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 summertime vibes wit our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town.
Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, and festive 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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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.
When: Every Thursday
Why Go: There’s more to the Time Out Market Cape Town than great food from the city’s top chefs. Upstairs in The Studio you’ll find a packed schedule of cultural events, including the hugely-popular Comedy Nights held every Thursday from 8pm – 10pm.
Tickets for comedy in The Studio cost R100 per person (general entry to the Market remains free of charge), and are available from Howler.
When: Sunday January 12, February 16, March 9
Why Go: 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.
When: Wednesday evenings
Why Go: 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.
When: Every Tuesday, 6.30pm - 9pm
Why Go: 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.
When: October 16, 2024 - May 17, 2025
Why Go: 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.
When: December 12, 2024 - January 12, 2025
Why Go: Following the sell-out success of The Sound Of Music, Pieter Toerien in association with Cape Town Opera presents the much-loved musical masterpiece My Fair Lady at Artscape Theatre. My Fair Lady premiered on Broadway in 1956 and became the longest-running musical in Broadway history at the time. With a score filled with timeless songs, this memorable production is set to enthral audiences of all ages as South Africa falls in love with Eliza Doolittle! Tickets from R140 to R580.
When: December 13 – 29, 2024
Why Go: It just wouldn't be Christmas in Cape Town without a festive ballet, and this December the much-loved classic The Nutcracker returns to delight audiences at Artscape Opera House. The Christmas Eve matinee (12 pm) on December 24 is set to be a particularly special performance for children, as it will be followed by a Fairy Parade directly after the show. All children attending, whether dressed up or not, will have the chance to go on stage after the performance to meet the cast and have a photo with the dancers.
When: December 14, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Why Go: Say what you wanna say … this spooky musical is set to be a summer hit in Cape Town! MotherCity Theatre Productions presents the professional South African premiere of The Addams Family musical at The Homecoming Centre (formerly The Fugard Theatre). Featuring a talented cast of well-known South African actors, this spooky, wickedly-funny show is perfect for all ages! As Gomez says: ‘Living or dead, family is still family'… don’t miss your chance to hang out for a couple of hours with the weirdest family in town. Tickets from R350-R580.
When: December 21, 2024
Why Go: The Get Lucky Summer Tour is driven by much-loved Cape Town electronica group GoodLuck, who are set to headline the tour as it winds its way from Cape Town to the Garden Route. This outing in Cape Town sees GoodLuck joined on stage by The Parlotones and Erin Elliot, ensuring a fun-filled festive evening. The Tour is a family-friendly affair, where picnics and kids are encouraged, and the vibe is all about laid-back summer fun. Look forward to festive bars and delicious food trucks too.
When: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Why Go: Head on down to Time Out Market Cape Town for a Christmas Day feast to remember… and all with no washing up! Nøsh Café opens from 8 am for early-morning coffee and pastries, with all other Market vendors open as usual from 11am until the Market closes at 11 pm. To add some festive razzle-dazzle the Maya Spector Duo Band will be performing over lunchtime (1pm - 4 pm) and to make it a sparkling affair all guests who purchase a bottle of Pongracz MCC will receive a festive gift of two golden champagne flutes to take home!
When: December 31, 2024
Why Go: Don your disco shoes and get set to Dance, Dine, and Dazzle into 2025 with Time Out Market's New Year’s Eve Disco Party in Cape Town! Combining the city’s finest culinary experience with an unforgettable night of disco vibes featuring DJ Didier & Band, Time Out Market Cape Town is set to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Tickets cost R750, including R250 loaded onto a Time Out Market Card for you to explore all the flavours the Market offers. Tickets are available now, via Howler.
When: January 4, 2025
Why Go: The L'Ormarins King's Plate is the most glamorous date on Cape Town’s racing calendar, with crowds flocking to the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racetrack for a day of fashion, glamour and thundering hooves. First run in 1861 this is the 164th outing, and this year the prize money has rocketed to R3 million. But eyes will be just as firmly on the fashion: the L'Ormarins King's Plate is famous for its elegant blue-and-white dress code! Tickets for the sought-after Stud Club and Style Village are set to go on sale at the end of November.
When: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Why Go: Locals love First Thursdays, with galleries open late for art lovers to wander from gallery to restaurant to trendy boutique. This monthly cultural experience is centred around art, food and music, with art galleries, restaurants and bars concentrated in walkable precincts including Church Street, Loop Street, Bree Street, Church Square, and the Silo District. Most venues are free and open to the public. Each month's programme can be explored online at first-thursdays.co.za.
When: February 6-9, 2025
Why Go: South Africa’s favourite free-floating music festival, Up the Creek, returns to the Cape from February 6-9, 2025, with a star-studded line-up of local and international acts set to take to the stage on the banks of the Breede River outside Swellendam. Up The Creek is one South Africa’s longest-running outdoor music festivals, and the ideal way for music-loving party fans to while away a weekend. Up the Creek 2025 will offer four stages, pitched on the banks of the Breede River to allow guests to party for days on dry land, or take to their lilo to soak up the tunes while soaking in the river.
When: February 12 – March 9, 2025
Why Go: 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.
When: March 18, 2025
Why Go: 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.
When: March 25 & 26, 2025
Why Go: British singer STING returns to the GrandArena at GrandWest 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.
When: March 27, 2025
Why Go: 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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