Have a look at the wide range of events and experiences on offer in town this spring.
St Georges Market
Every Thursday
The Thursday lunchtime food market that used to take place on St Georges Mall is back. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the CBD and support local entrepreneurs. The market features over 20 food vendors who offer patrons a taste of Cape Town’s rich culinary scene. A few entrepreneurs specialising in vintage clothing also form part of the market. Food vendors include Chef Lee’s Creations, Motherland Coffee Company, Seven Colours Eatery, Greek Eats, House of Halloumi, Sweet and Spicy, Zanne's Fare, St G’s Biltong, Taro Tea Co. and Crepe Town. Everyone is welcome.
Where: St Georges Mall, between Wale and Church Sts
When: 11h00 – 15h00
Cost: Free
www.stgsmarket.com
2023 Rugby World Cup Fan Park
Now on till 28 October 2023
World Cup Rugby fever is in the air. Catch all the action at The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel this October with other fans. The hotel has turned its first floor into a 2023 Rugby World Cup Fan Park with live games and fantastic prizes for supporters. To keep up with the World Cup gees, the hotel’s bars and restaurants have great drink specials and promotions. Other CBD venues screening live games include VIXI Social House, Beerhouse, Jerry’s Burger Bar Heritage Square and Urban Oasis.
Where: The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, 38 Long St
When: Various times
Cost: Free
www.granddaddy.co.za
A Song for You
4 October 2023
Don’t miss out on a fantastic show celebrating local cook, Fatima Sydow, who has been instrumental in showcasing Cape Malay cuisine. Sydow is the author of Cape Malay Cooking: My Story, My Heritage. The special evening will feature Sydow’s friends in the arts such as musicians Vicky Sampson, Jawaahier Petersen, Robin Pieters, Nuraan Boltman, Nur Abrahams, Alistair Izobell, Terry Fortune, Alfred Adriaan, Emo Adams, Donvino Prins, Salome, Madeegha Anders, Loukmaan Adams, Craig Lucas and Tyrone Paulsen.
Where: Artscape Opera House, DF Malan St
When: 20h00
Cost: R200 – R300
www.artscape.co.za
50 Years of Dance Celebratory Festival
6-7 October 2023
Jazzart Dance Theatre, one of South Africa’s oldest contemporary dance theatre companies, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a stunning show this October. The celebratory festival is not to be missed with its great line-up of national and international guest companies and artists such as Sifiso Kweyama, Celeste Botha, Shaun Oelf, Vincent Mantsoe and Gregory Maqoma.
Where: Artscape Opera House, DF Malan St
When: 19h00 and 14h30
Cost: R100 – R150
www.artscape.co.za
Wine and Art Night
12 October 2023
Don’t miss The Rainbow Academy’s wine and art event to raise funds and support its students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The evening will include wine tastings, captivating performances and an art exhibition in which people will be able to bid.
Where: The Wave Theatre, 44 Long St
When: 18h00 Cost: R250
https://tinyurl.com/mr2xrrj7
Heroes Gala Concert
14 October 2023
Here is a great course worth supporting. Renowned singer Lana English, who is well-known for her role as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, will be presenting and performing in a special fundraising gala concert to raise funds for the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA). The organisation ensures that young learners and students attending primary, secondary and special needs schools don’t go hungry. Other talented performers will also feature on the programme which will have classics, operas and musicals.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 14h00 – 16h30
Cost: R195
www.quicket.co.za
Cape Town Marathon
14-15 October 2023
Entries for the 42.2 km Cape Town Marathon are sold out, but social runners and elite athletes can still enter the 5 km and 10 km runs. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fantastic celebration of running. The main event is the 42.2 km marathon with a scenic route with views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Town CBD’s historical landmarks. Those not participating also have a chance to get behind the race and cheer runners as they pass through various areas in Cape Town.
Where: Green Point, passing through the CBD and surrounds
When: 05h30 – 15h00
Cost: R180 – R110
www.capetownmarathon.com
Operalia
30 October-5 November 2023
Plácido Domingo’s Operalia takes centre stage this October and is a treat for all music lovers. Five South African singers have been selected to perform with 29 others and will appreciate the support. The first phase, semi-finals and final rounds, in which musicians will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, will be open to the public and tickets are on sale. The competition is hosted by the orchestra, Cape Town Opera and the Artscape and is sponsored by the City of Cape Town.
Where: Artscape Opera House, DF Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R300 – R1 500
www.operaliacompetition.org
Swing With the King
10-12 November 2023
Treat yourself to a music concert featuring some of the country’s top artists. They will perform a range of genres including gospel, jazz, and traditional music.
Where: Artscape Opera House, DF Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R200
www.artscape.co.za
Let’s Boogie
22-26 November 2023
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie to great music from the 70s and 80s. The production features a live band, local musicians, dancers, and local comedy, which makes for a perfect night – or afternoon – on the town.
Where: Artscape Opera House, DF Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R160
www.artscape.co.za
La Traviata
26-29 October 2023
Cape Town Opera (CTO), which is due to co-host Operalia, the world’s most prestigious opera competition at Artscape from 30 October, will present La Traviata before the big showcase. The production is in partnership with Opera UCT and tells the story of a high-class courtesan in 19th-century Paris and her love affair with a young nobleman. Talented performers from Cape Town Opera and Opera UCT will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R162 – R520
www.artscape.co.za
Twins of Comedy
19-21 October 2023
When was the last time you had a good laugh? Join the dynamic duo, Lunga Tshuka and Phil De Lange, for their comedy special at Artscape. De Lange who prides himself on self-deprecating and tongue-in-cheek humour has created a name for himself in the South African comedy scene since 2013. Tshuka, who is known as “The Energiser Funny”, uses humour to bring joy to people’s lives rather than mocking people and is a strong mental health awareness advocate.
Where: Artscape Innovation Lounge, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h00
Cost: R160
www.artscape.co.za
Usiba Lwe Gazi
13 October 2023
After an absence of more than five years on Cape Town’s stages, South African musician Nathi Mankayi is back. The Nomvula hitmaker will perform songs from his fourth studio album, Usiba Lwe Gazi, which has reportedly exceeded more than 11 million streams since its July release. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
Where: Star Theatre at the Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R400 – R1500
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Cos Cos Tour
20 October 2022
Singer, songwriter and performer Zoë Modiga is bringing her Cos Cos Tour to Cape Town after sold-out shows in Durban and Joburg. Fans can expect songs from the award-winning album Inganekwane such as Umdali, Isegazini, Abantu and Intsha. Modiga has a background in classical and jazz training and is a performer of note who has collaborated with the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg, Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana and Madala Kunene. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
Where: Star Theatre at the Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 20h00
Cost: R300
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Winston Mankunku Ngozi Tribute Concert
12 November 2023
If you love jazz, catch the Winston Mankunku Ngozi Tribute Concert honouring the great jazz South African saxophonist. Ngozi who passed away in 2009 was born in Retreat in Cape Town and cemented his status as a jazz maestro. In a Mail & Guardian interview, his friend Rashid Lombard described him as a shy, humble man who through his music left a serious legacy behind and whose compositions are anthems for South African jazz music.
Where: Star Theatre at the Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 16h00
Cost: R200
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Requiem
12-14 October 2023
After a successful season of Tosca in Joburg and Cape Town, Cape Town Opera will be part of a magnificent production of Requiem: Journeys of the Soul. The show is by Jazzart Dance Theatre in partnership with Cape Town Opera, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Phoenix Dance Theatre. According to Cape Town Opera, the brand-new production premiered in the UK in collaboration with Opera North, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera and was hailed as a five-star “knock-out double bill”. Cape Town audiences can expect a thrilling and thought-provoking show which touches on renewal after a dark period of loss and distress.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R150 – R250
www.artscape.co.za
Dr André van Graan’s Art Deco City Walk
21 October 2023
Join a mind-expanding Art Deco walk that explores the style of decoration and architecture of some of the CBD’s finest buildings, including Mullers Optometrists, which has been around for over 132 years, and the masterly Mutual Heights apartment block. The walk will be led by heritage architect Dr André van Graan, and is organised by Kate Crane Briggs of Culture Connect SA.
Where: Mullers Optometrists, 104 Longmarket St
When: 10h00
Cost: R350
www.cultureconnectsa.com
East City Sessions
Every Thursday
The classic cocktail lounge, restaurant and boutique bar offers an expertly curated selection of established jazz acts and up-and-coming experimental acts on Thursday nights. So, mark your calendars. While entry is free, booking via bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za is advised.
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
When: 19h00
Cost: Free
Instagram: @eastcitysessions
First Thursdays events at The Station on Bree
2 November 2023 – 4 April 2024
With the weather warming up, The Station on Bree will be hosting its First Thursdays events which incorporate road closures, musicians and live DJs. Approved events will take place on 2 November 2023, 7 December 2023, 4 January 2024, 1 February 2024, 7 March 2024 and 4 April 2024.
Where: The Station on Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 18h00
Cost: Free
www.thestation.capetown
Dark Matter
29-30 September 2023
This dance work is choreographed by Llewellyn Mnguni and focuses on defying the odds and rising from the dark into the light. It features music by Aux Alaio, costumes by Siyababa Atelier and poetry by Maneo Mohale. Its organisers are paying homage to the lives of trans and queer bodies that have been brutally murdered due to homophobia.
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 70 Bree St
When: 18h00
Cost: R100
www.youngblood-africa.com
Cape Town Cycle Tour
10 March 2024
Next year’s entries are open for “The Argus”, now called the Cape Town Cycle Tour, are open. The iconic event is the biggest timed bike race in the world and will mark its 46th anniversary in 2024. Cycling enthusiasts can take on the main event’s 109 km route around the Cape Peninsula while those who prefer a shorter distance can take on the 42 km path which starts and ends at the Grand Parade.
Where: Grand Parade, 70 Bree St
When: 18h00
Cost: R850 – R400
www.capetowncycletour.com
The Promise
Now on till 6 October
Don’t miss out on a stage adaptation of Damon Galgut’s The Promise, one of the most exciting events of the year. Galgut, who was awarded the 2021 Booker Prize for his novel a white South African family under apartheid, is the writer for the production which is directed by actress, writer and theatre director Sylvaine Strike. Expect a star-studded cast and spellbinding performances.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R200 – R300
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Book Launches at the Book Lounge
Ongoing
If you missed Open Book Festival in September, visit Book Lounge to see all festival bestsellers. To find details about book launches, keep an eye on the store’s online events calendar that’s constantly updated with new launches.
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: RSVP at booklounge@gmail.com and please note that all Book Lounge events are from 17h30 for 18h00.
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
Candace Bushnell: True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex in the City
29 September – 1 October 2023
And just like that, the author and creator of television sensation Sex and The City, Candace Bushnell, is coming to South Africa to spill all the details in her one-woman show. Called True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex in the City, the show provides a glimpse into the life of the original Carrie Bradshaw in New York City. It should make for an interesting event considering Season 2 of the reboot, And Just Like That, is back on screens.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R300 – R600
www.artscape.co.za
Guided Tour of The Attic
Ongoing
Cape Town tour guide Lesley Cox has tailor-made walking tours that centre around the city’s rich history. One of her guided tours includes the Civic Collection Exhibition which is set up in the attic of City Hall. It features various historic and valuable movable heritage assets (archival, archaeological, historical, scientific and artistic) that encapsulate pieces of Cape Town’s management and growth over centuries. The exhibition was curated City’s Arts and Culture branch which also manages it. Cox also offers the following walking tours: Historical City Centre, Historical Waterfront, Castle of Good Hope, Company’s Garden and Themed Walking Tours, which include the History of Judaism in South Africa, The History of Christianity in South Africa, Memorial Art in the City Centre and Architecture in the City Centre.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: Depends on bookings
Cost: Email lesley@capetownwalkingtours.com or call 073 656 9496
www.capetownwalkingtours.com
The Ndlovu Youth Choir
12 to 15 October
The Ndlovu Youth Choir is coming back to the Mother City after a successful tour last year which was part of its first-ever headline tour in the country. The choir is known for its unique song arrangements of African traditional and contemporary music, dance and beautiful outfits. It stole many people’s hearts when it made it to the finale of America’s Got Talent in 2019 and is revered worldwide.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150 – R450
www.artscape.co.za
The South African Jewish Museum
Ongoing
The South African Jewish Museum, which houses the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, protects and celebrates Jewish culture and heritage in the country and is a wonderful institution to visit all year round. There are interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, and fascinating artefacts to help visitors understand the rich history of the Jewish community. The venue also offers private tours for visitors.
Where: South African Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Sunday – Thursday)
Cost: R50 (students over 12 years) – R200 (adults)
www.sajewishmuseum.org.za
Free CBD Walking Tours
Ongoing
Keen to explore the CBD without breaking the bank? Join free walking tours that take place in town daily. Organisers are keen to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and tour operators therefore rely on tips from clients. Options include a Historic City and Apartheid to Freedom Tour, Apartheid to Freedom and Bo-Kaap Tour and the Bo-Kaap and Historic City Tour. For more information, email info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za.
Where: Meet at the Piazza on Church Square, Spin St
When: 11h00, 14h00 and 16h20
Cost: Free
http://bit.ly/3ELMAlt
Viewpoints & Watering Holes Tour
Ongoing
This unique Central City tour sees attendees travelling by bus to six pubs, bars and rooftops in town while listening to fascinating stories that shaped Cape Town and its CBD. The initiative is by Gerald Garner, a city activist and tourism pioneer. Garner also leads the tours which start at Neighbourgood Bree Street and go through 14 Stories Rooftop Bar (Buitengracht St), Cloud 9 (Tamboerskloof), Athletic Club & Social (Buitengracht St), The Drinkery (Heritage Square) and Cape Town Gin & Spirits Emporium (Waterfront). Stops may be adjusted depending on private event bookings at venues. Garner also offers half-day walking tours from 09h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00. To book, send a WhatsApp to 082 894 5216 or email to gerald@localplaces.co.za.
Where: Meet at Neighbourgood Bree Street, 129 Bree St
When: 14h00 – 20h00
Cost: R1 000 – R850 per person
www.localplaces.co.za
EXHIBITIONS
The Artists Gallery
Ongoing
The Artists Gallery is the newest addition to the CBD’s vibrant art scene. The space shows art by some of the country’s talented artists and is on a mission to display artworks that make people feel good and inspired. Some of the amazing artists to check out are Corne Eksteen, Sara Gaqa, Androetta Bekker, Fadiel Hermans and Moeketsi Moahloli.
Where: The Artists Gallery, 34 Bree St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday, Tuesday and Friday), 10h00 – 19h30 (Thursday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.theartistsgallery.co.za
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
30 September-29 November 2023
99 Loop Gallery will present artist Rory Emmett’s new solo show from 30 September to 1 October. The Cape Town-born artist is known for his striking paintings in which he uses colour creatively. Then from 26 October to 29 November, the gallery will showcase new works by Alexis Schofield who is also based in Cape Town. Schofield uses her art to explore themes of status, consumption and class.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Galleria Gibello
Ongoing
Pop into Galleria Gibello for a dose of inspiration and joy. Owned by Caroline Gibello, it showcases wildlife and fine art photography. On her website Gibello explains that her work conveys a strong sense of beauty and reverence for spirit and her images bear witness to the multi-colours, textures and tapestries of the world in which we live.
Where: Galleria Gibello, 65 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.carolinegibello.com
No Change! Take Chappies!
Now on till 28 September 2023
Catch Adilson de Oliveira’s solo show at World Art and be inspired by his art which comprises sketches which he drew, digitally edited, printed and collaged onto board. An Augmented Reality element is also added to allow the viewer to experience a video animation when looking at the artwork through the app Artivive which is available on both iOS and Android.
Where: World Art, 54 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.worldart.co.za
Breaking down the walls – 150 years of art collecting
Ongoing
This extraordinary exhibition of more than 500 works, curated by Andrew Lamprecht, showcases the Iziko South African National Gallery’s 150-year art collection. Some of the pieces are on display for the first time and art lovers can look forward to creations by artists such as Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto, Peter Clarke and Gladys Mgudlandlu. Their works are juxtaposed with historical paintings and sculptures such as Rembrandt, Picasso and Goya. Don’t miss it.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Hidden Wonders of the Iziko South African Museum
Ongoing
The Iziko South African Museum is a treasure trove for those seeking mind-expanding experiences. Check out Hidden Wonders to view the venue’s extraordinary and almost 200-year-old collections. Some of the unique objects featured are ostrich eggshells that were carved into jewellery and given as gifts as well as a real preserved specimen of the “Living fossil fish” discovered by JLB Smith.
Where: The Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Who were the enslaved?
Ongoing
This exhibition asks questions such as: Who were the enslaved? What work did they do? How did they manage to survive a new, unwelcoming and often violent environment? How did they communicate with each other when they came from far-flung regions? As viewers explore the show, the stories of life under enslavement at the Cape of Good Hope become apparent and paint a picture of resilience in the face of extreme hardship.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Don’t miss the award-winning Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the City Hall. In October 2022, this permanent, self-guided exhibition won first prize at the Cultural Affairs Awards by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. In November 2022, it won an accolade for Local Government Commitment at the National Heritage Council of South Africa’s 9th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards. It honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. There are interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
REGULAR EVENTS
The Jam at Gorgeous George
Tuesdays
Musos keen on a jamming session have a home at the Gorgeous George hotel. The jam happens on Tuesdays and allows musicians to bring their instruments and play with other artists. Anyone is welcome, from music lovers to guitarists, singers, piano players to drummers.
Where: Gorgeous George, 118 St Georges Mall
When: Every Tuesday from 08h00 – 23h00
Cost: Free
Instagram: @gorgeousgeorgecpt
Jazz Night at Amber on Bree
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Jazz at Amber on Bree on Thursday nights. The venue also has cocktail and draught specials daily from 16h00 to 18h00.
Where: Amber on Bree, 16 on Bree, Shop 1 & 2
When: 20h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.amber-restaurants.co.za
Cooking classes
Ongoing
The Chef’s Studio offers interactive cooking classes including for special occasions like team building, end-of-year parties or private events. The sessions are taught, supervised and judged by the venue’s highly experienced chefs.
Where: The Chef’s Studio, 103 Bree St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Varies
www.thechefsstudio.co.za
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Thursdays
The Athletic Club & Social hosts live jazz musicians on Thursday nights. Aside from the great line-up of artists each week, the three-storey venue has impressive food and cocktail menus and offers great views of Signal Hill. Tickets are available via Quicket. There is also a bar service.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 21h30
Cost: R100
www.theathletic.co.za
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Ongoing
Treat yourself to the sounds of jazz and blues, delicious cocktails and food at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine every week from Tuesday to Saturday. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next. A pre-show dinner is also available between 18h00 and 20h00. A selection of spirits, wine and beers are also served from 16h00 until late.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 20h00 – 20h40 (first session) 21h00 – 21h40 (second session), 22h00 (third session)
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
www.grubandvine.co.za/the-blue-room/
Story time for children at the Book Lounge
Every Saturday
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za
IMAGES: CCID, Artscape, Culture Connect SA, Cape Town Marathon, Cape Town Cycle Tour, The Artists Gallery