The Cape Town Central City’s calendar is teeming with fantastic events and experiences ranging from music, theatre productions, exhibitions and more. Here’s our selection.
Dreaming Dance in District Six: The Johaar Mosaval Story
2 to 4 March 2023
Living legend and South African dance icon Dr Johaar Mosaval, who recently turned 95, is being honoured with a stunning production entitled Dreaming Dance in District Six (The Johaar Mosaval Story). The production, with a cast of 36, weaves through Mosaval’s life in District Six and his career with The Royal Ballet and is a showcase of many different dance styles, from ballet to hip hop. There will be guest appearances by Joburg Ballet, Figure of 8 Collective, Waterfront Theatre School, Jazzart and Cape Junior Ballet. Tickets are available via Computicket and Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 0214217695.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 15h00 and 19h30
Cost: R120 – R190
https://bit.ly/3SwwWjx
36ONE Swim Series
3 March 2023
This unique open-water swimming event is aimed at swimmers looking to experience the sea safely. With the range of events available, organisers cater for everyone from Olympic athletes to newcomers wanting an initial experience of being in the sea. As participants become more comfortable in the open water, there is an increasing variety of swims to participate in. Organisers have made the next event free to attend to help grow the sport and build a strong community.
Where: Clifton 4th Beach
When: 07h15 – 08h00
Cost: Free
www.the36oneswim.co.za
Cape Town Cycle Tour
12 March 2023
Bring the gees and show your support to over 22 000 cyclists taking part in the 45th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. Some will be tackling the main event’s 109 km route around the Cape Peninsula while others will be doing the newly introduced 42 km path which starts and ends at the Grand Parade. The flagship event brings in an economic injection of R500-million into the local economy and is a huge opportunity to showcase Cape Town’s ability to host global events. Take note of the road closures (https://bit.ly/3mj5dGT) around the Grand Parade, the start venue, which will be closed the day before and on the event day. Competitors can check out the event website for training tips, route information and number collection details.
Where: Grand Parade and surrounds
When: 06h00
Cost: Free for spectators
www.capetowncycletour.com
Jazz Night on the Square
21 March 2023
Organisers behind Night on the Square, the family-friendly market Greenmarket Square, are hosting Jazz Night. The event is suitable for all ages and aims to create a positive atmosphere and revitalise the economy of the businesses on the square.
Where: Greenmarket Square
When: 14h00 – 11h30
Cost: Free
www.nightonthesquare.com
Electric After 5
Mondays to Wednesdays
Catch a dose of The Electric After 5, a fun evening with DJs and an exciting drinks menu with specials. It runs from Mondays to Wednesdays and is aimed at students and anyone looking to unwind from the early evening and onwards.
Where: The Electric, 48 Canterbury St
When: 17h00 to midnight
Cost: Free
Instagram: @electric_after_5
Cape Town Pride Events
Now on till 4 March 2023
A great line-up of events leading to the Cape Town Pride Festival in Green Point in March has been released. Some of the festivities being hosted in the CBD include a talent show at Zero021 in Canterbury St, movie night at the Central Library in Parade St, book night with authors at Zero021 and comedy night at Wave Cafe Theatre in Long St. Check out the full calendar of events on Instagram (@capetownpride) or capetownpride.org for information and ticket details. Pride provides a platform and raises issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Where: Various
When: Various
Cost: Varies (See event website for details)
www.capetownpride.org
Concerts in the Park
12 and 26 March and 16 and 23 April 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. Upcoming concerts are on 12 March, 26 March, 16 April and 23 April and have great acts including Zolani Mahola The One Who Sings + The Feminine Force, PJ Powers, Mango Groove, The Rudimentals, Kurt Darren, Goodluck, Lady Zamar and many more. The concerts are aimed at bringing joy through accessible concerts and getting people to enjoy their public parks.
Where: De Waal Park, Molteno Rd
When: 10h00 – 18h00
Cost: R99
https://concertsinthepark.net/
What are you?
16 March 2023
Treat yourself to a fascinating show exploring identity through movement, textiles, and discussion. This three-part show will start with a visual representation of the core concepts, followed by dance and textiles and a conversation aimed at fostering understanding and compassion.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 19h00
Cost: R120
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
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)
http://bit.ly/3Y99Kt0
Kunene & The King
16 to 26 March 2023
This brilliant play delves into issues like race, class, politics, theatre, and the potentially unifying power of Shakespeare. It premiered in England in 2019 and got rave reviews. It was also well received when it returned to South Africa at the iconic Fugard Theatre (now repurposed into the District Six Homecoming Centre). The moving and funny two-hander, written by actor, activist and playwright John Kani, is back and will thrill audiences at Artscape Theatre Centre in March and tickets are already selling out fast.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Bookings will open soon
Cost: R150 – R200
https://bit.ly/3QY5uu9
Hamlet
1 to 11 March 2023
Award-winning production company Abrahamse & Meyer has created a new production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, Hamlet, which centres on friendship, madness, and revenge. To wow audiences, spectacular new designs have been incorporated into the show which has received five-star reviews and standing ovations in Europe and America. The play is a must-see for learners, educators, and lovers of Shakespeare alike.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3wjKBQO
International Public Art Festival
1 to 5 March 2023
Africa’s largest public art festival organised by BAZ-ART is back again this year and the Company's Garden will be the festival hub. Over five days, local and international artists will paint massive murals that will add to the over 133 that already exist in the CBD and surrounds. The event, which will be held around the theme “What If?”, is family-friendly and will include, street art experiences, walking and cycling tours as well as a Public Art Conference.
When: 10h00 – 16h00
Cost: Free to view. Guided walking and tours are between R70 to R100 per person.
https://ipafest.co.za/
Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
Ongoing
Visit the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent 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: R30 – R60
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 the inner city daily. Organisers are on a mission to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and that is why these operate on tips only and are open to anyone. 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
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
Devil Song: A cabaret of villainous proportions
27 March to 5 April 2023
If drama, music and magic is what you’re after, don’t miss this production by musical theatre maestro Schoeman Smit as he delves into the world of crooks, murderers, seducers, traitors, tyrants and thieves.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 16h00
Cost: R195
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Cruise
12 to 30 April 2023
Cruise 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, written by Jack Holden, also pays homage to gay culture and the courage of the queer community in the face of stigma.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: 16h00
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. While this showcase is slightly outside the CCID’s operational footprint, local and international visitors can take advantage of the myriad offerings in the Cape Town CBD from affordable accommodation to restaurants while here.
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
EXHIBITIONS
Ayakha: Indlela Yokuxola (Rebuilding: The path to forgiveness)
Now on till 11 February 2023
Artist Lulama Wolf’s latest exhibition looks at the complicated journey of forgiveness and is centred around her personal experience of loss, grief, uncertainty and acceptance. She also asks challenges viewers to reflect on the question: “If there are consequences to what we cannot control, what are the consequences of forgiveness and whom do they benefit?”
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
Time and Tide (wait for no man)
Now on till 18 March 2023
StateoftheART Gallery’s latest group show is a collection of sculptural objects, paintings, paper collages and printmaking. It aims to challenge viewers to consider the role of time in their lives and the world around us and is a reminder of the inevitability of death. Featured artists include Catherine Ocholla, Lisette Forsyth, Corné Eksteen, Karla Nixon, Laurel Holmes and 2018 and 2021 StateoftheART Gallery Award winners Jo Roets and Sylvester Zanoxolo Mqeku.
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 11 March 2023
Come to town and be inspired at WHATIFTHEWORLD by two thought-provoking exhibitions on show. They include “DNA HALTER: Language is a virus” by Dan Halter and “Give me liberty or give me death” by Sepideh Mehraban. The former reflects on distinctive characteristics of language which can also be mutable like viruses and how language can disguise reality while the former honours brave Iranian women who stood up against discriminatory laws in the Islamic Republic in the past four months.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Thursday), 09h00 – 16h00 (Friday), 09h00 – 13h00 (Saturday),
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
2 – 25 March 2023
After a successful showing at the recent Investec Cape Town Art Fair, 99 Loop Gallery is back with “Asleep” by Zarah Cassim and “Artist Focus” featuring the work of Ulriche Jantjes whose works Ulriche Jantjes inspire people to celebrate, question and sustain their heritage. Both shows will run until 25 March. Thereafter, a group show called “Emblem”, curated by artist Katherine Bull, will open on 1 April and run until 24 May 2023.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Transient
Ongoing
It is often said that change is constant, and this concept is what is being 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.99loop.co.za
The future is behind us
Now on till 26 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, curated by Andrew Lamprecht, comprises more than five hundred artworks and aims to showcase the Iziko South African National Gallery’s art collection of 150 years. 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: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Who were the enslaved?
Ongoing
This exhibition seeks to answer 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 once they arrived? How were they able to 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: R15 – R30
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 South Africa. 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. The exhibition 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 Hotel
Tuesdays
Musos keen on a jamming session have a home at 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 Hotel, 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
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: Armand Hough, Ellie Kurttz, MambaOnline, Amber On Bree, International Public Art Festival, Comic Con Africa