It may be cold outside but businesses in downtown Cape Town are perfectly placed to keep you warm and entertained with fun activities and great winter specials. Here’s our pick of what’s available in the city centre in the upcoming weeks.
ART AND OTHER
The South African Jewish Museum
Ongoing
The South African Jewish Museum, which protects and celebrates Jewish culture and heritage in the country, is offering free entry to their venue on Mondays. Make a day of it and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Jewish community. What’s more, the museum has a restaurant (Café Riteve) with great Monday specials including pizza, speciality coffee and carrot or cheesecake. For more information, call the museum on 021 465 1546 or send email info@sajewishmuseum.co.za. For restaurant bookings, call 021 465 1594.
Where: South African Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield St
When: 10h00 – 16h00
Cost: Free on Mondays, R100 – R50 (Normal price)
www.sajewishmuseum.org.za
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Ongoing
Hotel Sky, the Cape Town Central City’s newest hotel, has a 30-metre “Sky-Hi Ride” on its rooftop. It 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. Have a look at what’s in store for you here and be sure to book your ticket.
Where: Hotel Sky, Lower Long St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R250
https://bit.ly/3fj4jEE
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra performing at City Hall
Winter Cyber Symphony Season
27 May, 10 & 30 June
Music lovers will be delighted to discover that the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is inviting concertgoers to attend three live concerts at the City Hall. The tickets available are for dress rehearsals at 13h00 and performances, which will be filmed, at 18h00. On offer is Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1, Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3, Brahms Piano Concerto No.1 and other exciting musical items.
Where: City Hall, Darling St
When: 13h00 and 18h00
Cost: R100 – R160
https://bit.ly/3ff27ht
Youth Day at Iziko Museums of South Africa
16 June 2021
As is the norm on public holidays, Iziko Museums of South Africa will commemorate Youth Day on 16 June with free entry to some of its museums. Selected locations include Iziko South African Museum, Iziko South African National Gallery, Iziko Slave Lodge, Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Maritime Centre. Please note that a “no mask, no entry policy” is in place. For more information, contact Zikhona Jafta on 021 481 3862 or email zjafta@iziko.org.za.
Where: Iziko Museums of South Africa
When: 10h00 – 14h30
Cost: Free
www.iziko.org.za
Figure Drawing at The Ladder
5 & 9 June 2021
If you’ve ever been interested in figure drawing, this workshop is for you. Being able to capture the human body by drawing it is reportedly the foundation for any artist. The Ladder invites you to come and try it out in one of their untutored, open workshops.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday) and 18h00 – 21h00 (Wednesday)
Cost: R150
www.theladderon136.com
An introduction to colour with Genevieve Fatzer
20 June 2021
Join a fun and relaxing painting workshop with artist, Genevieve Fatzer. She will take you on a journey of colour by introducing you to abstract painting techniques and colour theory. In the end, you’ll be able to experiment, play and create.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 10h00 – 14h00
Cost: R485
www.theladderon136.com
Planetarium
Now on till 9 July 2021
Go beyond the stars right here in the Cape Town CBD by checking out a range of shows at The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome. These include We Are Stars which explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, Passport to the Universe which looks at humanity's place in the cosmos and Infinity Express, an exciting journey in search of the solar system. Perfect Little Planet is another show worth checking out.
Where: Planetarium, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 10h00 – 13h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R60
www.iziko.org.za
Aluta Continua
Now on 1 August 2025
This exhibition looks at the largely overlooked Western Cape chapter of the 1976 student uprisings and brutal killing and arrest of students by the apartheid regime. The aim is to map the student’s individual and collective contribution to the fall of apartheid.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, Cnr Adderley and Wale streets
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Framing Landscape: “the Picturesque” and “the Sublime”
Now on till 28 February 2022
This one-of-a-kind exhibition brings together landscape paintings made in Europe and South Africa between the 1600s and 1800s. The aim is to showcase the “two major modes of landscape art that emerged in this period”. Works being presented include paintings from the Bailey, William Fehr and Iziko South African National Gallery collections.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 26 June 2021
99 Loop Gallery has two excellent exhibitions on display. Catch “Miss” by Fanie Buys as well as a group show called “Untitled 8.99”. The latter features contemporary artists who are presenting their work for the first time at the gallery, while others are returning to a familiar space. In “Miss”, Buys pays a loving tribute to every Miss South Africa winner dating from 1990.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 ( Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Urns for the ashes of my lost lovers
Now on till 26 June
View an interesting exhibition by Pierre le Riche in which he presents his first installation of a collection comprising of storyboards, created in both carved ceramic and yarn-tufted tapestries. These show mostly male characters to address “masculinity as being in a constant tug-of-war with itself”.
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
Tafadzwa Masudi exhibition at WORLDART Gallery
Waiting for a better tomorrow
Now on till 24 June 2021
In his solo exhibition, Cape Town-based Zimbabwean born artist, Tafadzwa Masudi reflects on the pursuit of a better future through the eyes of a person who is not in their home country. Masudi explains: “The balloons are not just masks of optimism; they also represent the composed pressure under which some of us are. A balloon can pop any moment, yet it represents happiness and celebration. That balloon is me staying calm under difficult circumstances while chasing the dream of a bright future.”
Where: WORLDART, 54 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.worldart.co.za
EATERIES & OTHER EVENTS
BRUNCH by Ideas Cartel
BRUNCH by Ideas Cartel is the newest eatery to open in the Cape Town CBD and describes itself as “the most ‘instagrammable’ brunch spot in Cape Town”. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily as well as cocktails. You will love their flapjack stacks, Dutch babies, collagen glow bowls, eggs as you like them, coffees, smoothies and more. The venue is currently running an R85 special which includes breakfast, a day at their Coworking Space and access to their Clubhouse Bar and Rooftop pool. These amenities are normally for members and guests only.
Where: Ideas Cartel, 113 Loop St
When: 07h30am – 16h00 (brunch), 15h00 – 22h00 (clubhouse)
https://www.instagram.com/brunch.ct/
Grub & Vine Winter Special
Ongoing
Grub & Vine has a winter special which consists of two- and three-course meals for R275 and R375, respectively. The venue is also running a leisurely brunch on Saturdays. Both these unique menus have been created by award-winning chef Matt Manning whose venue was named Best Gourmet Bistro in Africa at last year’s Haute Grandeur Global Awards. The eatery also holds the title for the Best Scenic Setting in Africa. So, take advantage and treat yourself to one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 12h00 – 15h00 and 18h00 – 21h00 (Winter special is on Tuesday to Saturday), 11h00 – 15h00 (Brunch is every Saturday)
www.grubandvine.co.za
The Athletic Club & Social
The Athletic Club & Social Dinner Special
Ongoing
One of the CBD’s best restaurants is The Athletic Club & Social in Buitengracht St. The venue currently has a three-course dinner special. It includes your choice of starter, main and dessert paired with wine from Elgin Vintners for only R300. To book, email events@theathletic.co.za.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 18h00 – 22h00 (Monday to Wednesday)
https://bit.ly/3fhjk9K
SeaBreeze Fish & Shell Specials
Ongoing
If the weather is getting you down, treat yourself to the SeaBreeze Fish & Shell restaurant lunch special, which includes two or three courses for only R199 or R239, respectively. The venue also has Bottomless Boschendal Brut or Brut Rose on offer from 17h00 till 19h00 daily. Call 074 793 9349 to book or send an email to hello@seabreezecapetown.co.za.
Where: SeaBreeze Fish & Shell, 213 Bree St
When: 12h00 – 20h30 (Tuesday – Sunday)
www.seabreezecapetown.co.za
Sunday Funday at La Parada and Tapas Special
Ongoing
Sundays in the Cape Town CBD are reserved for Sunday Funday at La Parada where patrons are serenaded with 90s Hip-Hop and R&B. This venue is also known for its delicious tapas and welcoming atmosphere. You can have three or five tapas from Monday till Friday for only R199 or R299, respectively. While entry is free for the Sunday event, bookings are essential.
Where: La Parada, 107 Bree St
When: 11h00 – 22h00 (Wednesday – Sunday)
https://bit.ly/2OS32K7
The Poké co. Winter Special
If you love fresh, healthy and delicious meals, The Poké co. has got you covered with their comfy meal for two (poké bowls) and a bottle of Rosé for just R295. All their veggies are locally grown, and the packaging is either biodegradable or recyclable. This offer is only available when you visit the store.
Where: The Poké co. 90 Loop St
When: 08h00 – 21h30 (Monday – Sunday)
www.pokecoct.com
Gin Saturdays at The Station On Bree
Every Saturday
Where: The Station On Bree (five double G&Ts with garnish)
When: 13h00 – 18h00
Cost: R200
www.thestation.capetown
Fable Sessions
Every Saturday
Where: Fable, The Block, cnr Bree and Wale sts
When: 07h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/fablecpt
East City Cycles Friday Social Ride
Every Friday
Where: East City Cycles, 50 Harrington St
When: 05h45 – 07h30
Cost: Free
www.eastcitycycles.com
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: Worldart, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Athletic Social Club, Hotel Sky