The Best September Events in Cape Town

The Mother of all cities is heating up with a festive lineup of cool events! Here’s our pick of where to go and what to do in September 2026.

Mamma Mia at the Artscape

When 3 September – 11 October 2026
The lowdown Guaranteed to have you singing along before you’ve even booked your tickets, Mamma Mia is the feel-good musical that keeps on giving. Abba’s fabulously catchy music, a superb South African cast led by international star Amra-Faye Wright as Donna, and a whole lot of talent make this new production one to bookmark, however many times you’ve seen it before.
Cost R280 – R580
Time 7.30pm (3pm matinee on Saturday)
Sundays, 2pm + 6pm
Where Artscape Opera House, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Cape Town Photo Festival

When 2 – 26 September 2026
The lowdown The second edition of this photography fest is themed Truth, and turns Cape Town into a city-wide gallery with a thought-provoking series of exhibitions, artist talks and hands-on workshops. With a line-up of 149 photographers and artists, from South Africa and around the world, there is a wealth of solo and group exhibitions to dive into, spread from Kalk Bay to Belleville and the galleries of the CBD and the V&A Waterfront. Sign up for a guided walkabout or a masterclass, or simply dip into the participating galleries and exhibitions over the three week festival for a feast of visual inspiration.
Cost R50 –  R250 (individual events)
Where Galleries and venues across Cape Town
Book Now

Open Book Festival

When 4 – 6 September 2026
The lowdown A chance for bookworms, poetry lovers, writers and readers of all ages to learn from – and meet – local and international poets, novelists, journalists and children’s writers. This year international authors such as Sahra Noor, Krystle Zara Appiah, Salali Fiamanya, Jessica Horn and more join South African names, including Pumla Dineo Gqola, Siphokazi Jonas and Mohale Mashigo. Come and be inspired at this hugely varied book festival with three days of conversations that matter and 60+ events. In addition to the programme of paid workshops, readings, talks and panel sessions, there are a range of free events (book tickets to secure a spot as numbers are limited).
Good to know All books related to the festival will be available to purchase at the Book Lounge, which will also have a satellite shop at the Homecoming Centre for the duration of the festival.
Cost R50 (individual events)
Time 9.30am – 5pm
Contact [email protected]
Where Homecoming Centre, Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town
The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town
Book Now

Chelsea Flowers in Stanford

When 12 – 27 September 2026
The lowdown South Africa’s flowers are gathering gold medals almost as quickly as the Springboks! As most of us didn’t make it to Chelsea Flower Show in London to witness the fynbos extravaganza of South Africa’s latest gold-medal-winning floral display (which also won Best Exhibit in the Grand Pavilion), Grootbos is bringing it to Stanford for the third year in a row! Life after Fire is the theme this year, and landscape designer Leon Kluge is re-creating the exact display down to the last protea bloom, so we can feast our eyes on the wonders of our fynbos landscapes (and soak up the heady fynbos scent) slightly closer to home.
Good to know The programme for the weekend includes talks, workshops, cooking and cheesemaking demos, a market and live music events.
Cost R250
Free (children under 12)
Time 9am – 5pm
Where 32 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford
Book Now

Darling Wildflower Show

When 18 – 20 September 2026
The lowdown Before you head up the West Coast to view the spring flowers, stop in at this stunning indoor landscaped botanical exhibition that shows off the diversity of the region’s flora. Get up close and feast your eyes, plus learn their names, and learn more about  the conservation of this botanical richness. Then forage at the market for snacks, scones, local produce and indigenous plants, enjoy live music and check out the Classic Car Show, take tractor rides and explore the town for local wines, craft beer and other displays at the Wildflower Reserve and Duckitt Orchids.
Cost R120
R75 (pensioner)
Free (under 12)
Time 9am – 5pm
Contact 068 151 5692, [email protected]
Where Darling Club plus other venues
Book Now

The Rocky Horror Show

When 28 August – 18 October 2026
The lowdown Join Brad and Janet and, of course, Dr Frank ’n’ Furter for a night of thrilling entertainment and the best soundtrack ever! Back after two sell-out seasons in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Steven Stead’s acclaimed production has earned standing ovations for its slick staging, exceptional performances and infectious sense of fun. The award-winning cast returns in full, led by Craig Urbani as the iconic Dr Frank ’n’ Furter, alongside Léa Blerk as Janet, Robert Everson as Brad, Schoemann Smit as Riff Raff, Jasmine Minter as Magenta, Anna Olivier as Columbia, Natasha Sutherland as the Narrator, Micah Stokajovic as Rocky and Zak Hendrikz as Eddie/Dr Scott. A smash hit sizzling with electrifying energy, outrageous humour and an irresistible rock ’n’ roll score.
Good to know No under 16s
Cost R295 – R495
Where Theatre on the Bay
Book Now

UCT Jazz Festival at the Baxter

When 21 – 23 September 2026
If you’re a jazz fan the big band guns are coming out to play at UCT. This annual festival flicks off with a jazz vocal showcase then gets you in the swing of Heritage Day with the UCT Big Band for an evening of powerful performances, infectious energy and a joyful tribute to our shared musical heritage.
Cost R160
R120 (senior citizens)
R50 (students and scholars)
Free (UCT students)
Time 7pm
Where Baxter Concert Hall, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Book Now

Cape Town City Ballet at Norval Foundation

When 26 – 27 September 2026
The lowdown Ballet, art and champagne… Cape Town City Ballet performs Velvet Feathers (inspired by Swan Lake and other classics) in the galleries of the Norval Foundation for a special evening (or afternoon) of sophistication and artistry. You’re invited to explore the world-class exhibitions and sculpture garden before the performance, and there’s a welcome glass of bubbly with canapés on arrival.
Good to know Arrive 90 minutes before curtain call to enjoy the exhibitions and sip champagne.
Cost R925
Time 26 September: 12.30pm
27 September: 5pm
Where Norval Foundation, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book Now

Bafunny Bafunny: South African Festival of Comedy

When 25 – 26 September 2026
The lowdown When Trevor Noah captains a powerhouse lineup that includes Eugene Khoza and other comedy heavyweights, you know you’re in for a rip-roaring evening. This world-class live comedy experience brings together the country’s newest and biggest names in stand-up for two unforgettable nights.
Cost R475
Time 7pm
Where Grand Arena, GrandWest, Jakes Gerwel Drive, Cape Town
Book Now

Hermanus Whale Festival

When 2 – 4 October 2026
The lowdown Every year in June, the southern right whales begin their migration from the icy waters of the Antarctic to warm Walker Bay, where they come to mate and breed. Whale-watching season runs from June to December, peaking between August and October. Watching these gentle giants go about their reproductive cycle is, naturally, the main attraction – but there’s so much more to keep you entertained at the perennially popular Hermanus Whale Festival – such as live music, craft and produce markets, sports events, car shows as well as kiddies’ activities.
Contact 066 478 0081, [email protected]
Cost Various activities priced individually
Where Hermanus, Western Cape

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for hot new openings, secret spots and incredible escapes – straight to your inbox every week.