There’s no shortage of fun and interesting activities, events, and experience in the Cape Town Central City this festive season. Have a look at what’s on offer.
EXHIBITIONS
Wish you were here
Now on till 31 December 2021
Chandler House is home to the Voorkamer Gallery, which is owned by Michael Chandler, a well-known artist, curator, shop owner, ceramicist, and designer. This month, Chandler has curated a special exhibition by Jacques Viljoen, a student at the Academy of Art in Florence. According to Chandler, Viljoen’s studies were interrupted by Covid-19, and he returned to South Africa where he continues to paint and teach. “In this exhibition, the artist has gone out with his paints and palette to capture the scenic beauty of Cape Town which is something that seduces and lures visitors from all four corners of the world.”
Where: Chandler House, 53 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.chandlerhouse.co.za
Landscape
Now on till 23 December 2021
This exhibition is pertinent considering news around Shell’s seismic survey plans on South Africa’s eastern coastline. In Landscape, three artists who share a fascination with the Cape of Good Hope explore its magnificence through paintings, drawings and prints. They look at the “interface between ocean and land” and “have found unusual common ground in their individual engagements with the land of the Cape, aptly captured by the playful duality of the exhibition title LANDSCAPE”.
Where: 6 Spin Street Gallery, 6 Spin St
When: 08h30 – 22h00 (Monday to Friday), 18h30 – 22h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.6spinstreet.co.za
Truth be told
Now on till January 2022
This must-see exhibition by multidisciplinary African artists Williams Chechet and LegakwanaLeo Makgekgenene looks at “contested African histories through a digital lens”. The artists use text and images from popular culture to challenge viewers to make sense of complex colonial histories.
Where: Eclectica Contemporary, 56 Church St
When: 09h30 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h30 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: R1 250
www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
Beauty
Ongoing
Youngblood is currently showing a group show in which the artists look at the concept of beauty using various mediums. Philippine Laureau is one of the featured artists, and she says, having lived abroad for many years, she’s interested in cultural differences and diversity. “In my work, I sew together coffee bags from all over the world and create minimalist, imperfect, yet colourful paintings that relate to the complex society we are living in.”
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 70 Bree St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.youngblood-africa.com
Waves and Woodlands: Through the Pinhole and into the Darkroom
Now on till 23 December 2021
After “tinkering away” at home in her darkroom, to create photographs, visual artist Chloe Obermeyer is ready for the public to see her work at The Ladder. Obermeyer describes her artistic practice as “very much influenced by my fascination with nature and the natural world”. This is the venue’s last exhibition for the year and is worth seeing.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 07h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 08h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.theladderon136.com
Falling Awake
Ongoing
Check out a new group exhibition at THEFOURTH, a hybrid between an art gallery and a design showroom. The presentation, featuring work by 16 artists, 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/
Embodied Cognition
Now on till 31 December 2021
THK Gallery is currently showing stunning 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
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 22 January 2022
99 Loop Gallery has two must-see exhibitions on display. 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.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Summer Salon 21/22
Now on till 14 January 2022
Nel displays paintings, sculptures and ceramics and represents local and international artists. Treat yourself to 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
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
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
CHRISTMAS LUNCHES
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Cape Town
25 December 2021
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Christmas Lunch Buffet at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Cape Town. The three-hour lunch includes starters, mains and dessert which consists of warm Malva Pudding with Amarula Custard, Pecan Nut Tart with Marmalade Chantilly and an Almond Trifle with Custard. Make your booking by calling 021 467 4000 or emailing reservations.capetown.residence@radissonblu.com.
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 12h00 – 15h00
Cost: R595 per person, R297 per child under the age of 12, children aged seven and under don’t pay https://bit.ly/307TfoS
Grub & Vine Christmas Eve Dinner
24 December 2021
Chef Matt Manning of Grub & Vine is pulling out all the stops to make sure you have a wonderful Christmas eve dinner. The restaurant has also partnered with Radford Dale to offer a carefully selected collection of premium imported wines to complement the soiree. South African wines will also be available. What’s more, the venue is hosting an NYE Eve Dinner on 31 December 2021. It will include a six-course meal prepared by Manning. Bookings for both events can be made online via Dineplan on the venue’s website.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 18h00 – 21h30
Cost: R950 – R2 450
www.grubandvine.co.za
Christmas Day Lunch at Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town is another Central City venue that’s making Christmas magical. Guests are invited to enjoy a set buffet menu with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at The Lobby Lounge Bar and The Mint Restaurant. On arrival, visitors will receive a L'Ormarins Brut Classique welcome drink. Free parking will also be provided as well as entertainment by a pianist. To book, call 021 819 2000 or email restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com.
Where: Taj, Cape Town, 103 Bree St
When: 12h30 – 15h00
Cost: R1 095 per person, children aged 12 and under pay half price
www.tajhotels.com
REGULAR & OTHER EVENTS
Open-air dining experiences
18 December 2021 to 8 January 2022
In a bid to boost the city centre’s economy and keep patrons safe this summer, the City of Cape Town is hosting various open-air dining experiences. The first event is on Friday, 18 December 2021, and will see Bree St between Hout and Wale sts closed to cars from 14h00 until 22h00. This way, there’s more space for diners, pedestrians, and live entertainment. Don’t miss out as 20 eateries are taking part. More events that follow the same concept are scheduled in the following areas: Harrington St between Caledon and Roeland sts (22 December), Long St between Pepper St and Buitensingel sts (29 December), Upper Bree St between Buiten to Wale sts (6 January) and Bree St between Hout and Wale sts (8 January).
Where: Various CBD streets
When: 14h00 until 22h00
Cost: Free
Holiday Programmes for Children
Now on till January 2022
Great news! Festive season plans for children, of all ages, have been taken care of with the City of Cape Town’s holiday programme. It includes activities such as animal talks, arts and crafts, board games, a career expo, dance classes, hiking, movie days, puppet shows, sport, storytelling and talent shows. It will run from December until January at various City libraries on a first come first serve basis. Make your booking here.
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
A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge
18 till 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
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 30 November 2022 December 2021
Catch “Accidental Astronauts” at the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome and be sure to bring the kids along. It’s all about the adventures of Sy and Annie and their dog Armstrong. Follow them as they journey into space. Other shows on display are “Polaris”, featuring a travelling penguin from the South Pole and a funny bear from the North Pole, and “Rising Star” which looks at the development of astronomy research in South Africa.
Where: Planetarium, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R60
www.iziko.org.za
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 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: Artscape Theatre Centre, THEFOURTH Gallery, SKy-Hi Ride, Grub & Vine, Nel Gallery, Chandler House