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.

It would be a crime to talk about R&B without mentioning the group that had us all On Bended Knee. The iconic, four-time Grammy Award-winning Boyz II Men are heading to the Mother City.

On 27 May, the Grand Arena at GrandWest will transform into a lover’s paradise – or the perfect setting for anyone hoping to win back their love. Fans can look forward to timeless hits like End of the Road and One Sweet Day, alongside the smooth harmonies that made them the soundtrack for romance.

If there’s one thing about South Africans, it’s our ability to turn even the most serious situations into something to laugh about. And if you’re in the mood for a good laugh, the country’s oldest and largest comedy festival is back, funnier than ever, as it celebrates its 27th year at the Baxter Theatre from 28 May to 21 June.

This year’s lineup, hosted by Alan Committie, brings together a mix of local and international talent. Audiences can look forward to performances by homegrown favourite Jason Goliath, Italy’s shadow artist and illusionist Matteo Fraziano, and singing impersonator Mike Woodhams, a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent.

From 25 to 28 June, the CTICC will once again play host to Cape Town’s premier design expo, Decorex. More than 230 of the continent’s most creative brands and designers will showcase their offerings under this year's theme, "The Soft Life."

Whether you’re a collector, admirer, or simply searching for inspiration, this four-day event offers the opportunity to connect with visionary local talent – all under one roof.

Join Mickey Mouse on a spectacular adventure featuring world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, and pure Disney magic from 10 to 19 July at the Grand Arena, GrandWest.

Mickey won’t be alone, as fan-favourite friends Minnie, Donald, Moana, Elsa, and Belle also take to the stage, promising an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

The six-time Grammy Award–nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-platinum international R&B star Tamia is set to perform on 6 August at the Grand Arena at GrandWest, headlining The Biggest Women’s Month Celebration Tour Experience.

Known for timeless hits like Stranger in My House, Still, and Officially Missing You, her performance promises all the feels, so you might want to bring a few tissues along.

DHL Stadium is set to light up like never before as the Stormers take on the All Blacks on 7 August, part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the iconic touring series between the Springboks and the All Blacks held every four years.

With nine matches over five weeks, including the Springboks facing the All Blacks right here in the Mother City, this is your chance to witness history on home soil.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is bringing Greece to the Artscape from 3 September to 11 October. The production features a star-studded cast, including Amra-Faye Wright as Donna Sheridan and Leah Mari as Sophie Sheridan.

Audiences can look forward to some of ABBA’s greatest hits – from Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia to Super Trouper and Take a Chance on Me. At its heart, the musical is a joyful celebration of young love, sisterhood, motherhood… and dot, dot, dot (see what we did there).

Bafunny Bafunny, South Africa’s national team of comedy, takes to the stage at the Grand Arena at GrandWest on 26 September, led by none other than Captain Trevor Noah.

Joining him are Vice Captain Eugene Khoza and Coach Ntosh Madlingozi, alongside an all-star lineup of local and international comedians, guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy packed with laughter – the South African way.

Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, poet and actress Jill Scott is coming to the Mother City for one night only. As part of her To Whom This May Concern 2026 Tour, she will take the stage on Wednesday, 11 November at the Grand Arena at GrandWest.

With timeless hits like Golden and So In Love, do not be surprised if you find yourself on your feet, dancing more than sitting.

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.