Night of the Queens
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Events: What’s on in Cape Town

Cape Town's calendar is hotting up with live music, fun events and theatre galore. Here's what's hot and not to be missed in the Mother City!

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As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. We're tapping into all the vibes with our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town.

Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, special shows and fun events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City.

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🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town

Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

What's on in Cape Town

  • Things to do
  • Performances

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Time Out Market hosts its very first drag performance night on 6 March, featuring three dazzling queens: Manila von Teez, Kat Gilardi, Vida Fantabisher and stars of the hit Showmax series Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. It will be a night packed with glitz, glamour and high-energy performances! The show kicks off at 7PM and goes all the way until 9PM, but we’re not just going to serve you a great show. Join us from 6PM to mingle with the queens over bubbly. Come for the show, stay for the magic. You won't want to miss it!

2. Galileo Open Air Cinema

When: October 16, 2024 - May 17, 2025

The Galileo Open Air Cinema returns to Cape Town for the summer, offering an extended season of silver-screen blockbusters beneath the stars at venues across Cape Town and the Winelands. There's a jam-packed schedule of action, comedy, romance, drama and family-friendly classics. Also look out for special shows lined up for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter.

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  • Things to do

When: Every Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday at Time Out Market for a Wine Tasting Experience like no other, hosted by Cultivar and a selection of the 250+ premium wine brands we proudly stock. From 4PM to 7PM, discover exceptional wines, expand your palate, and indulge in a Tuesday treat.

4. Quiz night at Time Out Market Cape Town

When: Every Tuesday, 6.30pm - 9pm

Join Quizmaster Jon Keevy for an unforgettable trivia experience that will challenge your knowledge like never before! From the conventional to the unexpected, get ready to put your encyclopaedic knowledge, logic, and quick reflexes to the test. Gather your team of experts and mavericks to show off your brainpower, impress your friends, and go head-to-head with other trivia enthusiasts. All of this excitement awaits you amidst the mouth-watering cuisine of the Time Out Market. 

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5. Jazz Wednesdays at the Time Out Market Cape Town

When: Wednesday evenings

Settle in for the sultry sounds of the best jazz the Mother City has to offer, with the weekly Jazz Wednesdays. Look forward to an ever-changing roster of talented musos who’ll bring the groove while you explore the great food (and wine) on offer in the Time Out Market on the ground floor. Grab a bite, find a drink and settle in for smooth jazz every Wednesday night this summer.

6. Comedy Nights at Time Out Market Cape Town

When: Every Thursday

Join us every Thursday from 7pm - 10pm for Comedy Night at Time Out Market Cape Town, featuring South Africa's funniest comedians delivering side-splitting stand-up performances. Tickets are just R150 online or R200 at the door. Check out this week’s lineup and grab your tickets now on Howler. Get ready for a night filled with delicious food offerings available at the market, great drinks, and endless laughs!

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  • Things to do
  • Recommended

When: Every Friday

Kickstart your weekend with the perfect blend of great music and breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Join us every Friday evening for live Soul and RnB DJ performances that will set the tone for a memorable night. Entry is free, so bring your friends, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and indulge in amazing food and drinks as you groove into the weekend!

8. Argentinian Tango

When: Sunday January 12, February 16, March 9

Replacing the ever-popular Swing Sundays comes the chance to learn the sultry South American tango! A beginner’s class will be held from 4pm - 5pm each Sunday, introducing the basics of the tango, followed by a social dance session until 8pm. DJ Nicholas Dallas will be providing the soundtrack during the afternoon, and whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome.

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  • Things to do
  • Performances

When: 12 February to 9 March 2025

Get your booking in early for the South African premiere of 'Dear Evan Hansen'; a Tony Award-winning ‘drama musical’ that explores the human experience with a storyline delving into universal themes of acceptance and the complexities of growing up. Local audiences will be treated to an original production of the show, with an all-star South African creative team on board.

  • Things to do
  • Performances

When: 8 to 16 March 2025

Heading into 2025 after a sellout Christmas season of The Nutcracker, Cape Town City Ballet, South Africa’s most established ballet company that is now entering its 91st year, will present the timeless two act classic Giselle at Artscape, with the UCT Symphony Orchestra playing at select performances, conducted by Brandon Phillips. Advanced booking is highly recommended through Webtickets and Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.

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  • Things to do
  • Performances

When: 18 March 2025

Lauren Daigle is an artist with a full mantelpiece: she counts two Grammys, seven Billboard Music, four American Music and 12 GMA Dove Awards to her name. Since her Grammy Award-winning album ‘Look Up Child’ blew up, she became the first female artist ever to break into the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Album charts. With the hits off her recent self-titled album, nominated for yet another Grammy, Daigle has clocked up over a billion streams. She plays in Cape Town for one-night-only.

  • Things to do

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Swag Poetry Jam, where street fashion and spoken word converge in the effortlessly stylish Time Out Market Studio Bar. The night kicks off with a captivating performance by poet Page Dina Lotze, who will take the stage with a curated exhibition of whimsy and wit. Then, let the melodies of Cape Town’s very own singer-songwriter Kila G, the Elegant King, sweep you away in a live musical performance. Expect an evening of rhythmic verses, soulful sounds, handcrafted cocktails and undeniable swag.

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  • Things to do
  • Performances

When: 25 and 26 March 2025

British singer Sting returns to the GrandWest Arena with his latest global tour. Joined on stage by guitarist and longtime collaborator Dominic Miller, as well as acclaimed drummer Chris Maas, Sting will ‘perform the most electrifying hits from his timeless discography’, say promoters Big Concerts.

14. James Bay

When: March 27, 2025

Cape Town is in for a musical treat as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter James Bay brings his soulful melodies to South Africa for the first time ever! The highly anticipated tour will see Bay perform at the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, bringing his signature blend of folk, rock, and pop to the Mother City. Bay’s new tour is in support of his latest album, 'Changes All The Time', which he describes as his most personal and confident work yet. Tickets from R895.

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  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events

Get ready for a night of creativity and flavour as Marson Strydom, Master Mixologist and Campari Brand Ambassador, takes you on a journey into the world of cocktails. In this fun and interactive masterclass, you’ll learn to craft three incredible drinks featuring iconic spirits: Aperol, Espolòn and Howler Head. Perfect for cocktail lovers and anyone looking to impress with their mixing skills, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Spaces are limited, so grab your spot now - buy your tickets today and let the good times pour!

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