Plan your play days.
The Mother City is abuzz with places to go, people to meet and things to do! Here are just some of the exciting things happening in and around Cape Town this coming weekend.
What’s on this weekend
What’s coming up
What’s on this weekend
Explore the world of whisky at The Taj
Fine whiskies in crystal glasses, old black-and-white photos on exposed brick walls… Taj Cape Town’s Whisky Lounge is an intimate enclave off the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. The sophisticated space is dedicated to an extensive whisky collection, including rare single malts bought from private collectors or at auction, and offers a series of tastings that are the perfect way to learn more about this age-old spirit. Delve deeper with customised tastings that run the gamut from a beginner’s intro or a focus on specific countries (including American and Asian whiskies) to flavour profiles.
Cost R255 – R610
When Daily, 11am – late
Pairings daily at 3pm
Where 1 Wale Street, corner of St Georges Mall, Cape Town
Enquire Now
Franschhoek Village Market
Right in the centre of town, next to the church and under ancient oaks, this market is a warm and convivial coming-together of diverse local crafters and purveyors, with local musicians jamming along. It’s a wonderful outing for the whole family (with a play area for kiddies to run free), and offers a different peek into the community life of this village, away from the glitz and glam of the high-end restaurants, hotels and boutiques. Stalls vary each weekend so there’s always something new to try! Expect melt-in-your-mouth vetkoek, rotis filled with fragrant curries, gourmet pancakes and delicious braaied meat, as well as juices and coffee. There’s always a game of boules going, too, best enjoyed with a glass of wine and some snacks.
Good to know Most traders accept only cash or SnapScan; limited credit card facilities.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Date Saturdays
Time 9am – 3pm
Where 29 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
What’s coming up
The Mikado
For its 140th anniversary, Cape Town Gilbert & Sullivan, in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, presents The Mikado at Artscape Theatre. This iconic comic opera promises a feast of glorious music and clever narration (in place of traditional dialogue) by a stellar local cast. Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu, the story follows Nanki-poo – son of the emperor and a wandering minstrel – who returns to marry Yum-Yum, only to find she’s betrothed to Ko-Ko, a timid tailor and the newly appointed Lord High Executioner (who’s never executed anyone…). Cue a hilarious tangle of love, twisted laws and mistaken identities – all performed with witty lyrics and unforgettable melodies.
Good to know No children under 6.
Cost R200 – R295
When Evening performances: 25 + 26 July 2025
Matinée performance: 27 July 2025
Time 7.30pm
3pm
Where Artscape Opera House, DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now
HEAT Winter Arts Festival
HEAT Winter Arts Festival is warming up Cape Town’s art scene again this August with a fiery celebration of young creatives and those who champion their work. From visual artists, singers, and musicians to theatre-makers, writers, and curators, HEAT has been injecting life into the city’s art spaces during the colder months since 2024. This year’s lineup includes theatre, music, opera, comedy, talks, walkabouts – and for the first time – digital-arts programming.
Participating galleries include AVA, EBONY/CURATED, Eclectica Contemporary, and WORLDART, featuring artists such as Sahlah Davids, Kea Seema, and Ulriche Jantjes (to name a few!). Expect theatre curated by Nkgopoleng Moloi; opera under the direction of Jeremy Silver (Opera UCT); comedy nights curated by Comedy in Common’s S’Qhamo Mangcu and Nishen Pather; a UCT-writing programme; and curator-led walkabouts hosted by Art School Africa. We can’t think of a hotter winter outing!
When 6 – 16 August 2025
Where Cape Town City Centre
Chicago
Chicago is set to razzle dazzle South African stages once again, courtesy of Showtime Management in association with Barry & Fran Weissler. This sexy, darkly satirical musical, set in the jazz-soaked 1920s America, explores crime, fame, greed and corruption. Follow Roxie Hart, a bored housewife and Velma Kelly, a glamorous nightclub singer – both accused of murder – as they manipulate smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn in their battle for the spotlight. Featuring showstopping choreography, a sultry score led by award-winning South African musical director, Kevin Kraak (The Lion King, My Fair Lady), seductive costumes and a scandalously intriguing plot, Chicago and all its jazz will be brought to life by an all-South African cast. As Broadway’s longest-running American musical, it would be a crime to miss – whether you’re a die-hard fan or seeing it for the first time!
Good to know No children under 10.
Cost R200 – R580
When 27 August – 28 September 2025
Time 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7.30pm (depending on the day)
Where Artscape Opera House, DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now
Surf Expo Africa
Photo: Nick Muzik
Cape Town will become the ultimate playground this November as it hosts the first-ever Surf Expo Africa – or SEA – Africa’s first all-ocean sport and beach lifestyle trade show and expo. This landmark event celebrates the city’s vibrant surf culture and extends beyond surf to include wind, paddle, swim, beach, travel, and wellness. Expect a dynamic mix of industry exhibits, cultural celebrations that honour South Africa’s rich surfing heritage, and networking opportunities for surf enthusiasts and professionals alike. SEA is the ultimate hub for discovering the industry’s latest innovations, trends, and methodologies shaping its future. The expo aims to unite the fast-growing ocean tourism sector with the African surf industry, allowing local businesses a global platform to showcase their products and services. It’s a powerful opportunity to tell South Africa’s ocean story – one of world-class waves and a passionate, homegrown surf community. And with Cape Town as a backdrop, it’s safe to say: surfs up!
Cost R150 (adults); free (children under 12)
When 28 – 30 November 2025
Time 6pm
Where CTICC 2, Corner of Heerengracht and Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Heerengracht Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now
Cats
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats returns to South African stages this festive season! Presented by Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment, this dazzling production will have you purring with delight at the Artscape Theatre. The story follows the Jellicle cats as they gather for the Jellicle Ball, where only one will be chosen for a new life. Audiences will be captivated by showstopping choreography, a fantastical oversized set, magnificent costumes, and timeless songs like the classic Memory. More than just a musical, Cats is a celebration of identity, belonging, and second chances. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, or discovering it for the first time, it’s your chance to experience one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
Cost R180 – R580
When 10 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Time 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm, 6pm, 7.30pm (depending on the day)
Where Artscape Opera House, DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now
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