This weekend in Cape Town promises a variety of events, from In The City with Isaiah Rashad to the start of Stellenbosch Woordfees and much more. This guide is continually updated throughout the week, so check back to see everything happening this weekend and our October guide for events throughout the month.
In The City with Isaiah Rashad & Sinéad Harnett
The American rapper and singer, known for chart-topping tracks like Headshots, Free Lunch, and Wat’s Wrong (feat. Zacari & Kendrick Lamar), is making his long-awaited African debut later this year, headlining In The City after Rocking the Daisies was cancelled.
With dreamy production that blends rap and contemporary R&B, and introspective lyricism that resonates with audiences around the world, Rashad has remained an influential figure in hip hop despite his long absences between albums. His most recent work, It’s Been Awful, was released to critical acclaim in 2026, with songs like Cameras (feat. Dominic Fike) and Boy in Red (feat. SZA).
Performing alongside Isaiah Rashad at In The City, Sinéad Harnett is a Thai-Irish R&B singer-songwriter who brings her soulful voice to a mix of upbeat electronic dance tracks and slower, jazzy ballads. She rose to prominence with her 2014 single No Other Way, before releasing her biggest song, If You Let Me, which has reached over 100 million streams on Spotify.
The full In The City lineup includes Rashad and Harnett alongside a mix of local DJ’s and artists: Kay Faith, Mila, Nice Nice, Enrico Celento, Dboy, Kdollahz, Shakes, Smoolana B2B Sifiso, Jaykatana, and Fish Parcel B2B Cuito.
Cost: From R599 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026 | 12pm – 11pm
Where: The Ostrich (Ostrich Ranch), Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Cape Town
Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2026
As spring takes shape over the Cape Winelands in early October, the historic town of Stellenbosch transforms into a hub of culture and art with the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. For nine days, the festival brings together world-class music, theatre, dance, literature, visual art, food, wine, conversations, and outdoor experiences in one town-wide celebration.
One of the biggest highlights at Woordfees is the Toyota Music Festival at the Jan Marais Park. Here, some of South Africa’s most popular artists perform live under the night sky, as fans watch on with blankets, food, and friends.
This year’s line-up includes chart-toppers and crowd favourites from various genres, such as Jeremy Loops, Spoegwolf, Booshle G, and the powerhouse duo of Zaan Sonnekus and Tasché. Adding to the excitement is the festival debut of internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela, “The Voice of South Africa”. Joined by his protégé Tsholofelo Papo, Mahlasela will perform the songs that have inspired audiences across the globe with messages of hope, reconciliation, and humanity – such as Silang Mabele and Weeping.
Food and wine enthusiasts are similarly well catered for at Woordfees. Festival favourites such as the Long Table and Street Soirée return, inviting guests to enjoy memorable meals beneath Stellenbosch’s famous oak trees. These sought-after experiences combine fresh food, premium local wines, and the unique atmosphere of one of South Africa’s most scenic towns.
Once again, Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees and Strauss & Co. are putting together an auction of beautiful, exciting and challenging contemporary art, giving the public an opportunity to buy works by some of the foremost artists working today. A selection of works available at auction will be exhibited in the Stellenbosch Town Hall. Klein Wêreld, an exhibition of small works by contemporary artists, and Spier’s Creative Blocks present further opportunities to purchase art at very affordable prices.
The festival’s theatre programme remains one of its strongest offerings, featuring acclaimed productions, celebrated performers, and some of South Africa’s leading directors.
With hundreds of events spread across nine days, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees offers something for every taste and every generation – from open-air concerts and award-winning theatre to fine food, thought-provoking discussions, family activities, and unforgettable cultural experiences. More information is available on the website.
Cost: Various prices. Tickets are available on Quicket.
When: 3 – 11 October 2026
Where: 37 Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch
Take in culture, arts & wine at Woordfees 2026
Elysium
Cape Ballet Africa (CBA) is set to captivate audiences with ELYSIUM, a new quadruple bill at The Baxter this October, launching the dynamic company’s exciting Spring Season.
Hot off its highly successful run of Swan Lake in Johannesburg, CBA presents ELYSIUM at The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter from 3 to 10 October. The ballet brings together four exquisite and diverse ballets by celebrated choreographers George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, Kenneth Tindall and Michelle Reid, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience.
Through contrasting choreography, music, and artistic styles, ELYSIUM creates a rich, inspiring ballet experience that explores themes of love, resilience, transformation, and joy through the range, beauty, and emotional depth of ballet.
This captivating new production brings together works from some of the world’s most celebrated choreographers, brought to life by Cape Ballet Africa’s award-winning dancers. Elysium plays at the Baxter for one week only, with two weekend matinees and one Seniors Special Performance during the week.
Cost: R200 – R495 per person. Book now on Webtickets or via Pick ‘n Pay stores nationwide.
When: 3 – 10 October 2026 | From 7.30pm | From 3pm (weekend matinee) | From 11am (Seniors Special Performance)
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre (Pam Golding Theatre), Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Unexpected Pairings at ROOI
ROOI’s latest private dining event, Unexpected Pairings, sees guests indulge in five curated set courses, each paired with a slightly unusual wine companion meant to intrigue and leave taste buds craving more. Unlike a more traditional wine-pairing experience, the flavours collide, contrasts become more apparent, and different tastes work together in unlikely ways.
The set menu includes a first course of tuna on toast, followed by aged beef with quail egg, a sea bass dish, salted coconut alongside chocolate strawberries, and cheese & jam to complete the experience. For a unique dining experience at one of Cape Town’s most exclusive restaurants, make sure to book a table for October’s edition.
Cost: R1850 per person. Book now by contacting [email protected] or 021 431 5888.
When: Friday, 2 October 2026 | Seatings from 6.30pm – 9pm
Where: ROOI, One & Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Framed Sessions
This multi-disciplinary, multi-creative arts experience spans photography, live music, painting, and dynamic projection, highlighting many up-and-coming Cape Town artists and their work.
The event opens with a photography exhibition focused on local musicians, featuring stills from seven photographers who regularly document the Mother City’s live music scene. The free walkabout includes a live DJ vinyl set from Waxx Garden. The featured artists include Hanno van Vuren, Brig Stanford, Emma Snyman, Frame The Gig, Vuyo Polson, Rishi Prag, and Warren Talmarkes.
The evening continues with a cross-industry improv session, where musicians, painters, sketchers, and a projectionist collaborate on a piece that evolves with each artist’s input.
Finally, the event concludes with a live show featuring alternative Afrikaans band Dierbaar, multi-genre Afrojazz group Operation Khataza, and indie-rock outfit Toughguy. The night culminates in a fully collaborative finale where each band performs the same song together, drawing on influences from across Cape Town’s vast soundscape. Those interested can join the official event after-party at Surfa Rosa.
Framed Sessions highlights the inherent collaboration and community spirit within South African art, inviting guests to experience creative works from artists across various mediums and learn how they intersect and support one another. Each participating photographer will have multiple prints available for purchase after the show, and anyone interested can contact Framed Sessions directly for more information.
Cost: From R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 3 October 2026 | 4pm – 10pm
Where: The Pink Room @ Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre
Discover our picks for the most exciting up-and-coming artists in Cape Town
Newlands Market
Celebrating its one-year anniversary this weekend, Newlands Market brings a curated blend of homeware, fashion & accessories, beauty products, art, food and beverage trucks (including halal & vegetarian options), live music, a social (slow and steady) walk & run, a dedicated Kids’ Zone, and a community atmosphere in the Southern Suburbs. Attendees can check out the new ‘Youth Entrepreneurs’ section to support local, up-and-coming businesses.
Those wanting to enjoy groovy beats can join the ‘Pura Party’, where Pura Soda hands out cold drinks while Good Hope FM’s DJ Liam Cue takes over the soundscape.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 October 2026 | 10am – 9pm (Sat) | 10am – 8pm (Sun)
Where: Newlands Cricket Ground, 146 Campground Rd, Newlands, Cape Town
VarieTease
BB Productions ZA brings its VarieTease show to Greenhaus, combining burlesque, live singing and drag performance into a single variety night. The production is built around audience participation, elaborate costuming and comedic segments, positioning itself as a celebration of self-expression rather than a straightforward cabaret.
The show draws on classic burlesque tradition, emphasising style and reveal-and-conceal performance over overt sexuality, in line with the genre’s modern presentation. Tickets are limited to 70, with seating automatically allocated by table through the Quicket booking system, and larger groups of nine or more may be split across multiple tables.
The event carries an LGBTQ+ inclusive framing throughout its promotion, and attendees are encouraged to dress to impress for a chance to win prizes on the night.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now via Quicket.
When: Friday, 2 October 2026 | 8pm – 10pm
Where: Greenhaus, 14 Leadville Way, Sunningdale, Cape Town
Avengers: Endgame (Encore)
In the lead-up to the next era of Marvel films, Avengers: Endgame is being re-released to South African audiences this September. A historic movie that served as the end of an era of cinema and, at one point, held the record as the highest-grossing film of all time, this is perhaps the last time viewers can witness the film in a true theatre experience.
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe.
Endgame features Marvel’s biggest ensemble cast to date, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, and many more.
When: Re-releases in select SK theatres on 25 September 2026
Where to watch: Tickets available at Ster-Kinekor & Nu-Metro cinemas
Keep up with the latest movie releases in Cape Town
Franschhoek Classic Car Festival
The Franschhoek Classic Car Festival returns to the Huguenot Monument for its third edition, marking a follow-up to last year’s sell-out weekend. The festival was founded by classic car enthusiasts Graham Warsop and Theo Lötter, with Lötter serving as CEO and Warsop as Chairman.
The signature Forty of the Finest display returns across both days, showcasing forty pre-1995 vehicles representing forty different marques. The 2026 edition also marks 75 years of Formula One with a championship-winning F1 car on display, alongside a tribute to F1 champions through the decades, including South African driver representation. Additional curated displays include a Ford Perana tribute and anniversary showcases for MG and BMW, alongside Mercedes-Benz and Golf GTI anniversary displays. Vespa and Land Rover exhibits also feature, with some displays running for one day only.
Both days include parades of classic and supercars along the main road, Huguenot Street. Visitors also have access to Franschhoek’s restaurants, boutiques, galleries and the Village Market during the festival.
Cost: R250 per person (one-day access) | R400 (weekend pass) | Free for u18s accompanied by adult
When: Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 October 2026 | From 10am
Where: Franschhoek Huguenot Memorial Monument, 13 Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek
Oceanus Symphonia
Audiences get a sneak preview of an all-new immersive live music event coming to the V&A Waterfront in March 2027. Visitors can expect a completely unique soundscape that captures the feeling of the ocean; with little information available ahead of time, it’s something to experience blind. The first glimpse shows run for half an hour this weekend, playing twice each day.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 October 2026 | 1.15pm – 1.45pm & 2.15pm – 2.45pm
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Norval Foundation Holiday Art Club
Norval Foundation runs its school holiday Art Club across six themed sessions, guiding children aged 7 to 12 through a different medium and inspiration each day, drawn from the gallery’s collection and grounds. Each session is led by experienced art educators, introducing techniques spanning painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media.
The programme opens with a watercolour and wax workshop inspired by the sculpture garden’s resident chameleons, followed by an outdoor acrylic painting session set among the garden’s indigenous fynbos and wetland habitat. Later sessions include fabric painting inspired by the Strelitzia flower, a wire and stocking sculpture workshop drawing on Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture, a stained-glass-style spring workshop, and a closing session inspired by the garden’s resident Helmeted Guineafowl.
Each workshop encourages self-expression through hands-on activity rather than a fixed, instructor-led outcome, with children encouraged to bring their own interpretation to the day’s technique and theme.
Cost: R300 – R320 per child, per workshop | Booking available on Webtickets.
When: 28 September – 2 October 2026 | Most workshops 10am – 12.30pm | Wire & Stocking Sculpture Workshop (30 Sept) 2pm – 4.30pm
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Entertain the little ones with these school holiday events & activities
Rockefeller Hotel: City Lights, More Nights
To make each stay even more special, The Rockefeller is giving guests a special deal to enjoy their urban getaway at an even better price. Ideal for a weekend spent eating, staying, and playing in the Mother City, guests get up to 20% off the Best Available Rate if they stay for three nights or longer – valid throughout spring and early summer.
The offer includes the option to add complimentary breakfast each night, so guests can save money while enjoying The Rockefeller’s acclaimed breakfast offering. Bookings can be made using the website or by emailing [email protected].
When: Valid until 20 December 2026
Where: The Rockefeller Hotel, 12 Christiaan Barnard St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Expression: Rhythm to Runway
The Fusion Project’s 2026 annual showcase, Expression: From Rhythm to Runway, stages fashion as live performance, built around the relationship between music and couture. The event is an initiative of Charlene Sauerman Couture, with the Fusion Project’s design students translating personal heritage and cultural influence into original couture pieces for the runway.
Performers from Kwena Music, including Metrovilla, Faker Streets and Ruben Gerritz, share the stage with the designs, creating a live dialogue between sound and garment rather than a conventional silent runway walk. South African couturier Jacques Lagrange makes a guest appearance as part of the programme, adding an established industry name alongside the student designers.
The format positions the show as multi-sensory rather than a straightforward fashion parade, with music, movement and design conceived together rather than added as a soundtrack to a finished collection.
Cost: From R280 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 2 & 3 October 2026 | 7.30pm – 10pm
Where: Kwena Studios, 191 Sunningdale Drive, Sunningdale, Cape Town
Keanan Eksteen Live
Rock musician Keanan Eksteen brings his band to Café Roux, performing songs from his new album alongside established crowd favourites. Eksteen, who grew up in Kraaifontein, built his sound on a childhood soundtrack of The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, blending classic and modern rock influences into a style distinctly his own.
The show follows the June release of his second full-length album, Starring, released on vinyl as a mix of previously released singles and new material. The genre is rock and roll, delivered with the energetic stage presence that has built Eksteen’s following both locally and across Europe.
The performance falls ahead of the band’s fifth European tour, where they’ll play festivals in Germany and the Netherlands, and shortly before Eksteen performs at Ellis Park Stadium for a Springbok versus All Blacks match. Café Roux operates a seated table format, with tables booked under the same email address grouped together.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 2 October 2026 | 6pm – 9.30pm
Where: Café Roux, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is the heart and soul of Cape Town’s recreational relationship with the ocean. Since it opened in 1995, this unique and fascinating world of water creatures has offered us an insight into the ‘other home’ on our doorstep – a home of which many of us have very little knowledge.
The Two Oceans Aquarium provides a safe home for a variety of sharks, penguins, turtles, and several species of octopuses, moray eels, crabs and jellyfish. There are plenty of ways to see, meet and interact with all these creatures – ask one of the friendly aquarium staff members or learn more about which animals you can see here.
Cost: General entry allows you to see the animals. R280 (adults), R210 (pensioners, students, and children age 14-18), R130 (children 4 – 13 years). FREE for children aged 3 and under. Book general entry here.
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening times: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 6pm
Mommy & Me Expo
The Mommy & Me Expo returns to D’aria Wine Estate for a two-day pregnancy, baby and toddler market, bringing together more than 60 exhibitors selling clothing, nursery furniture, educational toys and maternity essentials.
The expo covers each stage from bump to toddler, with sections spanning maternity fashion and breastfeeding products through to prams, bedding and decor for the nursery. Both local and international baby brands take part, offering products at discounted expo pricing not typically available in retail.
Beyond shopping, the event has previously included giveaways and competitions promoted through the organiser’s social channels in the lead-up to the expo, giving attendees additional reasons to visit across the full two-day run.
Children under 12 enter free, making the event accessible for families attending with older siblings alongside a new baby or toddler.
Cost: R100 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 3 & 4 October 2026 | 9am – 3pm
Where: D’aria Wine Estate, M13, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville, Cape Town
Bollywood Night
The last Bollywood Night before the start of end-of-year exams, Brown Time is giving students one last hurrah before it’s time to lock in. Expect a big crowd singing every word to iconic Bollywood anthems, heavy basslines, and unskippable hits. Beyond the expected stuff, DJs spice up the night with modern edits and Punjabi club bangers, while Harry’s serves desi food all night long to keep with the theme.
Unlike previous Bollywood Night events, each ticket holder gets to add three songs to the night’s playlist, and which hour to play it. The most requested songs get permanently added to the setlist, ensuring crowd favourites are always on rotation.
Desi snacks and Bollywood-themed cocktails are served throughout the night. Book tables by contacting 079 406 4036.
Cost: From R99 per person (phase 2). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026 | 9pm – 3am
Where: Botanik Social House, 54 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre
Sunset Sweatshop, Freddy L & Sossi Live
Three South African acts share the stage at Woodstock Brewery for a night spanning several genres. Headliners Sunset Sweatshop play a genre blend of goema rock, reggae, folk and funk, drawing on infectious, festival-oriented songwriting that has built them a strong following on the local live circuit.
Alternative indie trio Freddy L brings soaring melodies and direct songwriting to the middle of the bill, while Johannesburg act Sossi closes out the lineup with emotionally driven pop built on catchy hooks and storytelling-led lyrics. Genre spans rock, reggae, folk, funk, indie and pop across the three acts.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 2 October 2026 | 8pm – 11.30pm
Where: Woodstock Brewery, 252 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Experience Cape Town Differently with Future Found Sanctuary
Luxury travel isn’t about doing more. It’s about experiencing more of what matters.
Set on a private mountainside estate in the Constantia Winelands, Future Found Sanctuary brings together beautifully designed accommodation, personalised hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences. Spend your days exploring nearby hiking trails, discovering the Constantia wine route, enjoying seasonal dining, or simply settling into the estate’s slower rhythm.
For a Cape Town stay that feels considered, meaningful and memorable, Future Found Sanctuary offers a different way to experience the city.
Cost: From R4950 for two. More information on staying at Future Found Sanctuary is available on the website.
Where: 10 Hunters Way, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Affordable Activities: Cool Runnings Toboggan Rides
Cool Runnings is a downhill tobogganing park in Tygervalley, built around Africa’s first cable-hauled toboggan track. Riders are pulled to the top of the course by cable rather than climbing, before descending 1.25 kilometres of stainless steel track on a wheeled bobsled.
The route includes 17 corners, S-bends and a tunnel, with riders able to control their own speed using a brake lever on each toboggan. Two-person riding is permitted, allowing younger children to take part alongside an adult; children under three are not permitted on the ride. Multi-ride tickets and unlimited-ride passes bring down the per-ride cost for longer visits.
The site regularly hosts birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette events, team-building days and school outings, with free entry offered for these group bookings. The park closes during rain for safety reasons, so operating status can vary on the day.
Cost: R110 (single ride, adult 15+) | R100 (single ride, child 3–14) | R550 (unlimited rides, weekday) | R1,400 (unlimited rides, day pass) | 10% discount for online bookings. Book now on the website.
When: 9am – 6pm (School holidays & weekends)
Where: Cool Runnings, Toboggan Family Park, off Carl Cronje Drive, Tygervalley, Cape Town
Affordable activities & cheap outings in Cape Town
The Biological Renaissance by Manifest Cape Town
Manifest Cape Town hosts physician Zach Bush, MD, for The Biological Renaissance, an afternoon workshop at Spier Wine Farm framed as an open discussion rather than a lecture, covering soil health, food security, chronic disease, and economic systems. Attendees are invited to question and engage directly with Bush rather than simply listen.
Bush trained in internal medicine, endocrinology and hospice and palliative care in the United States, and has spent recent years focused on the relationship between the human microbiome, agriculture and health. His broader body of work, including his recent book Biological Elegance, argues for reframing disease and ecological problems around interconnected biological systems rather than conventional models of control and elimination. Some of these positions, including his views on the role of viruses in disease, have drawn criticism from mainstream medical and scientific commentators, and the organisers themselves describe the session as intended for open debate rather than agreement.
The event includes afternoon tea and coffee, with capacity intentionally limited to keep the session conversational. Overnight accommodation at Spier is available separately at a discounted rate for attendees using a dedicated booking code.
Spier Wine Farm is positioned as a deliberate choice of venue, given its own focus on regenerative and sustainable farming practices.
Cost: R2600 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Sunday, 4 October 2026 | 1pm – 5pm
Where: Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
The Craving
An immersive theatre experience that puts audiences in the middle of a psychological thriller unfolding within a fictional restaurant, The Craving is the latest of The Outlore Base’s series of unsettling and experimental stage shows. What seems like a passionate chef preparing an avant-garde seven-course meal gives way to her twisted experiments on staff and guests in the pursuit of culinary perfection.
As she gets closer and closer to her goals, she uncovers a truth that begs the question: who is creating who?
There are three types of tickets available throughout the run. The “Watcher” is given a phone and tasked with recording the troubling events as they unfold, showing what is happening through their own eyes. “Tasting” tickets allow guests to reserve a seat for the seven-course dining experience, although what exactly they eat is up to the chef (fussy eaters are encouraged to save their stomachs). Finally, general access allows viewers to experience the night as it dives further into madness.
Cost: R180 per person (general access) | R150 per person (Watcher) | R750 per person (Tasting Ticket). Book now on Quicket.
When: Thursdays – Saturdays, 11 September – 3 October 2026 | 8pm – 10.30pm
Where: The Outlore Base, 80 Hout St, Cape Town City Centre
Live Wire
The first edition of a quarterly speaker series, Live Room is an opportunity for Cape Town’s young creatives and budding entrepreneurs to hear from experienced professionals and connect with likeminded people just getting started with their careers.
The event features six speakers from different industries, followed by a live panel discussion where attendees can ask their most burning questions. The panel includes fashion content creator Calista da Luz, handmade homeware business owner Hannah Claire, pop singer Anica Kiana, and more.
Afterwards, the space becomes a laidback networking session, where anyone looking for advice or potential project partners can chat in peace while enjoying food and drinks by The Electric.
Cost: R100 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026 | 2pm – 6.30pm
Where: The Electric, 48 Canterbury Street, District Six, Cape Town
Norval Foundation’s new exhibition: Unsteady Realms
Starting 15 September 2026, Norval Foundation is debuting the first solo exhibition by renowned Cape Town artist, Kate Gottgens, featuring her signature use of bright colours, abstract ideas, and ambiguous forms.
Gottgens’ style, often in oil on canvas, draws on found imagery, personal photos, and fragments of everyday life. Her images often evoke unstable dreams and blurry imagination, distorting reality like a fading photograph. Rather than offering a clear answer, her art asks the viewer to reflect on the imagery and fill in the gaps, making uncertainty feel as unsettling as it is tender.
As Gottgens herself explains, “My figures are multifaceted and embedded with paradox. More like shards of a personality than bodily, visceral or specific. They are holograms of potential: negative/positive or life-giving/life destroying.”
Unsteady Realms invites audiences to experience the breadth of a significant South African artist’s work, engaging with warped memory and embracing ambiguity both within and outside of the exhibition. The featured paintings include recent additions like 2026’s Ferrying Souls and older works like 2015’s Milk Teeth, alongside highlights from the past few years including Hexing the Air, Sensing the Trap, and Her Fine Blades. More information is available on the website.
Cost: Day Pass – R220pp for African Nationals | R330pp for Internationals | R110pp for young adults aged 18 to 24 years | Kids under 18 enter free. Book via Webtickets
When: 10am – 5pm (Wed to Sat) | 10am – 4pm (Sun) | Closed on Mon & Tues
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Quirky & Cosy Coffee Shops: The Electric
A community hub in the heart of District Six, The Electric is another example of a cosy cafe/deli by day and a vibrant events space at night. As an all-inclusive institution, dogs, bikes, remote workers, and friends are all welcome in its sunflower-yellow walls.
They offer plenty of nutritious options, including health shots, juices, flavour-filled nut milks, and wellness add-ons. For breakfast, they serve a variety of affordable classics (bagels, eggs Benedict, and full breakfasts), and for lunch, they feature sharing platters, burgers, salads, and flatbreads. Hot drink lovers of all types are sure to be satisfied with their diverse array of choices, whether it’s sticky naartjie tea or bulletproof coffee.
Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Monday – Saturday | 8am – 7pm | 9am – 5pm (Sat)
Where: 48 Canterbury Street, District Six, Cape Town
Find your new favourite coffee spot to keep warm this spring
Siya Seya: Traveling Man
Multi-award-winning comedian Siya Seya brings his new stand-up show, Traveling Man, to the Homecoming Centre. The show is built around Seya’s travels across other African countries, woven together with reflections that move back and forth through his own past experiences.
Rather than a single-theme set, the show uses travel, both physical and through memory, as a structural device for the evening’s material, giving the performance a narrative throughline alongside individual comic bits.
The show carries an age restriction of no under-16s, in keeping with typical stand-up content.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 2 October 2026 | 7.30pm – 10pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, 15 Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town
The Grotto Spa: Hands & Feet Oasis
Newly revamped and thoughtfully designed for Cape Town’s busy women, the Hands & Feet Oasis gives guests an expanded manicure and pedicure experience.
While The Grotto is often seen as the place to book for a special occasion or just before a big event, the Hands & Feet Oasis invites women to fit a comfy retreat into their busy schedules. Rather than blocking out an entire day, the service requires only one hour of commitment for a fresh set of nails, which can be flexibly booked between work calls and tight deadlines.
Taking too long in between wellness check-ups can cause unnecessary stress. The Grotto invites guests to fit a full mani-pedi into their regular routine, taking an hour to just breathe, reset, and walk out with a brand-new aesthetic. More information is available on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8.30am – 8pm
Where: The Capital 15 on Orange, cnr Orange Street & Grey’s Pass, Gardens, Cape Town
The Rocky Horror Show
The legendary cult musical The Rocky Horror Show, presented by Pieter Toerien Productions in association with the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA), is back in Cape Town after its successful run earlier this year. This electrifying staging by director Steven Stead promises to unleash all the wild energy, wicked humour and rock ’n’ roll rebellion that has made the show a global phenomenon for over 50 years.
The show stars an award-winning South African cast led by Craig Urbani (We Will Rock You), who reprises his role as Frank-N-Furter, with Léa Blerk (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Janet, and Robert Everson (Noises Off) as Brad.
Cost: R295 – R495. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 28 August – 18 October 2026 | 8pm | 4pm & 8pm (Saturdays) | 2pm (Sundays)
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link St, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Markets: The Kindred Market
Held at the historic Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, The Kindred Market brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of local makers, independent brands, and food vendors in a setting designed for slow browsing and community connection. Created through a collaboration between the widely popular Candor Market and Down To Earth Market, the event blends creativity, craftsmanship, and a relaxed social atmosphere into one easygoing weekend experience.
With more than 100 vendors, visitors can expect a wide variety of locally made goods, handcrafted products, curated lifestyle items, and quality food offerings. The market encourages wandering rather than rushing, making it as much about the atmosphere as the shopping itself. Animal lovers can also see the famous Timour Hall donkeys at the indoor & outdoor bar areas.
After closing for the winter, The Kindred Market returns this weekend for a new season, with all-new vendors in the same welcoming space. The market is entirely cashless.
When: Sunday, 4 October 2026 | 9am – 3pm
Where: Timour Hall Villa, St Joans Rd, Plumstead, Cape Town
Spend the day at the biggest weekend markets in Cape Town
Art & Wine Auction
The Somerset West Night Shelter holds its annual Art & Wine Auction, raising funds for both its Single Adult and Family Shelter programmes. The Somerset West Night Shelter is a registered non-profit providing overnight shelter, meals and support services to homeless individuals and families in the greater Helderberg area, working toward restoring hope and dignity for vulnerable residents.
The evening combines a live art auction with a complimentary glass of wine and canapés on arrival, giving guests a social fundraising evening built around bidding on donated artworks rather than a straightforward gala dinner.
The event carries a strict no under-18s policy.
Cost: R175 per person (includes canapés & glass of wine). Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 2 October 2026 | 6pm for 6.30pm – 10pm
Where: Esteem Centre, Somerset College, Bredell Road, off the R44, Somerset West, Cape Town
Social Clubs: Obs Can Feed You
Those who want to meet new people while supporting a good cause can join Obs Can Feed You’s family of volunteers who gather every weekend to make sandwiches and bowls of oats and donate them to those in Observatory who need them.
All food is prepared by volunteers at Trenchtown, an iconic Obs nightlife venue turned community hub, and distributed in the square across from the Kwikspar, frequently serving over 100 people per day. Meetings are always vibrant and social, with the mission of helping those in need making for a wholesome atmosphere among everyone involved.
Donations of supplies like oats, bread, and mayonnaise are always welcome. Those interested can keep up to date with the latest news on their Instagram.
When: Saturdays & Sundays | 8am – 9.45am
Where: Trenchtown, 143 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Make new friends at these Cape Town social clubs
Liberty Promenade Space Rescue
An immersive adventure designed especially for the school holidays, young explorers get to solve space-themed puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and complete challenges for two weeks only at Liberty Promenade. Teamwork and problem-solving skills are needed to complete the mission and find the missing captain, with winners receiving a sweet scoop of ice cream from Two Scoops of Happiness and a chance to win a share of R6,000 in Liberty Promenade vouchers.
Kids are transported to an intergalactic setting with immersive, futuristic décor for twenty minutes of activities, available daily throughout the afternoon. There is no minimum age, although kids must be accompanied by an adult to participate in Space Rescue. Phones are needed for certain puzzles, but some activities don’t require a mobile device. For more information, visit the website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Cost: R20 per child. Bookings can be made at the activation area.
When: Daily | 25 September – 4 October 2026 | 11.30am – 4.30pm
Where: Liberty Promenade (Food District), A Z Berman Dr, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town
Mamma Mia!
The beloved international production of Mamma Mia! is here, returning to South Africa, and it’s a guaranteed feel-good experience that celebrates the magic of ABBA’s music and the beauty of human connections.
Featuring a full South African cast, crew, and band – led by the iconic Amra-Faye Wright, best known for being the longest-running actress in the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago: The Musical on Broadway, as Donna Sheridan – Mamma Mia! combines the finest talent this country has to offer both on and off stage.
Produced by Showtime Management, the musical production also features the timeless ABBA songs composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, including Knowing Me, Knowing You, Dancing Queen, I Have a Dream, Voulez Vous, and many more.
Cost: R280 – R580 per person. Book now on Ticketmaster.
When: Tuesdays – Fridays, 3 September – 11 October 2026 | From 7.30pm | From 3pm (Sat matinee) | From 2pm (Sun matinee)
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Opera House), D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Forgotten Island
Forgotten Island is an original animated fantasy adventure from DreamWorks Animation, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and marking the studio’s 50th animated feature. Set in the 1990s, the story follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, who stumble through a portal on their last night together before high school graduation sends them down separate paths.
The portal leads to Nakali, a magical island rooted in Philippine mythology and populated by shapeshifters, demons and witches drawn from Filipino folklore. The film also features Dave Franco as a well-meaning weredog named Raww and Tony winner Lea Salonga as the Manananggal, one of the island’s most feared creatures.
Crawford and Mercado, longtime collaborators at DreamWorks since Kung Fu Panda 2, based the project partly on their own friendship, and it marks Mercado’s directorial debut. Jo and Raissa discover that returning home may cost them the memories of their entire friendship, raising the emotional stakes beyond a typical animated adventure.
The film’s official trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: Forgotten Island is scheduled to release on 25 September 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are almost open on Ster-Kinekor
East City Spots: Tommy’s Chop Shop
Always one of the liveliest spots after dark in the East City, Tommys Chop Shop has a detailed cocktail menu and one of the deepest whiskey lists in the city, with beloved bourbon, scotch, and rye from local and international producers. Guests can also order from a smaller selection of wines, beers, rum, and tequila, and join the ever-growing conversation in and around the Shop.
Keep up to date with Tommy’s and its live events on Instagram.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 4pm – 12am | 2pm – 12am (Sat)
Where: 50 Canterbury St, District Six, East City, Cape Town
Where to eat, drink & party in the East City
Are You Jazz?
A live jazz evening hosted by Quaide Rumble and Caleb Harley and presented by popular label Kwena Music, Are You Jazz? spotlights up-and-coming musicians from across Cape Town, while guests relax in a cosy space and enjoy refreshments. The lineup includes Zara Mansfield, Four Front, In The Moment, Hannah Daniels, and Jodi.
Cost: R180 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026 | 6pm – 10pm
Where: The Woodstock Hub, 170 Victoria Rd, Cape Town
Stay at the One&Only Hotel
One&Only Cape Town offers multiple luxury accommodation options. At the heart of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and framed by the majesty of Table Mountain, the hotel offers an urban escape surrounded by private waterways. The rooms and suites are some of the largest in Cape Town and offer a unique experience of the city.
Open to One&Only visitors, Nobu offers a glamorous dining experience headed by global Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa. It is the only Nobu location in Southern Africa offers an unforgettable journey of gourmet excellence and masterful Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
In a beautiful blend of art and design, One&Only Cape Town’s spa has been relaunched with a celestial theme, offering unparalleled experiences of sanctuary and serenity. Drawing on the timeless beauty of the southern skies and the travel-inspired Southern Cross constellation, visible year-round in Cape Town, the spa creates an environment of relaxation and restoration.
Where: ROOI, One & Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
He Who Sent Me
Afro-soul artist Zuko SA brings his He Who Sent Me tour to the Baxter Concert Hall, combining live full-band performance with personal storytelling built around faith and identity. Born Zuko Kupiso in Dutywa, Eastern Cape, the singer built his following through the breakout single iQhawe Lam, featured on the soundtrack of the television series The Wife.
Zuko SA describes his sound as a blend of Afro-soul and Afro-pop, citing influences including Zahara, Vusi Nova and Amanda Black. He has released two studio albums, Umkhonto and Ondithumileyo, with Umkhonto earning a SAMA nomination, and won a Metro FM Music Award for the collaborative single Andikalibali featuring Vusi Nova.
The concert is framed around themes of spiritual identity and personal resilience, with the artist known for weaving reflection and testimony between songs rather than performing a straightforward set. Material draws from across his catalogue, performed with a live band.
Performed in English and Xhosa, the show carries an age restriction of no under 18s.
Cost: R350 – R550. Tickets are available on Webtickets.
When: 3 October 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Cape Wheel
The Cape Wheel offers a spectacular 360 panoramic view of Cape Town from the vibrant V&A Waterfront precinct. With 30 fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabins, the Wheel takes you 40m above the ground in safety and comfort on the four-revolution ride.
A trip on the Cape Wheel allows you to see the postcard-like views of the Mother City from a bird’s-eye view, letting you take in the beauty of Cape Town from all angles.
Even better, with the sun going down earlier in the winter months, it’s even easier to have a picturesque sunset ride during this time – seeing the entire city lit up in golden hour, with plenty of time to spend in the Waterfront before it gets too late. Additionally, the comfortable, fully-enclosed cabins offer a cosy retreat from the cold weather outside.
Cost: R180 (SA adults) | R275 (non-SA adults) | R95 (children – aged 4-17) | Free (children under 3)
When: Monday – Sunday | 11am – 9pm (Mon – Thu) | 10am – 10pm (Fri, Sat & public holidays) | 10am – 9pm (Sun)
Where: Cape Wheel, The Lawns, Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront
Resident Evil
The latest film adaptation of the fan-favourite video game franchise, acclaimed writer-director Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) continues his run of quality horror films with Resident Evil. The film stars many emerging Hollywood talents in Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Weapons), Zach Cherry (Severance), and Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country).
Bryan, a medical courier, is in the process of making a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital when an outbreak forces him to fight for survival.
The film follows a version of the events of Resident Evil 2, one of the most beloved games in the series, albeit with an entirely new story. The 2026 horror movie is the latest addition to the recent renaissance of video game adaptations in film and television, following in the footsteps of The Last of Us, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Fallout. The creepy trailer is available now on YouTube.
When: Resident Evil is scheduled to release on 25 September 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are almost open on Ster-Kinekor
Zeitz MOCAA
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) is one of Cape Town’s leading art galleries dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Housed in the now-iconic Silo Building at the V&A Waterfront, the gallery boasts both a permanent exhibition and temporary, rotating exhibitions, all contributing to the preservation and promotion of African artists.
Current exhibitions include Zohra Opoku’s We Proceed in the Footsteps of the Sunlight, Lerato Shadi and Robin Rhode’s A Protea is Not a Flower, and Cauleen Smith’s Afflict the Comfortable, Comfort the Afflicted.
Tickets and memberships for the Zeitz MOCAA can be purchased on Webtickets or at the door of the museum.
When: Daily | 10am – 6pm
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Hout Bay & Constantia: Constantia Wine Walk
One of the ultimate, curated things to do for Cape Town’s wine lovers and amateur sommeliers, the organisers describe it as “a sip-and-stroll storytelling journey through Cape Town’s most iconic vineyards”.
This immersive walking tour visits three iconic wine farms – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Buitenverwachting – on private trails in the Constantia Valley. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, guests taste 10 wines, enjoy a delicious harvest platter lunch and hear the fascinating untold stories of Constantia. More information is available on the website.
Cost: From R2,250 per person (minimum 2 per tour). Book here.
When: Monday – Saturday | 9am – 2pm
Where: Meet at Groot Constantia Red Bus parking area, Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
Attractions & activities around Constantia and Hout Bay
Digger
Directed by the Oscar-winning visionary Alejandro G. Iñárritu, best known for Birdman and The Revenant, this latest film is a comedy of “catastrophic proportions” starring Tom Cruise. Beyond that, we don’t know much.
The most powerful man in the world races to prove he is humanity’s saviour before the disaster he unleashed destroys everything.
The cast is filled with some fan favourites, including Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, and Emma D’Arcy. The movie’s very strange and intriguing “teaser trailer” (which, for some reason, features clips from most of Cruise’s previous films) is out now on YouTube.
When: Opens in theatres on 2 October 2026
Where to watch: Set for release at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
Bascule Bar
Set on the Waterfront marina, this whiskey and cocktail bar is known for its wide selection of drinks, lush decor, intimate conversations, and a curated collection of African art. On First Thursdays, the space hosts live jazz to enhance the vibrant atmosphere, along with a special offer on Martell cognac.
This First Thursday, enthusiasts can try a curated flight of four unique expressions from Macallan, the celebrated Scottish whisky house. The flight includes The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old, Harmony Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, Classic Cut 2022 Release and Rare Cask 2023 Release.
When: First Thursdays | 6pm – 12am
Where: Cape Grace Hotel, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
