The Best Events In The Cape: What’s On In July 2023

Here’s our pick of where to go and what to do this July. Look forward to live music, a Big Day out and winemakers spoiling us with special dinners and tastings.

Do you have anything exciting planned for July in Cape Town? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

Where Stellenbosch
When 30 June – 9 July 2023
Time 8pm (daily concerts)
From 9am (other events)
The lowdown This unique festival combines student coaching with performances alongside top international and local professionals. Each day ends with a festival concert, showcasing works from Mozart, Chopin and Bach to modern-day composers. Watch virtuoso soloists from Europe, USA, Russia, China and Norway; catch New York-based young SA composer Mikhaila Smith’s concert in collaboration with singer Tina Schouw, and Matthijs van Dijk’s work for strings and uhadi (Xhosa musical bow). The last three nights are symphony concerts led by guest conductors Rebecca Tong from Indonesia and French maestro-of-the-moment Julien Benichou. Plus, for extra visual pizzazz, female soloists will be dressed in designer gowns by Erre.
Good to know The public can attend masterclasses, rehearsals, “In Conversation With” lectures and lunchtime recitals by leading lights of the classical music world.
Cost R140 – R205 per concert
R1 450 (festival pass); R1 210 (student/pensioner festival pass)
R25 per event (masterclass, daytime concerts, lectures)
Contact 021 808 2343, info@sicmf.co.za
Location Endler Hall, University of Stellenbosch, Neethling Street, Stellenbosch
Book Now

Wedding Collectif Expo

Where Cape Town
When 1 July 2023
Time 11am sharp
The lowdown This capsule event brings together all the magical elements that make the dream wedding – from decor, flowers, jewellery and a sought-after event planner to hair and beauty, food, wine and music – with SA’s top providers sharing their secrets and inspiration. The highlight will undoubtedly be the couture dress runway show by two of SA’s top globally renowned designers. Guests will also enjoy a tasting menu and wines, and an exclusive diamond and tanzanite workshop tour.
Good to know One lucky guest will win a romantic weekend at Mdluli Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park.
Cost R950
Contact weddingcollectif@gmail.com
Location The Diamond Works, 10 Christiaan Barnard Street, Foreshore
Book Now

Veld & Sea Wild Food Walks or Workshop

Where South Peninsula, Cape Town
When 1, 12 + 20 July; 9 + 23 August 2023
Workshop: 29 + 30 July 2023
Time 11am – 1pm
Workshop: 11am – 4pm both days
The lowdown Join foraging expert Roushanna Gray for an immersive, educational and amazing nature experience, to learn about edible wild herbs, weeds and fynbos – and how to use them. The two-hour outing ends with warming wild greens soup and fynbos chai tea in the Glasshouse. There’s also a two-day workshop that delves even deeper into plant identification, seasons and cycles of nature, fire-making from foraged tinder and cooking demos of dishes such as wild sage ricotta and seawater and nettle bread.
Cost R500 (adult); R200 (children under 16 years)
Two-day workshop: R2 700
Contact 072 234 4804, admin@veldandsea.com
Location Good Hope Gardens Nursery, Plateau Road (M65), near Cape Point
Book Now

Delheim Jazz & Cheese Fondue

Where Stellenbosch
When 2 July – 27 August
Time From 12pm
The lowdown Fondue and cold weather are a perfect match – add some top-notch jazz and this cheesy retro classic becomes very cool. Every Sunday this winter, Delheim plays host to a “melting pot” of talent, including Lady Felicity and the Trumpets, Nick Ford Quartet, Muneeb Hermans Quartet, female drummer Chante Phillip and Kalahari Connection. The wine estate’s cosy, atmospheric cellar is the ideal venue, with its low ceiling and rustic candlelit tables. You get a glass of glühwein, a shared fondue pot into which you dip baguette chunks and veg crudités, dessert and coffee.
Good to know No under-18s. A selection of Delheim wines are available to purchase at cellar-door prices, by the bottle or glass.
Cost R520
Contact 021 888 4600, info@delheim.com
Location Knorhoek Road, off the R44, Stellenbosch
Book Now

Life & Times of Michael K

Where Rondebosch, Cape Town
When 5 – 15 July 2023
Time 7pm nightly + Saturday 2pm
The lowdown An astonishing and mesmerising theatre production, epic in scale, that combines puppetry and human actors with film projections and haunting music. Audiences will be sucked into the world of Michael K, a simple man on a journey to take his mother home to the Karoo to die. Few local theatre productions come with such pedigree: based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner JM Coetzee, adapted by top SA director Lara Foot, in collaboration with SA’s Tony Award-winning Handspring Puppet Company (of War Horse fame).
Cost R280 – R300
R220 (students, pensioners + block bookings)
Contact 021 685 7880, carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za
Location Baxter Theatre, Main Road, Rondebosch
Book Now

Greyton Fire + Wine

Where Greyton, Overberg
When 14 + 15 July 2023
Time Friday, 1pm – 7pm; Saturday, 12pm – 6pm
The lowdown Whatever the weather, this is a wine adventure that will reward you warmly – with country-style hospitality and wonderful sipping (be it wine, whisky or port). Spend a weekend strolling through this lovely village, map in hand, popping in and out of various venues to meet winemakers for tastings beside roaring fires. It’s an A to Z of great names, from AA Badenhorst, Babylonstoren and Beau Constantia to Uva Mira, Villiera and Weather Report Wine, including the best of the surrounding Overberg.
Good to know Your ticket includes a Riedel tasting glass and unlimited tastings over two days.
Cost R690
Contact 028 254 9414, wineclub@greytontourism.com
Location Various venues in Greyton
Book Now

Franschhoek Bastille Festival

Where Franschhoek
When 15 + 16 July 2023
Time From 11am
The lowdown Delicious food, fine wine, oodles of French flair and a whole lot of carnival fun await at this annual festival – a celebration of our very own “French corner” of the Cape, that’s been a highlight of the calendar since 1993. Visit the market stalls, enjoy the buskers, take part in crazy contests, play boules and delight in the local produce and scenery of this picturesque valley.
Good to know Dress up in your best blue, white and red on the Saturday, and you could win return air tickets to France.
Cost R280 (includes 8 wine-tasting tokens)
Contact 066 224 6360, info@franschhoek.org.za
Location Church Street and Main Road, Franschhoek
Book Now

Paserene Winemaker’s Dinners

Where Franschhoek
When 21 July, 18 August, 8 September 2023
Time From 6.30pm
The lowdown Winemaker Martin Smith will be sharing his passion for his craft in a series of dinners showcasing his award-winning wines – from the easy-drinking Elements range to the signature Pasarene label. The six-course dinner includes sesame-seared tuna, braised pork belly and elderflower panna cotta. It’s your chance to get to know this new boutique winery that’s making waves – and enjoy a relaxed but special fireside meal in its designer Nest tasting room overlooking a dam.
Cost R1 200
Contact 021 876 2714, info@pasarene.co.za
Location Pasarene Farm, R45, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Darling Brew Winter Festival

Where Darling
When 22 July 2023
Time 11am – 6pm
The lowdown Also known as the “Stoute” Stout Festival, it’s all about enjoying season-appropriate dark brews from local craft brewers (like Darling Brew’s Black Mist and award-winning Arrowhead Russian imperial stout) – along with rocking good music from Karen Zoid, Heuwels Fantasties, bluesman Kenny Hughes and DJ Frenchie. There will be food stalls and a cash bar for other drinks – your first, the festival beer, is on the house. Dust off your leather jacket and slip on those trusty tackies…
Cost R250 (adult), R180 (teens and children)
Contact stephen@darlingbrew.co.za
Location Darling Brew Taproom, 48 Caledon Street, Darling

Annerkant Die Berg

Where Rawsonville, Breedekloof
When 27 – 30 July 2023
Time From 9am daily
The lowdown Translating as “Over the Mountains”, this is the less-travelled (but no less wonderful) Breedekloof wine valley’s celebration of its produce and community. From a 5-course dinner at Bosjes or an Italian evening with the 2022 MasterChef SA winner to a barrel-tasting safari and simple artisan bread, soup and wine (plus chocolate soup with port, anyone?), it’s all about deliciousness. You can also try doodling or poetry (with wine), make your own red blend and taste the Kalahari Cheesemaker’s wares. There are family- and kid-friendly carnivals at Badsberg and Botha Cellar, and mountain-biking fun rides.
Good to know Tickets must be booked for specific events – there is no general festival pass.
Cost R60 – R700 (depending on event)
Contact 023 349 1791, info@breedekloof.com
Location Various venues in the Breedekloof, along the R101 (off the N1)
Book Now

Fairview Winter Dinner Series: Shiraz & Shanks

Where Paarl
When 28 July 2023
Time 6pm – 10pm
The lowdown This sumptuous dinner returns each year to sell-out success and applause. The midwinter comfort-food factor is high, with fall-off-the-bone slow-cooked lamb shanks accompanied by Fairview’s flagship shiraz. It’s a heart-warming feast of flavour in three suitably indulgent courses. The venue is the country-style Goatshed restaurant, with underfloor heating beside a cosy hearth.
Cost R495 (three courses + wine pairing)
Contact 021 863 2450, info@fairview.co.za
Location Suid Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
Book Now

Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve Tasting + Dinner

Where Durbanville Hills
When 26 + 27 July 2023
Time 6pm for 6.30pm – 10pm
The lowdown This Durbanville winery’s grandstand views to Table Mountain and Table Bay make it a worthy setting for any event, even more so when its seven premium Collectors Reserve wines are in the spotlight. The winemaking and cellar teams share stories as you are guided through four different tasting experiences. Then move through to The Tangram restaurant where live music and a three-course meal awaits, paired with more of the Collectors Reserve wines. A feast for all the senses, it’s a night not to be missed.
Cost R495
Contact 021 558 1300, tastingroom@simonsig.co.za
Location Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville

Simonsig’s Vintage Day

Where Stellenbosch
When 29 July 2023
Time 11am – 4pm
The lowdown There’s a lot of history to sip at this wine estate. The Malan family, founding members of the Stellenbosch Wine Route back in 1971, look forward to this special day, when the best vintages are uncorked and shared – reds, whites and the renowned Kaapse Vonkel cap classique (SA’s pioneering bubbly). You can enjoy just sniffing, swirling and sipping, but the leisurely procession of fine wines is even better enjoyed with food, and a selection of dishes perfectly paired with selected wines will be available.
Good to know Bottles of the featured wines will be available at special prices to purchase and take home. Every guest gets a complimentary crystal wine glass to take home.
Cost R395 (wine tasting)
R595 (wine tasting + food)
Contact 021 888 4915, tastingroom@simonsig.co.za
Location Kromme Rhee Road, off the R304, Stellenbosch
Book Now

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