Events: What’s on in Cape Town

Located at the Alphen Common in the heart of Constantia, the Alphen Market is a vibrant destination offering a blend of delicious food, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and unique shopping experiences. With over 100 traders and fully licensed bars, it’s a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. This pet-friendly market operates on select weekends each month from 9 am, weather permitting:

• September: 27, 28
• October: 4 & 5, 25 & 26
• November: 8 & 9, 29 & 30
• December: 13 & 14, 20 & 21

Calling all food lovers – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a great meal? Restaurant Week is serving up something special from 26 September to 2 November, offering a delicious opportunity to experience some of South Africa’s top restaurants at unbeatable prices.

Guests can look forward to three-course dinner menus for R295 or two-course lunch menus starting at R195. Keep an eye on Restaurant Week’s social media for the full list of participating restaurants.

The Bo-Kaap Market is officially launching on 30 September from 10 am to 7 pm at the corner of Pentz Street and Yusuf Drive. This new market will be a lively hub for community connection – celebrating Bo-Kaap’s rich cultural heritage while supporting local entrepreneurs and showcasing proudly local products.

Time Out Tip: Want to get involved? Here’s everything you need to know.

Rocking the Daisies is back for its 20th anniversary, and it’s going to be nothing short of epic! From 3 to 5 October, Cloof Wine Estate will once again transform into South Africa’s premier festival destination. Expect the very best in Cape cuisine, cutting-edge local fashion, immersive art experiences, wellness spaces, and various camping options.

This milestone year is bringing global stars to South African soil for the very first time, including Summer Walker, Jessie Reyez, Mereba, and Sam Tompkins, making it a festival you won’t want to miss.

The Hermanus Whale Festival is back and it’s making waves! From 3 to 5 October, Hermanus will come alive as it celebrates the return of the ocean’s gentle giants with a whale of a time!

Festivalgoers can dive into marine conservation fun, browse vibrant market, feast on local flavours, soak up the sounds of live music, and discover so much more. Whether you're going for the whales or the vibes, the Hermanus Whale Festival promises fun for all ages. To see the full programme, click here.

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

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.

The Cape Town International Kite Festival is returning with the theme #CourageToFly. Organised annually by Cape Mental Health for the past 31 years, the festival has long been a beacon of hope and awareness for mental health. This year’s two-day event takes place on 25 and 26 October at the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, and promises vibrant entertainment, kite-making workshops, local vendors, and an amusement park for the kids.

Motorsport returns to the heart of Cape Town this October as the Speed Classic Cape Town takes over Philip Kgosana Drive for a two-day invitational event on 25 and 26 October, celebrating speed, heritage, and craftsmanship. The event features two headline competitions: Classic Car Saturday, showcasing vintage vehicles and timeless engineering, and King of the Mountain, where modern performance cars race up 2.1 km of winding road with a 150-meter climb.

There’s nothing quite as magical as a room illuminated by candlelight. If you're searching for a unique musical experience, Candlelight Concerts offer a curated selection of songs performed in a way you've never heard before. From July to November, they’ll be paying tribute to Coldplay at the Star Theatre in the Homecoming Centre.

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.

The Corrs, Ireland’s most successful musical family, are set to embark on their first-ever tour of South Africa. The sibling quartet – Andrea, Caroline, Jim, and Sharon – have sold over 40 million albums worldwide since their acclaimed 1995 debut, Forgiven, Not Forgotten. For one night only, they will perform at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on 25 November. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable night of their signature blend of sleek pop-rock and Celtic folk.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! On 30 November, Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On. This much-loved, free, family-friendly event returns under the uplifting theme "United in Hope," promising an evening of joy, unity, and celebration. While the artist line-up is still a surprise, be sure to keep an eye on social media for exciting announcements!

Surf Expo Africa is South Africa’s first trade show dedicated to ocean sports and beach lifestyle, happening at the CTICC from 28 to 30 November. Expect thousands of ocean lovers coming together to celebrate surf, paddle, dive, swim, and the future of our blue planet.

Tip Out Tip: Heading to the Mother City for the expo? Don’t miss our guide to the best local waves!

For the first time ever, Cape Town will host the season finale of the 2025 FIM World Supercross Championship. On 13 December, the world’s top riders will go head-to-head at DHL Stadium in a high-stakes battle that promises edge-of-your-seat action, intense rivalries, and a night of pure adrenaline as the championship reaches its conclusion.

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.

UK podcast duo ShxtsNGigs are bringing their unfiltered comedy and off-the-cuff storytelling to South Africa for the first time. Known for their viral episodes and unapologetic humour, hosts James Duncan and Fuhad will take the stage at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, on 27 January 2026.

Ho Hey, Cape Town! American alternative folk giants The Lumineers are heading to the Mother City! They're kicking off 2026 with a bang as part of their The Automatic World Tour, performing live at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on 4 and 5 February 2026.

Grammy Award-winning rock legend Bryan Adams is bringing his iconic sound to Cape Town for two unforgettable nights on 21 and 22 April 2026. As part of his highly anticipated Roll With The Punches World Tour, Adams will take the stage at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, performing a mix of classic hits and new material. Following his Cape Town shows, the tour will continue to Pretoria and Durban.

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.