Soak up the warmer days and lighter evenings with concerts, events, design and experiences that celebrate the very best of the Cape Town CBD.
CONCERTS/THEATRE/SHOWS
COPPÉLIA
Cape Town City Ballet presents the charming comic ballet Coppélia, a story of love, infatuation and mistaken identity focusing on Franz, his fiancée Swanilda and Coppélia, a beautiful life-like doll created by eccentric inventor and alchemist Dr Coppelius. When Franz becomes enthralled by the dancing doll, a jealous Swanilda disguises herself as Coppélia to win back his affection. Expect exquisite ballet, a much-lauded musical score performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, bright costumes and a timeless story set in a quaint European village.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 17-18 October 2025
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/coppelia/
ZIP ZAP PRESENTS: TAKE ME HOME
The whole family is invited to the Zip Zap Circus’s latest show, where the talented Zappers – young performers starting their journey – and Dare2Dream aspiring professionals will be showcasing their skills and passion, performing with professional artists and the band Freshlyground. The breathtaking aerial acts and acrobatics will be enhanced by vibrant choreography. Take Me Home truly celebrates the power of belonging through creativity and diversity.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 14 November 2025
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/zip-zap-presents-take-me-home/
IT’S BOOGIE TIME
Live music, local singers, dancers and a dash of comedy – the perfect ingredients for a fun night out in the Mother City. Sit back, relax and let your feet start moving to this high-energy journey through the Seventies and Eighties. From Motown magic to disco beats and power ballads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19-23 November 2025
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/14155/
KIDS LOVE JAZZ
Colourful, dynamic and full of creativity, Kids Love Jazz brings a timeless music genre to audiences of all ages. This theatrical production blends lights, curtains and all the excitement needed to celebrate youth culture. Look forward to classics alongside fresh interpretations. Book your spot now for a family-friendly evening bursting with rhythm, energy and innovation.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 9 November 2025
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
NATANIËL: CATCH ME, LOVE
National treasure Nataniël is returning to the Artscape to awe and delight Cape Town audiences with his distinctly expressive voice and poignant stories. He’ll be staging five performances of his new original stage production, Catch Me, Love, described as “hilarious, sad, honest and beautiful”. The lyrics are in English; the stories are in Afrikaans and English. Nataniël shares the stage with musicians Charl du Plessis, Werner Spies and Peter Auret. As always, expect gorgeously extravagant costumes, designed by Floris Louw. No children under 14.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 13-16 November 2025
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1570566944
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Book your tickets now for this ballet inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass, and prepare to follow Alice and the White Rabbit on an enchanting adventure. The production, targeting everyone from young dancers to lifelong ballet afficionados, promises outstanding choreography and storytelling and quirky characters. (Note: no under-fives at evening performances.)
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 12-18 December 2025
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/alice-in-wonderland/
CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS
Candlelight concerts are multisensory musical experiences under the glow of candlelight, so be an early bird and get your tickets for what promises to be a magical Christmas Classics show at the District Six Homecoming Centre’s Star Theatre. The Thandeka String Quartet will be performing all your favourite Christmas songs – from O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You. This is perfect festive season joy for anyone aged eight and older. In the meantime, also secure your tickets for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Candlelight concert at the Star at 18h30 on 7 November, or Tribute to Coldplay on Strings at 20h00 on the same evening.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, c/o Buitenkant St and Caledon St
When: Christmas Classics: 18 December 2025; Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Tribute to Coldplay: 7 November 2025
https://feverup.com/en/cape-town-south-africa/candlelight
CATS
Don’t miss your chance to book seats for one of the festive season’s standout theatrical highlights: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical CATS, presented in association with Cape Town Opera. Pieter Toerien’s cast will deliver all the magic, energy and nostalgia that make this family-friendly spectacle unforgettable. Be mesmerised by the mischievous Jellicle cats and iconic songs, including Memory, Macavity: The Mystery Cat and Magical Mr Mistoffelees.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 10 December 2025-11 January 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/cats/
EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS
OPEN STUDIOS
Architecture and design lovers, here’s one for you. The annual Open Studios event is taking place on 15 October in the Cape Town CBD, with a number of leading architecture firms, interior designers and urban and landscape designers opening their doors to hundreds of visitors walking the route across the city. Take a peek behind the scenes to experience diverse creative spaces, see interactive displays and meet some of the creative minds behind the city’s built environment. The studios are open between 17h00 and 20h00, and entry is free. Look out for route maps and participating studios online.
Where: Cape Town CBD
When: 15 October 2025
https://www.openstudios.co.za/
SANLAM CAPE TOWN MARATHON
Race fever comes to the Mother City on the weekend of 18 and 19 October, as a sold-out field of 24 000 athletes take to the streets for Africa’s premier marathon on the Sunday. Join the excited crowds, soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the runners from the CBD roadside. Top viewing spots include Darling Street, the stretch of Adderley Street between Darling and Wale Streets, Long Street, and Riebeek Street.
Where: Various streets in the CBD along the return route
When: 18-19 October 2025
https://capetownmarathon.com/
APACHI FASHION WEEK 2025
This event is a showcase of creativity, culture and style, bringing together innovative design, models and fashion lovers from 16h30 to 21h00. This year’s theme, Threaded Resistance, celebrates the power of fashion as a “tool of expression, resilience and identity”. Get into the swing of things by embracing the dress code: all black with a pop of colour.
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 70-74 Bree Street
When: 15 November 2025
https://youngblood-africa.com/apachi-fashion-week-2025/
MOTHERHOOD: PARADOX AND DUALITY
This large art exhibition offers a fascinating look at the complexities of motherhood in an evolving world, though the eyes of 70 diverse South African artists across different media and time periods – from acclaimed painter Penny Siopis and the late photographer David Goldblatt to renowned Venda sculptor Noria Mabasa. Also on show is the Keiskamma Art Project’s much-lauded Rose Altarpiece.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery
When: Ongoing until 23 February 2026
https://www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/motherhood-paradox-and-duality/
THE SEA AND US
Cape Town and its people are inextricably linked to the ocean, and The Sea and Us illustrates the many different facets of this connection. Come to meet the ocean’s creatures, from its smallest organisms to its giants, and see the museum’s vast two-centuries-old collections, complemented by traditional knowledge from coastal communities. You’ll be reminded of the importance of protecting our oceans and its habitats, reflect on ways to become a champion for the sea – and be inspired.
Where: Iziko South African Museum
When: Ongoing exhibition
https://www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/the-sea-and-us/
SURF EXPO AFRICA
The country’s first dedicated ocean sports and beach lifestyle trade show will be a three-day event focused on everything surfing, swimming, paddling and diving. You’ll find a vast array of brands, retailers and small businesses catering to ocean lovers from across South Africa. The show’s focus is on the blue economy, highlighting products and services, as well as opening up opportunities for industry networking.
Where: CTICC 2, cnr Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias
When: 28-30 November 2025
https://www.cticc.co.za/whats_on_events/surf-expo-africa/
FESTIVALS
BED BY 10PM
Love clubbing, great music, high energy and socialising, but no longer up for the late nights? Bed By 10: The Ultimate 30+ Clubbing Experience is for you! Go and enjoy your favourite 80s, 90s and early 2000s club classics from the resident DJ, immersive visuals, confetti showers and more. It starts at 4pm (no entry after 5pm) and will be over by 9pm, but the rave is real!
Where: 61b Harrington Street
When: 18 October 2025
https://fixr.co/event/bed-by-10pm-is-coming-to-cape-town-tickets-238404887?region=za&lang=en-US
REGULAR EVENTS
Knit & Natter Group
First Sunday of the month
Enthusiastic about knitting and crocheting? Join the members of the Knit & Natter Group, who meet on the first Sunday of every month to share their stories and love for their craft. Women from all walks of life are invited to join and bring yarn and needles, ideas, current projects – and snacks.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Marble Foyer), D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00-17h00
Cost: Free
www.artscape.co.za
Cape Town Craft Club
Twice a month, and special pop-up events
This craft circle, founded by a textile artist and teacher specialising in sewing, embroidery, weaving and crochet, aims to unite creative people with a mutual love of making things in a laid-back, fun space. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned makers to those who haven’t made a thing since childhood. Bring whatever you’re working on and join the circle.
Where: Various venues across Cape Town
When: Check the website for details on upcoming events
https://capetowncraftclub.com/
Sunday Jazz Jam
Every Sunday
Wrap up your weekend with an evening of live jazz, improvisation, good company and fine wine at Openwine’s weekly Sunday Jazz Jam. The vibe is warm and vibrant – get ready to soak in the rhythm.
Where: Openwine, 72 Wale St
When: 17h00
Cost: No cover charge
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFPhBSaMnDC/
East City Sessions
Every Thursday
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge offers a changing lineup of established jazz acts and up-and-coming experimental acts on Thursday nights, so join the party. While entry is free until 10pm, it’s a good idea to book via bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za.
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
When: 19h00
Cost: Free until 10pm; R50 thereafter
https://www.instagram.com/eastcitysessions/
Sky-Hi Ride
Ongoing
Adrenaline junkies can experience a bird’s-eye view and massive thrill on the Sky-Hi Ride from the 28th floor of the Hotel Sky, 146m above the city. Weather permitting, the ride is open to hotel guests and visitors and you can purchase a ride or observer ticket. The breathtaking drop reaches a free-fall speed of up to 100km per hour.
Where: 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
If you’re keen to have a fun time exploring the CBD, take in some history and culture and meet nice people, join a free daily walking tour. Organisers are keen to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and the guides are knowledgeable and ready to entertain and inform. 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: 09h00, 11h00, 14h00 and 16h20
Cost: Free
https://freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za/
Third House Poetry
Last Tuesday of the month
Third House is a community and open-mic poetry event where both novice and established poets are supported and inspired, invited to share their work, exercise their creative voice and network with other writers and creatives.
Where: Selective Live, 189 Buitengracht St
When: 19h30
Cost: R50 at the door
https://www.instagram.com/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. Everyone is welcome, from music lovers and guitarists to singers, piano players and drummers.
Where: Gorgeous George, 118 St Georges Mall
When: 20h00-23h00
Cost: Free
@gorgeousgeorgecpt
Live jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Wednesdays to Saturdays
The Athletic Club & Social is a cool venue with food, cocktails and splendid views from its balcony. It also has a great line-up of regular live music performances in the basement bar, from Cape Town and African jazz to folk music, soul and other genres.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 21h30
https://www.quicket.co.za/organisers/34189-the-athletic-club-social
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Tuesday to Saturday
The intimate Blue Room live music lounge at the Grub & hosts top local and international talent, as well as emerging artists, covering a wide range of genres. Guests can also enjoy delicious food, wine and cocktails during shows, which range from into soulful melodies and acoustic sets to electrifying riffs. It’s a good idea to book.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 19h00 to 10h30
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
https://theblueroomza.com/home/
DIPTYQUE TEA EXPERIENCE
If you’re searching for the ultimate calm and relaxing experience, the elegant Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel’s beautiful Diptyque Boutique serves delicious artisanal sweet treats such as delicate finger sandwiches, dainty scones and macarons, luxurious teas and bubbles. Book ahead to enjoy this indulgent experience, enhanced by gorgeous scents.
Where: 5 Church Square
When: daily, 8am to 8pm
https://labotessa.com/boutique/
Storytime for children, the Book Lounge
Every Saturday
On Saturday mornings, a Book Lounge staff member reads two or three picture books, followed by a fun activity. These events are suitable for three- to eight-year-olds. Sometimes there are also book launches or special story times.
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
IMAGES: Artscape, Candelight Concerts, Cape Town Marathon(Mark Sampson), Iziko Museums of South Africa, Free CBD Walking Tours, Open Studio(Simon Watson)