Marchelle Abrahams

We love ourselves a Christmas market. Who doesn’t? All those baubles, trinkets, and stuff we’ll never use. Like magpies, we make a beeline for all the shiny little things, mesmerised by the sparkle and the promise that, “yes, one day I’ll wear it.” Cape Town Christmas markets hit different. One second, you’re the star of your own Hallmark movie. Carols playing in the background. Fake snow covering your hair. The next, an oom approaches you with the best biltong this side of the Namaqualand. Besides the usual fare, we’ve thrown in some goodies and newbies. The Vegan Goods Market understood the assignment and said, “Here, hold my eggnog.” And the Crazy Christmas Lady brings all the festive feels, because Santa is real. This year, why not support local businesses and spend that cash stash you were saving for the Black Friday sales and Temu on curated gifts from the heart? If you’re the Grinch that stole Christmas, stop reading now… Are you ready to unwrap a new Christmas surprise every single day? Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City.

Just when we thought we had some breathing space before Dezemba, November throws us for a loop.  Starting the month strong is Bed By 10: LGBTQIA+ Edition. The global clubbing event is a unique daytime experience that lets partygoers jol to their heart’s content and then be in bed by 10pm.  The Stellenbosch Street Soirées take over the university town on 11 and 25 November. Sip on fine wine and eat delicious food under those giant oak trees.  And then the Best Day Out Festival returns to the Company’s Garden on Saturday, 28 November. You might as well make a weekend of it, because the Festive Lights Switch-On happens the very next day. Hobble down to the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street to watch the festivities unfold. For the rest of the month, we’ve got cocktail festivals, R&B parties and a ballet that brings the cosmos to life via dance.

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

There’s something about New Year’s Eve that permits us to act a fool, try something new, and throw caution to the wind. But the setting makes all the difference. Bringing in 2027 will either be one of your best memories, or you’ll wish you'd stayed home bingeing ‘Friends.’ Thankfully, living in Cape Town means we have choices. Plenty of them. So if you’re planning to dance the night away or spend a chill time with the family, we’ve got you covered. Secrets of Summer is the premier New Year’s Eve event. Held at Black River Park Sports Complex, partygoers can shake it to the max across three dance floors. Chances are tickets are selling out fast, so act quick. Moving to the CBD, COPA at the Pepperclub Hotel keeps things family-friendly with a luxe dinner and live music. Honouring the time-old tradition of the annual fireworks display, the V&A Waterfront will put on another spectacular five-minute showcase. Closer to Llandudno, Epicure Club hosts its New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Think bougie, exclusive and very private. Time Out tip: Many of these events sell out quickly. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Also, don’t forget to schedule your ride-sharing service. Most importantly, have fun and be safe. Psst: Keep an eye on this list, as we'll add more parties as they become available.  This guide was written by Marchelle Abrahams, Cape Town city expert. At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more ab

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 Fun Fact: Did you know classic Christmas mince pies originally contained real meat mixed with fruits and spices rather than sweet fruit filling?

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.

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

Inspired by the Cape and its honey, Executive Chef Chanté Rabie and her team have created a celebration of local produce and indigenous flavour, all held together by honey, drawn from the Western Cape's distinctive landscapes. Guests select two teas from a thoughtfully curated list rooted in South African soil. And then the epicurean journey begins with the savoury course. Think Saldanha-inspired tartlets, Karoo lamb croquettes, and creamed thyme brie with honey-poached pears. Each dish is served with a honey that elevates every mouthful. The scones are presented in three variants: citrus zest, curled buttermilk and savoury wild rosemary, served with clotted cream and naartjie curd.  Leave space for the sweet treats, or you'll regret it later. The drama of afternoon tea comes in the form of decadent honey and orange blossom macarons and hazelnut and African beechwood choux.

Olivia Dean is coming to Milk and Cookies! She joins South African music stars Elaine, Zee Nxumalo, Chelsea Sloan and Jade T. Dates: 29 January, 2927 Venue: Sandringham Farm in Cape Town Tickets: General on sale: Friday, 30 October SAST via Howler for both Cape Town and Johannesburg.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🥛Milk + Cookies 🍪 (@milkcookiesfest) Across both cities, the festival brings together music, food, fashion, art and design in the same space, with panels, workshops, pop-ups and parties running alongside the stages. Each edition is built with South African artists, creators, venues and partners. “Never the same sound, always the same feeling,” said Chase Freeman, Head of Marketing at Milk + Cookies. “That’s the only brief we’ve ever had. We book for the people in the room, not for a genre, and they come for what the room feels like as much as the name on the poster.” Kaytranada headlined the South African debut in 2025, drawing 20,000 people. Last year, with Gunna headlining, attendance passed 30,000 across both cities. It’ll be hard to top those two acts with 2027’s headline announcement. We wait with bated breath!

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

Canadian architect and artist Richard Henriquez once said, “Old buildings are like a book. You can open it and read the history of a place, of a people, of a civilisation.”  St George’s Cathedral embodies those words. Every brick has a story. History lingers in the walls, the passages and every nook and cranny.  Southern Africa’s oldest cathedral played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle. Led by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, St George’s was a haven for activists, politicians and anyone taking up arms against the apartheid government. Below the ground floor, and away from prying eyes, they gathered in the building’s crypt. The meeting place was more than a refuge; it was a safe space to exchange ideas and dream out loud for a free South Africa. Over the years, the subterranean space underwent many transformations, from a restaurant and tea room to a jazz club. Then, in 2022, a fire broke out during the early hours of a Sunday morning. An act of arson, according to Cathedral Dean Reverend Michael Weeder. A lit piece of cotton or gauze was thrown through a small, barred window near the steps of the Wale Street entrance. SuppliedPaying homage to the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the church’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, the exhibition commemorates the Cape Town peace march in September 1989. Rising from the ashes Several years later, the crypt has reopened under a new name, the Crypt Memory and Witness space.  Accompanying the reopening is an exhibitio

South Africa’s adopted son, Jason Vanporppal, has returned to the Motherland, and this time he plans to take his time exploring the country, its people and food. The US skateboarder and internet personality won our hearts when he skateboarded across Africa, starting in Kampala, Uganda, and ending in Cape Town in May. About 6,000km later, he raised funds to build a skatepark for disadvantaged children in Uganda. But like everyone who visits Cape Town, he promised to return, and that he did. Following a gruelling 30-hour flight from LA with stopovers in Istanbul and Joburg, he finally made it to the Mother City. His reason was simple. “I’m able to run, to skate, connect with the people who I’ve met before… I’m going to be doing some with organisations,” he quipped in an IG video. And we don’t blame him. Because who can deny the beauty of a Cape Town sunset or the genuine warmth of South Africans? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jason Vanporppal (@jaayfilms) Fill it to the top The last time Jason was in the Mother City, he got around on a skateboard. Now, he’s swapped four small wheels for much larger ones. He didn’t account for the petrol price. Someone should have warned him. Getting behind the wheel of a car in Cape Town came with a lot of “firsts,” including his first time “filling up on gas.” Like with all his experiences, Jason documented it.  With his pal Mitch, he pulled into the garage. Unsure of what comes next, he tells the pet

Behold, dear readers, Friday the 13th is on the horizon. Or, as I’d like to call it, Freaky Friday. But as Elvis sang, don’t let suspicious minds stop you from going out and having a good time. And believe me, lots is happening this weekend. The AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival kicks off in the city centre. If you consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur, grab a weekend pass and visit the pop-up bars participating in the event. Free activities include Explore Our Gardens at Greenpoint Urban Park. Also on the Atlantic Seaboard, Mojo Market’s Reggae All Day invites Bob Marley fans to dance the night away. Saturday brings the inaugural Motherkind PowerHER Fit Fest. Celebrity fitness guru Kayla Itsines will lead a fun workout session. Then the after-party takes over Allée Bleue Wine Estate, with Lady Zamar’s sweet vocals cooling us down. CBD Vusi Nova Here to Stay National Tour WebticketsVusi Nova Here to Stay National Tour Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November, 8pm Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St  Cost: R350 - R600, bookings via Webtickets Vusi Nova, AKA Somazi’s bestie, has embarked on a national tour to celebrate 10 years of ‘Naninina’. The 2016 album cemented his status as an Afro-Soul musician, and now he’s taking it on tour with a special live concert experience. Fans can look forward to old favourites like ‘Ndikuthandile’ and ‘Intliziyo’. Swing With The King WebticketsSwing With The King Friday, 13 November, 7:30pm Venue: Artscape, Opera House, D.F.

Public spaces are more than meeting places; they are identity, memory and belonging, reflecting whose stories a community chooses to preserve.  In Strand, a recently renamed square is bringing an important chapter of the seaside town’s history back into the public eye. Formerly known as Ben Friedman Square, the space is now officially Strand Muslim Community Square, following a City of Cape Town ceremony last week. The change recognises the Muslim community’s longstanding presence in Strand, its cultural contribution to the area and the history of families forcibly removed during apartheid. CoCT I SuppliedFormerly known as Ben Friedman Square, the space is now officially Strand Muslim Community Square. Time Out Insider Tip: Visiting Johannesburg and want to taste an experience a place that understood it Muslim customer long before halal options became commonplace across major takeaway chains? Read about Kentucky Milk Bar: One of Fordsburg’s oldest restaurants Restoring connection For the community, the renaming represents more than symbolic recognition. It is an opportunity to restore a connection to a place that once formed the heart of its social, religious and economic life. Islam’s roots in Strand stretch back more than two centuries. Its history is reflected in the three mosques (Javia Mosque, Nurul Islam Masjid and Nurul Anwar Mosque) surrounding the square. They serve as important spiritual and cultural landmarks.  Built in the 19th century, Javia Mosque was recognis

You know we’re in ke Dezemba mode when Kirstenbosch announces its Summer Sunset Concerts lineup. This year’s music bill reads like an all-star cast of South Africa’s best talent. Kicking off the 34th iteration of the summer concerts series is Mi Casa on Sunday, 22 November 2026. Because what better way to bring in the festive season than grooving to ‘Ter Mais’? Or, as my kid likes to sing, “der mice”.  For decades, Kirstenbosch has hosted the Summer Sunset Concerts below the foot of Table Mountain. The annual tradition has become an institution in the Mother City; a gathering place for families, picnics and good vibes. Oh, and don’t forget the live music. Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch, said this season they wanted to bring together artists and sounds, offering different ways for visitors to enjoy live music together. “This sense of connection is what keeps the tradition alive,” Sarah explained. “Just as importantly, putting South African artists on this stage connects local talent with audiences and supports the people whose skills make live music possible. In that way, the concerts positively contribute to the country and city’s creative economy,” she added. Kirstenbosch has delivered on that vision. From jazz to Kwele pop and classical music, concertgoers will experience it all until Sunday, 28 March 2027. Instagram: lloyiso_rsaLloyiso will light up the stage on Sunday, 17 January Same-same but different US singer Jessica Vosk, known for playing

It’s been a week. From taxi strikes to standing in long voting lines, we need something to lift our spirits. Luckily, this weekend has a little something-something for everyone. Friday kicks off with the 24th Nelson Mandela Lecture, hosted at the CTICC. This year’s guest speaker is Colombia’s former president and 2016 Nobel Peace Laureate Juan Manuel Santos. In the current geopolitical climate, it’ll be interesting to hear his take on current affairs. Also on Friday, the DSK Bazaar will light up the German International School with all sorts of German-inspired shenanigans.  It’s been a week. From taxi strikes to standing in long voting lines, we need something to lift our spirits. Luckily, this weekend has a little something-something for everyone. Friday kicks off with the 24th Nelson Mandela Lecture, hosted at the CTICC. This year’s guest speaker is Colombia’s former president and 2016 Nobel Peace Laureate Juan Manuel Santos. In the current geopolitical climate, it’ll be interesting to hear his take on current affairs. Also on Friday, the DSK Bazaar will light up the German International School with all sorts of German-inspired shenanigans.  When last did you have a good laugh? I mean, tears in your eyes, tummy ache, cackle? Steenberg Comedy Night will deliver the goods, while you bring your poker face. Easing into Sunday, Platō Coffee in Wynberg is hosting its first dog walk at Maynardville Park. Yes, fur babies are mandatory. That’s it, folks. Don’t forget to tip your wa

There’s magic in a festival that invites you to slow down, pull up a chair and discover the stories unfolding right on your doorstep. Add a seaside village, a mountain backdrop and a gathering of writers, poets, musicians and artists, and you have the makings of something worth celebrating. Kleinmond is an Overberg coastal town in the Western Cape, about 90 to 100 kilometres east of Cape Town, nestled between Betty's Bay and Hermanus - with its Kleinmond inniebos Kunstefees (KliK) returning from Friday, 27 to Sunday, 29 November. It brings a growing community of creatives and culture lovers for a festival as much about connection as art. It takes a village Following its inaugural outing in 2025 as the Mthimkhulu Kleinmond Kleine Kunstefees, KliK is expanding into a village-wide celebration. The gathering will feature more than 40 authors, poets, visual artists and performers across 16 scheduled events and six community venues.  The programme stretches from Kleinmond Harbour to the mountains and coastline, weaving creativity into the everyday spaces where the community lives and works. And that is precisely the point. Organised through a collaboration involving the Grail Centre, Mthimkhulu Community Development, local businesses, the Hangklip Kleinmond Business Forum and the Cape Cultural Collective, KliK reflects what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose.  Rather than keeping culture behind the doors of a conventional arts venue, the festival br

As Capetonians, we have plenty of choice. We only miss the little things when we’re away from home. A decent cup of tea. Avo on toast. The rich, sweet smell of Blombos on the West Coast breeze. It’s always the little things nudging you back to a childhood memory or a moment of bliss. Uncomplicated. Unhurried. Untainted. Taking the first sip of my Sticky Naartjie tea, I thought of the milky sweet tea my grandmother used to make. The unmistakable rooibos flavour with a hint of honeycomb was nostalgia in a cup. Finding connection in food I was seated on The President’s patio for the hotel’s Afternoon Tea. Executive Chef Chanté Rabie and her team created the new sweet-and-savoury menu, and I had the privilege of taking it for a test run before public consumption. Inspired by the Cape and its honey, Chef Chanté wanted to showcase the region’s indigenous offerings, and what finer way than with an afternoon delight? She started with one question: “Without the food, how do you bring people to the table?” Curating the offering became a personal journey of food and connection for the chef. It celebrates local produce and indigenous flavour with one common denominator: honey. Chef Chanté travelled through the Western Cape in search of distinctive varietals, from fynbos and West Coast wildflowers to African beechwood and Overberg citrus. Nicole LandmanGuests are encouraged to taste the honey. Savour it. Wait for the slow release of layered flavours. A sweet tea(se) The result was in fr

I told myself this wasn’t going to be another Halloween-centric events guide. But alas, I’ve spoken too soon.  The biggest event this weekend is the annual Zombie Walk, obviously. The Zeitz MOCAA is also pulling out all the stops for its Fright at the Museum evening. It’ll be interesting to see how the museum comes alive after dark.  Up for something more light-hearted? The Langa Food Fashion Music Fest is happening on Saturday. It’s a bold, vibrant celebration of township culture. For my party people, Amahle - Afro House brings all the Afro House vibes.  For the Sunday chills, Sisonke Xonti will set the stage alight at the Homecoming Centre. He returns with uKholo, an album rooted in faith, hope, healing and resilience. Or you could forget all the above and go straight into Spring Beast Mode to prepare for Ke Dezemba. Alexa, play Sisqó’s ‘Thong Song’. CBD FAME Shorts Film Festival  FAME Shorts Film FestivalMarley Schmidt, a first-year BA Animation student at SAE, created the artwork which served as the inspiration for the official artwork for this year’s festival. Friday, 30 October - Sunday, 1 November, 7pm Venue: Rockefeller Hotel & Residence, 12 Christiaan Barnard St, Foreshore  Cost: From R75, bookings via Quicket Part of Fame Africa Week, the 2026 FAME Shorts Film Festival celebrates stories of hope, curiosity, possibility and the courage to keep moving forward. This year’s programme concentrates on wonderfully strange worlds where the ordinary becomes unexpected. A

How about spending next Tuesday (3 November) with a few friends, good food and wine, all for a charitable cause? Take a drive to Sea Point and pop into Arthur’s Mini Super for a chilled, relaxed wine tasting.  R250 will get you in the door, an opportunity to taste wines from three different estates, and Arthur’s Mini Super takes care of the bites.  The retro-style neighbourhood café hosted the series of Good Table dinners earlier this year, and raised R50,000 for Ladles of Love. This time, a new wine tasting series, Pour Favor, switches things up with a relaxed evening of local wine and good food. The first Pour Favor happens next Tuesday, 3 November. It brings together three local winemakers for an informal tasting from 6pm until close. Confirmed for the first event are Mother Rock, Testalonga, and Intellego. And if you’re craving Arthur’s cheesy Marmite toasties, mini boerie rolls, or fried pickles, you’re in luck! All your favs will be served, fresh from the deli kitchen. Gabriella I SuppliedAnd if you’re craving Arthur’s cheesy Marmite toasties, mini boerie rolls, or fried pickles, you’re in luck! All your favs will be served, fresh from the deli kitchen. Feeding the soul Ladles of Love provides nutritious and wholesome food to vulnerable people, most of whom are children. The NPO also supports urban farmers in growing natural, wholesome food economically and sustainably. Its founder, Danny Diliberto, started a soup kitchen outside his Italian restaurant 12 years ago th

What if we reimagined waste as wealth? Pee, to be precise. You know that yellow liquid we flush down the toilet without giving it a second thought? Cape Town startup Pee-Cycling calls it “liquid gold”. Hang on, stay with me.  The University of Cape Town (UCT)-born initiative found a way to extract agricultural nutrients and high-purity water directly from urine. The guys at Pee-Cycling believe that mining the nutrient-rich resource can help solve food insecurity and water scarcity.  Time Out first reported on the think tank in September. Remember the second Test of the Springboks versus the All Blacks at DHL Stadium where 3,600 litres of pee was collected? Don’t worry, your pee was put to good use.  Pee-Cycling collaborated with Bidvest Prestige to collect urine from a single toilet and four urinal troughs. It then converted the waste on site into a liquid fertiliser, recovering both nutrients and water that would otherwise be flushed away. SuppliedPee-Cycling was selected overall for its ability to address multiple environmental challenges. Embodying circular economy principles Their work was so impressive that they won the FNF GreenPitch Challenge 2026. That’s not the end of Pee-Cycling's award-winning streak. The annual Market Systems Symposium recently named them the winner of the Circular Innovation Challenge 2026, and a R250,000 cash prize. Following a rigorous pitch event hosted at Vikara Institute, the flagship initiative of SOLVE, the V&A Waterfront’s NPC, the judg

November signals the start of end-of-the-year festivities. With Guy Fawkes (Thursday, 5 November) and Diwali celebrations (Friday, 6 November to Tuesday, 10 November) around the corner, the Cape Town skyline is expected to be lit with a kaleidoscope of fireworks. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean residents have carte blanche to set off fireworks willy-nilly. The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) has already received complaints about the sale and discharge of fireworks. “The increase is disappointing, but not entirely surprising,” commented Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. “While many people have come to understand and support efforts to snuff out the illegal use of fireworks, there are still pockets of resistance in the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes and Diwali, and then also around New Year’s.” Hotspot areas include Manenberg, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Atlantis, Heideveld, Hanover Park, Belhar and Bonteheuwel.   SEE: Boo! 7 Fun, kid-friendly Halloween events happening in Cape Town Uptick of complaints The City has also noticed a worrying trend. In the first three weeks of October, about 13 complaints about illegal sales and at least 49 about the illegal discharge of fireworks were reported. According to the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law, anyone who wants to host a public fireworks display must apply for a permit. Fireworks display applications must be sent to the South African Police Service v