Winter in Cape Town has its own special magic. Wrap up warmly and head to town to enjoy a wealth of heart-warming shows, exhibitions and experiences.
CONCERTS/THEATRE/SHOWS
ANKLE MARC
Beloved comedian and artist Marc Lottering is bringing his new stand-up comedy show ANKLE MARC to Cape Town as part of his latest national tour. Find out what’s been going on in his world, including why he started the year with a fractured ankle and wearing a moonboot. Book now as the tickets are sure to fly. (Note that this show is not suitable for children.)
Where: Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre
When: 2, 9 and 30 August 2026
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
MAMMA MIA! THE MUSICAL
How can you resist it? The global hit musical Mamma Mia! is back, featuring ABBA crowd-pleasers such as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper and Take a Chance on Me. It’s an uplifting tale of love, friendship and family, set on a sunny Greek island. There’s a reason why this outstanding production was a sell-out in 2023 – get your tickets now and prepare for an evening of sheer joy, energy and feel-good vibes.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 3 September-11 October 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/mamma-mia-the-musical/
SIMPHIWE DANA THE SYMPHONIC EXPERIENCE
Award-winning singer-songwriter Simphiwe Dana is joining the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra for a one-night-only concert at the Artscape. Blending contemporary sounds with deep musical heritage, the performance promises to showcase Dana’s powerful voice in a fusion of jazz, soul and traditional African music.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 29 July 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/simphiwe-dana-the-symphonic-experience/
HIGHLIGHTS – TRACING THE LINE
Contemporary and classical favourites will be on the menu at this celebration of ballet performed by Johannesburg’s WGRUV dance company on tour. Expect an evening of emotive, transformative beauty and storytelling through dance.
Where: Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre
When: 27-29 August 2026
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
DIVALICIOUS DAMES
Join drag-mime artists Ramsay Davids and Martin Neethling for a nostalgic evening of songs, stories and heart. The duo has delighted audiences ever since they started performing together in 2000, including proudly appearing at the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival to celebrate the spirit of inclusivity through performance.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 30 July-1 August 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/divalicious-dames/
ABFAB DRAG
For more captivating drag, catch the Absolutely Fabulous Drag Show’s return to the stage in August. The lineup of divas will include Vida Fantabisher, the stars of Beaulah Queens van die Kaap, Manila von Teez and Kat Gilardi, Jayde Kay Johnson, Angel Lalamore and Mitchell Darling. The master of ceremonies will be Terence Bridgett and the director, Basil Appollis. The show is dedicated to actor, comedian and presenter Soli Philander, who passed away in March, and artistic director Alfred Rietmann, who died in November 2025.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 7-8 August 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/abfab-drag-4/
MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!
This poignant play by the late, great playwright and author Athol Fugard is set in an Eastern Cape township classroom in 1984, at a time of political unrest and division. The idealistic teacher Mr M has high hopes for his gifted pupil Thami, who strikes up a friendship with a white student, Isabel, through a debating competition. Political discord and a generational divide lead to conflict and a tragic outcome.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 22 July-4 August 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/my-children-my-africa-2/
OLIVER!
Here’s one for the diary – book in good time for the festive season! Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera will be presenting producer Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning Oliver! from 11 December. The famous musical, based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist and featuring a score by West End composer Lionel Bart, tells the timeless story of the orphan Oliver searching for hope in the grimy streets of Victorian London. Characters include the cunning criminal Fagin, kind-hearted Nancy and pickpocket The Artful Dodger. This promises to feel-good family entertainment, so don’t miss out. (Note: no under-fives, though.)
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 11 December 2026-17 January 2027
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/oliver-cpt/
EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS
MANDELA DAY LANGTAFEL ON BREE /
This Mandela Day, Young Urbanists is hosting a langtafel (one long public table) from 12h00 to 17h00. The idea is that people from all walks of life from all over the city can gather in town to enjoy Bree St and share a Mandela Day meal at the same table. For those who cannot afford a meal, they will be provided by the Community Chest in collaboration with Studio H and partners. Members of the public can buy a meal from participating eateries – or bring their own food to the langtafel. The organisers will provide bread for everyone, plus a surprise dessert. What’s not to love. See you there.
Where: Bree St opposite Riebeek Square
When: 18 July 2026
https://www.youngurbanists.co.za
PASSPORT TO THE UNIVERSE
Cape Town’s world-class Iziko Planetarium & Digital Dome is the most advanced digital planetarium on the continent, combining art, science and entertainment. On at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, Passport to the Universe explores humanity’s place in the cosmos through a spectacular voyage from Earth to the edge of the observable universe. Soar beneath Saturn’s rings, drift through the Orion Nebula and plunge into a black hole in this immersive introduction to cosmology. Other shows are We are Stars, Out There, Beyond the Sun and Phantom of the Universe. Check the website for times.
Where: 25 Victoria St
When: Saturday and Sunday, 21 July-23 September 2026
https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium/
ARTSCAPE MASTERCLASSES
As part of the Artscape’s 55th anniversary celebrations, the performing arts complex is offering a series of free two-hour Saturday masterclasses with a range of industry experts. The sessions will provide insights, practical knowledge and behind-the-scenes perspectives for artists, students, professionals and arts enthusiasts. Upcoming topics include “Directors and theatre makers – where are we from and where are we heading?” (1 August), “Queer Expressions … An intimate, authentic conversation exploring Queer issues of faith and healing” (8 August) and “The arts are more than performance! Make a career in arts administration” (12 September). Seating is limited, so booking is essential.
Where: iSibaya Room, First Floor, Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 1 & 8 August; 12 September 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/artscape-saturday-masterclasses/
IN SLAVERY’S WAKE
The Iziko Museum is hosting In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World, a major international travelling exhibition led by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture and featuring contributions from leading museums worldwide. Cape Town is the third stop on the exhibition’s global tour. Featuring 190 objects, 250 images and 10 multimedia exhibits and films, it presents a mix of historical material, visual art, photography, film and interactive elements to invite critical dialogue on the ongoing impacts of slavery and colonialism.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: Until 31 October 2026
https://www.iziko.org.za/news/in-slaverys-wake-premiers-at-iziko/
CAPE TOWN PLANT EXPO & MARKET 2026
Whether you have green fingers or not, this expo and marketplace caters for all plant lovers. More than a garden show, the event promises to be a collector’s paradise, bringing together plant people, rare and special plants, and expert growers sharing their insider knowledge.
Where: CCICT 2, 1 Lower Long Street
When: 1 August 2026
https://www.cticc.co.za/whats_on_events/cape-town-plant-expo-market-2026/
MOTHER CITY FASHION EXPERIENCE ‘26
Move fast to make sure you don’t miss out on the 11th annual Mother City Fashion Experience held at the Artscape on 18 July. With the theme “Trash to Trend”, the event challenges designers to use recycled and waste materials to create eye-catching fashions. Emerging and established local talent will be presenting their collections on the runway.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 18 July 2026
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/mother-city-fashion-experience-26/
TEDX DISTRICT SIX WOMEN
For a full day of intellectual stimulation, join a curated gathering of 12 women speakers expressing thought-provoking ideas across a range of disciplines. This will be an intimate get-together – the audience is capped at 100 – with conversations guaranteed to stay with you for a long time. Registration starts at 9.30am.
Where: Avilon Auditorium, District Six Homecoming Centre
When: 1 August 2026
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
CRIT GROUP ART EXHIBITION
This exhibition at 99 Loop Gallery features work by abstract artists Xanthe Scout Lardner-Burke, Pia Truscott and Daniel Tucker, against a background of comradery, collaboration and critique.
Where: 99 Loop Street
When: 29 August-26 September 2026
https://www.99loop.co.za/events/crit-group
HIDDEN WONDERS OF THE IZIKO SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Explore one of the oldest and largest natural history collections in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 10 million preserved animals, fossils and archaeological artefacts, from jewellery created from ostrich eggshells and given as gifts by our ancestors and a preserved specimen of the coelacanth “living fossil fish”, to a 3D-printed skull of a bear, now extinct, that roamed the African plains four or five million years ago.
Where: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: Ongoing exhibition
https://www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/hidden-wonders-of-the-iziko-south-african-museum/
REGULAR EVENTS
DIPTYQUE FRAGRANCE & TEA EXPERIENCE
Daily
Craving an elegant hideaway, just moments from the city streets? Book now for a relaxed and sensual experience with Diptyque fragrances and luxury teas, accompanied by finger sandwiches, fresh scones with rose and strawberry jam, homemade brownies and artisanal macarons. Choose from a morning or afternoon session, for a minimum of two and a maximum of six guests.
Where: Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, 5 Church Square
When: 11h00 or 14h00
https://labotessa.com/fragrance-boutique/
AFTER SHIFT FRIDAYS
Every Friday
Just Shift Café is a coffee shop and bakery by day and a bar and event space by night. On Fridays after 17h00 it’s After Shift Fridays, where you can unwind with cocktails, live music and happy hour from 17h00 to 19h00 on selected cocktails and beers. Find out about other events on the venue’s Instagram page.
Where: Just Shift Café, 54 Shortmarket St
When: 17h00-00h00
Cost: Free
www.instagram.com/justshiftcafe/
CAPE TOWN CRAFT CLUB
Regular events
This Mother City creative platform, founded by a textile artist and teacher specialising in sewing, embroidery, weaving and crochet, is about crafting, community and connection in a laid-back, fun space. Everyone is welcome, whether you knit, sew, crochet, paint or colour in.
Where: Various venues across Cape Town
When: Check founder Andie Reeves’ Substack for event updates
https://capetowncraftclub.substack.com/about
SUNDAY JAZZ JAM
Every Sunday
Wrap up your weekend with an evening of live jazz, creativity, fine wine and connection at Openwine’s weekly Sunday Jazz Jam. The event attracts both local and visiting artists. Sit back and relax to the rhythm while sipping fine wines.
Where: Openwine, 72 Wale St
When: 17h00
Cost: No cover charge
https://openwine.co.za/about
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ATHLETIC CLUB & SOCIAL
Wednesdays to Saturdays
Set in a beautiful old three-storey Victorian building, The Athletic Club & Social offers 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://theathletic.co.za/
THE BLUE ROOM AT GRUB & VINE
Tuesday to Saturday
The intimate Blue Room live music lounge at the Grub & Vine hosts top local and international talent, as well as emerging artists, covering a wide range of genres. Join for dinner or just drinks and tapas while you enjoy the live music, ranging from soulful melodies to acoustic sets. Book ahead.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 19h00-10h30
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
www.theblueroomza.com/home/
EAST CITY SESSIONS & SUPPER
Every Thursday
Harrington’s cocktail lounge hosts its popular East City Sessions & Supper nights on Thursday, to the strains of established jazz acts and up-and-coming acts. Book via bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za.
Where: Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
When: 19h00
Cost: Free until 10pm; R50 thereafter
www.instagram.com/eastcitysessions/
SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE AT THE HOUSE OF MACHINES
Every Tuesday
This no-frills event has been taking place for seven years at The House of Machines, a mix of café, bar, men’s apparel store and motorbike shop. The Songwriters’ Showcase is an open-mic event also open to performing artists and stand-up comedians looking for the chance to show off their talents. The event is from 20h00 to 23h00, but performers sign up at 19h00.
Where: The House of Machines, 84 Shortmarket St
When: 20h00
Cost: Free
www.thehouseofmachines.com/live-music/list/
SKY-HI RIDE
Ongoing
Adrenaline junkies can enjoy thrills and bird’s-eye views of the city on the Sky-Hi Ride from the 28th floor of the Hotel Sky, 146m above the CBD. 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
www.sky-hiride.capetown/
FREE CBD WALKING TOURS
Ongoing
If you’re keen to explore the CBD’s sights, history and culture on foot, while meeting nice people to boot, join a free daily walking tour with knowledgeable guides who work for tips only but are always ready to entertain and inform. The options are a Bo-Kaap Tour, Historic City Tour and Apartheid to Freedom Tour. You can also book a custom tour.
Where: Meet at least five minutes before starting time at the green umbrellas at Morning Mojo Café & Deli, 150 St George’s Mall
When: 09h30, 14h00 & 16h20: Bo-Kaap Tour; 11h00 & 16h20: Historic City Tour; 11h00 & 14h00: Apartheid to Freedom Tour
Cost: Free (but view the helpful tipping guide on the website)
www.freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za/
FIRST THURSDAYS
The first Thursday of every month, Cape Town’s buzzing galleries, restaurants and other venues offer curated art, music and cultural programmes and experiences.
Where: Cape Town CBD, including inside galleries and eateries
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za