What’s up in town as the year gets going? Find out here about Cape Town CBD events.
THEATRE/SHOWS
Ndlovu Youth Choir
30 January-2 February 2025
Something of a national treasure, this beloved Mzansi choir returns to Cape Town for six performances over New Year. The renowned choristers will be singing a new repertoire of numbers, including the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which will be infused with an African flavour. The choir is set to make history with a performance of “What a Wonderful World”, originally made famous by jazz legend Louis Armstrong, aka Satchmo. Using sign language and low-frequency bass sounds, this much-loved song has been adapted for members of the deaf community. Don’t miss this incredible show.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
Time: Various performances
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/14512/
The Addams Family – The Musical
Run extended until 2 March 2025
This MotherCity Theatre Productions, which is the professional South African premiere of The Addams Family The Musical, is a comic feast with appeal for children and adults alike. Whether you love the comic books, the movies, or the “Wednesday” TV series, you’re in for a theatrical treat! Featuring a talented cast of well-known South African actors, this spooky, wickedly funny show is perfect for all ages. When the “princess of darkness”, Wednesday, falls in love with a “normal” boy, Lucas, the Addams family invites him and his parents for dinner … mayhem, dark humour and hilarity abound.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre Star Theatre, cnr Buitenkant & Caledon Sts
Cost: R350-R580 2 (10 % discount on all tickets bought between 4-9 February 2025)
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Requiem for the Impossible
13-15 February 2025
This heartfelt and extraordinary production is based on the true story of skipper Anthony Murray, first mate Reginald Robertson and deckhand Jaryd Payne, who went missing at sea in 2015 while delivering a yacht to Phuket, Thailand. Requiem for the Impossible, is an interactive, musical experience, performed on stage by musicians Lucy Kruger and Liú Mottes. The show has been initiated by well-known South African music journalist Diane Coetzer, Murray’s sister-in-law, and blends an original musical score (requiem) with documentary-style voice recordings, poetry and audience interaction, to honour and memorialise the sailors. Some of the production’s lyrics are based on the poetry of Jay Savage, Murray’s brother, and the performance includes excerpts from personal recordings done by the skipper during several ocean voyages before the fated final trip … the last known contact with the sailors was on 18 January 2015 when the yacht was in the Indian Ocean. Requiem for the Impossible. Audience participation is part of the creative process, and ticket holders are requested to download the Requiem mobile app before the show (download for Apple/Google) and asked to bring their phones to the performance. Requiem for the Impossible in Cape Town is created by Amsterdam-based creative studio, affect lab, in collaboration with The Good Times Co. This production is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Creative Industries Fund NL and Stichting Stimuleringsfonds Rouw. The matinee show on Saturday 15 February will be followed by a 45 minute moderated discussion with the artists.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre Avalon Auditorium, cnr Buitenkant & Calendon Sts
Cost: R295
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
Investec Cape Town Art Fair
20-23 February 2025
Don’t miss the 12th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Africa’s premier art fair which attracts artists, galleries and buyers from Cape Town, South Africa, Africa and the world. This year’s fair has the theme “PLAY” and offers exclusive access to events and cultural programmes, and there will also be a talks programme, and not-to-be-missed guided art walks curated by Art School Africa. The talks will include topics such as “The role of digital media and film in contemporary art”; “The power of art in global brand collaborations”; and “The impact of contemporary art from Africa on global narratives”. The art walks (spaces are limited so be sure to RSVP to secure a spot) start on Friday with Celine Seror: SOLO, Heba El Kayal: Generations and more. Also on the cards is an art walk hosted by City Open Galleries on Friday from 18h00 – 20h00 where you can experience various art exhibitions at participating galleries: These include artHARARE, EBONY/CURATED, Eclectica Contemporary, SMAC Gallery, THK Gallery and WORLDART.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) 1, 1 Lower Long St
Cost: From R230 (there are various options)
https://www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za/
Shirley Valentine
21-23 February 2025
Wise, funny, acerbic Shirley Valentine, the 42-year-old working class Liverpudlian housewife who’s been changing lives and inspiring women since she first burst into our lives, is the eponymous star of this one-woman comedy hit directed by Jonathan Walker-Kane and starring Megan Armstrong-Davies. You all know the storyline by now. When her flamboyant friend Jane wins a trip for two to Greece, Shirley ditches her domineering husband and accepts Jane's invitation to join her in the sun-drenched land of olive trees, beautiful beaches and lively tavernas. But what happens next. Come and see this uplifting tale “of liberating re-discovery … with a twist at the end you won’t expect!” Theatre lover Megan Armstrong-Davies is the founder and director of a Khayelitsha-based children’s home. Her first production was as a member of the ensemble in South Pacific at Artscape in 2019. This was followed by the lead roles in Showtime (2019), This Moment (2020), Seven Deadly Divas (2021), The Great Gatsby (2022) and most recently in Trial By Jury and Stages Through the Ages, both earlier this year. For group bookings email Tracy Cahill at tcahill@igen.co.za.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre Avalon Auditorium, cnr Buitenkant & Calendon Sts
Cost: R90-R125
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
Meraki Dance Festival
27 February 2025 – 1 March 2025
Jazzart Dance Theatre present the inaugural three-day Meraki Dance Festival, embracing the concept of doing something with “soul, creativity or love … and to leave a piece of yourself in your work”. This is a vibrant celebration of our local dance talent across various dance genres that are rooted in our cultures. The line-up on Day 1 includes Gain Collective, Imbewiu, Sifiso Kweyama while the line-up on Day 2 includes Cape Town star ballet dancer and choreographer Mthuthuzeli November from Cape Ballet Africa, MANACAN, Cape Town City Ballet, and Figure of Eight dance Theatre. Day 3 (in the evening) sees November once again performing, and the line-up also includes Chloe Blair, Lihle Mfeni and Sifiso Kweyama
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore
Cost: R150 (there is also an event pass)
Time: 19h30 (there is a matinee on 1 March as well)
https://www.artscape.co.za/event/meraki-festival-2/
Cape Town City Ballet – Summer Season
8-16 March 2025 Giselle
21-23 March 2025 Requiem
21-23 March 2025 Pas de Dix
Cape Town City Ballet’s summer season is going to be stunning! Check the website for more information. No other information was available at the time of going live with this e-Newsletter.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore
Cape Ballet Africa – Breathwords
25-27 March 2025
Cape Town’s youngest ballet company, Cape Ballet Africa, will present an electrifying programme entitled “Breathwords” as it debuts at the Artscape and celebrates its first birthday. The show will feature a triple bill of international choreographic collaborations, including a new neo-classical commission by Wubkje Kuindersma. alongside a further development of Kirsten Isenberg’s acclaimed dreamlike meditation, Reverie. Set to Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 2, which is fast becoming a signature work of the company, it will embody all three movements of the composition. The performance on 25 March will be with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore
Time: 19h30
Cost: R200-R495
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1558660105
Sifiso Nene – Because of Success
28 March 2025
Award-winning comedian Sifiso Nene presents his new one-man tour, and it’s bound to be an hilarious take on the state of the nation. Nene is of one of our most celebrated stand-up comedians, so prepare to be amused, surprised and entertained.
Where: District Six Homecoming Centre Star Theatre, cnr Buitenkant & Calendon Sts
Time: 20h00
Cost: R250-R270
https://www.homecomingcentre.co.za/events
MARKET
Kuier@TheCastle
22 February 2025 and 29 March 2025
This is Cape Town, and the CBD’s, biggest, family-friendly monthly market and creative event, during which the grounds of the historic Castle of Good Hope transform into an exciting gift market and creative experience. This is a unique shopping and entertainment experience for locals and tourists alike, filled with art, culture, creativity and community. Shop local and support talented artisans and designers, from homeware to fashion to art and accessories. Hosted by the Creative Design Institute in collaboration with the Castle, it strives to promote the extraordinarily talented Cape crafting and creative community. Expect live performers, food, workshops, and a vibrant mix of artisans.
Where: Castle of Good Hope (access the safe parking via Darling St)
Time: 10h00-16h00
Cost: R30 (adults), R15 (children and pensioners), free (kids under seven)
https://www.thecdi.org.za/page/Kuier
EXHIBITIONS
The Promise
16 January 2025-27 February 2025
The Promise is the 2024 Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX) exhibition, in partnership with Spier Arts Trust, which showcases the work of four talented artists: Lionel Mbayiwa, Rentia Retief, Kenneth Ndumiso and Madeleine van Manen. The artists explored the question, “Where do we belong?”, each considering this theme through their own lens. The exhibition statement explains: “As four artists from very different backgrounds, our collective narrative is that of seeking a secure sense of belonging within the environments we find ourselves in. We observe with sensitivity and respect the past and the present while cherishing dreams for ourselves and others … seeking meaning through symbolism and distilled imagery.” NCX is the Nando’s Art Initiative’s flagship artist development programme, aimed at helping artists to develop their careers and offering them exhibition and mentoring opportunities. This year’s cohort were mentored by 2028 NCX programme alumnus, Nkosinathi Quwe. This exhibition started out at HUB Gallery in Commercial St and has now moved to the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery.
Where: AVA Gallery, 35 Church St
Time: 10h00-17h00 Monday-Friday; 10h00-13h00 Saturday
https://www.ava.co.za/current-exhibitions/2024/12/14/x8jbsb5vp134567r3i42grtj7qn9zu
https://spierartstrust.co.za/
Truth to Power: Desmond Tutu and the Churches
Ongoing
This is a new and exciting permanent exhibition celebrating key aspects of the legacy of the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, housed at the former Old Granary building, now the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. The was curated by the Apartheid Museum. Come and experience the journey of The Arch, one of South Africa’s greatest heroes.
Where: Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Buitenkant St
Time: 09h30 – 15h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: Free for children under 18; standard cost R100 with concessions available
www.tutu.org.za
The Names of Freedom: 1664-1848 From Slave to Citizen
Ongoing
Names of Freedom forms part of an exhibition exchange between Iziko Museums of South Africa, the Reunion Departmental Council (France) and the Villèle Historical Museum. It explores questions of identity through the history of slaves with a focus on how slaves were given their names just before and after emancipation and the meaning of this for their descendants who still have these names which were recorded in the historic registers. This is the first exchange of exhibitions between two former colonies and Indian Ocean Slave Trade repositories.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, top of Adderley St
Time: 09h00-17h00
https://www.iziko.org.za/exhibitions/the-names-of-freedom-1664-1848-from-slave-to-citizen/
REGULAR EVENTS
Knit & Natter Group
First Sunday of the month
Those who love knitting and crocheting will feel at home at the Knit & Natter Group. Members meet on the first Sunday of each month to knit and crochet while sharing wonderful stories. Women from all walks of life are welcome to join and bring yarn and needles, ideas, current projects as well as snacks.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Marble Foyer), D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00-17h00
Cost: Free
www.artscape.co.za
Cape Town Craft Club
Every first and second Wednesday of the month
This bimonthly craft circle aims to get creative people together to make stuff in a laid-back, fun and judgment-free space. Absolutely everyone is welcome, from seasoned makers to those who haven’t picked up a crayon since childhood. Bring whatever you’re working on and join the circle whenever you feel like it.
Where: The Ladder on Bree
When: 18h00
https://capetowncraftclub.wordpress.com/craft-circle/
Sunday Jazz Sessions
Sundays
Openwine hosts Jazz Sessions by talented local artists every week. These are followed by lively Sunday Jazz Jam Sessions.
Where: Openwine, 72 Wale St
When: 17h00
Cost: Free
@openwine_za
East City Sessions
Every Thursday
The classic cocktail lounge, restaurant and boutique bar offers an expertly curated selection of established jazz acts and up-and-coming experimental acts on Thursday nights. So, mark your calendars. While entry is free, booking via bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za is advised.
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
When: 19h00
Cost: Free
@eastcitysessions
Sky-Hi Ride
Ongoing
Experience some of the best views of the city and a mighty adrenaline rush. An eye-catching feature on the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, Sky-Hi Ride is a 35-metre thrill ride that takes you up in a chair lift, giving you a bird's eye view of Cape Town. Weather permitting, the Sky-Hi Ride is open to hotel guests and outside visitors. You can purchase a ride or observer ticket. A ride is free on one’s birthday.
Where: 28th Floor, Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St
When: 12h00 – 20h00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R200 per person via Webtickets
https://sky-hiride.capetown/
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
Third House Poetry
Last Tuesday of the month
Third House is a community and open-mic poetry event to celebrate poetic talent. We facilitate a space in which poets can feel supported and inspired, share their work, exercise their creative voice, and network with other writers and creatives. Both established and novice poets are welcome.
Where: Selective Live, 189 Buitengracht St
When: 19h30
Cost: R50 at the door
@thirdhousepoetry
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: From 08h00 – 23h00
Cost: Free
@gorgeousgeorgecpt
Jazz Night at Amber on Bree
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of jazz at Amber on Bree on Thursday nights.
Where: Amber on Bree, 16 on Bree, Shop 1 & 2
When: 20h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.amber-restaurants.co.za
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Thursday to Saturday
The Athletic Club & Social hosts live jazz musicians from Wednesday to Saturday. 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 every week from Tuesday to Saturday. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next. A pre-show dinner is also available between 18h00 and 20h00. A selection of spirits, wine and beers are also served from 16h00 until late.
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
On Saturday mornings, Book Lounge staffers can be found reading wonderfully illustrated picture books from their beautiful and thoughtful children’s collection. There is a colouring activity sheet afterwards. All welcome, no RSVP required.
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00
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