It’s a jam-packed season, people! Come into town for great events and exceptional experiences. Here’s what’s on offer.
Peppa Pig’s Perfect Day
14 to 16 April 2023
Peppa Pig is coming back to South Africa with her friends and parents for another thrilling adventure. Bring the little ones to town for this one-of-a-kind live stage experience based on the award-winning TV series which is designed to give young fans an unforgettable live theatre experience. Tickets are available on Webtickets.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), 1 Lower Long St
When: 14 to 16 April 2023 (various times)
Cost: R199 – R699
www.peppapiglive.co.za
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Autumn Symphonies Season
20 April & 4 and 11 May 2023
Don’t miss the iconic Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Autumn Symphonies Season this April and May. The new season, conducted by principal guest conductor Bernhard Gueller, features a wide array of works including Shostakovich Symphony No. 10, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, Dvořák Violin Concerto and Elgar Enigma Variations.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 19h30
Cost: 150 – R350
https://bit.ly/431hOzn
We Will Rock You
5 May to 6 June 2023
Catch a brand-new production of Queen and Ben Elton’s acclaimed rock musical. It promises to be a stellar show featuring 24 of Queen’s mega-hits including We are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Another One Bites the Dust.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: various times
Cost: R200 – R400
www.artscape.co.za
Wanda the Musical
15 to 30 April 2023
Children’s book Wanda, by Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali, is being brought to the stage with original music. The book encourages young children to love and believe in themselves despite what others may say or think. Bring the kiddies to town for an adventure with Wanda as she navigates challenges at school with the help of her magical hair.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, cnr Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 12h30
Cost: R150
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela
15 to 30 April 2023
Catch a heart-warming production celebrating Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The show, by Ticket to The Moon Youth Theatre Company, is based on the book Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela by South African children’s book author Christopher van Wyk. It tells the story of Mr Hare who finds a R200 note on his doorstep. When he turns the note over, he sees Mandela’s face and decides to brave the big city of Johannesburg to return it to him.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, cnr Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Electric After 5
Mondays to Wednesdays
Catch a dose of The Electric After 5, which comprises a fun evening with DJs and an exciting drinks menu with specials. It takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays and is aimed at students and anyone wanting to chill in a cool space from early evening and into the night.
Where: The Electric, 48 Canterbury St
When: 17h00 to midnight
Cost: Free
Instagram: @electric_after_5
Concerts in the Park
7 May 2023
“Concerts in the Park”, under the canopies of the trees in De Waal Park, are great fun for CBD residents looking to unwind outside the Central City. The next concert features three top South African artists namely, Youngsta CPT, Lady Zamar and Emo Adams. The concerts are aimed at encouraging people to enjoy their public parks at an accessible price point.
Where: De Waal Park, Molteno Rd
When: 10h00 – 18h00
Cost: R99
https://concertsinthepark.net/
Luxury Sunday Lunch
Now on till 30 April 2023
Peach Tree Restaurant at Southern Sun The Cullinan offers a scrumptious lunch on the first and last Sunday of the month. The meal starts with a mouthwatering soup which is followed by a selection of salads, a fish course and a selection of buffet desserts. To book, call 021 415 4000 or email stella.bar@southernsun.com.
Where: Southern Sun The Cullinan, 1 Cullinan St
When: 12h30 – 15h00
Cost: R320 per person (Children between 4 and 11 years pay half the price)
https://bit.ly/40UEIXn
My Children My Africa!
11 May to 3 June 2023
This Athol Fugard play was written in 1989 and touches on themes such as the power of the youth, education, hope and ideas. The story is centred around a committed Eastern Cape teacher who tries to foster a love of learning in his gifted pupil. Find out how the story – written during the twilight years of apartheid – unfolds.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/40TvACj
Cruise
Now on till 30 April 2023
Cruise is based on a true story and is a poignant production which looks at how the AIDS crisis impacted gay men in the early 1980s. While heartbreaking at times, the acclaimed play set in London’s Soho district and written by Jack Holden, also pays homage to gay culture and the courage of the queer community in the face of stigma. After rave reviews in London, the show is being staged outside of the United Kingdom for the first time.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 19h30 (Wednesdays to Fridays), 17h00 and 19h30 (Saturdays) and 14h30 (Sundays)
Cost: R195
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Comic Con Cape Town
27 to 29 April 2023
Prepare your superhero costumes for Africa’s largest multi-genre pop-culture and gaming festival featuring the latest merchandise, comics and collectables, panel discussions and presentations as well as gaming activations and accessories.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), 1 Lower Long St
When: 09h00 – 18h00
Cost: R160
www.comicconafrica.co.za
Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
14 May 2023
Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to paint the Mother City red and enjoy its scenic beauty. This fun run is suitable for novices and experienced runners considering it follows a flat route. The new route introduced last year, connecting Milnerton to the CBD, includes the N1. Once runners set off from Woodbridge Island and head for Marine Drive, they tackle a 1.7 km section of the N1 which gives a unique viewpoint of Cape Town as they make their way to the finish point in iconic Long St. Free transport is provided to the start and finishing points.
Where: Woodbridge Island in Milnerton to Lower Long St
When: 09h00
Cost: R240
www.runyourcityseries.com
Suidoosterfees
26 April to 1 May 2023
Get ready for some healing. Suidoosterfees is inspired by the Cape Doctor, Cape Town’s strong south-eastern wind, which organisers use to communicate the message that the festival promotes healing and reconciliation through Afrikaans. This year’s programme is packed with musical performances, productions (including a children’s theatre), comedy shows, art exhibitions, dance shows and discussions led by prominent personalities and authors including Jacques Pauw, Pieter du Toit, Beauregard Tromp and Richard Calland and Mabel Sithole.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Depends on booking
www.suidoosterfees.co.za
VOOMA!
27 and 28 May and 3 and 4 June 2023
Talented Zip Zap performers are back with a fast-paced circus show suitable for all ages. Viewers can expect trapeze acts, acrobatics, skilful juggling, and comedy. The VOOMA! cast are young performers from the advanced Zappers and Dare2Dream programmes. They will be accompanied by their experienced brothers and sisters who have just returned from France after a three-month tour with Zip Zap’s professional production called Rhapsodie.
Where: Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts St near Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R125
www.zip-zap.co.za
The Pearl Fishers
10 to 14 May
Music lovers are in for a treat with The Pearl Fishers, a stunning production featuring Cape Town Opera soloists, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and renowned South African tenors Levy Sekgapane and Lukhanyo Moyake. The production looks at how friendship is tested when two men fall in love with the same woman. The show was initially staged to limited audiences at the height of lockdown and now returns to celebrate the opening of theatres.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R112 – R600
https://bit.ly/40EjxJE
Swimming Against the Current
31 May 2023
Join Carina Bruwer for an inspiring talk at the Home Coming Centre’s Avalon Auditorium or via a live stream. Bruwer is regarded as one of Africa's most decorated open-water marathon swimmers and is also a motivational speaker, musician, and entrepreneur. She will share lessons on how people can push boundaries, pursue personal growth and make the world a better place. The session will be followed by a Q&A session.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 12h30
Cost: R300 (live) and R180 (online)
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Nataniël: Six in a Boat
7 to 11 June 2023
South African singer, songwriter, entertainer and best-selling author Nataniël will be back at Artscape Theatre Centre this June. His latest show, Six in a Boat, will be in English and Afrikaans and is not to be missed.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3m2ZIfX
Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
Ongoing
Visit the most advanced digital planetarium in African and check out a range of fun and educational shows exploring the inner workings of the human body and the solar system. Please note that Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome cannot operate during load shedding. Be sure to check the load shedding schedule (CBD 7) before your visit.
Where: Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
The South African Jewish Museum
Ongoing
The South African Jewish Museum, which houses the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, protects and celebrates Jewish culture and heritage in the country and is a wonderful institution to visit all year round. There are interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, and fascinating artefacts to help visitors understand the rich history of the Jewish community. The venue also offers private tours for visitors.
Where: South African Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Sunday – Thursday)
Cost: R50 (students over 12 years) – R200 (adults)
www.sajewishmuseum.org.za
Free CBD Walking Tours
Ongoing
Keen to explore the CBD without breaking the bank? Join free walking tours that take place in town daily. Organisers are keen to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and tour operators therefore rely on tips from clients. Options include a Historic City and Apartheid to Freedom Tour, Apartheid to Freedom and Bo-Kaap Tour and the Bo-Kaap and Historic City Tour. For more information, email info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za.
Where: Meet at the Piazza on Church Square, Spin St
When: 11h00, 14h00 and 16h20
Cost: Free
http://bit.ly/3ELMAlt
Brunch Club at The Blue Room
Every Saturday
Enjoy a sumptuous and leisurely brunch to the sounds of jazz at Grub & Vine’s Blue Room on Saturdays. This is a unique experience with a fresh take on brunch classics with an option to choose from delicious à la carte dishes or the whole menu. What’s more, you can enjoy bubbles from Graham Beck all day.
Where: The Blue Room, 103 Bree St
When: 11h00 – 15h00
www.grubandvine.co.za
EXHIBITIONS
Galleria Gibello
Ongoing
Pop into Galleria Gibello for a dose of inspiration and joy. Owned by Caroline Gibello, it is a new addition in town and showcases wildlife and fine art photography. On her website Gibello explains that her work conveys a strong sense of beauty and reverence for spirit and her images bear witness to the multi-colours, textures and tapestries of the world in which we live.
Where: Galleria Gibello, 65 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.carolinegibello.com
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 26 April 2023
99 Loop Gallery is showing Repose by Carolina Salinas and a group show called Elemental. The former is an invitation to pause and reflect on the beauty and serenity found in moments of rest while the former features abstract art by 12 artists. The gallery also has an Artist Focus show featuring artworks by Nicholas Hales.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
House of Fran
Now on till 30 April 2023
Catch House of Fran, a debut solo exhibition by Guy Simpson whose primary focus is on everyday objects that he found scattered throughout his childhood home in the Johannesburg suburb of Sydenham. They include light switches, plug points, window blinds, hinged cupboards, brass numbers and scuffed parquetry flooring. Simpson’s mother, Francesqua, is currently in the process of selling the house and has been disposing of unwanted household contents.
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
Visions and voices
Now on till 22 April 2023
StateoftheART Gallery’s latest group show showcases the richness of South African art and reminds audiences of the importance of art in bringing people together, bridging cultural divides, and celebrating the human spirit. The show combines a diverse range of media including paper collage, painting, digital painting, woodcut and sculpture.
Where: StateoftheART Gallery, 50 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.stateoftheart-gallery.com
Vanitas Woe
Now on till 6 May 2023
Vanitas Woe is a thought-provoking exhibition by Nabeeha Mohamed, a Cape Town artist who focuses on contradictions of identity and class privilege in post-apartheid South Africa. Her latest show includes sculptures, still life paintings and sculptural paintings with scenes of flower arrangements.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Thursday), 09h00 – 16h00 (Friday), 09h00 – 13h00 (Saturday),
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
Transient
Ongoing
It is often said that change is constant, and this concept is explored in Transient as the gallery also undergoes its transformation. Viewers are asked to reflect on the impermanence of life and the courage needed to face this head-on. The show has works by Cathy Layzell, Michael Brauer, Alexander Levetan, Yasmine Yacoubi and Annamieke Engelbrecht and is also a nod to the creatives who have supported GalleryOne11 over the past five years.
Where: Gallery One 11’s, 111 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday or by appointment)
Cost: Free
www.galleryone11.com
The future is behind us
Now on till 20 April 2023
In this exhibition, fourteen artists explore time, tense and tempo. Using their various mediums, they look at concepts such as ideas passing between generations, different places as well as single life lived.
Where: A4 Arts Foundation, 23 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 17h30 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.a4arts.org
Breaking down the walls – 150 years of art collecting
Ongoing
This extraordinary exhibition of more than 500 works, curated by Andrew Lamprecht, showcases the Iziko South African National Gallery’s 150-year art collection. Some of the pieces are on display for the first time and art lovers can look forward to creations by South African artists such as Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto, Peter Clarke and Gladys Mgudlandlu. Their works are juxtaposed with historical paintings and sculptures such as Rembrandt, Picasso and Goya. Don’t miss it.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Who were the enslaved?
Ongoing
This exhibition asks questions such as: Who were the enslaved? What work did they do? How did they manage to survive a new, unwelcoming and often violent environment? How did they communicate with each other when they came from far-flung regions? As viewers explore the show, the stories of life under enslavement at the Cape of Good Hope become apparent and paint a picture of resilience in the face of extreme hardship.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Red in the rainbow
Now on till 27 April 2023
This exhibition sheds light on the lives of courageous people who fought against oppression and racism during apartheid. It tells the story of a family of activists, The Carnesons, who with other freedom fighters, experienced hardship including torture, imprisonment, separation and exile as they opposed apartheid and bears testimony to the human spirit.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Don’t miss the award-winning Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the City Hall. In October 2022, this permanent, self-guided exhibition won first prize at the Cultural Affairs Awards by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. In November 2022, it won an accolade for Local Government Commitment at the National Heritage Council of South Africa’s 9th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards. It honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. There are interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays. Also showing until June 2023, as part of Madiba’s exhibition, is a temporary show on the life of Enoch Mankayi Sontonga, composer of the hymn, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
REGULAR EVENTS
Business Workshops
Wednesdays
Are you an entrepreneur? Catch the City’s series of in-person and online workshops aimed at upskilling local entrepreneurs. These are held every Wednesday at the Business Hub in the lower ground level of Strand Concourse. Sign up for the workshops here: https://bit.ly/3y2Jl5z. PS: Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs can also find a range of online courses at the Cape Town Entrepreneurship Academy.
Where: The Business Hub, Strand Concourse.
When: 09h00 – 13h00
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3y2Jl5z
The Jam at Gorgeous George
Tuesdays
Musos keen on a jamming session have a home at the Gorgeous George hotel. The jam happens on Tuesdays and allows musicians to bring their instruments and play with other artists. Anyone is welcome, from music lovers to guitarists, singers, piano players to drummers.
Where Gorgeous George, 118 St Georges Mall
When: Every Tuesday from 08h00 – 23h00
Cost: Free
Instagram: @gorgeousgeorgecpt
Jazz Night at Amber on Bree
Thursdays
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Jazz at Amber on Bree on Thursday nights. The venue also has cocktail and draught specials daily from 16h00 to 18h00.
Where: Amber on Bree, 16 on Bree, Shop 1 & 2
When: 20h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.amber-restaurants.co.za
Fresh Handmade Pasta Night at Ruby's Café
Thursdays
Indulge in handmade pasta, topped with a fresh sauce and ingredients of your choice, at Ruby's Bakery & Café inside Pepperclub Hotel.
Where: Ruby's Bakery & Café, 9 Pepper St
When: 17h00 – 21h00
Cost: R175
www.pepperclub.co.za
Cooking classes
Ongoing
The Chef’s Studio offers interactive cooking classes including for special occasions like team building, end-of-year parties or private events. The sessions are taught, supervised and judged by the venue’s highly experienced chefs.
Where: The Chef’s Studio, 103 Bree St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Varies
www.thechefsstudio.co.za
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Thursdays
The Athletic Club & Social hosts live jazz musicians on Thursday nights. Aside from the great line-up of artists each week, the three-storey venue has impressive food and cocktail menus and offers great views of Signal Hill. Tickets are available via Quicket. There is also a bar service.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 21h30
Cost: R100
www.theathletic.co.za
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Ongoing
Hotel Sky in Lower Long St has a dramatic 35-metre Sky-Hi Ride on its rooftop. Thrill-seekers take a chair lift up to the top of the spire and then drop down at a free-fall speed of 100 km/hour. The ride offers the best views of Cape Town and is reportedly the first of its kind in Africa and only one of seven in the world. You can purchase a ride or observer ticket. Have a look at what’s in store for you here and be sure to book your ticket here.
Where: 28th floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 12h00 – 20h00, Tuesday to Sunday, weather permitting
Cost: R200
https://sky-hiride.capetown/
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Ongoing
Treat yourself to the sounds of jazz and blues, delicious cocktails and food at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine. There are three sittings for the evening performances, which take place from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday nights are reserved for Jazz Jam Sessions, while the other nights are reserved for performances by headline artists. Cocktails and tapas are served from 16h00 daily except on Sundays. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next. A selection of spirits, wine and beers are also served.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 20h00 – 20h40 (first session) 21h00 – 21h40 (second session), 22h00 (third session)
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
www.grubandvine.co.za/the-blue-room/
Story time for children at the Book Lounge
Every Saturday
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za
IMAGES: Artscape Theatre Centre, Homecoming Centre