From ballet to burlesque and from comedy to cocktails, there are so many ways to celebrate this festive season in the Mother City.
CONCERTS/THEATRE/SHOWS
STRICTLY SOUL
Billed as Africa’s biggest R&B link-up, Strictly Soul features music curated by international DJ Akio Kawahito alongside special guest DJs. The party is dedicated to artists like Beyoncé, Sza, Miguel, Ella Mai and a whole lot more. Put on your dancing shoes and head to Bree Street.
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 72 Bree St
When: 13 November 2026
www.strictly-soul.com/events
SWING WITH THE KING
SWTK is an annual gospel, jazz, big band and Cape Ghoema celebration. Under the musical direction of Brathew van Schalkwyk, with Fletch Wiley (United States) as conductor and Jolene Martin as MC, the production features acclaimed soloists including Hilton Schilder, Julius May, Roz Parker from the US, Wesley Rustin, Clinton Viljoen and Natasha Adams, supported by a world-class rhythm section, a 10-piece horn section led by Muneeb Hermans, and an eight-piece string orchestra led by Rayelle Goodman. The 2025 rendition of the event was hailed by local journalist Rodney Reiners as a “musical extravaganza … that has firmly cemented itself as one of the go-to events on the Mother City’s arts calendar”.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 13-14 November 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/swing-with-the-king-3/
BOOGIE TIME, BABY
A musical/comedy romp down memory lane to the Motown Era, the disco floors and the power ballads that typified the 70s and 80s. A local live band and dynamic local singers and dancers bring a touch of local comedy to the Artscape.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 18-22 November 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/boogie-time-baby/
ROMÉO ET JULIETTE
Cape Town Opera presents nineteenth-century French composer Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, the Shakespearean tragedy of forbidden romance and feuding. The opera centres around four key duets, focusing more on the love story than the courtly intrigue of the original play. From the electric spark of the doomed lovers’ first meeting to the devastating silence of the tomb, Roméo et Juliette is a sweeping celebration of romance. Age restriction: No under 5s.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 18-29 November 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/romeo-et-juliette/
JAZZ IN THE CITY: DIZU PLAATJIES & SKY DLADLA
Jazz In The City – which brings a street-level aspect to international jazz festivals taking place in and around Cape Town – hosts the next Inter-Generational Conversations event at the Homecoming Centre. This performance features an exciting and energetic collaboration between internationally recognised percussionist and former Amampondo band leader Dizu Plaatjies and multi-talented musician and indigenous instrument enthusiast Sky Dladla.
Where: Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 20 November 2026
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
FROM HANOVER STREET – A CONCERT COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS
Following a sold-out season at the Artscape in February 2026, From Hanover Street returns to the stage. The production is the brainchild of the Broetjie My Bra Collective: Jody Abrahams, Loukmann Adams, Alistair Izobell, Emo Adams and David Kramer. Commemorating 60 years since the forced removals from District Six, this concert pays tribute to the music, memories and stories of a community whose spirit still lives on. Whether you missed it the first time or are returning, expect a moving evening of remembrance, reflection and celebration.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 24-29 November 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/from-hanover-street-a-concert-commemorating-60-years-2/
COMEDIANS OF NATIONAL UNITY
After sell-out shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town, comedy powerhouses Anton Taylor and Khanyisa JamJam bring Comedians of National Unity back to the stage for two nights at the Homecoming Centre. With their unique styles and undeniable chemistry, the pair deliver a show that's fresh, relatable and guaranteed to leave audiences in stitches.
Where: Avalon Auditorium, District Six Homecoming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 27-28 November 2026
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
SOUTH AFRICAN BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
The South African Burlesque Festival – now in its 9th year – showcases the glamour and sophistication of burlesque, as elite local and international artists compete for the title of Queen. The audience can get into the spirit of things by going formal: suits and gowns are encouraged. Age restriction: No under 18s.
Where: Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 28 November 2026
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
O HOLY NIGHT
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera bring an annual seasonal concert to St George’s Cathedral. A blend of orchestral and choral music celebrates the spirit of Christmas through timeless arrangements and powerful performances in a historic setting.
Where: St George's Cathedral, Wale St
When: 8-10 December 2026
www.capetownopera.co.za
ALFRED ADRIAAN: POSITIVE STROKES
Comedian Alfred Adriaan's Positive Strokes dives into the wonderful, bewildering world of fatherhood, contrasting his own parenting style with that of his folks. He’ll take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring his childhood and the wild dynamics of growing up with his family, cousins, and siblings. Age restriction: PG13.
Where: Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre, , Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 10-30 December 2026
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
OLIVER!
Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera will be presenting producer Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning Oliver! from 11 December. The famous musical, based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist and featuring a score by West End composer Lionel Bart, tells the timeless story of the orphan Oliver searching for hope in the grimy streets of Victorian London. Characters include the cunning criminal Fagin, kind-hearted Nancy and pickpocket The Artful Dodger. This promises to feel-good family entertainment, so don’t miss out. Age restriction: No under 5s.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 11 December 2026-17 January 2027
www.artscape.co.za/event/oliver-cpt/
THE NUTCRACKER
The Nutcracker is a classical ballet that tells the story of a young girl named Clara who takes a magical, fantastical journey to a land of sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker Prince, and other whimsical characters. This Cape Town City Ballet version of The Nutcracker is choreographed by Veronica Paeper, with sets and costumes by Peter Cazalet.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 11-30 December 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/the-nutcracker-3/
THE HILARIOUS DEEP AMAZING COMEDY SHOW
Locally grown Netflix comedian Gilli Apter performs a limited run of her stand-up comedy show about everything that's relevant to you: relationships; crime; women; men; marriage; single life; perimenopause; trains (that’s for the men); AI; beauty products; the crazy people in your life and what to do about them. Age restriction: No under 15s.
Where: Avalon Auditorium, District Six Homecoming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 17-19 December 2026
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
UNITY ON THE SQUARE
Cape Town’s iconic festive season live music celebration comes to Greenmarket Square. Bringing together some of South Africa’s most loved artists, the event offers an afternoon and evening of live performances, festive energy and shared experiences in the heart of the Mother City.
Where: Greenmarket Square, Burg and Longmarket Sts
When: 19 December 2026
www.eventsincapetown.com/events/unity-on-the-square-2/
CHESTER’S GOT TALENT
Chester Missing and ventriloquist Conrad Koch battle it out in a roller-coaster ride of ridiculousness, starring a host of hilariously deranged dummies. This hour of comedy is a live talent show for puppets (and not the political kind) where the audience gets to be the judges. Conrad’s problem is puppets don’t listen, so who will save the show? Chester’s Got Talent won the Gold Ovation Award at National Arts Festival.
Where: Avalon Auditorium, District Six Homecoming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 21 December 2026-3 January 2027
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
SWAN LAKE
Book early for the world’s most loved and enduring ballet. Cape Ballet Africa presents Swan Lake, the pinnacle of classical ballet – a timeless tale of love, enchantment, and sacrifice. Set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, this breathtaking production weaves a story of passion, betrayal, and eternal devotion. Opulent sets, sumptuous costumes, and exquisite choreography combine to create a ballet experience that will stir your soul and leave you breathless.
Where: Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 3-11 February 2027
www.artscape.co.za/event/swan-lake/
EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS
ARTSCAPE MASTERCLASSES
As part of the Artscape’s 55th anniversary celebrations, the performing arts complex is offering a series of free two-hour Saturday masterclasses with a range of industry experts. The sessions provide insights, practical knowledge and behind-the-scenes perspectives for artists, students, professionals and arts enthusiasts. The Machine Behind the Magic is the theme of the last masterclass in the series. Seating is limited, so booking is essential.
Where: iSibaya Room, First Floor, Artscape, D.F. Malan St
When: 14 November 2026
www.artscape.co.za/event/artscape-saturday-masterclasses/
AJABU COCKTAIL & SPIRITS FESTIVAL
Bars across the CBD are set for a festival of cocktails as the AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival brings bartenders, drink brands and hospitality talent from across Africa and beyond to the Mother City. The sixth edition of the festival will turn venues across Cape Town into hubs for bar takeovers, guest shifts, collaborations, masterclasses, workshops, seminars, live music and drinks experiences. AJABU takes its name from the Swahili word for “something wondrous” or “miraculous”.
Where: Various bars across the CBD
When: 14-22 November 2026
ajabufestival.com
AFRICA TECH FESTIVAL
The Africa Tech Festival brings together the people, ideas and partnerships building Africa’s digital future. Built around six core pillars: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres & Cloud Services; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation, the festival covers the technologies, trends and opportunities moving the continent forward. The event features leading speakers, expert-led discussions, an international expo, and high-value networking.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, 1 Lower Long St
When: 17-19 November 2026
www.cticc.co.za/whats_on_events/africa-tech-festival-3/
ITALY IN TOWN 2026
Italy in Town moves into the Castle of Good Hope for the first time. Five bastions, two courtyards, a moat and a whole weekend of Italian culture, presented by the Italian South African Chamber of Trade and Industries together with the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town. Eat wood-fired pizza, relax in aperitivo hour and watch rugby on a big screen.
Where: Castle of Good Hope, Castle St
When: 21-22 November 2026
italyintown.co.za
BEST DAY OUT FESTIVAL
The Best Day Out festival returns to the Company’s Garden for the third time, bringing together live bands, DJs, food and craft drink vendors, market stalls, and family activities in one of Cape Town’s most iconic central outdoor spaces. The festival is positioned as a family-friendly, all-ages event, with children under 12 admitted free and no minors permitted without an accompanying adult. Alcohol sales require proof of ID.
Where: The Company’s Garden, Government Avenue
When: 28 November 2026
whatsonincapetown.com/best-day-out-festival/
FESTIVE LIGHTS SWITCH ON
The festive season in Cape Town has started in the same way for 57 years: the switching on of thousands of festive lights in the CBD. This year’s evening of community and festive cheer is themed “Beacon of Hope”. The entertainment line-up includes SAMA award-winning duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, hip-hop heavyweight Nasty C and Liquideep, the electronic music duo behind hits including Fairytale, Still and Alone. Gather your family and friends to make some memories or start a new festive tradition as Cape Town’s city centre transforms into a dazzling festive wonderland.
Where: Grand Parade, Darling St
When: 29 November 2026
Time: 16h00 to 22h00
eventsincapetown.com/events/festive-lights-switch-on-2026/
PLAYTOPIA – A FESTIVAL FOR CREATORS
Playtopia is Africa’s first annual indie games and immersive arts festival and conference. It is a gathering of South African and global creators and players, a place for people to come together to share ideas, connect across continents and disciplines, and to exhibit their work. Playtopia is the festival component of the Playtopia Foundation, a non-profit which aims to generate opportunities in game development in South Africa.
Where: All spaces, District Six Homecoming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
When: 3-5 December 2026
www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
HIDDEN WONDERS OF THE IZIKO SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Explore one of the oldest and largest natural history collections in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 10 million preserved animals, fossils and archaeological artefacts, from jewellery created from ostrich eggshells and given as gifts by our ancestors and a preserved specimen of the coelacanth “living fossil fish”, to a 3D-printed skull of a bear, now extinct, that roamed the African plains four or five million years ago.
Where: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: Ongoing exhibition
www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/hidden-wonders-of-the-iziko-south-african-museum/
UITGESKRYF IN GROND
Uitgeskryf in Grond reclaims the erased histories of Namakwa womxn and amaXhosa migrant men in the Namakwa copper belt. Through archival artefacts, poetic storytelling, and community-rooted research, the exhibition traces how settler colonialism, racial capitalism, and extractivism violently excluded these communities from land, memory, and belonging. It spotlights the gendered labour of Namakwa womxn who held their communities and families together in mining settlements, yet remained invisible in political and historical narratives, and the fractured lives of amaXhosa men recruited under apartheid-era labour regimes.
Where: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: Ongoing exhibition
www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/uitgeskryf-in-grond/
REGULAR EVENTS
INNER CITY SATURDAYS
Inner City Saturdays is an invitation to explore the best of Cape Town’s inner city on the last Saturday morning of the month. The programme is an initiative of the Mission for Inner City Cape Town, a non-profit that aims to enhance and promote Cape Town’s inner city. Each month, The Mission recommends walking tours that take locals and visitors to the best shops, galleries and cafes across multiple districts. Pick a precinct and make a morning of it – family friendly and open to all.
Where: Various routes in the Cape Town CBD
When: Go at your own pace on a walk recommended by Inner City Saturdays
www.instagram.com/innercitysaturdays/
DIPTYQUE FRAGRANCE & TEA EXPERIENCE
Daily
Craving an elegant hideaway, just moments from the city streets? Book now for a relaxed and sensual experience with Diptyque fragrances and luxury teas, accompanied by finger sandwiches, fresh scones with rose and strawberry jam, homemade brownies and artisanal macarons. Choose from a morning or afternoon session, for a minimum of two and a maximum of six guests.
Where: Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, 5 Church Square
When: 11h00 or 14h00
labotessa.com/fragrance-boutique/
SUNDAY JAZZ JAM
Every Sunday
Wrap up your weekend with an evening of live jazz, creativity, fine wine and connection at Openwine’s weekly Sunday Jazz Jam. The event attracts both local and visiting artists. Sit back and relax to the rhythm while sipping fine wines.
Where: Openwine, 72 Wale St
When: 17h00
Cost: No cover charge
openwine.co.za/about
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ATHLETIC CLUB & SOCIAL
Wednesdays to Saturdays
Set in a beautiful old three-storey Victorian building, The Athletic Club & Social offers food, cocktails and splendid views from its balcony. It also has a great line-up of regular live-music performances in the basement bar, from Cape Town and African jazz to folk music, soul and other genres.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 21h30
theathletic.co.za/
THE BLUE ROOM AT GRUB & VINE
Tuesday to Saturday
The intimate Blue Room live music lounge at the Grub & Vine hosts top local and international talent, as well as emerging artists, covering a wide range of genres. Join for dinner or just drinks and tapas while you enjoy the live music, ranging from soulful melodies to acoustic sets. Book ahead.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 19h00-10h30
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
www.theblueroomza.com/home/
SOULGLO SESSIONS
Every Thursday
Once a week, Harringtons Lounge becomes a sonic playground where jazz, funk, neo-soul, and afro music completely melt together. A curated guest band sets the vibe, then the stage opens for top-tier talents to jam in real-time. Email bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za if you want to be sure of a dinner seat.
Where: Harrington’s Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
When: 19h00
www.harringtonstreet.co.za/events/soulglo-sessions
SKY-HI RIDE
Ongoing
Adrenaline junkies can enjoy thrills and bird’s-eye views of the city on the Sky-Hi Ride from the 28th floor of the Hotel Sky, 146m above the CBD. Weather permitting, the ride is open to hotel guests and visitors, and you can purchase a ride or observer ticket. The breathtaking drop reaches a free-fall speed of up to 100km per hour.
Where: Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 12h00-20h00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R200 per person via Webtickets
www.sky-hiride.capetown/
FREE CBD WALKING TOURS
Ongoing
If you’re keen to explore the CBD’s sights, history and culture on foot, while meeting nice people to boot, join a free daily walking tour with knowledgeable guides who work for tips only but are always ready to entertain and inform. The options are a Bo-Kaap Tour, Historic City Tour and Apartheid to Freedom Tour. You can also book a custom tour.
Where: Meet at least five minutes before starting time at the green umbrellas at Morning Mojo Café & Deli, 150 St George’s Mall
When: 09h30, 14h00 & 16h20: Bo-Kaap Tour; 11h00 & 16h20: Historic City Tour; 11h00 & 14h00: Apartheid to Freedom Tour
Cost: Free (but view the helpful tipping guide on the website)
www.freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za/
FIRST THURSDAYS
The first Thursday of every month, Cape Town’s buzzing galleries, restaurants and other venues offer curated art, music and cultural programmes and experiences.
Where: Cape Town CBD, including inside galleries and eateries
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za/city/cape-town