Join in the festive spirit in the Cape Town Central City by experiencing some of the great events and activities lined up.
EXHIBITIONS
Looking at Long Street and Other City Paintings
Now on till 4 December 2021
Catch the latest exhibition of renowned South African painter John Kramer, “Looking at Long Street and Other City Paintings”, at the Cape Gallery, 60 Church St. Kramer, who is known for his paintings of small-town South Africa, especially general dealer stores and the like, has produced stellar works that, unusually, highlight city scenes. In this exhibition, a lot of the paintings contain so-called “broekie” lace, the wrought-iron lattice work found on many iconic South African buildings.
Where: The Cape Gallery, 60 Church St
When: 09h30 to 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.capegallery.co.za
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
1 December 2021 till 22 January 2022
99 Loop Gallery has two must-see exhibitions coming up. The first one is “Drum Boys & Pondo” by Mboma which looks at the pain of addiction. The second is Chris Denovan’s 10th solo exhibition, “Escape Island Right Now!”, in which the artist invites audiences to embark on a voyage to a new world.
99 Loop St | www.99loop.co.za
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Falling Awake
2 December 2021
Check out a new group exhibition at THEFOURTH, a hybrid between an art gallery and a design showroom. The presentation officially opens this First Thursdays, 2 December, and is curated by Shona van der Merwe and Heinrich Groenewald who are founders of a new practice called Reservoir.
Where: THEFOURTH, 28 St Georges Mall (4th Floor, Exchange Building)
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thefourth.co.za/
Summer Salon 21/22
2 December 2021 till 14 Friday 2022
Nel displays paintings, sculptures and ceramics and represents local and international artists. Look out for the gallery’s “Summer Salon 21/22” exhibition so you can see new paintings and installations. Throughout the year, the gallery hosts group, solo and two-person exhibitions.
Where: Nel, 117 Long St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.nelart.co.za
THK Gallery
Embodied Cognition
Now on till 31 December 2021
THK Gallery is currently showing beautiful paintings by Tashinga Majiri, Nyasha Marovatsanga and Lulama Wolf. Using ambiguity and suggestion, the trio invites audiences to think and see things differently.
Where: 52 Waterkant St, THK Gallery
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
AVA exhibitions
2 December 2021 till 13 December 2021
Go big or go home must be the Association for Visual Arts Gallery’s (AVA) new motto as it’s ending the year with three new exhibitions. Upcoming shows comprise “Acts of translation” by Isabella Kuijers and “Art, memorials and monuments” and “A line beyond”, curated by Steven Sack and Olga Speakes, respectively.
Where: AVA Gallery, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h000 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Kemet: Life in Ancient Egypt
Now on till 31 March 2022
If you’ve ever wanted to explore ancient Egypt, check out this Iziko exhibition in partnership with the Friends of Design: Academy of Digital Arts. Using augmented reality, the show explores how prehistoric Egypt has shaped our world today in terms of writing systems, pharaohs, science and technology, beliefs and religion, and recreation.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Framing Landscape: “the Picturesque” and “the Sublime”
Now on until 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
REGULAR & OTHER EVENTS
Miss Wheelchair SA
Miss Wheelchair South Africa
2 December 2021
In the Miss Wheelchair South Africa contest, 10 participants will compete for the crown. The winner gets to represent the country in October next year at Miss Wheelchair World in Mexico, where they will also act as SA’s tourism ambassador. Marlene le Roux, CEO of the Artscape Theatre Centre, says this event ties into the venue’s ethos of promoting full inclusivity. “With the hosting of this event we aim to change the image of women with disabilities, break barriers and show that being in a wheelchair is not a limitation.”
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h30
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3cVh9GX
Upper Bree Street Market
2 December 2021
Bree Street is the place to be this First Thursdays with the second Upper Bree Street Market at The Station On Bree. The event will feature over 30 different vendors, food trucks, art, fashion and more. Headline acts include The Original Tons, New Hero and TiMO ODV.
Where: The Station on Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 17h00
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3I1010H
The House of Machines and BMW Motorrad
Head for the Hills ride-out and festival
4 to 5 December 2021
Calling all bikers and non-riders. The House of Machines and BMW Motorrad have teamed up to host an unforgettable trip from Cape Town to Mpumalanga. Planned day activities include the Sabie Valley Rider Academy Moto-obstacle course, hammer-the-nail and slow races. Night-time experiences include live music and cocktails. Tickets include accommodation in a dome tent with a stretcher, mattress, duvet pillow and solar-powered light, as well as lunch, dinner and breakfast.
Where: Mankele Campsite, Mbombela
Cost: R2 500 per person sharing
https://bit.ly/3rmlaNj
Krotoa: Eva van de Kaap
9 till 18 December 2021
This play brings to life the neglected story and history of the 17th century Khoi woman, Krotoa van Meerhof, who was an interpreter and negotiator alongside Jan van Riebeeck. It sheds light on what happened then and what is still happening in the modern world so viewers can be prepared for the future.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3lblytW
Cape Town City Ballet - A Christmas Carol - The Story of Scrooge
A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge
9 to 22 December 2021
Cape Town City Ballet returns to the Artscape stage in A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge, choreographed by Veronica Paeper and designed by Peter Cazalet. With lighting design by Wilhelm Disbergen, this classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who loathes Christmas, is perfect for all ages with its theme of “the triumph of joy and the victory of the human spirit over greed”.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
Cost: R195 - R295
https://bit.ly/3FUClcF
Wholebeing Wednesday & Rooftop Retreats
8 December 2021
It’s time to prioritise your well-being with Wholebeing Wednesday & Rooftop Retreats, which is a mid-week, mid-month experiential holistic platform. This new initiative, by 360 degrees human, encourages people from all walks of life to gather on a rooftop for yoga and soothing music. The launch takes place on Monday, 8 December, and will be followed by regular events. Participants are invited to bring a yoga mat, blanket, cushion, warm clothes and water. Tickets are available via Webtickets.
Where: Rooftop of Commerce House, 55 Shortmarket St (opposite House of Machines)
When: 18h00 – 20h30
Cost: R250
https://bit.ly/3I0gK4h
Night Market
1 December 2021 until 28 February 2022
Come into town this holiday season for the Night Market on Greenmarket Square. The lively event aims to reignite the area and comprises music, food, clothes, jewellery, and crafts from a range of stalls available.
Where: Greenmarket Square
When: 16h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
Christmas Neighbourhood Market
4 to 5 December 2021
Don’t miss the Christmas Open Market at The Ladder this festive period. Great food, gifts, and workshops are on offer. Workshops range from R199 to R600 and include the bracelet-making session for children and adults, block printing for Christmas decoration needs, sensory play for children (between one and five years) and a Cyanotype printing session.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 08h00 – 16h00
Cost: R199 to R600
www.theladderon136.com
Jazz and Blues at The Blue Room
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Treat yourself to the sounds of Jazz and Blues, delicious cocktails and food at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine from Mondays to Saturdays. Tickets to musical performances cost R100, which goes directly to artists. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 19h30
Cost: R100
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 Liam Tomlin’s Mazza and Penny Noire Wine Bar, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Where: Shortmarket St, Local at Heritage Square
When: 18h00 – 20h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/LocalatHeritageSquare
Craft Circle
Wednesday
This is like a book club, but for crafts. It’s perfect if you want to meet cool people, socialise with friends in a fun way or need a creative outlet. While talking about books isn’t prohibited, the idea is to bring artistic individuals into a safe and non-judgemental space. Participants from all walks of life bring their embroidery kits, clay toolboxes, sewing machines or any other materials they are working on. The three-hour-long sessions are hosted by Cape Town Craft Club owner Andie Reeves.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: Wednesdays
Cost: R120
www.capetowncraftclub.wordpress.com/craft-circle/
Planetarium shows
Now on till 31 December 2021
Catch “Polaris” at the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome and be sure to bring the kids along. It features a travelling penguin from the South Pole and a funny bear from the North Pole.
Where: Planetarium, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R60
www.iziko.org.za
Thursday Night Ride Club
Every Thursday
Where: Rook Cycles, 295 Long St
When: 19h00 (every Thursday)
Cost: Free (bring your bike or rent one for R100)
www.rookcycles.com
City Sightseeing South Africa
Ongoing
The popular Red Bus by City Sightseeing South Africa is a great way to discover or rediscover Cape Town and its surroundings. It has a range of packages to choose from 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 in between the three stops.
Where: City Sightseeing South Africa, 81 Long St
When: 09h00 – 16h52
Cost: R49 – R499
www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town
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 here.
Fable 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
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: The Blue Room, House of Machines, Cape Town City Ballet, Fable, THK Gallery, Miss Wheelchair SA