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

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  • Things to do

UNRULY, starring acclaimed performer Andrew Buckland and double bassist Chantal Willie-Petersen, returns to the Baxter Theatre for a limited season from 17 July to 2 August. This immersive storytelling performance – rooted in rigorous academic and creative research – delves into the uneasy coexistence of humans and urban baboons in the fictional town of Skemer Baai. When a revered baboon matriarch vanishes under mysterious circumstances, long-standing tensions erupt, revealing deeper truths about territory, survival, and belonging.

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  • Things to do

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.

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  • Things to do

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.

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  • Things to do

Fifteen-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans will perform in Cape Town on 22 August at Grand Arena, GrandWest, as part of her largest international worship tour to date. The setlist will include music from her latest album More Than This, featuring the acclaimed singles “That’s My King” and “Come Jesus Come.”

  • Sport and fitness

Rugby fans, get ready! The Springboks will go head-to-head with the Wallabies at DHL Stadium on Saturday, 23 August, in what promises to be a high-energy clash as part of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship. It’s your chance to see the reigning world champions live in action, right here on home turf. Tickets start at R525 and go up to R4,075.

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  • Things to do

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.

  • Things to do

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.

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  • Music

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.

  • Music

From humble beginnings in the Cape Flats to global acclaim, Dr Jonathan Butler’s inspiring journey will be celebrated in a special concert at the Artscape Theatre on 24 October. The concert will reflect on his life, recognising both the obstacles he faced and the contributions he has made through music. His achievements include two Grammy nominations and an Honorary Doctorate from Stellenbosch University.

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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.

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  • Time Out Market

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.

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  • Things to do

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!

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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.

24. 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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