July 2025, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show will be brought to life for kids of all ages (Yes, even you, dad).

Join us every Tuesday at Time Out Market for a Wine Tasting Experience like no other, hosted by Cultivar and a selection of the 250+ premium wine brands we proudly stock. From 4PM to 7PM, discover exceptional wines, expand your palate, and indulge in a Tuesday treat.