What's on in town? Look no further for a comprehensive list of Cape Town Central City events and experiences to be enjoyed over the next few weeks.
EVENTS
Restaurant Week South Africa
Now on till 15 May 2022
Exciting news! Restaurant Week has been extended to 15 May 2022. Don't miss out! Enjoy delicious two-and three-course meals at reduced rates at some of Cape Town’s finest eateries. Seats are limited. Book via the Restaurant Week South Africa website.
Where: Participating downtown Cape Town venues include Infinity Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, GiGi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Copa Restaurant, FYN Restaurant, The Athletic Club & Social, Pilcrow & Cleaver and Grub & Vine.
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R245 – R745
www.restaurantweek.co.za
Suidoosterfees
Now on till 1 May 2022
Another boost is on the cards for the arts sector with the return of the Suidoosterfees after a two-year absence. The festival has a great line-up of 41 events, including theatre productions, dance, music, comedy and book discussions. Some of the shows to look forward to are Moscow by Nataniël, Opdrifsel by Philip Rademeyer and the stage version of Zirk van den Berg’s award-winning book, Ek wens.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R80 - R125
https://bit.ly/3wW3daV
Ex Olympic live at the Pink Room
26 April 2022
Catch composer, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ex Olympic live at the new Pink Room at Gorgeous George Hotel. The revamped space is on the first floor of the boutique hotel. In this show, Ex Olympic, whose real name is Nicolaas Van Reenen, will be performing with a group of artists. No stranger to the South African alternative music scene, Ex Olympic has worked with a range of groups such as Bateleur and Spoek Mathambo’s band, Mshini Wam.
Where: Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St Georges Mall
When: 19h30
Cost: R120
https://bit.ly/3LdFvLR
Odeon Cinema at Pepperclub Hotel.
Dinner and a movie at Odeon Cinema
Ongoing
Pepperclub Hotel has a five-star retro cinema that’s ideal for a memorable night out in the city centre. It has 29 luxurious seats and is available to hotel guests for free. Members of the public can visit the venue during the "dinner and movie night" which takes place every week. A ticket includes a one-course dinner at Pepperclub Hotel, movie and popcorn.
Where: Pepperclub Hotel, cnr Loop & Pepper sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R265
https://bit.ly/36JMop8
Bottomless Brunch at Fideli's
2 May 2022
Public holidays are for Bottomless Brunch at Fideli’s. On Workers’ Day, the eatery will serve bubbly with either bottomless oysters or bottomless eggs Benedict. To book, email judi@pilcrowgroup.co.za or call 064 301 6328.
Where: 3.1 Piazza (Parliament St)
When: 11h00 – 14h00
Cost: R350
www.fidelis.capetown
Nice Racists
4 to 14 May 2022
Get ready for an evening filled with laughter and thought-provoking questions when South Africa’s much-loved puppet, Chester Missing, takes to the stage at Artscape Theatre Centre this May. With this show, Chester Missing and his double Emmy nominated ventriloquist sidekick Conrad Koch say they want to help South Africa heal its racial divisions. With puppets involved, expect some awkward and funny questions.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R84 – R130
https://bit.ly/3t7r9Wq
Cape Town Opera’s 2022 Season
Now on till September 2022
Cape Town Opera’s (CTO) 2022 Season is underway with great performances on the cards from now until October in the Cape Town CBD and beyond. After teaming up with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CTPO) during Easter, the CTO will join forces again in June with the CTPO for a Duet Gala Concert at Artscape Theatre Centre. Other performances include Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and L'elisir d'amore by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre and outside the CBD
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R180 – R620
https://capetownopera.co.za/operas/
Meet the Makers
Now on till August 2022
If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting some of South Africa’s best wines and meeting the individuals behind them over a decadent meal, now’s your chance. Grub & Vine has an impressive list of winemakers coming up between April and August including Remhoogte Wine Estate, Raats Family Wines, De Kleine Wijn Koöp, Cape Point Vineyards, Brookdale Estate, Paserence and Miles Mossop Wines. The evening includes five courses and five wines.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 08h30 – 22h00
Cost: R750 per person
www.grubandvine.co.za
Irma
5 to 14 May 2022
This multimedia theatre play is about the life and work of the late South African artist Irma Stern. According to artnet, the painter and sculptor was known for her expressive portraits rendered in saturated colours and travelled throughout Africa to capture landscapes that are unique to the continent. In this play, Eva Bartels, an artist from the Netherlands and Iman Isaacs, a South African director and actor, are in conversation. They use Stern’s work to reflect on issues such as “political and non-political choices in art, cultural and ancestral knowledge, chasing a sense of belonging, a female future, the activistic power of art and theatre”.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R200
https://bit.ly/3KVAqrq
Qadasi & Maqhinga Maskandi Folk Fusion Tour
12 to 14 May 2022
Award-winning Maskandi musicians Qadasi and Maqhinga will be touring Cape Town and two of their stops are in the Central City. The duo fuses the sounds of traditional Maskandi with Western folk music and are both established artists in their own right. They released their first album, Lashis’ Ilanga, in 2016 and their sophomore album, Ungabanaki, won Best Traditional Album at the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMA). They have also toured Europe and Asia together.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St (12 May) and Alliance Française du Cap, 155 Loop St (13 May)
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/38KpSNk
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Wind Ensemble at a practice session.
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Wind Ensemble Concert
12 May 2022
Don’t miss an exciting launch concert of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Wind Ensemble (CPWE). The symphonic wind ensemble comprises adult amateur wind instrumentalists and percussionists and was formed at the start of the pandemic to expand the orchestra’s community reach. The 40 musicians will finally get a chance to perform a selection of works including Colonial Song by Percy Grainger and Festivo by Edward Gregson.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h30
Cost: R120
https://bit.ly/3v9eL9n
Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10k
15 May 2022
Entries are open for the popular Absa Run Your City Cape Town, which celebrates Cape Town’s vibrant culture and its people. Now that the race is sponsored by Absa, a few tweaks have been made including shortening the distance from 12 kilometres to 10 and a new finish line in Lower Long St. Other than that, the event still starts in Woodbridge Island in Milnerton and has the same great vibe that all runners have come to love and appreciate.
Where: Woodbridge Island in Milnerton to Lower Long St
When: 09h00
Cost: R235 – R 900
www.capetown10k.com
Zip Zap Annual Auction & Cocktail Event
15 May 2022
Zip Zap Circus School is hosting its flagship fundraising event this May and would appreciate your assistance for its 2 000 beneficiaries. On the day, participants will be able to bid on various items including collectable treasures as well as local and international travel or adventure experiences. World-renowned mixologists, Tetsuo Hasegawa and Nana Shimosegawa from New York will also join to create their signature cocktails. The school was founded in 1992 to inspire young people to “dare to dream” and learn to make those dreams a reality. Please lend your support.
Where: Cape Heritage Hotel, Heritage Square
When: 14h00
Cost: R1 500
https://bit.ly/3vF231t
Zip Zap Circus performing in their Slapstick show.
Slapstick
21 to 29 May 2022
Zip Zap Circus is back with another thrilling show to wow audiences. Slapstick is described as a “traditional circus show with an invigorating 1930s twist, peppered with side-splitting comedy”. Similar to how people going through The Great Depression found respite in the travelling circus, viewers are invited to turn into the magic of the circus yet again to uplift their spirits in these gloomy times. On the day, The Dome will be transformed into a theatrical circus picnic site. Those attending can bring picnic blankets and cushions. Picnic boxes can be bought from Dish Food & Social.
Where: Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts St
When: 12h00 and 16h00 (Saturday and Sunday)
Cost: R105
https://bit.ly/3LaP51O
The Plant Powered Show
27 to 29 May 2022
The Plant Powered Show is for you if you’ve ever wanted to learn about veganism and plant-based food online and in person. The show will feature live cooking demos, talks by health and wellness experts, live entertainment and latest products and launches. Its organisers say it’s not to be missed since it’s South Africa’s first-ever live vegan and plant-based food, drink and lifestyle show.
Where: CTICC, 1 Lower Long St
When: 17h00
Cost: R250 and R120 online
www.plantpoweredshow.com
Brunch Club at The Blue Room
Every Saturday
Enjoy a sumptuous and leisurely brunch experience with the sounds of jazz at Grub & Vine’s Blue Room on Saturdays. This is a unique experience with a fresh take on brunch classics with an option to choose from delicious à la carte dishes or the whole menu. What’s more, bubbles from Graham Beck all day.
Where: The Blue Room, 103 Bree St
When: 11h00 – 15h00
www.grubandvine.co.za
Night Market on Greenmarket Square
Now on till 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
Long Street Market
7 May
Come to town for the Long Street Market hosted by the Long Street Association. The family-friendly market has various artists and DJs, artisanal goods, stalls, food trucks, pop-up art exhibitions and an outdoor bar. It’s on a brief break now and is set to return in May.
Where: Long St from Pepper to Buitensingel sts
When: Saturdays
Cost: Free
https://www.facebook.com/longstreetmarket
DE TRIANA A GRANADA
3 to 4 June 2022
If you’d like to support rising artists, check out this production casting the spotlight on eight talented young artists from The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art. Through their commitment, they have become great performers of flamenco dance and are already making their mark in national and international festivals and theatres. Flamenco is defined as a Spanish art form made up of guitar playing, song and dance.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R350 – R450
https://bit.ly/37Yiiyt
Cape Town’s Most Wanted
9 to 11 June 2022
Catch the 10th edition of Cape Town's Most Wanted featuring the best Hip-hop dancers and choreographers in the Mother City. Over the years, this show has grown in popularity and has succeeded in unearthing the best talent. Organisers say this isn’t a competition but a collaboration that sees Cape Town’s dance community working together to bring out its best. Don’t miss it.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R140
https://bit.ly/3MaN6us
South African International Ballet Competition
26 to 30 July 2022
Catch Africa’s largest ballet contest at Artscape Theatre Centre this July. The South African International Ballet Competition returns as a hybrid event once again and will see participants from South Africa and around the world showcasing their skills over five days and being put through their paces by renowned international and South African judges.
Where: Online and at Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150 - R285
https://bit.ly/3MdcBLV
EXHIBITIONS
OPEN 24 HRS ART
Ongoing
OPEN 24 HRS ART in the CBD’s East City is on a mission to make art accessible, and its creators are of the view that “art appreciation is not the preserve of the privileged few”. The space is open 24 hours a day and provides a platform for artists to present their unfiltered ideas. Currently, the gallery has works by artists Bella Knemeyer and Unathi Mkonto on display.
Where: OPEN 24 HRS ART, 50 Harrington St
When: 24/7
Cost: Free
www.open24hrs.co.za
Photo Book! Photo-Book! Photobook!
Now on till 21 May 2022
This unique exhibition, curated by Sean O’Toole, is a continuation of an ongoing research project into the South African photobook. It asks a range of questions such as what a photobook is, when does a printed and bound volume composed of photographs qualify as a photobook and what makes it South African. The viewer is invited to draw their conclusion by browsing a large archive of differing photobooks made between 1945 and 2022.
Where: A4 Arts Foundation, 23 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 17h30 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.a4arts.org
SWAMP
Now on till 28 May 2022
WHATIFTHEWORLD is showing Mia Chaplin’s series of oil paintings and sculptures called SWAMP. The gallery describes Chaplin’s work as guided by femininity and says she creates a narrative of womanhood and femininity that is complex in that “it is all at once ugly, violent, comforting, and containing”. Since completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the Michaelis School of Fine Art in Cape Town in 2011, Chaplin has hosted five solo exhibitions.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Thursday), 09h00 – 16h00 (Friday) and 09h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
Oomblikke
Now on till 3 May 2022
Check out Oomblikke, a colourful first solo exhibition by Cape Town artist Lené Ehlers at Chandler House’s Voorkamer Gallery. Ehlers is said to have spent weeks with a private collection of embroidered Uzbek textiles which inspired this show. Owner, resident artist and curator Michael Chandler says in this exhibition, the viewer is invited to go on a magic carpet ride, “celebrating intuitive and fleeting moments of abundant colour, form and pattern”.
Where: Chandler House, 53 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.chandlerhouse.co.za
Paul Wallington’s exhibition
7 May to 11 June 2022
99 Loop Gallery will have a new solo show by Cape Town artist Paul Wallington this May until early June. On his site, Wallington explains that he graduated from the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town in 2019, where he was co-awarded the Simon Gerson Award for Outstanding Body of Work. His work has been exhibited at 99 Loop Gallery, Everard Read Cape Town and the Zeitz Mocca.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Cape Town’s majestic City Hall boasts a permanent Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition that's accessible to the public on weekdays. The installation, with interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays, honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. One can either do a self or guided tour to see the various phases covered including an early life timeline, the 1940s and 1950s in Cape Town, 1960s events leading to imprisonment, prison years on Robben Island, struggle protests, 1980s negotiations, his release, 1994 democratic elections and presidency and legacy. To book a 45-minute viewing slot, email Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
Abstract*d
7 to 28 May 2022
“I found I could say things with colours and shapes that I couldn’t say in another way, things I had no words for.” These words by the late artist Georgia O’Keeffe sum up a sentiment shared by the five participating artists in Abstract*d. The artists featured are Balekane Legoabe, Odette Marais, Karla Nixon, Shui-Lyn White and Tanja Truscott. For the show they spoke to one another in images about line, colour, texture, shape and light. “Sometimes the conversation was direct, at other times quirky with humorous lateral jumps, but it always spoke about how we saw the world around us through the fundamentals of abstract art,” Truscott explains.
Where: StateoftheART, 50 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.stateoftheart-gallery.com
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
People should not take things at face value, and challenge themselves to grow and see the world differently. That’s the aim of this exhibition, curated by Esther Esmyol. 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
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 challenges 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
REGULAR EVENTS
Friday Night Live at The Royal Oyster Bar
Fridays
Catch live music at The Royal Oyster Bar on Friday Night Live. Diarise it so you can ease yourself into the weekend with good music, a selection of drinks and oyster specials. To book, call 071 490 2834.
Where: The Royal Oyster Bar, 17 Bree St
When: 19h00
Cost: Free
https://the-royal-oyster.com/
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Ongoing
Treat yourself to the sounds of jazz and blues, delicious cocktails (they’re running half-price specials at the moment!) and food at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine. There are two sittings for the evening performances, which take place from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday nights are reserved for Jazz Jam Sessions, while the other nights are reserved for performances by headline artists. Cocktails and tapas are served from 16h00 daily except for Sundays. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next. A selection of spirits, wine and beers are also served.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 20h00 & 21h30
Cost: Cover charge of R150 per person (R200 for both sittings) on Wednesday and Friday, and R120 for Jazz Jams on Thursday night.
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
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: Zip Zap Circus, Pepperclub Hotel, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Gigi Rooftop