From sporting action and comedy shows to cultural happenings, stay in the loop with Time Out's guide to all your can't-miss events in Cape Town!
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.
Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, and festive 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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Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
When: Every Thursday
Why Go: There’s more to the Time Out Market Cape Town than great food from the city’s top chefs. Upstairs in The Studio you’ll find a packed schedule of cultural events, including the hugely-popular Comedy Nights held every Thursday from 8pm – 10pm.
Tickets for comedy in The Studio cost R100 per person (general entry to the Market remains free of charge), and are available from Howler.
When: Every second Sunday, 3pm-5pm
Why Go: Get your dancing shoes on in the Time Out Studio upstairs at the Time Out Market Cape Town and swing your way into Sunday evening! Enjoy a free beginner’s swing dance lesson (2.30pm - 3pm) led by Cape Town’s top swing instructor, then put your rhythm to work with two hours of fun-filled fancy footwork. Swing Sundays are free of charge, so see you there, jitterbug!
When: Wednesday evenings
Why Go: Settle in for the sultry sounds of the best jazz the Mother City has to offer, with the weekly Jazz Wednesdays. Look forward to an ever-changing roster of talented musos who’ll bring the groove while you explore the great food (and wine) on offer in the Time Out Market on the ground floor. Grab a bite, find a drink and settle in for smooth jazz every Wednesday night this summer.
When: Every Tuesday, 6.30pm - 9pm
Why Go: Join Quizmaster Jon Keevy for an unforgettable trivia experience that will challenge your knowledge like never before! From the conventional to the unexpected, get ready to put your encyclopaedic knowledge, logic, and quick reflexes to the test. Gather your team of experts and mavericks to show off your brainpower, impress your friends, and go head-to-head with other trivia enthusiasts. All of this excitement awaits you amidst the mouth-watering cuisine of the Time Out Market.
When: Thursday, August 29, 2024
Why Go: Raise a toast to Women’s Month in South Africa at this special dinner hosted on Brookdale Estate near Paarl. Brookdale’s acclaimed winemaker, Kiara Scott Farmer, teams up with Executive Chef Gary Coetzee to present a delicious five-course menu to showcase the estate’s Mason Road range of wines. Look forward to the likes of smoked springbok tartare, coal-fired king prawns and miso-glazed fillet of beef. Each course will be paired with a wine from the Mason Road portfolio, and presented by Scott Farmer. Tickets for the dinner cost R695 per person, or you can upgrade the experience to spend the night in the luxurious Brookdale Manor House. The special rate of R3500 per person sharing includes the Winemaker’s Dinner, accommodation and full breakfast.
When: September 4-7, 2024
Why Go: Grab the popcorn and settle in for a thought-provoking collection of African film-making at the FAME Shorts Film Festival. Featuring 31 films, the Festival showcases filmmakers from across the continent, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories from Africa and its diaspora. Over four captivating days, the programme explores themes of drifting through life's challenges, the growing pains of coming of age, the complexities of love stories, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Tickets from R120.
When: September 13, 2024
Why Go: British comedian Michael McIntyre returns to Cape Town as part of his 'MACNIFICENT' world tour. His past shows were a sell-out, and seats are already going fast for his one-night-stand in the Mother City. If you’re a fan of McIntyre’s utterly unique blend of observational and physical comedy you won’t want to miss out on this MACNIFICENT opportunity. Tickets from R915 to R2100. Strictly no under-14s.
When: September 18 – October 5, 2024
Why Go: Performing at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch, My Name Is Lucy Barton is the story of a writer reckoning with the legacy of a scarred family life who is coming to terms with the cost of her childhood and the rewards of her art. Written by Pulitzer-prize winner Elizabeth Strout and adapted by Rona Munro, this affecting production explores the tender relationship between a mother and daughter. The South African production will star acclaimed actor Julie-Anne McDowell with award-winning Charmaine Weir-Smith as director.
When: October 9, 2024
Why Go: Featuring an all-South African cast and crew, The Magic Box will immerse both the young and young-at-heart in the magical world of Disney. This theatrical adventure combines puppetry, elaborate costumes, and projections that merge Disney songs into an original score celebrating some of the animated icons of the past century. The show includes excerpts from more than 75 songs from Disney films written by some of the most important songwriters and composers of all time.
When: October 5 (3pm and 8pm) and 6 (2pm and 6pm), 2024
Why Go: World-famous illusionist Rob Lake will bring his acclaimed show – ‘The Magic of Rob Lake’ – to South Africa in 2024, with a series of shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Forget about rabbits out of hats, or ribbons turning into flowers: Lake presents awe-inspiring storytelling illusions on a grand scale.
When: October 19-20, 2024
Why Go: The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes to the streets and trails of the Mother City in October, with this iconic race on the road to becoming Africa’s first accredited ‘Major’ marathon, joining the likes of New York, Berlin and Boston. The 2024 race will see the best elite marathon field ever to participate on African soil, including a healthy balance of previous Abbott World Marathon Majors winners, South African champions and exciting debutants. Alongside the marathon are 10km and 5km ‘Peace Runs’, as well as a series of trail-running events designed by local trail running legend Ryan Sandes. These include the 46km Cape Town Trail Marathon, 22km trail and a new 11km trail, all of which run through the Table Mountain National Park.
When: October 27-28, 2024
Why Go: The Cape Town Country Music Festival gallops into Cape Town with a roster of big names from the world of country music. The two-day festival features eight international country artists and 10 talented South African country performers. Expect the likes of Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, CAM and the Zac Brown Band on stage. There’s plenty of local talent on the bill too, with the likes of Riaan Benade, Roan Ash, Demi Lee Moore, Ricus Nel, Juan Boucher, and more. The DHL Stadium will be transformed into a Nashville-inspired arena complete with exclusive artist and festival merch for sale, including boots and Stetsons. Tickets are priced from R650 per day.
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Why Go: The 2024 Tokara Rare Plant Fair and Open Garden is a unique opportunity to enjoy the private farm gardens of this acclaimed wine estate on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. Along with vendors selling rare plants to delight garden-lovers, visitors have the rare opportunity to enjoy the rolling farm gardens on walks dotted with magnificent sculptures by local artists.
Explore the dedicated oasis of indigenous plants, discover the climbing terraces of the picking garden, the rising path at the wetlands, and the mountain stream dipping down into a soothing lily pond. A highlight is the Adamastor Moss Garden, settled into the hills near the Boat House. Pre-order picnics are available, or book a table one of Tokara’s two restaurants. Entry, R50 per adult, supports local charities.
When: November 9, 2024
Why Go: Fresh off a 13-stop tour of Australia and New Zealand, Freestyle Kings LIVE is the greatest show of audacious stunts on two wheels, and is coming to South Africa for the first time since 2017!
With some of the world’s best international freestyle motocross and BMX riders in the saddle, look forward to double back flips, front flips, crashes and multiple world-first tricks. VIP tickets, at an extra R1000 in addition to the show ticket, allow you to meet with the world’s best riders in person, and a chance to explore the freestyle course before the event starts.
When: December 14, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Why Go: Say what you wanna say … this spooky musical is set to be a summer hit in Cape Town! MotherCity Theatre Productions presents the professional South African premiere of The Addams Family musical at The Homecoming Centre (formerly The Fugard Theatre). Featuring a talented cast of well-known South African actors, this spooky, wickedly-funny show is perfect for all ages! As Gomez says: ‘Living or dead, family is still family'… don’t miss your chance to hang out for a couple of hours with the weirdest family in town. Tickets from R350-R580.
When: February 12 – March 9, 2025
Why Go: Get your booking in early for the South African premiere of 'Dear Evan Hansen'; a Tony Award-winning ‘drama musical’ that explores the human experience with a storyline delving into universal themes of acceptance and the complexities of growing up. Local audiences will be treated to an original production of the show, with an all-star South African creative team on board.
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