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.

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.

If you’re in the southern suburbs, head down to the Newlands Market on 3 and 4 October as they celebrate their 1st birthday! It showcases a vibrant mix of proudly South African delights – from sweet treats and freshly baked goods to local art, fashion, and family-friendly activities. The market is free to attend and takes place at the Newlands Cricket Ground.

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.

American singer, songwriter, and actress Brandy is heading to the Mother City in December for a special show, titled 'All White Soul Sessions Concert Tour Experience'.

The Grammy and American Music Award winner will take to the stage at GrandWest's Grand Arena on 14 December, before heading to Pretoria.

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.

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.

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.