The 10 Best Things To Do in Cape Town This Weekend

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 are your favourite things to do on weekends? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

What’s on this weekend
What’s coming up

What’s on in Cape Town + surrounds this weekend

Canal Walk Holiday Ice Slide

If you and your kids have been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is that ice dream come true… just suspend disbelief long enough to leave behind the Canal Walk reality and slip-slide away on a Disney adventure. Snow play, four different and exciting ice slides, Disney-themed activities, and play, play, play. Adults can slide too (or go in on a non-rider ticket), and there’s a mini-slide for the littlies (you slide on an inflatable boat with handles to cling on to), so it’s (ice) buckets of fun for all the family.
Good to know Sessions last 45 minutes and start every hour on the hour. A parent or guardian must accompany children.
Cost R120 (full rider 5+ years: access to everything))
R70 (mini rider 2 – 5 years: snow play, mini slide, free play)
R35 (non-rider/accompanying adults and under 2s)
When 8 December 2023 – 13 January 2024 (closed 25 December)
Time 10am – 8.45pm
Where Canal Walk Centre Court, Century City, Cape Town
Book Now

A Christmas Carol by Cape Town City Ballet

Get into the spirit of Christmas past, present or future with a family outing to the ballet. This season Cape Town City Ballet are dancing Veronica Paeper’s festive re-creation of Charles Dickens’ tale about the mean-spirited Scrooge. A magical family production with exquisite costumes and sets, A Christmas Carol is a timeless classic about the message of generosity of spirit being the cornerstone of humanity; a story of the victory of the human spirit over greed, celebrating the joyfulness of children and the magic of the festive season.
Good to know No under 5s
Cost R200 – R400
When 8 – 29 December 2023
Time 7pm – 9pm (+ 2pm – 4pm weekends)
Where Artscape Theatre, Foreshore, Cape Town
Book Now

Zip Zap Circus Vooma

Dazzling, energetic and adrenaline packed, this is a performance that all the family will love. Zip Zap Circus’ show VOOMA! hits the stage with a fresh lineup of acts which are sure to thrill, an immersive journey into a world of trapeze, acrobatics, juggling, and uproarious comedy. The talented young ensemble features emerging circus talents who have honed their craft through Zip Zap’s advanced student Zappers and Dare2Dream programmes.
Good to know Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Doors open 45 minutes before the show,
Cost R125
Free (kids under 4)
When 7 – 17 December 2023
Time 6pm – 8pm
Where Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts Street (near Artscape), Cape Town
Book Now

Christmas Concert by the Consulate of Italy

Kick off the holiday season in Italian style with this classical Ave Maria concert marking the significant day in the Italian calendar of the Festa dell’Immacolata Concezione. Sopranos Zizipho Funzo and Molly Momo, joined by tenor Mkhanyiseli Dyantyi and baritone Siphe Kwani, will perform some of the most beautiful classical compositions by Bach, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Händel, Puccini, Verdi and Arditi, followed by a selection of Christmas carols.
Good to know A cocktail reception with traditional Italian bakery products follows the concert.
Cost Free (seats are first come, first served)
When Friday, 8 December 2023
Time 5.30pm for 6pm start
Where St Mary’s Cathedral, 16 Roeland Street, Cape Town

Rising Stars of Stand-Up Comedy

If you’re a fan of funny, don’t miss this chance to get to know three rising stars of the stand-up comedy circuit. Zachary Esau, Thula Sithole and Vision Masango (who was a Savanna Comics Choice Nominee in 2023) keep the laughs coming all evening in this monthly comedy slot at The Protea Fire and Ice in Tamboerskloof.
Cost R100
When Friday, 8 December 2023
Time 8pm – 10pm
Where Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Cape Town, New Church Street, Tamboerskloof
Book Now

Cape Town Arts Festival 2023

This two-day extravaganza celebrating all the arts is fun, family-friendly and free! All about art, culture and community, you can expect to wander through the historic Castle of Good Hope between live music and dance performances, taking in art and sculpture exhibitions, poetry and storytelling workshops, and wellness activities. Break off to browse the rafts of food trucks and stalls, and shop for handcrafted treasures at the Artisan’s Haven where street performers keep the vibe alive.
Cost Free
When 9 –10 December 2023
Time 10am – 6pm
Where Castle of Good Hope, Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Book Now

A Lipizzaner Christmas

This is a white Christmas with a twist that will thrill any horse-mad child or lover of equine elegance. South Africa’s only Lipizzaner centre preserves the historic breed’s tradition of classical dressage and the haute école. Watch spellbound as the beautiful white stallions perform carefully choreographed routines to music, a ‘dance’ that derives from the rigorous training originally developed in their centuries-old history as majestic war horses.
Cost R200
R150 (pensioners and children under 12)
When 9 –10 + 20 – 23 December 2023
Time 3pm
Where Mistico Equestrian Centre, R312, Paarl Farms
Book Now

Rocking the 2000s at Simonsvlei

A rocking good evening is in store as three bands from The School of Rock’s adult band programme take to the stage at this Paarl Winelands venue. Grab a spot on the lawns in front of the outdoor stage (or reserve a seat at Simonsvlei’s ONS restaurant or on the patio at KCB Brewery, both of which give onto the stage) and enjoy the beats as the sun goes down in this scenic setting.
Good to know This is a family friendly event. Bring your own blankets (and/or lawn chairs) if you plan to sit on the lawn.
Cost R160
Free (under 3s)
When Saturday, 9 December 2023
Time 6pm – 9pm
Where Simonsvlei Winery, Old Paarl Road, R101, Paarl
Book Now

NarowBi Party + Market in Woodstock

Looking to connect with fellow creatives or discover new pop culture talent? NarowBi started in Joburg as a popular platform for alternative subcultures to break bread with one another and this is their first Cape Town happening. Designed by cultural entrepreneur and event curator Vuyo “McGlad” Tangweni, as a place for creatives to share their gifts, it’s part party, part market. Expect captivating stalls and artists for a whole day of music, moments, art, style, love, and inspiration.
Cost R150
When Saturday, 9 December 2023
Time 3pm – 10pm
Where 354 Albert Road, Woodstock
Book Now

What’s coming up in Cape Town + surrounds

Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch

It’s an unmissable part of Christmas in Cape Town… the lead-up to the holiday wouldn’t feel right without singing Christmas carols under a starry sky in Kirstenbosch’s magical surroundings (even if nowadays digital glowsticks have replaced candles to give the twinkling sparkle to ambience). Come early to grab the best spots and bring a picnic to enjoy with family and friends.
Good to know You can buy a picnic basket (R350 for two people) along with your ticket to collect as you arrive at Entrance 3. FIlled with goodies from event sponsors PicknPay, it includes cheeses, cured meat, biltong, crisps, nuts, olives, dips, preserves, an artisan baguette and mince pies for dessert. There’s a kids hot dog combo too (R50).
Cost R175
R125 (6 – 18 years)
Free (children under 6)
When 14 – 17 December 2023
Time 6pm
Where Kirstenbosch Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Book Now

Steenberg Mingle & Jingle

A festive concert on the lawns at Steenberg is another lovely way to get into the holiday spirit in laid-back style. Picnic on the lawns to the upbeat sounds of SA band Jeodhouse, who will put a touch of seasonal sparkle in the evening, which is all about jingling and mingling with family and friends! Not in picnic lounging mode? Book a ticket that includes a 3-course summer special dinner on the Tryn terrace under the oaks.
Good to know You can bring your own picnics or order a picnic basket. There will also be food and drinks vendors (Jack Rabbit, Posticino, Kapoochka, Crumbs and Cream, Jack Black, Steenberg Vineyards)
Cost R365 (lawn seating + glass of wine)
R155 (child 2-12 years, lawn seating)
R1 100 (terrace seating + dinner)
R330 (child 2-12 years, terrace seating + dinner)
Free (child under 2)
When Thursday, 14 December 2023
Time 5pm – 9pm
Where Tryn, Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai
Book Now

Kids Christmas Paint + Play at Kirstenbosch

A fun way to channel the excitement of the season with little ones. Head to Kirstenbosch to paint your own Christmas tree decorations, which will become part of your tree repertoire for years to come. Bring along a picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy, and listen to an enchanting Christmas story while you paint. Then stay and play in the gardens after the event.
Good to know Meet at the Kirstenbosch tea room.
Cost R320 (includes garden entrance 1 adult + 1 child under 6 + paint kit)
When 12 + 14 + 19 + 21 December 2023
Time 10am – 11am
Where Kirstenbosch Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Book Now

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