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
Advertising

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.

RECOMMENDED:
📍 The best things to do in Cape Town
🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town
🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town
🛍 The best shops in Cape Town
🏠 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town
🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town

What's on in Cape Town

1. 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.

2. Spier Light Art

From 6 March to 6 April 2026, the annual Spier Light Art returns for its eighth edition, once again transforming the farm with artworks that glow, glimmer and surprise.

From playful, participatory installations to moments of quiet reflection, this free event invites you to pause, wander, and experience the landscape from a new perspective.

Advertising

For the first time ever, Pretty Woman: The Musical comes to South Africa! Based on the iconic 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, this dazzling production makes is making its South African debut at the Artscape from 19 March. Missing it would be a big mistake. Big. Huge!

  • Things to do
  • Concerts

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.

Advertising
  • Music

Are you ready to be boo’d up, Cape Town? Award-winning R&B Singer-Songwriter, Ella Mai, will be performing at the Grand Arena at GrandWest on 26 April. 

This tour follows the release of her latest album, Do You Still Love Me?, meaning fans can look forward to brand-new music, and of course, her older hits, including Boo’d Up and Trip

  • Things to do

Comic Con Africa is back in the Mother City from 30 April to 3 May at the CTICC and it’s bringing all the geeky goodness with it. From rare comic books and epic collectibles to world-famous actors, superstar artists, and cosplayers who look like they’ve stepped straight out of another universe, this pop culture and gaming extravaganza is one you don’t want to miss.

Advertising
  • Music

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.

  • Art

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.

Advertising
  • Things to do

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.

--

Recommended
    Latest news
      Advertising