What’s up in town as the wintry weather sets in? Find out here about Cape Town CBD events.
THEATRE/SHOWS
MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!
In a township classroom in the Eastern Cape in 1984, an idealistic teacher attempts to instil a love of learning one of his most gifted learners, but political unrest and the generational divide soon culminate in an explosive conflict with tragic consequences. Athol Fugard’s seminal 1989 play, My Children! My Africa! is a moving portrait of a country on the verge of revolution. This modern classic is Fugard’s hymn to the power of youth, education, hope and ideas.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 9-16 April 2025
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/my-children-my-africa
HAMLET
Don’t miss this thrilling take on what is often regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest play, Hamlet, by Abrahamse & Meyer Productions, in association with the Artscape Theatre Centre. Fresh from an acclaimed run at Europe’s largest and most prestigious Shakespeare Festival, award-winning duo Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer return to the Artscape with this innovative, epic production – characterised by spectacular stage design – of this dark and murderous Shakespearean tragedy.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 11, 12, 15 and 17 April 2025
www.artscape.co.za/event/hamlet/
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Known as Africa’s “grandest gathering”, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival “blends the timeless legacy of jazz with fresh, trailblazing talent from across the globe”. This year’s festival promises an array of top local and international artists performing a variety of world-class jazz and jazz-inspired music. The artist line-up for the 22nd edition of the festival will include Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini in collaboration, Thandiswa Mazwai, Kyle Shepherd Trio, Benjamin Jeptha ft. Kujenga, Ari Lennox, Linda Sikhakhane, Nomfundo Xaluva, and the Victor Masondo Quartet ft. Thembi & Bheki Khoza among others. Various hospitality packages are on offer.
Where: CTICC 1, 1 Lower Long St
When: 25-26 April 2025
www.capetownjazzfest.com/
SUIDOOSTERFEES ARTS FESTIVAL
This annual event has a cult following and is named after Cape Town’s southeastern wind – the Cape Doctor – and serves as a metaphor to symbolise healing and reconciliation. The festival aims to promote an inclusive, non-racial South African society through the arts, and runs several development projects benefiting emerging writers, singers and performers in the arts community. See the link below for the full programme.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 30 April – 4 May 2025
https://suidoosterfees.com/2025-program-2025-programme
COMIC CON CAPE TOWN
Seeing is believing at Africa’s biggest celebration of pop culture and gaming, Comic Con Cape Town. Expect unique cultural collabs and experiences, blockbuster films, extraordinary merch, exclusive comics, heart-stopping gaming for competitive and casual gamers … there is something for everyone. Organisers say the iconic festival is “all about self-expression and real connections with the brands, fandoms, and pop culture icons”. Get ready to geek out, folks. The programme is beyond exciting.
Where: CTICC 2
When: 1-4 May 2025
www.comicconafrica.co.za/ccct-home/
URBAN ACTION FESTIVAL
Presented by RISE Africa, this annual festival focuses on the challenges and potential solutions for African cities which facing transformative issues – such as limited mobility, insufficient access to resources, conflict and leadership deficits – and offers opportunities for engagement around key issues to find solutions. The 2025 festival, with the theme REALISING UNBOUND POSSIBILITIES through policy, research, creativity & practice, hopes to encourage thought-leaders, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs and local government officials to “bridge ambitious dreams for African cities with actionable plans and solutions”.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 25-29 May 2025
www.riseafrica.iclei.org/rise-2025/
GOOD LIFE SHOW
The Good Life Show is Africa’s premier conscious-living event focusing on health, wellness and sustainability. Expect delicious food, exciting and innovative beverages, new wellness products and more. The show aims to inspire, educate and entertain while promoting a healthier, happier lifestyle. There’ll be chef demos, hands-on master classes, mixology sessions, insightful industry talks and activities.
Where: CTICC 2, cnr Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias
When: 30 May – 1 June 2025
www.goodlifeshowafrica.com/
DECOREX CAPE TOWN
Everything décor and design happens at Decorex Cape Town, and this year’s platform, entitled The Future of Living, will deliver the same high-end input of creativity and innovation complete with interesting talks, themed exhibitions, hip-and-happening brands and more. Join industry leaders and design fundis as they explore trends, including how technology and design are revolutionising our homes and improving our quality of life. There’ll be more than 230 companies showcasing the transformative designs and ideas that are shaping the way we live.
Where: CTICC 1, 1 Lower Long St
When: 5-8 June 2025
www.decorex.co.za/cape-town/en-gb.html
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY
Presented by BBC Studios and Andre Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co., this children’s show has extraordinary puppets which bring Bluey to life. Don’t know who Bluey is? She’s the star of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, and this theatrical adaption’s tour of South Africa has an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show and take the kids to see Bluey in “real” life.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: From 26 June – 6 July 2025
www.artscape.co.za/event/blueys-big-play/
EXHIBITIONS
Truth to Power: Desmond Tutu and the Churches
Ongoing
This is a new and exciting permanent exhibition celebrating key aspects of the legacy of the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, housed at the former Old Granary building, now the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. The was curated by the Apartheid Museum. Come and experience the journey of The Arch, one of South Africa’s greatest heroes.
Where: Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Buitenkant St
Time: 09h30 – 15h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: Free for children under 18; standard cost R100 with concessions available
www.tutu.org.za
The Names of Freedom: 1664-1848 From Slave to Citizen
Ongoing
Names of Freedom forms part of an exhibition exchange between Iziko Museums of South Africa, the Reunion Departmental Council (France) and the Villèle Historical Museum. It explores questions of identity through the history of slaves with a focus on how slaves were given their names just before and after emancipation and the meaning of this for their descendants who still have these names which were recorded in the historic registers. This is the first exchange of exhibitions between two former colonies and Indian Ocean Slave Trade repositories.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, top of Adderley St
Time: 09h00-17h00
https://www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/the-names-of-freedom-1664-1848-from-slave-to-citizen/
REGULAR EVENTS
Knit & Natter Group
First Sunday of the month
Those who love knitting and crocheting will feel at home at the Knit & Natter Group. Members meet on the first Sunday of each month to knit and crochet while sharing wonderful stories. Women from all walks of life are welcome to join and bring yarn and needles, ideas, current projects as well as snacks.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Marble Foyer), D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00-17h00
Cost: Free
www.artscape.co.za
Cape Town Craft Club
Every first and second Wednesday of the month
This bimonthly craft circle aims to get creative people together to make stuff in a laid-back, fun and judgment-free space. Absolutely everyone is welcome, from seasoned makers to those who haven’t picked up a crayon since childhood. Bring whatever you’re working on and join the circle whenever you feel like it.
Where: The Ladder on Bree
When: 18h00
https://capetowncraftclub.wordpress.com/craft-circle/
Sunday Jazz Sessions
Sundays
Openwine hosts Jazz Sessions by talented local artists every week. These are followed by lively Sunday Jazz Jam Sessions.
Where: Openwine, 72 Wale St
When: 17h00
Cost: Free
@openwine_za
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
@eastcitysessions
Sky-Hi Ride
Ongoing
Experience some of the best views of the city and a mighty adrenaline rush. An eye-catching feature on the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, Sky-Hi Ride is a 35-metre thrill ride that takes you up in a chair lift, giving you a bird's eye view of Cape Town. Weather permitting, the Sky-Hi Ride is open to hotel guests and outside visitors. You can purchase a ride or observer ticket. A ride is free on one’s birthday.
Where: 28th Floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 12h00 – 20h00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R200 per person via Webtickets
https://sky-hiride.capetown/
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
Third House Poetry
Last Tuesday of the month
Third House is a community and open-mic poetry event to celebrate poetic talent. We facilitate a space in which poets can feel supported and inspired, share their work, exercise their creative voice, and network with other writers and creatives. Both established and novice poets are welcome.
Where: Selective Live, 189 Buitengracht St
When: 19h30
Cost: R50 at the door
@thirdhousepoetry
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: From 08h00 – 23h00
Cost: Free
@gorgeousgeorgecpt
Jazz Night at Amber on Bree
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of jazz at Amber on Bree on Thursday nights.
Where: Amber on Bree, 16 on Bree, Shop 1 & 2
When: 20h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.amber-restaurants.co.za
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Thursday to Saturday
The Athletic Club & Social hosts live jazz musicians from Wednesday to Saturday. 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
On Saturday mornings, Book Lounge staffers can be found reading wonderfully illustrated picture books from their beautiful and thoughtful children’s collection. There is a colouring activity sheet afterwards. All welcome, no RSVP required.
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00
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