The end of the year may be drawing closer, but fun Central City events and experiences keep on coming.
Summer Fest Upper Bree Street Market
1 December 2022
The Station On Bree is hosting the last Summer Fest Upper Bree Street Market for 2022 this First Thursdays and it’s going to be a big bash. The event, with road closures, has been “supersized” again meaning more big artists and DJs, food trucks, street bars and staff. Expect a street vendor market, a gin train, an art exhibition, and entertainment. Tickets cost R150 for access to the artist lineup section, including Afrikaans pop sensation Biggy, DJ Fresh and Kyle Watson.
Where: The Station On Bree (five double G&Ts with garnish)
When: 18h00
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3Andtdh
16 Days of Activism Exhibition and Workshop
2 December 2022
An exhibition and workshop around Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will be held this December as part of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. This initiative is by City’s Directorate for Community Service and Health and the Department of Social Development & Early Childhood Development. The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is observed worldwide from 25 November to 10 December.
Where: Golden Acre Mall in Strand St from 09h00 – 11h00 and Queen Victoria Street from 11h00 – 14h00
When: 09h00 –14h00
Cost: Free
Mind Body & Soul
3 December 2022
Catch the soulful sounds of African Black Asa at Artscape Theatre Centre as she launches her album, Mind Body & Soul. African Black Asa, an engineering graduate turned artist, describes herself as a girl who found healing through her art and voice. Her debut album aims to inspire people to believe in themselves.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00
Cost: R200
https://bit.ly/3THEyie
The Marriage Conference 2022
4 December 2022
This global event is aimed at offering solutions to married couples who want a happier marriage, those having challenges in their union and single people who would like to get married. The event comprises talks by experts, workshops, counselling sessions, a wedding expo, a kid zone and even live weddings.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 1 (CTICC),
When: 09h00 – 20h00
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3V1UEUR
4 December 2022
G&S 75th Gala Concert
Music lovers are in for a treat! The Cape Town Gilbert & Sullivan Society (G&S) will be celebrating its 75th anniversary with a gala concert featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. G&S has been presenting the comic operas of Sir WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan and other musical works in and around Cape Town for over 70 years. Its journey started at City Hall where it will come back to perform some of the very best of G&S it has presented over the years.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 19h00
Cost: R100 – R250
https://bit.ly/3Ek6Iex
Walking Tour: Cave to Castle
6 December 2022
Renowned South African travel writer and tour guide David Bristow will join Kate Crane Briggs of Culture Connect SA for a walking tour on stories about the places and people who created Cape Town. Bristow, who has 20 published books on South Africa and Africa beyond, will bring some of his latest paperbacks to sell and sign at the end of the tour.
Where: Starts in car park/amphitheatre in front of Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 09h30 – 11h30
Cost: R350
http://bit.ly/3ONWmYd
The Secret Garden
9 to 10 December 2022
This Cape Town Theatre Company production featuring a cast of 23 talented performers tells the story of Mary Lennox who finds herself living in her cruel uncle’s manor where she also discovers a magical secret garden. Join her on this adventure with her friends.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre (HCC), 15 Buitenkant St
When: 21h00
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3Xik9TY
10 to 17 December 2022
Broadway for Brunch
This musical has some of Cape Town’s talented singers and is just what the doctor ordered for the holiday period. During the light-hearted show, they will touch on various issues including love, leisure and loathing and belt out some of the most beloved songs.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre (HCC), 15 Buitenkant St
When: 13h00
Cost: R150
https://bit.ly/3OeRXxc
The Nutcracker
7 to 23 December 2022
Nothing says things are back to normal like the return of The Nutcracker, an enchanting classical ballet, which has become part and parcel of the festive season in the CBD. The joyous show will be performed by the talented dancers from Cape Town City Ballet who will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at select performances.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R175 – R495
https://bit.ly/3yUwRh6
Curator Walking Art Tour
14 December 2022
Iziko South African National Gallery recently opened a fascinating exhibition, “Breaking Down the Walls – 150 years of Art Collecting”, showcasing its art collection of 150 years. Exhibition curator Andrew Lamprecht will lead a tour looking at the artworks on behalf of Culture Connect SA. It will also examine “how we commemorate a collection founded on colonial collecting principles”.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 10h00
Cost: R350 plus gallery entrance of R30
www.cultureconnectsa.com
The South African Jewish Museum
Ongoing
The South African Jewish Museum, which houses the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, protects and celebrates Jewish culture and heritage in the country and is a wonderful institution to visit all year round. There are interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, and fascinating artefacts to help visitors understand the rich history of the Jewish community. The venue also offers private tours for visitors. Currently, it’s showing “The Herzlia Matric Art Exhibition” aimed at highlighting artworks by matric students. The show will conclude on 3 December.
Where: South African Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Sunday – Thursday)
Cost: R50 (students over 12 years) – R200 (adults)
www.sajewishmuseum.org.za
Free CBD Walking Tours
Ongoing
Keen to explore the CBD without breaking the bank? Join free walking tours that take place in the inner city daily. Organisers are on a mission to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and that’s why these operate on tips only and are open to anyone. Options include a Historic City and Apartheid to Freedom Tour, Apartheid to Freedom and Bo-Kaap Tour and the Bo-Kaap and Historic City Tour. For more information, email info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za.
Where: Meet at the Piazza on Church Square
When: 11h00, 14h00 and 16h20
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3EXEsPR
Christmas at Copa Restaurant
25 December 2022
Pepperclub Hotel’s Copa Restaurant will be hosting a Christmas eve dinner with a delicious meal prepared to perfection. The Christmas eve dinner will include a set three-course meal and a welcome drink, and the Christmas lunch buffet will feature a three-course menu, live music and a welcome drink. To book contact, email copa@pepperclub.co.za or call 021 812 8888.
Where: Pepperclub Hotel, cnr Loop & Pepper sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R525 per person and R225 for kids between 2 – 12 years (Christmas eve dinner), R1 050 per person and R525 for kids between 2 – 12 years (Christmas lunch)
www.pepperclub.co.za
New Year's Eve at Copa Restaurant
Say goodbye to 2022 in style at Pepperclub Hotel’s Copa Restaurant. The evening will include oysters and bubbles on arrival, live music, and a six-course dinner.
Where: Pepperclub Hotel, cnr Loop & Pepper sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R1 650 per person and R825.00 for kids between 2 –12 years
www.pepperclub.co.za
Brunch Club at The Blue Room
Every Saturday
Enjoy a sumptuous and leisurely brunch to 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, you can enjoy bubbles from Graham Beck all day.
Where: The Blue Room, 103 Bree St
When: 11h00 – 15h00
www.grubandvine.co.za
EXHIBITIONS
Now on till 3 December 2022
WHATIFTHEWORLD exhibitions
Stephané Edith Conradie’s “Souvenir” looks at how collected objects hold special memories of places and events and how in some South African homes, these objects are also used as interior decorations. The gallery’s also showing “Gathered. Remembered. Forgotten. Made.” by Sahlah Davids. It explores how the art of being a seamstress is layered “with stories of moving plights, heart-wrenching adversity, uncomfortable truths and unbelievable triumphs”.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 6 Buiten St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
Birth of the Alter Natural
3 to 17 December 2022
It’s finally here! Sylvester Zanoxolo Mqeku who won the 2021 StateoftheART Gallery Award and a cash prize to support his solo exhibition with the gallery is presenting his show this December. Currently, Mqeku reportedly stands as the only artist in Africa who uses the technique of sand-cast ceramics. In response to the 2021 Award theme, “On the brink: Visualizing Climate Change”, he submitted work that explored “visceral visual responses of the possibilities of an altered or extinct natural world”.
Where: StateoftheART, 50 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.stateoftheart-gallery.com
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 21 January 2023
99 Loop Gallery is closing off the year with three beautiful exhibitions. This includes solo presentations by Clare Menck whose delicate paintings hint at the intimate moments that we all experience and Benjamin Stanwix who specialises in drawing and printmaking. The third presentation is a group show called “Reflection” that considers the transition into the new year ahead.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Artist Admin exhibitions
1 to 14 December 2022
Artist Admin will be hosting an exhibition featuring Cape Town-based artists Matthew Prins and Katrin Coetzer between 1 to 14 December. Prins works primarily with acrylic paint on canvas in a graphic application while Coetzer specialises in illustration. Then from 17 to 18 December, the gallery will show works by South African artist Lorraine Loots who is best known for her miniature painting series called “365 Paintings for Ants”.
Where: Artist Admin, 79 Roeland St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.artistadmin.co.za
Summer Curation
Now on till 20 January 2023
Be inspired by Nel gallery’s summer group show featuring various artists. The exhibition isn’t static and extends over a period of nearly three months. During this time, artworks leave the curation as they sell or when replaced with new ones. This is also a great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts.
Where: Nel, 117 Long St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.nelart.co.za
Breaking Down the Walls – 150 years of Art Collecting
Ongoing
This extraordinary exhibition, curated by Andrew Lamprecht, comprises more than five hundred artworks and aims to showcase the Iziko South African National Gallery’s art collection of 150 years. Some of the pieces are on display for the first time and art lovers can look forward to creations by South African artists such as Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto, Peter Clarke and Gladys Mgudlandlu. Their works are juxtaposed with historical paintings and sculptures such as Rembrandt, Picasso and Goya. Don’t miss it.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Who were the enslaved?
Ongoing
This exhibition seeks to answer questions such as: Who were the enslaved? What work did they do? How did they manage to survive a new, unwelcoming and often violent environment once they arrived? How were they able to communicate with each other when they came from far-flung regions? As viewers explore the show, the stories of life under enslavement at the Cape of Good Hope become apparent and paint a picture of resilience in the face of extreme hardship.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Red in the rainbow
Now on till 27 April 2023
This exhibition sheds light on the lives of courageous people who fought against oppression and racism during apartheid South Africa. It tells the story of a family of activists, The Carnesons, who with other freedom fighters, experienced hardship including torture, imprisonment, separation and exile as they opposed apartheid and bears testimony to the human spirit.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Don’t miss the award-winning Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the City Hall. This permanent, self-guided exhibition recently won first prize at the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s Cultural Affairs Awards. The exhibition honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. There are interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays. Also showing until June 2023, as part of Madiba’s exhibition, is a temporary show on the life of Enoch Mankayi Sontonga, composer of the hymn, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
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 worth viewing. It has extensive historical art and objects collected by Cape Town businessman Dr William Fehr. Iziko Museums, the custodian of the collection, urges viewers to look at the stories behind what’s presented and see multiple meanings.
Where: Castle of Good Hope, cnr Castle and Darling sts
When: 09h30 – 16h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R50 – R25
www.castleofgoodhope.co.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
Weekly Fitness Classes
Neighbourgood Bree Street hosts a high-intensity interval training class on Mondays and a yoga class on Wednesdays. Both sessions are led by professional instructors, and everyone is welcome to join.
Where: Neighbourgood Bree Workspace, 129 Bree St
When: 17h30 (Everyone meets at the lobby at 17h20 and then is taken to the area where classes take place).
www.neighbourgood.co.za
Let’s Move at Sky Hotel
Tuesdays
Come to town and enjoy a rejuvenating class on a rooftop at Sky Hotel. It’s facilitated by a qualified personal trainer with experience in Pilates, high-intensity interval training, Barre, Yoga and Intelligent Movement.
Where: 27th floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 09h30
Cost: R150
www.hotelsky.co.za
Fresh Handmade Pasta Night at Ruby's Café
Thursdays
Indulge in handmade pasta, topped with a fresh sauce and ingredients of your choice, at Ruby's Bakery & Café inside Pepperclub Hotel.
Where: Ruby's Bakery & Café, 9 Pepper St
When: 17h00 – 21h00
Cost: R175
www.pepperclub.co.za
Cooking classes
Ongoing
The Chef’s Studio offers interactive cooking classes including for special occasions like team building, end-of-year parties or private events. The sessions are taught, supervised and judged by the venue’s highly experienced chefs.
Where: The Chef’s Studio, 103 Bree St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Varies
www.thechefsstudio.co.za
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Thursdays
The Athletic Club & Social hosts live jazz musicians on Thursday nights. Aside from the great line-up of artists each week, the three-storey venue has impressive food and cocktail menus and offers great views of Signal Hill. Tickets are available via Quicket. There is also a bar service.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 21h30
Cost: R100
www.theathletic.co.za
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Ongoing
Hotel Sky in Lower Long St has a dramatic 35-metre Sky-Hi Ride on its rooftop. Thrill-seekers take a chair lift up to the top of the spire and then drop down at a free-fall speed of 100 km/hour. The ride 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. You can purchase a ride or observer ticket. Have a look at what’s in store for you here and be sure to book your ticket here.
Where: 28th floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 12h00 – 20h00, Tuesday to Sunday, weather permitting
Cost: R200
https://sky-hiride.capetown/
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. There are three 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 on 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 – 20h40 (first session) 21h00 – 21h40 (second session), 22h00 (third session)
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
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 La Cantina 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
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 inbetween the three stops.
Where: City Sightseeing South Africa, 81 Long St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R64 – R599
www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town
Jug o'clock at Clarke's Bar and Dining Room
Daily
Looking for a good deal? Head to Clarke's Bar and Dining Room for after-work drinks and take advantage of the 1.3-litre beer jug special.
Where: City Sightseeing South Africa, 133 Bree St
When: Special runs from 16h00 to 19h00
Cost: R99
www.clarkesdining.co.za
Bottomless Bubbly
Thursdays
Don’t miss out on bottomless Boschendal bubbly, fries and live music at Fable on Thursdays.
Where: Fable, The Block, cnr Bree and Wale sts
When: 19h00 – 22h00
Cost: R399 and doesn’t apply on First Thursdays
Story time for children at the 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: 99 Loop Gallery, Clarkes Bar and Dining Room, Iziko, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra