Get ready to sparkle, folks! With the festive lights being switched on in town this month, the holiday season is drawing near. Here are other fun events and experiences ushering in summer.
Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Cape Town Elite 16
2 to 6 November 2022
Experience the Grand Parade like never before during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Cape Town Elite 16, a unisex, international professional beach volleyball tour. It’ll be transformed with 1 000 cubic metres of sand trucked in to create four beach volleyball courts in which the top 32 teams will battle it out for the main prize. After the World Championships and the Olympic beach volleyball tournaments, winning this tournament is one of the highest honours in international beach volleyball. Don’t miss it.
Where: Grand Parade
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R250 – R1 300
https://dosh.ly/2Zma
Company’s Garden Trees and Design Tour
5 November 2022
Explore the inner city on foot with a fascinating tour of the trees of the Company’s Garden where “the first crops of the garden we know today were planted in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck’s master gardener, Hendrik Boom”. The tour is hosted by Kate Crane Briggs of Culture Connect SA, an art and design tour specialist. It will be facilitated by Clare Burgess, a landscape architect and co-founder of TreeKeepers, which promotes the conservation of Cape Town’s urban forest. Guests will learn interesting facts about the trees, the evolution of the space and the social history which includes slave labour and monuments.
Where: Coffee at the Vine, 17 Queen Victoria St (start and finish)
When: 10h00
Cost: R350
https://bit.ly/3VAPnVk
Night on the Square
29 October 2022
Don’t miss the Halloween-themed edition of Night on the Square. Bring the whole family and prepare to be entertained by spooky performers. There will also be live music, good food, drinks and crafts from a range of stalls available “to make your Halloween more hair-raising and mouthwatering than the last”. Be sure to dress for the occasion to stand a chance of winning prizes for the best costume.
Where: Greenmarket Square
When: Free
Cost: 18h00
www.nightonthesquare.com
Dinosaur World Cape Town
Now on till 6 November 2022
Guaranteed to be a thrilling experience, Dinosaur World Cape Town is a phenomenal dinosaur exhibition featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs, a dinosaur street theatre, amusement rides, games and fun activities fit for the whole family.
Where: 31 Martin Hammerschlag Way
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R80 – R50
https://bit.ly/3BnOZ4A
Rhapsody: A Philharmonic Circus
3 to 6 November 2022
Treat yourself to an exciting performance by Zip Zap Circus before the performers jet off to Paris for a three-month run at Cirque Phénix. Talented musicians will be accompanied by an orchestra and Zip Zap’s aerial and circus performers will give it all they’ve got. The show was first performed in October 2021 as “Journey Returns” in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. It has now been revamped as “Rhapsody” and showcases “Africa’s magic in foot stomping music and daring acrobatic acts”.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R190 to R350
https://bit.ly/3Rv8T37
Red Bull Box Cart Race
6 November 2022
The Red Bull Box Cart Race is back after four years! Amateur and experienced drivers will compete in a downhill race using creatively designed box carts. The non-motorized racing event has taken place in over 52 countries and ensures spectators get to have fun, too. This year’s fan experience includes Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi and South African rally driver Giniel De Villiers, food and ice cream trucks, hydration stations and seating.
Where: The Bo-Kaap
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: Free
https://win.gs/3COdmYz
The Egyptian Cinderella Story
4 to 5 November 2022
Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio is staging the classic Cinderella tale in which a young woman’s fortunes change overnight. For this production, the story is set in ancient Egypt and has an unexpected twist.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R120
https://bit.ly/3F1x05Y
Vincent
16 to 19 November 2022
This multimedia cabaret tells the story of Vincent van Gogh, the world-famous artist who is one of the most important figures in art history. The production, which won the 2022 Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award Winner at National Arts Festival, focuses on the artist’s drive to create and his love life.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R180 – R200
https://bit.ly/3s890Xf
Alcina
12 to 16 November 2022
Alcina, which features the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, is a collaboration between Cape Town Opera and the University of Cape Town Opera School. This George Frideric Handel opera is full of magic and explores themes of betrayal and seduction.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100 – R340
https://bit.ly/3Tha9Ys
The Lightning Bolt Africa
11 to 12 November 2022
Africa’s highest winner-takes-all custom motorcycle building challenge sees bikers being judged on their building skills and riding on a pre-determined route to win R250 000. South African motorcycle journalist Wes Reyneke is quoted on Zabikers as saying, “Africa’s custom scene might be small, but it’s not lacking in creativity or talent and shows like the Lightning Bolt create a platform to showcase and reward that talent”. The showcase also includes a programme featuring live music, drinks and food.
Where: The House of Machines, 84 Shortmarket St
When: 11h00
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3VKEIYo
Art Walk: Murals & Monuments
11 November 2022
Join Kate Crane Briggs of Culture Connect SA for a walking tour focusing on new street art painted during the recent International Public Art Festival in the CBD and Salt River. Old murals will also be included on the route. which will incorporate the Company’s Garden and a selection of memorials. Briggs notes that “on a street art tour, you are never quite sure what you’ll see or who you’ll meet”.
Where: Starts in Bree St, at the junction with Carisbrook St and ends in Harrington St
When: 10h00
Cost: R250 before 4 November and RR350 thereafter
https://bit.ly/3SfUXJN
Betrayal
Now on till 29 October 2022
Betrayal explores the different outcomes of a seven-year affair involving a married couple and the husband’s close friend. The play was written by award-winning British playwright and Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter. According to the Artscape Theatre Centre, before the pandemic it enjoyed a successful revival and received multiple awards for both London West End and Broadway productions in 2019 and 2020.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100 – R200
https://bit.ly/3Byihxg
Free CBD Walking Tours
Ongoing
Keen to explore the CBD without breaking the bank? Join free walking tours that take place in the inner city daily. Organisers are on a mission to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and that’s why these operate on tips only and are open to anyone. 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
When: 11h00, 14h00 and 16h20
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3EXEsPR
Summer Symphonies
Now on till 24 November 2022
Music lovers are in for a treat with this year’s summer symphonies season by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Highlights include an appearance by international guest conductor Conrad van Alphen, Singaporean-born pianist Melvyn Tan, Romanian pianist Daniel Ciobanu and Alexey Stadler, “one of the finest young cellists of his generation”. Concert tickets are available via Dial-A-Seat (021 421 7695) or Computicket.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 20h00
Cost: R150 – R350
https://bit.ly/3MTK3bS
Christmas Oratorio: Lig van Waarheid
27 November 2022
The Vox Chamber Choir from Pretoria will be traveling to the Mother City to perform a new composition depicting the birth of Jesus with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. The musical piece features poetic Afrikaans song texts, including Halleluja-sangbundel and the Koraalboek of 1956. These have been given a contemporary take by composer Franco Prinsloo using “an unusual combination of instruments”.
Where: Groote Kerk, 43 Adderley St
When: 16h00
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3EXEsPR
24 to 25 November 2022
Specifically Cathy
If a fun and lighthearted evening is what you’re after, catch Specifically Cathy where Brendan van Rhyn shares interesting stories about his alter ego Cathy Specific. He’ll also touch on the first time he first put on a dress in 1984 and the journey that has led to Cathy Specific becoming a household name since her debut in October 2007.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre (HCC), 15 Buitenkant St
When: 20h00
Cost: R280 – R350
https://bit.ly/3COnMrg
Libertas Choir: Opera Highlights
20 November 2022
It’s not every day that 50 professional orchestral players from Cape Town are on one stage. Don’t miss this extravaganza of twelve operas by eight different composers which will be performed by the Libertas Choir and Orchestra and conducted by Johan de Villiers.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 04h00
Cost: R250
https://bit.ly/3QLGs0q
That Boogie Show
23 to 27 November 2022
When you throw in great music from the 70s and 80s, a live band, local musicians, dancers and local comedy, you’re guaranteed a perfect night or afternoon on the town. Don’t miss out on That Boogie Show.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R160
Opera Blocks
27 to 29 October 2022
Bring the kiddies to the CBD for the third edition of Opera Blocks by the Cape Town Opera. The session aims to introduce babies (zero to 18 months) to the theatrical world of opera and incorporates music, a specially designed set and lighting to inspire the little one’s imagination and their parents.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R240
https://bit.ly/3s86yAk
Pepperclub Hotel Spring Deals
Now on till 30 November 2022
Pepperclub Hotel, the recent winner of the best Luxury City Hotel in Southern Africa at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, has exciting deals to welcome spring. These comprise a Spring Pamper Package valued at R2 650 for two people sharing per night. It includes a welcome drink and platter, accommodation in a deluxe studio and a 60-minute full-body massage at Cayenne Spa. Other great deals are date night every Friday with a two-course set menu priced at R275 per person, dinner and a movie for R195 per person and a spa treatment for R680.
Where: Pepperclub Hotel, cnr Loop & Pepper sts
When: Depends on booking
www.pepperclub.co.za
Festival of Lights
27 November 2022
The City of Cape Town's annual festive lights switch-on, which opens the festive season, is back after two years. It promises to be a stellar event and aims to celebrate the resilience shown by Capetonians in the face of challenges. It will be accompanied by a free concert and the line-up will be announced soon.
Where: Grand Parade and along Adderley St
When: 16h00
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3z8qjeO
Cape Town Summer Market
16 to 20 December 2022
Don’t miss the City of Cape Town’s flagship Summer Market this year. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday season and pick out unique Christmas gifts. The family-friendly event features a range of stalls, a kid zone with carnival-style rides, a street culture zone and live bands. Parking will be permitted alongside the road.
Where: Company’s Garden, 15 Queen Victoria St
When: 17h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
https://dosh.ly/2Zma
The Nutcracker
7 to 23 December 2022
Nothing says things are back to normal like the return of The Nutcracker, an enchanting classical ballet, which has become part and parcel of the festive season in the CBD. The joyous show will be performed by the talented dancers from Cape Town City Ballet who will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at select performances.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R175 – R495
https://bit.ly/3yUwRh6
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. This August, it’s showing “The Eternal Scholar”, a must-see exhibition of Arnold Castle’s images which offer a unique historical perspective. Castle, a lifelong Mother City resident, photographed South African residents and landscapes for over 40 years.
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
Meet the Makers
Ongoing
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 now and October, including Beau Constantia and Idiom Wines. The evening includes five courses and five wines.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 18h30 – 22h00
Cost: R595 per person
https://www.grubandvine.co.za/events/meet-the-makers-journeysend/
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
EXHIBITIONS
Now on till 26 November 2022
Pleasure Over Pain
Cape Town-born artist Talia Ramkilawan has constructed striking images, made by hand and a crochet needle, using wool and fabric. These show a glimpse of her life and the simple pleasures she enjoys with those dear to her, such as a picnic on the lawns of Kirstenbosch or sharing a platter of samoosas and half-moons from Cozy Corner, a Cape Town institution. She says her works capture shameless acts of love and tell stories of intimacy, leisure and celebration and viewers are invited “to experience some of the ways she has accessed pleasure in her world, shamelessly and deserving”.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 6 Buiten St
When: 10h00 – 17h000 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
AVA Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 11 November 2022
The Association for Visual Arts Gallery (AVA) is showing “All Empires Fall” by MJ Turpin and a group show called “A Ripple Effect”, featuring eight artists. Turpin’s show examines themes such as what it means to decapitate a legacy, how does one deconstruct privilege and what is left after legacy and privilege have been taken apart. The group show raises awareness around climate change and the artists hope that their works will inspire greater urgency around the issue.
Where: AVA Gallery, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h000 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
29 October to 19 November 2022
After two successful solo art exhibitions by Skubalisto and Oda Tungodden, 99 Loop Gallery is hosting “Destination re-adjusted”, a joint exhibition by Nkhensani Rihlampfu and Richard Ketley who explore themes around hope, perseverance, and adjusting expectations. There’s also a solo show featuring a selection of artworks from Qhamanande Maswana’s series called “Extraordinary People”.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Open Plot
Now on till 12 November 2022
This beautiful group exhibition features 10 artists and plays on the double meaning of “plot”, both as a narrative device and a designation of space. Using a conceptual “vacant plot”, the artists “explore questions around distance, design and the memory of the landscape”. Featured artists include Alex Coetzee, Nonzuzo Gxekwa, Oliver Hambsch, Jeanne Hoffman, Bella Knemeyer, Pardon Mapondera, Mikhailia Petersen, Jonah Sack, Ben Stanwix and Xhanti Zwelendaba
Where: THK GALLERY, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
Red in the rainbow
Now on till 27 April 2023
This exhibition sheds light on the lives of courageous people who fought against oppression and racism during apartheid South Africa. It tells the story of a family of activists, The Carnesons, who with other freedom fighters, experienced hardship including torture, imprisonment, separation and exile as they opposed apartheid and bears testimony to the human spirit.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Don’t miss the award-winning Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the City Hall. This permanent, self-guided exhibition recently won first prize at the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s Cultural Affairs Awards. The exhibition honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. There are interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays. Also showing until June 2023, as part of Madiba’s exhibition, is a temporary show on the life of Enoch Mankayi Sontonga, composer of the hymn, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
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: Castle of Good Hope, cnr Castle and Darling sts
When: 09h30 – 16h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R50 – R25
www.castleofgoodhope.co.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
Kids who cook
Ongoing
The Chef’s Studio offers interactive cooking classes for children’s birthdays or special occasions. Professional chefs supervise and inspire aspiring young cooks between 10 and 16 years. On the day, parents are invited to join the Chef’s Table while watching their kids work their magic in the kitchen.
Where: The Chef’s Studio, 103 Bree St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R445
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: 21h00 – 23h00
Cost: R80 – R100
www.theathletic.co.za
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Ongoing
Hotel Sky in Lower Long St has a dramatic 35-metre Sky-Hi Ride on its rooftop. Thrill-seekers take a chair lift up to the top of the spire 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/
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 three 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 – 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/
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: R64 – R599
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 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: Red Bull Box Cart Race, WHATIFTHEWORLD, Summer Market, City of Cape Town