The Best Events in Cape Town: What’s On in May 2023

The mother of all cities is heating up with a lineup of cool events! Here’s our pick of where to go and what to do in May 2023.

Journey to Jazz

Where Prince Albert
When 4 – 7 May 2023
The lowdown This inaugural jazz festival will play out along the charming Karoo dorp’s main street. As well as world-class jazz performances in the superb acoustics of the Dutch Reformed Church, Prince Albert promises to come alive with local musicians, buskers, markets, food stalls and music evenings in local restaurants. Produced by PACT (Prince Albert Community Trust), the festival will showcase skills learned in youth outreach projects, and adds a raft of other local experiences: sunrise yoga, guided hikes, ghost walks, sausage and tapas workshops, and storytelling.
Cost From R160 (per performance)
Contact 079 409 1605, 023 541 1066, admin@journeytojazz.co.za
Location Various venues, Prince Albert
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Sauvignon Soiree

Where Durbanville
When 5 May 2023
Time 5pm – 8pm
The lowdown Held on International Sauvignon Blanc Day, this evening with various winemakers of the Durbanville Wine Valley celebrates the cool-climate varietal in all its nuances. Taste sauvignon blancs from 13 producers and chat to the winemakers as you sip. You’ll also get a chance to try some of the international sauvignon blanc wines entered into this year’s Concours Mondial du Sauvignon too. The ticket includes two canapés on arrival.
Cost R200
Contact info@durbanvillewine.co.za
Location Cassia Restaurant, Nitida Wine Farm, Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville
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We Will Rock You

Where Cape Town
When 5 May – 4 June 2023
The lowdown The true definition of a rock musical, this spectacular new production of We Will Rock You is not to be missed. The show channels 24 of Queen’s greatest hits through Ben Elton’s script to tell the story of a group of revolutionary bohemians (Scaramouche, Galileo and Killer Queen among them) in a dystopian future, a world with no musical instruments or rock music. Spoiler alert – they bring music back to their world against all odds. With as much drama and stage presence as any Queen performance, and a six-piece band rocking the memorable hits, this is a monumental escape from reality and a must for your May calendar.
Cost R100 – R500
Contact 021 410 9800, artscape@artscape.co.za
Location Artscape, Foreshore, Cape Town

Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc Evening

Where Durbanville
When 10 + 11 May 2023
Time 6pm – 10pm
The lowdown Head to Durbanville Hills for a dinner-and-tasting event that celebrates sauvignon in all its sassy splendour. The evening kicks off with canapés and paired wine tastings, a cellar tour and chats with the winemakers. With your palate fully tuned, it’s time to move through to the winery’s flagship Tangram Restaurant where panoramic views of the city lights and Table Mountain will distract even the most die-hard wine aficionado from the evening’s sauvignon focus. Two further pairings accompany a two-course dinner designed to showcase the wines at their best.
Good to know Two of the featured wines recently scored gold at the prestigious 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.
Cost R595
Contact 021 558 1300, info@durbanvillehills.co.za
Location Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town

Classics For All Festival

Where Greyton and Genadendal
When 12 – 14 May 2023
The lowdown Three days of warm hospitality and wonderful music set these two charming Overberg villages alight each year in May. This is the 19th edition of the festival, bringing together artists from South Africa and overseas in an accessible, no-frills format that welcomes all music lovers. A varied programme of 11 concerts over the weekend is held in the superb acoustics of the Moravian churches in Greyton and Genadendal, and in the Dutch Reformed Church in Greyton.
Good to know The Handevat Project children’s concert at local schools on Friday is free of charge.
Cost R160 – R170 (per performance)
Contact 028 254 9414
Location Various venues in Greyton and Genadendal, Overberg
Book Now

Nuy Valley Festival

Where Worcester
When 13 May 2023
Time 9am – 5pm
The lowdown The Nuy Valley Festival is an event for the whole family, centred around wholesome country food and the valley’s wine and olive harvest. In its 15th year, it’ll be hosted by a handful of leading estates between Worcester and Robertson, including Nuy and Willow Creek. Hop on board the “Nuy Valley Express” (tractors with wagons) that will take you through the vineyards and olive groves to all the festival venues. There are trail-running and mountain-bike races, live music, plenty of kids activities, and fun for the whole family.
Cost Adults: R230 (R250 onsite)
Designated drivers: R150 (no glass or tastings served)
Teens (12 – 17 years): R50
Children (0 – 11 years): Free
Contact 084 245 3922, info@nuyvalleyfeast.co.za
Location Nuy on the Hill, Willow Creek Olive Estate, Leipzig Country House and Winery and Lions Creek Olive Estate, Worcester
Book Now

Cellars-Hohenort Mother’s Day

Where Constantia
When 13 + 14 May 2023
Times High Tea: Saturday + Sunday, 2pm – 4pm
Lunch: Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
The lowdown The graceful garden-wrapped elegance of The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia is the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day with the family. Serene with a sense of secluded enchantment, The Conservatory restaurant looks out over lawns to tall camphor trees and woodland plantings. Group executive chef Tronette Dippenaar and her team have created a special three-course menu for Mother’s Day lunch, keeping things simple, seasonal and flavour-packed, with two delicious options for each course. Alternatively spoil your mom with an elegant high tea in the Greenhouse. Browse on dainty sandwiches, appetising savouries, freshly baked scones and gorgeous patisserie, followed by a leisurely stroll in the serene gardens and woodland.
Cost High tea: R425
Lunch: R645
Contact 021 794 2137, coordinator@cellars-hohenort.co.za
Location 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Franschhoek Literary Festival

Where Franschhoek
When 19 – 21 May 2023
The lowdown Authors, poets, publishers and all literary aficionados converge on this Winelands town for a weekend of over 80 fascinating events across multiple venues in close proximity, all leading to streets buzzing with book lovers. From literary discussions, storytelling and book launches to writing workshops, classical music concerts, gourmet food, fine wine and more, there’s sure to be something that appeals.
Cost Adults: R100 per event
Students: R50 per event
Contact help@flf.co.za
Location various venues, Franschhoek Wine Valley
Book Now

The Plant Powered Show

Where Cape Town
When 26 – 28 May 2023
Times Friday + Saturday, 10am – 6pm; Sunday, 10am – 5pm
The lowdown Whether you’re flexitarian, vegan, vegetarian or simply looking to eat more consciously, this mega-collection of plant-based deliciousness is bound to expand your food horizons. Held at the CTICC, the Plant Powered Show features local and international chefs and mixologists, wellness experts and a wealth of exhibitors. Spend the day tasting samples and shopping for plant-based treats; grabbing lunch from the pop-up eateries; sipping on organic wines, no-alcohol drinks and conscious cocktails; watching free chef demos in the Plant Kitchen Chef’s Theatre; and gaining sage advice from the wellness talks.
Good to know There are 18 interactive workshops and masterclasses with chefs and wellness experts – book places for these in advance.
Cost Day pass: R160 – R200
Weekend pass: R240 – R300
Children (15 and under): Free
Contact 087 700 6521, plantpower@liveevents.africa
Location CTICC, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Fairview Homtini Italian Dinner

Where Paarl
When 26 May 2023
Time 6pm – 10pm
The lowdown This feast of Italian flavours and its accompanying wine is a salute to intrepid Italian silk farmers who emigrated to South Africa in the 19th century, expecting mulberry trees for their silkworms and arriving to find themselves in the mulberry-free Knysna forest. Fairview’s winemaker Anthony de Jager is one of their descendants, and named a Tuscan-style blend of sangiovese, cab sav and merlot in their honour. Chef SJ Nel cooks up a storm of Italian-inspired dishes to accompany this glorious wine for a three-course feast in the estate’s cosy and convivial Goatshed Restaurant.
Cost R495 per person (three courses + wine pairings)
Contact 021 863 3609, goatshed@fairview.co.za
Location Goatshed Restaurant, Fairview, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
Book Now

Cabernet Franc Carnival

Where Franschhoek
When 27 May 2023
Times 11am – 4pm
The lowdown Celebrate the best cabernet francs in the land at this Winelands festival. This is the fifth edition of the event, where single-varietal Cab Francs are in the spotlight. Taste 30 wines from various wine regions in South Africa, exploring the different characteristics of each region, and enjoy a selection of finger food and live music in the beautiful gardens of Vrede en Lust wine estate.
Good to know Your ticket includes a crystal wine glass, all wine tastings and a R60 food coupon.
Cost R350
Contact 084 511 1806, bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za
Location Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, intersection of R45 and Simondium-Klapmuts Roads, Franschhoek
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Tulbagh Vintage & Vine Faire

Where Tulbagh
When 27 May 2023
Time 10am – 4pm
The lowdown A family day out in the country with a vintage theme, the annual fair celebrates Tulbagh’s heritage, as well as the wine, olives and other products of the valley. Held in the beautiful surrounds of Morgansvlei, expect traditional dishes and tasty treats, craft beer, arts and crafts, live music, family fun and a plethora of wine tastings A wine auction presented by Beyers Truter is one of the highlights.
Good to know Accommodation is available at Morgansvlei as well as at various other establishments in the valley.
Cost R120 (available at entrance)
Free (children under 18)
Contact 023 230 1375, admin@tulbaghtourism.co.za
Location Morgansvlei Country Estate, Tulbagh

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