Marchelle Abrahams

Many associate high tea with aristocrats and royalty. But here’s a little braai broodjie morsel for you. You’re right to assume it has its roots in 19th-century Britain. What you might not know is that high tea was first thought up by the working class.  The modern version of supper, these hardworking men and women would have a substantial evening meal after a long day’s work. They’d eat at a high dining table, unlike the rich folks who preferred a “low tea,” a social affair served at low chairs and low tables. And here we thought high tea was all about sipping from a porcelain teacup with your right pinky finger pointed out.  If you fancy a cuppa, Time Out is serving the tea (piping hot) on the best high tea spots in Cape Town, high brows and higher dining tables not included.

Here, Down South, we’re spoilt for choice. Our local talent is thriving, but what was once a blank spot on the international entertainment calendar is now part of a global movement. When an artist or group announces their “world tour”, South Africa, and specifically Cape Town, is listed somewhere between Sydney and New York. With 2026 heading for a close, the big productions keep coming. Here’s a taster of what’s in store for the rest of the year and early 2027.

Tokyo has its karaoke bars. Athens has its taverns. Cape Town has First Thursdays. What started as a free monthly initiative to encourage locals to visit art galleries and cultural centres after dark has now morphed into an institution of sorts. Inspired by similar events in London, co-founders Gareth Pearson and Michael Tymbios wanted to put a unique spin on the event. In a 2015 post on Medium, Pearson said that the premise behind the concept was for art galleries and other cultural attractions within a walkable area to stay open late on the first Thursday of every month. The duo explained: “The very first edition in November 2012 included just six spots on the map, one being a little pop-up exhibition we threw together in an empty retail space.” These days, First Thursdays is a whole lot more than walking Bree Street. It’s the infectious spirit of a city that plays hard. How about injecting some early excitement into your Easter Long Weekend with Time Out Cape Town’s ultimate guide to First Thursdays? Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

The rave scene in The Matrix Reloaded (2003) always has me feeling some kinda way. Maybe it’s the way their sweaty bodies move in unison like a single organism, or that they’re dancing because the end of the world is nigh. Fluke’s Zion provides the backing track for the iconic setting. Today, it remains a classic in the progressive house genre. That single take was reflective of music’s power to evoke a frenzy of passion and community. And that, in a nutshell, is indicative of what club culture is. It’s the coming together of people who share a common love for music. Dance. Companionship. Connection. That trend is more evident than ever. Before the pandemic, nightclubs were packed to the rooftops with queues of patrons waiting to get in. Wear the wrong outfit? Gated. Look inappropriate? Gated. Under the influence? Gated. Well, the last one is warranted. But there was a certain aesthetic attached to gaining entry.  Meet some of the creatives behind these events Pulling off any of the suggested experiences we've curated below requires a team of creative minds who are exceptional at their work. Nobody knows this better than Léa Debbah, the founder of Edition Events. Debbah started hosting events at the tail end of the pandemic when people were craving connection. “I saw an opportunity to bring people together through music, creativity, and culture in a more intentional way,” she explains. Debbah wanted to create spaces that were more inclusive and diverse. “From the beginning, i

Welcome, fellow land dwellers. If you’re reading this, you’re almost a week into the Holy Month of Ramadan and have already run out of Iftar ideas. Or, maybe you’re curious about how Muslims observe Ramadan in Cape Town. Either way, you’re in the right place.  A spiritual reset This year, Ramadan began on Wednesday, 18 February, coinciding with the start of the Chinese New Year and the beginning of Christianity’s Lent, and marking a rare overlap of sacred calendars.  For Muslims, Ramadan typically lasts between 29 and 30 days, meaning it’s expected to end on or around Wednesday, 18 March or Thursday, 19 March 2026. As always, the final date is determined by the moon's sighting and marked by the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr.  It is most significantly associated with fasting from sunrise to sunset. Yes, kinda like intermittent fasting, for the wellness crowd. Only, the intention behind it isn’t the physical sacrifice of giving up food and drink. The act of fasting is a spiritual reset and a time for reflection and gratitude. Unfortunately, social media has dimmed the significance of the occasion leading up to Eid al-Fitr. Islam has become more of an aesthetic for influencers during Ramadan. The beauty, the food, and the decor all appear so exotic. But many don’t go into the “why” and the “how” of the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.  A word of advice: Even if you’re curious or have Muslim friends or family, do your research, and I don’t mean TikTok posts or memes. No

When I was 11, the only exercise I got was scaling our back wall, climbing the neighbour’s tree, and attempting to retrieve the juiciest loquats.  The kids these days are built differently. They’re hanging out at coffee shops, playing board games with their chommies. They’re connecting at silent book clubs and joining gyms.  For Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024), fitness centres and sports clubs are becoming the new social spaces. They are less formal and far less intimidating than school extramural activities. Gym culture is the new cool, and private gyms and franchises are locking into that trend. More Gyms Courting the Younger Generation The United States first noticed the uptick in younger memberships in 2024. According to the Health & Fitness Association, the older portion of Gen Alpha (16-year-olds) accounted for 30.8% of total gym memberships. That’s a third of many gym’s annual membership income. And while pre-teens don’t qualify for independent contracts, many are using their parents’ memberships to take advantage of the perks. That soon, too, might come to an end, because Cape Town gyms get it. They’re feeding into the zeitgeist and early adoption of healthy habits. It’s called supply and demand. Check out below which Mother City gyms are game for junior members. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍽️ The best restaurants in Cape Town🍸 The best bars in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town

I read an article the other day about how generations born during the boom of the Internet era will never experience the simple pleasures of childhood. It’s knocking on a friend’s door when wanting to play or waiting for the street lights to turn on, your cue that it’s time to go home. For me, Sundays were the best. My sister and I knew that if we behaved ourselves, our father would take us for a Sunday afternoon drive after lunch. If the planets aligned, and Neptune was in retrograde, we’d all pack into our Nissan Skyline, my dad’s pride and joy.  Yho, the way he loved that car! Most of us grew up looking forward to Sunday drives, whether it was a trip around the Cape Peninsula or through the Huguenot Tunnel. Now you can make your own memories with Time Out’s 10 scenic drives for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

By the time you read this, you’re probably planning your Christmas Day lunch. If not, then you should at least be thinking about it, right? No? Procrastination is not going to get that table booked.  And because Cape Town is tourist-central every festive season, time is not on your side.  Depending on your mood and budget, Time Out has curated a list of spots around the Mother City to enjoy a memorable Christmas lunch, ranging from buffet-style to the very top-notch experiences.   Why go mediocre when you can spend all your money on yourself? Cape Town is home to award-winning restaurants. So take advantage of it!  And of course, we haven’t forgotten about the plant-based fans. Thankfully, restaurants are catering to environmentally conscious tastes.    Time Out Tip: Besides MIKO, other eateries are extending their culinary prowess with vegan dishes. And they’re pretty decent as well. No “swap out this for this” options.  

You know that song ‘Dilemma’ by K.Keed? She raps, “I feel like bad decisions”. This line basically describes what New Year’s Eve should be. Do people still do that? Use one night of the year to throw away their name and their inhibitions for the sake of spontaneity? I get it. I was once young, free, and regretting my life choices, and a New Year’s Eve party gave me carte blanche to do silly things without worrying about the consequences. Now, people think before they act, which is always a good thing. But if you plan on painting the town red, do so responsibly. In the meantime, here’s a list of New Year’s Eve events happening in and around Cape Town. As a country, we’ve gone through the most this year, so let’s show 2025 flames and send her off with a bang. Psst: Keep an eye on this list as we'll add more parties as they become available. 

Like music, art is subjective. Either you like it or you don’t.  I remember once visiting a wine farm in Franschhoek to do a story on hotel galleries, and came across a piece. I don’t recall the artist, but what stuck with me was the look in the woman’s eyes. It was jarring and evocative. The oil painting evoked feelings of longing and melancholy.  If tragic beauty could be immortalised in a painting, this would be the benchmark. The reality is that it was hidden beyond the reach of everyday people, part of a private collection only for the eyes of the wealthy and privileged. Many view the idea of visiting an art gallery as a walkabout at the Zeitz MOCAA or a collection at the South African National Gallery. Yet, there’s another world of independent galleries that spotlight artists and strive to make their work more accessible. Even established creatives are championing the next generation. Award-winning visual artist Blessing Ngobeni is an outspoken advocate for creating platforms and accessibility to art. This is a man who took his lived experience, having spent several years behind bars, and used it as the match to light the spark. His art mirrors society: the light and the dark. For Ngobeni, making art accessible is important, and he adds that even dealers and galleries are open to discussing payment terms. “We don’t mind because if we don’t do that, we don’t participate in changing the narrative of ownership of art.” You don’t need to be an avid art lover to appreciate i

My childhood summers consisted of three drinks: metallic-tasting water straight from the tap, Sparletta, and tea. Yet, nothing beats the cold, refreshing taste of Oros aan-maak (premix) drink as it hits the back of your throat. Sweet and sour intertwined in a marriage of convenience. Throw in a few ice cubes, and you’ve got the mocktail equivalent of the Screwdriver. Nothing compared to it until I made the mango lassi’s acquaintance. The sun was a big, bright, shiny disk in the sky. I was hot, agitated, and heavily pregnant. Not an Oros in sight. My husband returned to our stuffy one-bedroom flat, bearing a gift. One sip and I was a gone girl.  Fresh mango pulp, yogurt, honey, cardamom, and crushed ice. The combination is really the girl she thinks she is. The drink has its origins in the Punjab region of India and dates back to around 1000 BC, according to foodie blog Classic Indian. While most of us enjoy it as a summer drink, mango lassi was initially used as a digestive aid. How’s that for your Chappies installment of “Did you know…” While the rest of the globe raves about matcha this and matcha that, nothing trumps a fresh mango lassi. For those who prefer their drinks without viral hype, we’ve curated a list of lesser-known cafes and food joints that serve the authentic Indian drink as we head into summer.

Can you feel it? That gees in the air? Summer is creeping in, and if you’ve played your cards right, you’ve probably already managed to sneak in a beach day (or two). We try to stay humble, we really do, but let’s be honest: when it comes to enjoying the festive season, is there anywhere better than Cape Town? (Spoiler: there isn’t. And no, we’re not taking feedback at this time.) From sunrise strolls along Muizenberg Beach to golden hour sundowners in Camps Bay, the Mother City really knows how to do summer right. As the days get longer, the vibes get lighter, and everyone collectively remembers what joy feels like, so we’ve rounded up the very best summer festivals happening in and around Cape Town. If enjoying a picnic with a drink in hand while local artists take the stage is more of your vibe, check out the full Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts line-up! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow u

Tintswalo Summer House is no ordinary hotel. The latest addition to the Tintswalo Collection blends spectacular ocean views with elegant intimacy. The restored heritage villa now offers Tintswalo Summer House High Tea, allowing guests to savour every sip while overlooking False Bay’s Glencairn Bay. Slow down. Reish the moment. Indulge in sweet and savoury treats. Inspired by the people, history and seaside spirit of the much-loved property, the curated teas are meant to be enjoyed and sipped at leisure. High tea with a twist The signature family blends pay tribute to the women whose vision and influence have shaped Tintswalo.  Blue Horizon, a Japanese Sencha from Shizuoka blended with mango, passionfruit and citrus, is dedicated to CEO Lisa Goosen. Cam in Colour is hand-tied green and white tea with jasmine and chrysanthemum blossoms, celebrating Camlyn Johnston’s bold design instinct. Graceful Gaye, a Rooibos, lemon, ginger and pandan blend, honours Gaye Corbett, the matriarch and co-founder who, together with her husband Ernest, built Tintswalo. Adding to the experience are Summer House’s tea sommeliers Junias Manomano and Clement Moyo. Part storytellers and part flavour guides, their recommendations are always welcome. What’s on the menu? Think classic High Tea favourites with a distinctly South African touch.  From Cape Malay bobotie spring rolls to Coronation chicken pies, chilled potato and leek soup, and prawn and avocado puffs, the fusion of flavours is intentional. T

I was a child of the 80s when apartheid had reached its apex. The state police responded with brute force to any sort of protest. The National Government framed it as “violent riots.” My parents decided on private schooling when I started grade 1. They wanted to protect me against the upheaval. My world was far removed from the reality that thousands of people lived in.   I was unaware at the time. But there were signs. I was one of three pupils of colour in my class. My mother never accompanied me to birthday parties in Constantia and Wynberg. Always drop-off. Pick-up. I’d watch the other mommies laugh and chat, and wonder why she never joined in. When we went on holiday, she’d walk into the “slegs blankes” toilet, and my father into the other. It was only when I was much older that my grandmother told me how the riot police shot my uncle, still a boy, while boycotting on Thornton Road, Athlone. He died soon after.  We all have stories. Either those we’ve heard from relatives or friends.  I was a child of the 80s. Looking across the packed auditorium, I spotted retired politicians, activists, and local actors; hardly any kid from the 2000s. This bothered me.  The awards statue with one arm and one eye For many of the “born-free” generation, the Struggle and apartheid were a blip on the radar. An era written about in history books and on the Day of Reconciliation (December 16). So why the disengagement from a generation that should be lapping this play up with curiosity? Albi

Paarl has long been the home of the Western Cape’s most prestigious public schools. That’s what it’s known for. Oh, and for birthing some of the country’s greatest rugby players (Handré Pollard, we see you, and we salute you). For decades, it’s struggled to keep up with Stellenbosch’s cosmopolitan vibe. Stellies has thrown its marketing budget at its boutique wineries and award-winning restaurants. Paarl has brandy and that massive granite rock.  In recent years, the town has made its mark as a premier wine destination. But the Boland dorp wants more. It wants to claim the tourism crown in the Winelands. SMEUL officially places it in the race for that crown. Tucked in the original cellar of the newly revived Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl, the restaurant signals chef Kevin Grobler’s bold return. A serious glow-up for Boland fine dining. For the Paarl local, SMEUL (Afrikaans for “smoulder”) is more than a restaurant; it’s a statement. The kitchen runs entirely on open flame and wood-fired Dover stoves. No shortcuts. Just fire. Instinct and skill. Chef Kevin’s resume is a testament to his tenacity. A stint at Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN in Nice, Delaire Graff, and SCAPE has cemented his presence on the local and international foodie scene. However, SMEUL is his most confident, most unapologetic expression yet. If the woody aroma drifting from Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl’s main road doesn’t entice you, the contemporary, quirky decor grounded in the hotel’s heritage

Cape Town is the place to be when February rolls around. Queer communities from around the globe descend on the city for the annual Cape Town Pride Parade and Mardi Gras. Yes, last year’s event was a divisive concoction of protests and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. Some political parties used the platform to pay lip service to voters. Others chose to advocate for fellow marginalised groups. Queers Demand Homes, Not Walls took to the streets to protest against the City’s N2 Wall project. As for Reverend Oscar Bougardt’s call to create a “queer-free” Cape Town, that dream is squashed for the foreseeable future; Cape Town was announced as the first African city to host WorldPride in 2028. A local delegation formally received the WorldPride mantle in Amsterdam in August. The South African edition is confirmed for 28 September to 14 October 2028.  Attendees won’t have to wait two years to celebrate the rainbow flag. Cape Town Pride has announced that next year’s Pride festival will run for an entire month, from Friday, 5 February to Sunday, 28 February. Cape Town PrideThis year's theme is LOUD Loud in Every Colour The Pride Parade and Mardi Gras will be on Saturday, 27 February. The parade will start on Alfred St, De Waterkant and end at the Green Point Track, the Pride Mardi Gras venue. Next year’s theme is: Loud in Every Colour - Every flag. Every letter. Every one of us, LOUD. Interpret that as you please. On choosing the theme, Cape Town Pride’s Brand Ambassador, Nkosinathi Sangwe

You have two options. Which is it: DHL Stormers vs the Scarlets at DHL Stadium or Springboks Women vs Ireland at Athlone Stadium?  Two matches. Two venues. An hour apart. Tough call, isn’t it? Choose wisely. But as the Sabrina Carpenter song goes, “Please, please, please don’t prove I’m right.” Wear your patriotism on your sleeve and take it to Athlone Stadium. Bring your cheers. Bring your war cry. Bring it! The rest of the weekend brings the International Kite Festival, from Saturday to Sunday. Design Week South Africa takes over the CBD. Check out the event’s Cape Town programme for a list of events, from workshops to art installations to product launches. We also have an Italian opera, sip-and-paint fundraiser, and Nataniël in concert. CBD Design Week South Africa Instagram I Design Week South AfricaPresented by Pinterest, this year’s event takes place across the CBD’s activating studios, galleries, showrooms, retail spaces and public venues. Thursday, 22 October - Sunday, 25 October Venue: Various venues across the CBD Cost: Booking fee applies to various events; bookings via website A platform dedicated to celebrating design as an expression of creative thinking, Design Week South Africa encourages informative dialogue and open-source knowledge sharing. Presented by Pinterest, this year’s event takes place across the CBD’s activating studios, galleries, showrooms, retail spaces and public venues. The Khaltsha Academy: Sip for Something Bigger Fundraiser Webtickets

Cape Town City Hall has hosted its fair share of historic moments. On Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November, things get a little more mysterious. MAJIKA: Africa’s Greatest Illusionists takes over the landmark building for three performances, turning its grand interior into a theatrical playground of mind-bending tricks, illusions and feats that will leave audiences questioning their eyesight. Created by Cape Town’s College of Magic, MAJIKA brings together seven professional magicians for a fast-paced production that puts African talent firmly in the spotlight.  Following sold-out performances last year, the show returns bigger, bolder and armed with new tricks. Because apparently, making things disappear once wasn’t enough. Anya RamparsadFollowing sold-out performances last year, the show returns bigger, bolder and armed with new tricks. The magician’s apprentice Award-winning comedian and television personality Stuart Taylor leads the charge, with hosting duties that promise to keep the laughs coming between the gasps.  The line-up includes illusionists Olwethu Dyantyi and Kgomotso Marite, trickster Mawonga Gayiya, daredevil Anja Steyn, card manipulator Sinalo Mtwana and deceptionist Thomas Wege, alongside the MAJIKA Dancers. The result is a lively mix of theatrics, comedy, close-up magic and illusions. Expect participants to appear and disappear, seemingly impossible sleight of hand and enough visual trickery to make the most committed sceptic reconsider their POV. Now you

How excited are we for the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon? If you’re planning on cheering for a worthy cause, set your Sunday alarm for 5am, sharp. The marathon route starts on Strand Street and finishes at the Grand Parade.  It’s also Garden Day on Sunday, and the Norval Foundation has something extra special planned for the kiddies.  Saturday marks the final edition of The Craving at Outlore Base on Hout Street.  The immersive theatre experience has received warm reviews. A theatre show that hits different, The Craving puts you, the audience, in the middle of a psychological thriller unfolding within a fictional restaurant. For the after-dark folks, Sinful IV at SPECTRA will keep the drinks and beats flowing until 4am, Sunday morning. And because we look after your financial security at Time Out, we’ve thrown in a couple of freebie events around the Mother City.  @lethabokgadima Lunch in my city ♬ Typing (long) - Official Sound Studio CBD ICA Live Arts Festival UCTICA Live Arts Festival Wednesday, 14 October - Saturday, 18 October Venue: Various venues across the CBD Cost: Free for selected events, bookings via Quicket This is work that challenges your perception of live art in a non-commercial environment. Presented by UCT’s Institute for Creative Arts, the four-day festival explores art through visual and performing artists, breaks boundaries, flouts aesthetic conventions, tackles controversy, and confronts audiences. It’s meant to make you feel uncomforta

If you happened to catch this past weekend’s match between the Stormers and Sharks at DHL Stadium, you probably saw the cheeky “I Love Boobies” pitch message. The breast cancer initiative is part of the larger ILoveBoobies campaign, marking October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A non-profit organisation, ILoveBoobies estimates that 47, 000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa. Only 10,000 receive an official diagnosis. The NPO provides free breast health education, clinical breast examinations and diagnostic referrals to women in underserved communities.  Effective imaging also remains a challenge. “On average, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Regular, precise and reliable imaging can help save lives through early identification and treatment of breast cancer,” commented Dr Peter Schoub, president of the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa. “But the first crucial step is increasing public awareness of the importance of screening,” added Dr Schoub, who is managing director of Parklane Radiology, Africa’s first Breast Imaging Centre of Excellence. Waving the pink flag ILoveBoobies is one of several community-driven breast cancer awareness and fundraising initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show your support for the Pink Drive by attending any of the following events. Imagine Challenge View this post on Instagram A post shared by ILoveBoobies ZA NPC (@iloveboobies_za) Thursday, 1 October - Satur

Calling Cape Town’s history “colourful” is a huge understatement. Our city’s eerie past dates back to the early colonial era. We grew up on tales of phantom ships, haunted manors, and that still-notable story of Jan van Hunks, who challenged the devil to a pipe-smoking contest. Even the Castle of Good Hope has spawned several supernatural narratives, the most infamous being that of the Grey Lady (linked to Lady Anne Barnard). Then there’s the self-ringing bell tower rope, a phantom black dog, and the ghost of the cruel Governor Pieter Gysbert van Noodt, who died of a heart attack after being cursed by a condemned soldier.  True or not, those legends have upped the Mother City’s spooky credentials, earning it a place on the World’s Top 50 Halloween Travel Destinations for 2026.  ICYMI: Cape Town's myths, legends and ghost stories! Global travel trade platform Travel and Tour World named Cape Town No. 48 on the list. Not bad for a city where Halloween falls on a balmy spring day, and the sun sets after 8pm.  “We’ve always known Cape Town has a dark side. It’s mostly the shade under the oaks in the Company’s Garden, but still,” remarked Briony Brookes, Chief Marketing Officer at Cape Town Tourism. Romania’s Transylvania topped the list for obvious reasons, followed by Derry, Salem, Dublin and County Meath. “As travellers increasingly seek experiences rooted in storytelling, participation and a genuine sense of place, Halloween is emerging as a distinctive opportunity for destina

“Death by a thousand cuts” is how B-girl Courtnaé Paul describes her dance approach to someone who hasn’t seen her perform: that, and her explosive attacking style. The four-time national champion is heading to Toronto, Canada, in November for the Red Bull BC One World Final. The Durban-born talent brings individuality and a healthy appetite for pressure into one of breaking’s biggest battles. Courtnaé is taking it in stride. She jokingly admits the pressure is there, but it’s part of the dopamine effect. It’s the fire that fuels her determination. Come 29 November, when the four-time Red Bull BC One South Africa champion steps into the circle at the World Final in Toronto, Canada, there will be plenty to go around. The B-Girl and DJ secured a spot on the international stage after winning the national title at Thibault Square in Cape Town in September. B-Boy Toufeeq claimed the other South African position, earning the pair the opportunity to represent the country at one of the world’s most prestigious one-on-one breaking competitions. Tyrone Bradley I Red Bull Content PoolB-boy Toufeeq and B-girl Courtnaé Red Bull BC One National Final, Thibault Square No choreography. No safety net.  Breaking might look effortless when a dancer nails a difficult move. The physical demands are anything but casual. “People grossly underestimate the physicality of breaking,” Courtnaé clarifies. She compares the discipline to gymnastics, where strength, control and repetition are essential. 

The creative world descends on the Mother City for Loeries Creative Week, so best to avoid the southern precinct this weekend.  Otherwise, if you find yourself in the CBD on Sunday, how about a creative jam of a different kind? Think spoken word, truth bombs and provocations. The October Story Slam is going down in Loop Street. The rest of the weekend is pretty chill.  Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly 2026 is happening from Friday to Sunday. It’s a fab opportunity to experience art in a more intimate and personal setting. The self-guided art trail invites the public into the studios of over 30 artists at 20 locations. It’s also World Mental Health Day on Saturday. The 35KM Mental Health Awareness Run encourages participants to wear their running club attire in support of the initiative. CBD Creative Week 2026   Webtickets I SuppliedLoeries Creative Week 2026 From Wednesday, 7 October - Friday, 9 October Venue: Homecoming Centre, 15 Buitenkant St, District Six  Cost: From R165, bookings via Webtickets Loeries Creative Week is a platform designed to bring together individuals shaping brands, creativity and culture through thought-provoking discussions. This year’s masterclass focuses on the future of creatives and explores how the industry is changing. October Story Slam FixrOctober Story Slam Sunday, 11 October, 4:30pm Venue: KAYA HQ, 35 Loop St  Cost: From R150, bookings via Fixr No script. No notes. Just a story pulled straight from your own messy, funny and painful

Cape Town travellers have another route to Gauteng, and this one skips the O.R. Tambo shuffle. Airlink will launch twice-daily flights between Cape Town International Airport and Lanseria International Airport from Friday, 4 December 2026, giving passengers a direct alternative for travelling between the Mother City and Johannesburg’s western side. The new service is designed for travellers who want to avoid O.R. Tambo’s congestion, while providing easier access to communities and businesses across western Gauteng and the North West province. “Travel options on this route have been limited,” said Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “Our intention is to give passengers a comfortable and enjoyable alternative for travelling between the two regions, while also complementing our existing services to O.R. Tambo.” And there’s another first: Lanseria will become the first domestic destination in Airlink’s scheduled network outside its existing Johannesburg service at O.R. Tambo. The route will be operated using Airlink’s 98-seat Embraer E190 aircraft. The cabin comes with a small but welcome perk: every passenger gets a window or aisle seat. That’s right, no middle seats! Nobody has to negotiate the dreaded armrest territory. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Airlink (@fly_airlink) Flight times From Friday, 4 December, Airlink will operate two return flights daily between Cape Town and Lanseria. The morning service leaves Cape Town at 9:20am, arri

Luxury travel is all very well, but the Cape Peninsula has never really been a place to tick off a view and move on. Now, Tintswalo Collection is offering guests a chance to get closer to the landscape and the people working hard to protect it. The collection has launched a new programme of conservation talks and experiences in partnership with South African National Parks (SANParks) and the SANParks Honorary Rangers.  The idea is simple: swap passive sightseeing for an in-depth understanding of the extraordinary ecosystems on the doorstep. Tintswalo’s three Cape Town properties: Tintswalo Atlantic, Tintswalo Boulders, and Tintswalo Summer House in Glencairn are all close to some of the region’s most important protected natural areas.  Boulders Beach is famous for its African penguins. Cape Point has the Atlantic coastline and Table Mountain National Park. Time Out tip: Cape Point is the burial ground for more than 26 known shipwrecks. Those are only the ones we know of. That prime positioning now comes with a conservation twist, and Tintswalo Collection is excited about the possibilities. “Tintswalo is proud to work with SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, whose mission it is to protect Table Mountain and the remarkable natural heritage of the Cape Peninsula,” said Tintswalo Collection CEO Lisa Goosen. Tintswalo CollectionGuests can choose between exploring the Orangekloof Valley and Disa River Not just a pretty postcard The Cape Peninsula Conservation Experience s

British author C.S. Lewis once said, “When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.” When we were little, things that went bump in the night scared the shizz out of us. The boogeyman was real. So were ghouls and wicked witches who would steal us from our beds if we were naughty. Our imaginations created nightmares that terrified us into a state of paralysis.  Then we grew up, and those childish things became forgotten archives of memories stored away in the deepest recesses of our minds. But once a year, Halloween (October 31) permits us to act a fool. We join bands of misfits and go hunting for ghosts and goblins. It’s for the kids, we say. We know it’s an excuse to entertain our delusions. South Africa might not go all in like the US, but the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain has become quite the attraction for Cape Town locals. Event organisers are only too happy to feed our thirst for all things Halloween-related. So, if you’re into trick-or-treating, you should pencil in the following events in Cape Town on Saturday, 31 October. Mystery Ghost Tour Time: Friday, 30 October, 7pm - 11pm Venue: Prestwich Memorial, Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD Cost: From R449, bookings via Quicket “Twas the night before Halloween, and all through out the house, all the creatures were stirring, including the mouse.” Except, this is an interactive evening exploring haunted spots, historic buildings, alleys, or cemete

Cape Town’s biggest rugby party is about to get a whole lot cheaper. HSBC SVNS Cape Town tickets are returning to pre-pandemic prices, starting at R180 when sales open at 9am on Friday, 2 October.  With the Blitzboks chasing a third consecutive Cape Town title, this is one weekend where your FOMO could be doing more tackling than the players. The action returns to DHL Stadium on Saturday 5 and Sunday, 6 December, bringing two days of fast, furious sevens rugby to the Mother City. The Blitzboks arrive as reigning HSBC SVNS Series and World Champions, having already secured back-to-back Cape Town titles.  Now they have another piece of silverware in their sights. And SA Rugby has clearly decided that fans deserve a little more bang for their buck. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HSBC SVNS Cape Town (@capetown7s) Rugby without the wallet tackle Ticket prices have been cut by between 17% and 28%, depending on the category.  The cheapest option, Category D, comes in at R180 for unreserved seating in the second tier. Want to be closer to the action? Category C is R280, Category B is R380, while Category A costs R500 for lower-tier seats around halfway.  Finally, an option for most budgets. No need to execute a financial Hail Mary to watch a few rugby legends sprint around a pitch. The move comes as SA Rugby looks to pack the stadium once again for what has become one of Cape Town’s unofficial starts to summer. And it’s about more than ru