Have a look at the wonderful events and experiences in store for you in town during the month of love.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair
16-18 February 2024
Dubbed the biggest showcase of contemporary art from Africa and the world on the continent, the 11th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair features more than 400 exhibiting artists. This year’s theme is “Unbound” and aims to provide a platform for art to provoke curiosity and break away from traditional storytelling and social expectations. Art fanatics can expect fresh additions to the line-up of events such as Cabinet|Clay, a section featuring ceramics and artists working in clay and a section called GENERATIONS which celebrates artists who are at different stages of their careers. There will also be an Unbound City Programme which will take art beyond the fair to major institutions and activate the scenic Bo-Kaap area.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 1 Lower Long St
When: 11h00 till late
Cost: R260
https://tinyurl.com/56bbjp6w
Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi
14-17 February 2024
Cape Town Opera is kicking off its 25th anniversary year with Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. The highly anticipated double bill directed by Magdalene Minnaar pays homage to the composer’s talents and celebrates the centenary of his death. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will also be part of the productions.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R190 –R550
https://shorturl.at/AUX17
The Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums
13-15 February 2024
This all-important gathering aims to foster discussions about the current state of museums and how heritage and archives can be preserved for future generations. It is initiated by the French Institute of South Africa and the Embassy of France and will be attended by approximately 300 people ranging from academics, educators, artists, community leaders, organisations, activists and civilians from across the globe.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: R500
https://todaytomorrow.iqoqo.org/
International Public Art Festival
14-18 February 2024
The International Public Art Festival, Africa’s largest public art festival organised by Baz-Art, is set to transform the CBD once more, with gigantic murals, when it returns this February. This year’s event is themed “CoAct/Collab” and is all about connecting local and international creatives from all over the world. Don’t miss out on the festivities, such as chill zones with food trucks and workshops for all ages, at Company's Garden, the festival hub. There will also be guided and self-guided public art tours.
Where: Company’s Garden (festival hub)
When: 10h00 – 16h00
Cost: Free to view. However, guided tours and workshops cost a nominal fee.
https://ipafest.co.za/
Legally Blonde The Musical
3-18 February 2024
This fun and cheerful musical challenges stereotypes and explores themes such as love, perseverance and embracing who you are. Join Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen, as she navigates life after he is dumped by her boyfriend.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R250-R295
http://tinyurl.com/2y5s9caj
Resilience
21-24 February 2024
This production will showcase a range of dance styles and is being used to raise funds to take 35 youth dancers to the National Arts Festival.
It is a partnership between guest dance companies, studios and schools from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Please lend your support if you can.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times
Cost: R150
http://tinyurl.com/37vr3er2
Keep pushing
7 March 2024
Laughter is the best medicine and comedian Justin-Ray Stoffels has got the right dosage. Catch his new show where he proves he has what it takes to follow his dreams. The Mitchells Plain-born comedian lost his eye after being stabbed during an attack a few years ago and continues to push boundaries.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h00
Cost: R70
http://tinyurl.com/bdd6ajuy
Encore
29 February 2024
Dance lovers are in for a treat as Jazzart Dance Theatre marks the end of its 50-year anniversary celebrations with a massive show honouring all those who have contributed to the organisation’s success and longevity. The show will feature works by former Jazzart artistic directors Sifiso Kweyama and Jackie Manyaapelo as well as celebrated alumni artists including SboNdaba Dance, Figure of 8 Dance Collective and New World Dance Theatre. Don’t miss it.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h00
Cost: R150
http://tinyurl.com/bdhhs7zs
The Lady Day Big Band
24 February 2024
Get ready to be transported on a musical journey by South Africa’s first all-women 22-piece band. The Lady Day Big Band will be joined by special guests to celebrate the release of their debut album titled Livus'umoya.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 20h00
Cost: R175
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Karen Zoid
24 February 2024
South African rock singer, songwriter and guitarist Karen Zoid makes a welcome return to the Home Coming Centre. She performed numerous times at the venue formerly known as The Fugard Theatre and debuted productions including sketches for Republiek Van Zoid Afrika and musical collaborations with Vusi Mahlasela, Zolani Mahola and Francois Van COKE. She is now back at her favourite stage to explore new ideas and remember old ones.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 19h30
Cost: R200
http://tinyurl.com/3x959y7j
Brenda Mtambo Live
8 March 2024
Songstress Brenda Mtambo is celebrating a decade of being a solo artist as well as the release of her 3rd studio album titled SANE and her journey of self-discovery and healing. She has promised her supporters a stellar production and a “spirit-filled concert”.
Where: Star Theatre at the Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 19h30
Cost: R350 – R400
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
The Soil Reimagined
9 March 2024
South African a cappella group, The Soil, is back with a new album after a seven-year absence from performing stages. The group, comprising Luphindo and Ntsika Ngxanga and the newest member Theo Matshoba, says the new offering is fresh and reflects the spiritual journey they have all undergone during the hiatus.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 19h00
Cost: R350
http://tinyurl.com/2twpk9kx
Mamma Mia!
6 March – 7 April 2024
A new-look production of Mamma Mia is the next big show to grace the Artscape Theatre Centre after The Sound of Music. It’s produced by SA promoter Showtime Management and features a full South African cast, crew and band. Audiences can look forward to stunning sets and wardrobes and timeless ABBA songs including “Dancing Queen” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme”. Mamma Mia! has reportedly been seen by more than 65 million people in 50 countries around the globe since 1999. Don’t miss it.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150 - R550
http://tinyurl.com/mthn5ww2
Annie Doesn’t Care 2024
14-16 March 2024
Catch Annie Akinyi Kamya’s one-woman act show where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Haven Night Shelter which provides temporary shelter and care to the homeless.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When:18h30
Cost: R150
http://tinyurl.com/2s3epsbu
EXHIBITIONS
Catch Flying
Now on until 25 February 2024
Catch Flying at Gorgeous George boutique hotel is curated by artist and curator Susan Proctor Hume. It has works made using different art mediums by 15 artists such as Clare Menck, Dave Robertson, Fred Hatman, Thandazani Ndlovu, Marinda du Toit, Qeren Fourie, Vuyisile Adoons, Janice Rabie, Luan Nel and Mariette Momberg.
Where: Gorgeous George boutique hotel (Pink Room), 118 St Georges Mall
When: 12h00 until late
Cost: Free
www.gorgeousgeorge.co.za
Surface Tension
3 February 2024
This February, WHATIFTHEWORLD will be showing Surface Tension, a solo exhibition by Chris Soal. The South African artist is renowned for using unconventional objects such as bottle tops and toothpicks to create some of his artwork.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 09h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
AVA Gallery exhibitions
Now on until 29 February
Three inspiring exhibitions have opened at the Association For Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery and are not to be missed. They include (Un-)homely Entanglements by Carola Friess, Doppelgängers. Futuregängers. Ubergängers by Stefan Carstens and Luke Carstens and Home Affairs by Pamela Bentley which looks at movement, access, and migration as well as the urgent need for a tolerant Pan-African society. AVA is one of the Central City galleries taking part in the 11th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair between 16-18 February 2024 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Where: Association for Visual Arts, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
Now on until 24 February 2024
99 Loop Gallery has kicked off its 2024 season roster with Oda Tungodden’s All the Wisest Things I’ve Heard and Olivia Botha’s solo show called A Collection of Dreams. Tungodden's show is an ode to people and the transformative power of positivity while Botha’s exhibition is inspired by the experience of dreaming. 99 Loop Gallery will also have a presence at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair between 16-18 February 2024 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
EBONY/CURATED
16 to 18 February
EBONY/CURATED will begin its 2024 art fair season with the much-anticipated Investec Cape Town Art Fair, between 16 to 18 February, at the CTICC. The gallery will have three booths with stunning works including being featured in a new section of the Art Fair called CABINET|CLAY. The project will highlight works by contemporary South African ceramic artists.
Where: EBONY/CURATED, 67 Loop St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 09h00 – 13h00
Cost: Free
www.ebonycurated.com
Awaken
Ongoing
Catch Awaken in which artist Ferial Mohamed wants to understand our humanity, what our consciousness is, where it comes from, and what we become without it. Throughout the year, Nel runs a constantly changing exhibition of paintings, sculptures and ceramics.
Where: Nel, 117 Long St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h30 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.nelart.co.za
Waterbeach
8-20 February 2024
The Artists Gallery’s new show captures the essence of water in its many forms using mediums and styles including oil, acrylic and digitally created works. Each painting celebrates the fascinating marriage of water and beach and will transport art lovers to a serene place.
Where: The Artists Gallery, 34 Bree St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday, Tuesday and Friday), 10h00 – 19h30 (Thursday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.theartistsgallery.co.za
Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective
18 February until 11 August 2024
Celebrated and multi-award-winning South African artist Dr Esther Mahlangu is being honoured with a retrospective highlighting her career spanning 50 years and her meteoric rise as a contemporary artist. After being shown at Iziko, the show, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, will embark on a global tour, stopping first at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg before moving to the United States in early 2026.
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
Check out Hidden Wonders to view the Iziko South African Museum’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
REGULAR EVENTS
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/Facebook
First Thursdays events at The Station on Bree
Now on until 4 April 2024
The Station on Bree hosts First Thursdays events which incorporate road closures, musicians and live DJs during the summer months. Approved events will take place on 7 March 2024 and 4 April 2024.
Where: The Station on Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 18h00
Cost: Free
www.thestation.capetown
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
Instagram: @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 (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
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.
Where: Amber on Bree, 16 on Bree, Shop 1 & 2
When: 20h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.amber-restaurants.co.za
St George's Market
Every Thursday
Catch the Thursday lunchtime food market on St George's Market every week. It features over 20 food vendors and a selection of vintage clothing stalls. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local business owners and explore the CBD.
Where: St Georges Mall, between Wale and Church Sts
When: 11h00 – 15h00
Cost: Free
www.stgsmarket.com
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Wednesday to Saturday
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 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
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: IPAF, St George's Market, The Lady Day Big Band, Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, Investec Art Fair