Marchelle Abrahams

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

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 excitement into the work week with Time Out Cape Town’s ultimate guide to First Thursdays, aka Fake Friday 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 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

Get ready to throw your name and your dignity away because it’s that time of the year again. Yes, I’m talking about Rocking the Daisies. Bring along your besties, and no serious relationships allowed. Remember, what happens at Daisies, stays at Daisies! Something else to look forward to is the inaugural edition of Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly. Eighteen artists will open their studios to the public. I’m excited. Are you excited? CBD Ntsika presents: A place called Ngoma Friday, 3 October, 6pm Venue: Homecoming Centre, M59, District Six, Cape Town Cost: R250 - R1200, bookings via Web Tickets Ntsika Fana Ngxanga may be part of music group The Soil, but when he’s on his ace, to his fans, he’s simply called Ntsika. Making his return to the stage in Ntsika Presents: A Place Called Ngoma, the critically acclaimed muso pays tribute to his connection with his ancestors. Instagram: Ntsika Fana Ngxanga Duet Endowment Trust Gala Saturday, 4 October, 6pm Venue: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town Cost: R250 - R950, bookings via Web Tickets Showcasing South Africa’s finest talent, the 2025 Duet Endowment Trust’s Gala Concert is headlined by internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Schultz and baritone Jacques Imbrailo, alongside Cape Town Opera’s House soloists, Judith Nielson Young Artists. Adamina / Flickr ATLANTIC SEABOARD  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Saturday, 4 October, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm Venue: Theatre On The Bay, Camps Bay Cost: R275 - R525, bookings via Web Tick