There is a wealth of fun and interesting events in the Cape Town CBD, come rain or shine! Here's our list of what's worth considering. See you there!
EXHIBITIONS
Now on till 31 March 2022
Black Magic: A group show
This Eclectica Contemporary show is a celebration of figures that embody perseverance and pride. It’s part of the gallery’s mission to give a platform to black voices and experiences. The presentation features artworks by Okhi Mookho Ntho who grew up in Maseru Lesotho and Ian Banja from Nairobi Kenya.
Where: Eclectica Contemporary, 56 Church St
When: 09h30 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday), 10h30 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
Death Row Dinner
Now on till 30 April 2022
“Death Row Dinner” looks at ceremonious gatherings, often filled with people, food and drinks, and how these memories are connected to how we look back on our lives. Participating artists use the gallery’s floor space to reflect on this and invite viewers to “contemplate their human essentiality and perhaps our collective ability to avoid or deny our own due date with time”. Viewings are by appointment only. Email buzz@thefourth.co.za or call 065 951 2517.
Where: THEFOURTH, 28 St Georges Mall (4th Floor, Exchange Building)
When:
Cost: Free
www.thefourth.co.za
Rock Paper Scissors
Ongoing
An experimental showcase of four artists, this must-see exhibition has works by Rochelle Nembhard and Gemma Shepherd who have debuted their video piece as part of their ongoing artistic collaboration. Then there’s Galia Gluckman who has various artworks that also look into her artistic process. Lastly, artist Rodan Kane Hart has his latest sculpture series which is “an exploration of delicate geometry, volume and steel as a material”.
Where: SPACE BY, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: Free
www.thefourth.co.za
Islamic Art: An African Interpretation
Now on till 31 March 2021
Curator Annelize Kotze brings together 15 South African artists from different backgrounds to celebrate the diversity of Islam. Iziko Museums writes on its website that Islam is not only a religion but a way of life that inspires the development of a distinctive culture with its unique artistic language that is reflected in art and architecture. Don’t miss it.
Where: Bo-Kaap Museum, 71 Wale St
When: 09h30 – 15h30
Cost: Free
www.iziko.org.za
amaHubo
Now on till 30 June 2022
This poignant video installation by Buhlebezwe Siwani explores the relationship between African spiritual beliefs, cosmology and Christianity. Siwani wants people to reflect on the challenges of “rootedness, devotion and healing in our society”.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Rethinking the William Fehr Collection
Ongoing
To not take things at face value is something we must always challenge ourselves to do to grow and see the world differently. That’s what this exhibition, curated by Esther Esmyol, wants viewers to do. While it’s slightly outside of the CCID’s operational footprint at the Castle of Good Hope, it’s significant and worth viewing. It has extensive historical art and objects collected by Cape Town-based businessman Dr William Fehr. Iziko Museums is the custodian of the collection and urges viewers to look at the stories behind what’s presented and see multiple meanings.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Be Still
Now on till 30 March 2022
Artist Admin is the CBD’s newest gallery in the East City. This March, the new kid on the block has a lovely presentation by Rebecca Pretorius, which invites art lovers to be still and notice what’s around them. Pretorius was inspired by the past two pandemic years which she says, “required more stillness than ever before”. She explains: “This stillness was exaggerated by turning to my brushes for endless hours to escape, observing a subject for extended periods of time, suddenly feeling how full life is when we stop to give it attention.”
Where: Artist Admin, 79 Roeland St
When: 09h00 – 17h00(Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.artistadmin.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: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Dreams as R-evolution
Now on till 17 May 2022
This one-of-a-kind show features sculptural forms, drawings, paintings, photographs and costumes. Artist Coral Bijoux is challenging viewers to think deeply about transforming themselves and their environments. Check it out and, as per the show’s four pillars, dare to “reimagine ideas of self, space, authority, power and innocence”.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
THK Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 30 March 2022
Square Dance by German artist Thomas Wachholz is a sight for sore eyes. The gallery explains that he uses a visual style and foundations of Pop Art to make colourful paintings with clean lines that borrow elements of matchboxes, which symbolise his shifting perceptions from the object. While Wachholz has exhibited in various places, this is his first exhibition on the African continent and is not to be missed. Another great exhibition that’s showing in parallel to Wachholz’s show is de.code by artists Talut Kareem, Lerato Motaung and Lulama Wolf. The artists are in “conversation” with Wachholz and look at “symbolic abstraction and coded meanings”.
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 26 March 2022
After a stellar presentation at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2022, 99 Loop Gallery is back with an exciting show by Cape Town-based artist Jonathan Silverman. His work centres around the space between virtual and physical reality. He is quoted in a VISI interview as saying: “Almost half of the inhabitants on this planet carry around a little black mirror full of wonder and knowledge. I’m interested in how our experience of physical reality marries our everyday virtual one, and how they affect one another. I do this by looking at patterns and types of nature because it is nature itself that we are falling into and out of.” To receive a preview catalogue, email gallery@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
REGULAR & OTHER EVENTS
Cape Town Carnival
19 March 2022
It’s back! “Reunited” is the theme of this year’s annual Cape Town Carnival which will energise the CBD and bring together dance, music and art. The event has been reimagined after Covid-19 halted it in the past two years. The new format includes five hubs, which will each put on five 30-minute shows throughout the day. These include Hatfield Street, Iziko South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Greenmarket Square and Heritage Square.
Where: Cape Town CBD
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R10
www.capetowncarnival.com
Opera Blocks
4 to 5 March 2022
The Cape Town VBD is truly everyone’s playground including babies. This Cape Town Opera event aims to give babies, from birth to 18 months and their parents, a wonderful brain-boosting theatre experience. It includes music and incorporates the skills of an occupational therapist to spark the imagination of little ones.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 10h00 and 13h00
Cost: R240
https://bit.ly/3JU6ZFd
Night Market on Greenmarket Square
3 March to 6 October 2022
All corners of the Cape Town CBD are being revived with exciting events and experiences. The next big thing is the Night Market on Greenmarket Square to boost the night-time economy. Following its success during the festive season, it’s been extended and will now coincide with First Thursdays from March until October 2022. This City of Cape Town-backed initiative is a family-friendly affair with music, food, clothes, jewellery, and crafts from a range of stalls available.
Where: Greenmarket Square
When: 18h30 – 01h00 (Every first Thursday of the month)
Cost: Free
Pride Proms 2022
9 March 2022
Artscape Theatre Centre continues to give a platform to the LGBTQI+ community and will play host to The Cape Town Pride Proms, a final event on this year’s Cape Town Pride calendar. The event will feature local singers who will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. What’s great is proceeds will go towards the Nkoli House Project, a centre that’s being set up for people in the LGBTQI+ community in Cape Town.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 20h00
Cost: R150 – R275
https://bit.ly/3sddBbI
Maina Gielgud’s Giselle
18 March to 9 April 2022
The month of love may be over, but romance doesn’t have to stop. Treat yourself to a romantic story about love and betrayal. Go on a journey with talented Cape Town City Ballet performers and see how the story unfolds when an innocent woman who loves to dance unsuspectingly falls in love with someone who isn’t truly what he claims to be. The show is not to be missed as the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and international guest artists will appear at select performances.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R175 – R750
https://bit.ly/3Ihv0pf
Contested Bodies
16 March to 2 April 2022
This production is inspired by the events that happened in March 2015 when the UCT student and political activist Chumani Maxwele, along with other students, protested the Cecil Rhodes statue and threw human excrement on it. The moment started a conversation about the trauma of South Africa’s colonial past. Producers, Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer say in their outrage for the stage, they plan “to do some faeces flinging of their own in an outrageous show that is likely to be the most controversial and contested play of the year”.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R250
https://bit.ly/3BTD8K7
Meraki
24 to 26 March 2022
“Meraki” is reportedly a Greek word that means “to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to leave a piece and essence of yourself in your work” This Jazzart Dance Theatre production is all about Meraki and is designed by acclaimed choreographers Sifiso Kweyama, Dane Hurst and Shaun Oelf.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100 – R120
https://bit.ly/3t5hkaw
Long Street Market
Every Saturday till 31 March 2022
Come to town for the Long Street Market hosted by the Long Street Association. The family-friendly market, which starts in the mid-afternoon and continues until the early hours, has various artists and DJs, artisanal goods, stalls, food trucks, pop-up art exhibitions and an outdoor bar.
Where: Long St from Pepper to Buitensingel sts
When: Saturdays
Cost: Free
https://www.facebook.com/longstreetmarket
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Ongoing
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 less than R200, which goes directly to the 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 – 21h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/LocalatHeritageSquare
Craft Circle
Wednesdays
Craft Circle is ideal for meeting cool people, socialising with friends and exploring your creative side. 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: Every first and second Wednesday of the month
Cost: R120
www.capetowncraftclub.wordpress.com/craft-circle/
City Sightseeing South Africa
Ongoing
Discover or rediscover Cape Town and its surroundings by hopping on the popular Red Bus by City Sightseeing South Africa. Choose from a range of packages available 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
Storytime 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, The Blue Room, THK Gallery, Iziko Museum