Beat the winter blues by coming into town. Check out our events calendar and make it happen.
EVENTS
Live concert at Gorgeous George
2 July 2022
Gorgeous George boutique hotel is hosting a live concert on its newly revamped first floor called the Pink Room. It features musician Bye Beneco who will be doing a final show in SA before relocating to Berlin in August. There will also be a performance by Dangerfields who will be playing their first Cape Town show since the start of the pandemic and celebrating the release of three singles.
Where: Gorgeous George, 118 St Georges Mall
When: 19h00
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3u7G1o8
Friends of Orchestral Music Gala
12 July 2022
Here’s a treat for music lovers. The Friends of Orchestral Music, an NPO that supports the development of classical orchestral music, is teaming up with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra for a gala benefit concert. The tickets for the glittering night include bubbly or water at interval and a programme for couples or single theatre-goers.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 07h30
Cost: R650
https://bit.ly/3A90KLR
Opera Recitals Unmuted
13 July 2022
This production uses mini-documentaries to give audiences insight into the lives of four different opera artists from various backgrounds. Featured musicians include Bongiwe Nakani, an internationally acclaimed South African mezzo-soprano. She will be joined by Setsoana Ntseki (soprano), Vuyisa Xivu (tenor) and Smelo Mahlangu (bass-baritone) from UCT’s opera school.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 18h00
Cost: R120 – R150
https://bit.ly/3yu6RZS
The South African International Ballet Competition takes place at the Artscape Theatre Centre.
South African International Ballet Competition
26 to 30 July 2022
Catch Africa’s largest ballet contest at Artscape Theatre Centre this July. The South African International Ballet Competition returns as a hybrid event once again and dancers from South Africa and around the world will compete over five days and be put through their paces by renowned international and South African judges.
Where: Online and at Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150 – R285
https://bit.ly/3MdcBLV
Veronica Paeper’s Romeo and Juliet
17 to 28 August 2022
Cape Town City Ballet
The classic tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet never gets old. Capetonians are in for a treat this August as Cape Town City Ballet has pulled out all the stops. Exceptional international guest artists as well as the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will join City Ballet dancers for select shows. Don’t miss it.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R175 – R750
https://bit.ly/3yu6RZS
IKIGAI Purpose … Happiness … Peace
17 to 27 August 2022
Treat yourself to an interesting dance performance that explores the Japanese philosophy called IKIGAI. Cape Town City Ballet states that it subscribes to the concept, which relates to life purpose, life happiness and life peace. These three pillars will be depicted through dance by talented performers from Cape Town City Ballet.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 18h00
Cost: R175 – R750
https://bit.ly/3yu6RZS
Kids enjoying popcorn at the Odeon Cinema at Pepperclub Hotel.
School holiday fun at Odeon Cinema
Now on till 19 July 2022
Pepperclub Hotel has a five-star retro cinema that’s open to hotel guests and members of the public during “dinner and movie night”, which takes place every week. To cater for the current school holidays, the hotel is screening family movies daily at 10h00 and 14h00. Aside from this, there are winter deals to be had such as a R395 three-course meal at the hotel’s COPA Restaurant and accommodation packages for families starting from R2 950.
Where: Pepperclub Hotel, cnr Loop & Pepper sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R195
https://bit.ly/36JMop8
Meet the Makers
Now on till August 2022
If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting some of South Africa’s best wines and their creators over a decadent meal, now’s your chance. Grub & Vine has an impressive list of winemakers coming up between April and August, including Remhoogte Wine Estate, Raats Family Wines, De Kleine Wijn Koöp, Cape Point Vineyards, Brookdale Estate, Paserence and Miles Mossop Wines. The evening includes five courses and five wines.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 08h30 – 22h00
Cost: R750 per person
www.grubandvine.co.za
Brunch Club at The Blue Room
Every Saturday
Enjoy a sumptuous and leisurely brunch to the sounds of jazz at Grub & Vine’s Blue Room on Saturdays. This is a unique experience with a fresh take on brunch classics with an option to choose from delicious à la carte dishes or the whole menu. What’s more, you can enjoy bubbles from Graham Beck all day.
Where: The Blue Room, 103 Bree St
When: 11h00 – 15h00
www.grubandvine.co.za
Patrons enjoying Greenmarket Square.
Night Market on Greenmarket Square
Now on till 6 October 2022
All corners of the Cape Town CBD are being revived with exciting events and experiences, including the Night Market on Greenmarket Square. Following its success during the festive season, it’s been extended and will now take place on First Thursdays from March until October 2022. This City of Cape Town-backed initiative is a family-friendly affair with music, food, clothes, jewellery, and crafts from a range of stalls available.
Where: Greenmarket Square
When: 18h30 – 01h00 (Every first Thursday of the month)
Cost: Free
EXHIBITIONS
Kara Uwone/Grow Up and See
Now on till 28 August 2022
Like many Zimbabweans, Lionel Mbayiwa was forced to leave his home country and seek refuge in South Africa. He has faced numerous challenges “in a foreign land”. His exhibition pays homage to the elders of the Nguni tribe who said “Kura uwone” or “Kula ubone”, which means come and see. Mbayiwa explains that the Shona proverb reminds one that even when we think we have seen it all, there are some more challenges in life to be met.
Where: Association For Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Modern Masters
Now on till 30 July
EBONY/CURATED founder and director Marc Stanes has curated a must-see exhibition featuring a range of artworks by key South African artists. They include the following: Walter Battiss, Alexis Preller, Barbara Grace Burry, Peter Clarke, Ernst De Jongh, George Diederick During, Hannes Harrs, Jane Tully Heath, Dezso Koenig, Alfred Neville Lewis, Donald Madge, Leonard Matsoso, Nathaniel Mokgosi, Sam Nhlengethwa and Cecil Skotnes.
Where: EBONY/CURATED, 67 Loop St
When: 09h30 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 09h30 – 13h30 (Saturdays)
Cost: Free
www.ebonycurated.com
Salon Afrique: A Homecoming Reimagined
Ongoing
Great to see the space which formerly housed The Fugard Theatre being revived. It’s now called the District Six Homecoming Centre (HCC) and the new exhibition on show, called Salon Afrique, is part of the venue’s launch as a cultural hub. Curated by Beathur Mgoza Baker and Sara Bint Moneer Khan, the exhibition features over 30 African artists. In line with the new space’s ethos, it aims to “unite diverse cultures from across the African continent through visual art in a “home” that represents hope, remembrance, and belonging.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre (HCC), 15 Buitenkant St
When: 09h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday) and 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.districtsix.co.za
Exhibition by Bella Knemeyer and Unathi Mkonto.
OPEN 24 HRS ART
Ongoing
OPEN 24 HRS ART in the CBD’s East City is on a mission to make art accessible, and its creators are of the view that “art appreciation is not the preserve of the privileged few”. The space is open 24 hours a day and provides a platform for artists to present their unfiltered ideas. Currently, the gallery has works by artists Bella Knemeyer and Unathi Mkonto on display.
Where: OPEN 24 HRS ART, 50 Harrington St
When: 24/7
Cost: Free
www.open24hrs.co.za
99 Loop Gallery shows
Now on till 16 July 2022
99 Loop Gallery has two great shows by artists Lisolomzi Pikoli and Nicholas Hales. In his exhibition called Light Years, Pikoli looks at the magical possibilities of time travel while Hales presents geometrically abstract paintings in his show titled Alchemy.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Cape Town’s majestic City Hall boasts a permanent Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition that's accessible to the public on weekdays. The installation, with interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays, honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. One can either do a guided tour to see the various phases covered including an early life timeline, the 1940s and 1950s in Cape Town, 1960s events leading to imprisonment, prison years on Robben Island, struggle protests, 1980s negotiations, his release, 1994 democratic elections and presidency and legacy. To book a 45-minute viewing slot, email Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
The Castle of Good Hope - part of the Dr. William Fehr collection.
Rethinking the William Fehr Collection
Ongoing
People should not take things at face value and challenge themselves to grow and see the world differently. That’s the aim of this exhibition, curated by Esther Esmyol. While it’s slightly outside of the CCID’s operational footprint at the Castle of Good Hope, it’s worth viewing. It has extensive historical art and objects collected by Cape Town businessman Dr William Fehr. Iziko Museums, the custodian of the collection, urges viewers to look at the stories behind what’s presented and see multiple meanings.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Dreams as R-evolution
Now on till 17 May 2022
This one-of-a-kind show features sculptural forms, drawings, paintings, photographs and costumes. Artist Coral Bijoux challenges viewers to think deeply about transforming themselves and their environments. Check it out and, as per the show’s four pillars, dare to “reimagine ideas of self, space, authority, power and innocence”.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
REGULAR EVENTS
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Ongoing
Hotel Sky, the Cape Town Central City’s newest hotel, has a 35-metre Sky-Hi Ride on its rooftop. Thrill-seekers take a chair lift up and then drop down at a free-fall speed of 100 km/hour. The ride offers the best views of Cape Town and is reportedly the first of its kind in Africa and only one of seven in the world. You can purchase a ride or observer ticket. Have a look at what’s in store for you here and be sure to book your ticket here.
Where: 28th floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 12h00 – 20h00, Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting
Cost: R200
https://sky-hiride.capetown/
Friday Night Live at The Royal Oyster Bar
Fridays
Catch live music at The Royal Oyster Bar on Friday Night Live. Diarise it so you can ease yourself into the weekend with good music, a selection of oyster and cocktail specials, and good food. To book, call 071 490 2834.
Where: The Royal Oyster Bar, 17 Bree St
When: 19h00
Cost: Free
https://the-royal-oyster.com/
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. There are two sittings for the evening performances, which take place from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday nights are reserved for Jazz Jam Sessions, while the other nights are reserved for performances by headline artists. Cocktails and tapas are served from 16h00 daily except on Sundays. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next. A selection of spirits, wine and beers are also served.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 20h00 & 21h30
Cost: Cover charge of R150 per person (R200 for both sittings) on Wednesday and Friday, and R120 for Jazz Jams on Thursday night.
www.grubandvine.co.za/the-blue-room/
Live music at Local at Heritage Square
Wednesdays
Catch gifted local musicians singing live at Local at Heritage Square on Wednesdays. The food and drink emporium has various venues, including Mazza and Penny Noire Wine Bar, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Where: Shortmarket St, Local at Heritage Square
When: 18h00 – 21h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/LocalatHeritageSquare
City Sightseeing South Africa
Ongoing
Discover or rediscover Cape Town and its surroundings by hopping on the popular Red Bus by City Sightseeing South Africa. Choose from a range of packages available for adults and kids, including a Hop on Hop Off Tour between the CBD and the V&A Waterfront. The two-day Premium Hop On-Hop Off Ticket includes an option to choose between a Harbour or Canal Cruise inbetween the three stops.
Where: City Sightseeing South Africa, 81 Long St
When: 09h00 – 16h52
Cost: R49 – R499
www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town
Fable Music Sessions
Every Saturday
On Saturdays, Fable hosts DJ Tanner Mason who keeps patrons entertained with great music as they indulge in cocktails and good food.
Where: Fable, The Block, cnr Bree and Wale sts
When: 07h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/fablecpt
Gin Saturdays at The Station On Bree
Every Saturday
Where: The Station On Bree (five double G&Ts with garnish)
When: 13h00 – 17h00
Cost: R200
www.thestation.capetown
Story time for children at 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: South African International Ballet Competition, Open24Hrs, Pepperclub Hotel, Iziko Museum, Gorgeous George