Autumn is in full swing and has brought along with it fantastic events and experiences to explore in town. Here is what’s on.
Comic Con Cape Town
27 April-1 May 2024
Superheroes will be flying into the CBD in April. The show caters for die-hard fans of comics and those curious about the latest pop culture trends. This year’s edition will be bigger and better with international and local celebrities, comic book artists, writers, illustrators and popular television and movie stars. There will also be a variety of exhibitors and vendors, featuring the latest in pop-culture merchandise, gaming, comic books and collectibles.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 1 Lower Long St
When: 0900 – 18h00 (Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday) and 11h00 – 18h00 (Monday and Tuesday)
www.comicconafrica.co.za
Good Life Show 2024
31 May-2 June 2024
This one-of-a-kind show is for anyone interested in food, health, wellness and reducing their impact on the planet. Dubbed Africa’s biggest food, drink and sustainable living show, the event features four shows under one roof for the price of one. These include The Plant Powered Show, Natural & Organic Show, The Free from Show and SustainEx. Visitors can local and international chefs, talks by culinary experts and nutritionists, product launches, meet and greets, pop-up eateries, masterclasses, daily yoga demos and wellness classes.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 1 Lower Long St
When: 12h00 – 17h00
Cost: R175 – R220
https://tinyurl.com/56bbjp6w
Knit & Natter Group
Every 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 (Isibaya Room), D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00 – 17h00
www.artscape.co.za
Suidoosterfees
26 April to 1 May 2023
Suidoosterfees marks its 21st anniversary this year, meaning it is going to be a special occasion for theatre lovers. The annual event will be jam-packed with musical performances, productions, comedy shows and dance shows. Have a look at this year’s programme and book before tickets are sold out.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Depends on booking
www.suidoosterfees.co.za
I’ve Got Rhythm
17-26 May 2024
If ballet and jazz sound appealing, you will thoroughly enjoy this jazzy ballet in which talented Cape Town City Ballet performers will be joined on stage by Jazzart Company dancers. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera singers will also form part of the production. Please note that those who book VIP rows J and K will receive a programme and a drink during the interval.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R200 – R750
https://tinyurl.com/ys8hhfn8
Childish Adult
23 May 2024
Forty-year-old comedian Tsepiso Nzayo prides himself on his childlike enthusiasm for life. Join him as he takes to the stage to share some of the ups and downs he has endured in a light and fun manner,
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1543329956
Tell Me on a Sunday
24 to 28 April 2024
Enjoy an intimate one-woman musical chronicling the life of a young English woman as she navigates life in a new city. This West End and Broadway hit is presented by The Endellion Theatre Company and features music by English composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Where: Home Coming Centre, Cnr Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 20h00
Cost: R180
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
3-4 May 2024
The world-renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is back to connect music lovers after a Covid-19 induced hiatus. The festival’s head of talent, Lindsay Rhoda, told IOL that they have worked hard over the past few months “to compile a programme that pays homage to the heritage of our jazz roots, but also speaks to the exciting future of music that is embracing all jazz-related genres as anthems for a new tomorrow”. Some of the artists who will take to the stage include Matt Bianco (UK), The Yussef Dayes Experience (UK), Nduduzo Makhathini Trio featuring Omagugu (SA), Mandisi Dyantyis (SA), Zoë Modiga (SA) and Kujenga (SA).
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 1 Lower Long St
When: 18h00 (Friday) and 17h00 (Saturday)
Cost: R950
www.ticketmaster.co.za
Waterfront Canal Challenge
6 April 2024
The Waterfront Rotary Club is hosting an urban canal swim fundraiser to support its projects such as the Christine Revell Children’s Home and the Salesian Institute. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join Africa’s only timed urban canal swim. A 6 km run will also form part of the activities with lots of exciting prizes on offer. There will also be a school event on the day with the opportunity for schools to win the inaugural Waterfront Canal Challenge trophy. While the event is outside the CCID’s footprint, it is a worthy cause worth supporting.
Where: Battery Park at V&A Waterfront, 19 Dock Rd
When: 07h00
Cost: R250 – R300
www.waterfrontrotary.org
Mamma Mia!
Now on until 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
Cape Town International Animation Festival
27-28 April 2024
Don’t miss South Africa’s premier animation festival. It will run alongside Comic Con Cape Town which is happening from 27 to 1 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Guests will be treated to award winning speakers, industry panel discussions, software sessions, films, exciting workshops and networking opportunities. Those who purchase the Cape Town International Animation Festival ticket will get access to the Comic Con programme.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 1 Lower Long St
When: 07h00
Cost: R190
www.ctiaf.com
Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K
12 May
The countdown is on for the fun Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K, which ends with a sea of people in Lower Long St. The Cape Town leg of the series starts at Woodbridge Island. For the first time ever, organisers have introduced a fun 10 KM School’s Challenge and are calling on all Western Cape based schools to sign up for the event on 12 May. The contest is open to participants aged 14 to 19 and includes separate divisions for boys and girls. Schools are encouraged to register multiple teams, each consisting of five learners.
Where: Woodbridge Island in Milnerton to Lower Long St
When: 09h00
Cost: R245
www.runyourcityseries.com
Decorex
6-9 June 2024
Africa’s premier decor, design and lifestyle show is back to enthral décor enthusiasts with cutting-edge designs, exhibitions, product launches and installations. It showcases more than 230 companies and has become a space for exchanging ideas and finding inspiration. In 2023, over R170 million in trade deals were concluded at Decorex Cape Town.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 1 Lower Long St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R140
www.decorex.co.za
EXHIBITIONS
90 Voices HERstory
Ongoing
Desmond & Leah Tutu House has an extraordinary exhibition of 90 women who played a role in South Africa's liberation struggle. Entitled 90 Voices HERstory, the exhibition is inspired by activist Leah Tutu who turned 90 last year. The women featured range from activists, artists, politicians and educators. Visitors can scan the QR code on each tribute poster to get a glimpse into how each woman shaped our history. In addition to this show, Desmond & Leah Tutu House also has Truth to Power and the Old Granary on display.
Where: Desmond & Leah Tutu House, Cnr Longmarket and Harrington Sts
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.tutu.org.za
Figures (in) Flux: The Future of Portraiture from Africa
Ongoing
Eclectica Contemporary has a wonderful group show which explores the critical lens through which artists navigate their creative trajectory. Curator Nkhensani Mkhari says this isn’t just an exhibition, “it’s a staging, artists riffing on self-representation”.
Where: Eclectica Contemporary, 56 Church St,
When: 09h30 – 17h00 (Monday – Friday), 10h30 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
Kash Out
Now on until 27 April 2024
A captivating a solo presentation of paintings and sculptures by Boytchie (Phillip Newman) is currently on show at Vela Projects. According to the gallery, since graduating from the University of Stellenbosch in 2022, Boytchie has made a name for himself as an expressionistic mark-maker, playful sculptor and improvisational draughtsman.
Where: Vela Projects, 66 Plein St
When: 11h00 – 17h00 (Wednesday to Friday), 11h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.velaprojects.co.za
AVA Gallery exhibitions
Now on until 18 April 2024
The Association For Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery is showing three exhibitions in its gallery spaces. They include Offcuts, a group show curated by Xanthe Scout Lardner-Burke, Field of Possibility by Deborah Weber and Woman and Nature by Many Libuta, which sheds light on the connection between women and nature.
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
4-25 April 2024
99 Loop Gallery will launch three new shows on 4 April. These include Resonance by Daudi Kaggwa, Romance by Mia Darling and Exit Strategy by Xanthe Scout Lardner-Burke whose work, according to art website Latitudes is, “is informed by a history of change, drawing on her early experience moving frequently between South Africa and the United Kingdom”.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Boundless
Ongoing
In this group show, featured artists use various mediums to interpret the word “boundless”. The exhibition also aims to highlight the different ways to present an idea. 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
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
Instagram: @openwine_za
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. The last approved event will take place on 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 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
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: Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation, Comic Con Cape Town, ABSA Run Your City, The Blue Room, Artscape, South African National Gallery