Chase the winter blues with enjoyable events and special experiences in downtown Cape Town. Here’s a selection of what’s on.
VOOMA!
3 to 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 teammates who have just returned from France after a three-month tour with Zip Zap’s professional production, Rhapsodie.
Where: Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts St near Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R125
www.zip-zap.co.za
Book Launches at the Book Lounge
Ongoing
Book launches abound at Book Lounge, which will make for an interesting Open Book Festival in September. Upcoming launches include Onwards by Karen Dudley (1 June) and Decima by Eben Venter (8 June). Keep an eye on the store’s online events calendar that’s constantly updated with new launches. The venue’s Open Book Workshop Week is also back and will run from 5–10 June. These free workshops focus on different aspects of writing and are aimed at aspiring and experienced writers. Use this link to book: https://bit.ly/2Uh6xIp
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: RSVP at booklounge@gmail.com and please note that all Book Lounge events are from 17h30 for 18h00.
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Winter Symphonies Season
1, 8, 15 and 22 June 2023
With the Autumn Symphonies Season successfully hosted, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is kicking off its winter season this June with a premiere of a new concerto by Matthijs van Dijk, one of South Africa’s leading composers. Accomplished conductor Brandon Phillips will lead the orchestra and the soloist will be Jeffrey Armstrong, who won the Unisa Piano Competition. The evening will also include the Capriccio Italien by Tchaikovsky and the Jupiter Symphony by Mozart. Three other Winter Symphonies Season concerts are scheduled for 8, 15 and 22 June and will feature Arjan Tien (conductor), Emanuil Ivanov (piano), Mike Wang (piano), Bernhard Gueller (conductor) and Dmitry Shishkin (piano). Tickets via Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat (021) 421-7695.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 19h30
Cost: 150 – R350
www.cpo.org.za
Western Cape Property Development Forum
8 to 9 June 2023
Passionate about the property sector? Don’t miss the 10th annual conference of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF). It will explore the theme, “Western Cape Investment: People, Purpose, Pro{s}per{i}ty” and will see over 300 property development and construction industry professionals tackling challenges in the sector and celebrating their achievements.
Where: CTICC 2, 1 Lower Long St
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: R1 495 (students), R4 830 (non-members) and R4 370 (WCPDF members)
www.wcpdf.org.za
Oklahoma
7 to 17 June 2023
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Oklahoma, which is credited for its huge impact on the modern musical and representing the golden era of Hollywood musicals. To mark the occasion, Waterfront Theatre School in association with AM Productions is giving the world-renowned show a new twist and will present it at Artscape Theatre Centre.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R140
www.artscape.co.za
Youth Jazz Series
16 to 17 June
Cape Town’s got talent, and it is great to see young jazz musicians being supported through the Youth Jazz Series. The event, which started in 2003 as the Youth Jazz Festival, has grown over the years and includes a masterclass where youngsters are mentored and given a platform to strut their stuff. This year’s performances will be on Friday, 16 June, and on Saturday, 17 June.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R80
www.artscape.co.za
Decorex Cape Town
22 to 25 June 2023
Get ready to view all things luxurious at Decorex Cape Town, Africa’s leading decor and design trade show. This year’s showcase features over 200 premium brands, curated exhibitions, innovative designs and new product launches. It will run alongside the inaugural Cape Town Decor & Design Week (from 19–25 June), a multi-destination programme of open showrooms, workshops, talks and networking events aimed at showcasing some of Cape Town’s talented designers.
Where: CTICC 1, 1 Lower Long St
When: 10h00 – 18h00
Cost: R25 (kids under 12 years), R100 (students and pensioners) and R125 (adults)
www.decorex.co.za
Cape Town’s Most Wanted
22 to 24 June 2023
Don’t miss the 10th edition of Cape Town’s Most Wanted, a wonderful display of Cape Town’s Hip Hop dancers, choreographers and dance crews. Produced by The Dance Project and Triple C, the show is all about working together to present different dance styles to a wider audience. It is no wonder it has grown in popularity and always has sold-out performances.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R140
www.artscape.co.za
Cinderella
4 to 8 July 2023
Cape Town Opera and Abrahamse & Meyer productions have teamed up for a stunning South African premiere of Pauline Viardot’s 1904 opera, Cinderella (Cendrillon), the classic tale in which a young woman’s fortunes change overnight after being mistreated by her stepfamily. Prepare to be wowed by the talented performers of the Cape Town Opera, including sopranos Brittany Smith and Janelle Visagie among others. Bookings via Computicket or (021) 421-7695.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R140 - R520
www.artscape.co.za
Anjali in Wonderland
7 to 8 July 2023
Fans of the classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll will be glad to know the book is being interpreted through dance. Called Anjali in Wonderland, it will feature popular songs from the Bollywood industry, new characters and an unexpected twist. The show is perfect for the whole family.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: 19h30
Cost: R180
www.artscape.co.za
Beat It
12 to 15 July 2023
Calling Michael Jackson fans! Catch Beat It at The Homecoming Centre this July. It traces the life of The King of Pop, including his rise to stardom as a child, his incredible career and his passing, which shocked the world. Expect spectacular costumes and dance moves.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre, cnr Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 19h00
Cost: R300
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Swan Lake
12 to 23 July 2023
Tickets to Swan Lake, one of the most popular ballets, are selling fast. Don’t miss out on a captivating show of Tchaikovsky’s glorious classical ballet, which will be performed by the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre, for a limited season, as well as the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Catch it before it moves to Johannesburg from 26 July onwards. Bookings can be made via Computicket.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Various times (see website)
Cost: R250 – R690
www.artscape.co.za
CARMEN
14 to 25 June 2023
Cape Town City Ballet’s dramatic production of Veronica Paeper’s Carmen is back at Artscape Theatre Centre. The show explores themes such as love, passion, betrayal and revenge. It is not to be missed and will include the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at select performances.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R140 - R520
www.artscape.co.za
Netball World Cup
28 July to 6 August 2023
The countdown to the 2023 Netball World Cup in July is on and excitement is building after the recent announcement of the 15-strong squad. Get your tickets today and be part of the first Netball World Cup on African soil right here in the Cape Town CBD.
Where: CTICC 1, 1 Lower Long St
When: 08h00 – 20h00
Cost: R600 – R900
www.netball.sport
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
Viewpoints & Watering Holes Tour
Ongoing
This unique Central City tour sees attendees travelling by bus to six pubs, bars and rooftops in town while listening to fascinating stories that shaped Cape Town and its CBD. The initiative is by Gerald Garner, a city activist and tourism pioneer. Garner also leads the tours which start at Neighbourgood Bree Street and go through 14 Stories Rooftop Bar (Buitengracht St), Cloud 9 (Tamboerskloof), Athletic Club & Social (Buitengracht St), The Drinkery (Heritage Square) and Cape Town Gin & Spirits Emporium (Waterfront). Stops may be adjusted depending on private event bookings at venues. Garner also offers half-day walking tours from 09h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00. To book, send a WhatsApp to 082 894 5216 or email to gerald@localplaces.co.za.
Where: Meet at Neighbourgood Bree Street, 129 Bree St
When: 14h00 – 20h00
Cost: R660 per person
www.localplaces.co.za
EXHIBITIONS
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
1 to 24 June 2023
99 Loop Gallery will have new solo shows by artists Johann Nortje and Emma Aspeling this June. Both launch on 1 June (First Thursdays) and will run until 24 June. Aspeling predominantly uses mixed media and draws with paint on board and paper while Nortje specialises in sculptures.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
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
AVA Gallery exhibitions
Now on till 8 June 2023
The Association for Visual Arts currently has three solo shows across its walls. They include How to be black for beginners by Thuthukani Myeza, which looks at the beauty and dread of being black and African, and Safe Spaces by St.John Fuller which explores the idea of a safe space and why we feel good or bad when in certain spaces. The third show called Stoned is curated by Cheryl Traub-Adler and features works produced at the height of apartheid by some artists from the Michaelis School of Art, Community Arts Project and the Vakalisa Art Associates Network.
Where: Association for Visual Arts, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Here I Find
24 June to 15 July 2023
Fine artist Joanna Lee Miller has a solo show coming up at StateoftheART Gallery this June. The artworks were painted in and around Cape Town en plein air (a process of painting a landscape outdoors) to showcase The Mother City’s beautiful mountains and seas.
Where: StateoftheART Gallery, 50 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.stateoftheart-gallery.com
WHATIFTHEWORLD exhibitions
Now on until 30 June 2023
Treat yourself to Nightshade by Sanell Aggenbach and Skin of the Eye by Maja Marx, two amazing solo exhibitions at WHATIFTHEWORLD. The former explores how darkness or adversity can be a source of growth or valuable lessons while the latter features deeply personal works that Marx produced during a year of reflection after the passing of his brother.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Thursday), 09h00 – 16h00 (Friday), 09h00 – 13h00 (Saturday),
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
Common
Now on till 26 July
Art curator Khanya Mashabela is behind the A4 Arts Foundation’s latest exhibition looking at self-governance and collective action. Viewers are challenged to examine their role within these structures and prioritise trust, reciprocity and their interactions with others.
Where: A4 Arts Foundation, 23 Buitenkant St
When: 10h00 – 17h30 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.a4arts.org
The Evolution of Indigenous Art
Now on till 31 August 2023
This must-see exhibition features original art pieces by 10 different artists from Cape Town and the Northern Cape. The display juxtaposes contemporary indigenous artworks with San and Khoe rock art from the Later Stone Age. The show is in collaboration with the Koena Art Institute and is curated by Annelize Kotze and Lukretia Booysen. Iziko CEO Rooksana Omar says hosting this exhibition at the museum, where indigenous communities contested their depiction in the space, is important to ensure inclusive and dignified representation of our histories.
Where: The Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
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
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 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
Hidden Wonders of the Iziko South African Museum
Ongoing
The Iziko South African Museum is a treasure trove for those seeking mind-expanding experiences. Check out Hidden Wonders to view the venue’s extraordinary and almost 200-year-old collections. Some of the unique objects featured are ostrich eggshells that were carved into jewellery and given as gifts as well as a real preserved specimen of the “Living fossil fish” discovered by JLB Smith.
Where: The Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
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
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
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
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
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: Zip Zap Circus, Netball World Cup, Artscape Theatre Centre, Whatiftheworld, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Joan Ward