There’s always something happening in Cape Town. During the summer Capetonians there is a range of outdoor festivals and events - sports, culture and music-related. Winter hosts comedy, theatre, food & wine shows and there is always music and markets.
Below is a selection of some of the major events in Cape Town for 2018, important to know for your travel planning - for some you may need to use Chapmans's Peak Drive and some are far away - if you aren't attending you may want to get away somewhere quiet, and #Chappies the ideal escape.
Either way, if you are Capetonian, you will probably find yourself at one or more of these events and it may be worth registering as a frequent user for progressive discounted rates over the month - the more you drive over Chappies, the more you save. (More information)
Regular Local Events
Cafe Roux Sessions
Where: Cafe Roux, Noordhoek Farm Village
When: See line up
Tel & website: 021 789 2538 / http://caferouxsessions.co.za/noordhoek-live-music/
Showcasing the best of South African music - from our country’s’ biggest artists, to new up-and-coming bands, musicians & comedians in such an intimate & personal setting. The likes of Dan Patlansky, aKing, Arno Carstens, Jesse Clegg, Chris Chameleon, Kahn Morbee, Jack Parow, Ard Matthews, Toya Delazy, Gangs of Ballet, Barry Hilton, Watershed, Matthew Mole, Nik Rabinowitz, Prime Circle, Just Jinger & many more incredible SA artists have been on the Cafe Roux, Noordhoek stage.
Bay Harbour Market
Where: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay,
When: Fri evenings. Saturdays & Sundays
Tel & website: 083 275 5586 / https://bayharbour.co.za/
The Hout Bay Market is open every Friday 5 – 9pm and Saturday/Sunday 9.30am – 4pm for the happiest shopping in Cape Town! Every weekend there is awesome entertainment from top and up-and-coming local muso’s live on the KWV Sound Stage! Located at the edge of the sea overlooking Chapman’s Peak at the foot of the famous Hangberg Mountain; this once-abandoned factory is now the legendary Bay Harbour Market, home to over 100 entrepreneurial traders, who attract over 24,000 visitors a month locally and from across the globe.
Noordhoek Community Market
Where: Cape Point Vineyards
When: Thursday evenings 16.30 - 20.30
Tel & website: 021 789 0900 / http://cpv.co.za/community-market/
The Cape Point Vineyards Community Market has become a must visit event for Peninsula locals, after-work city folk and travellers and tourists alike. This weekly pop up market takes place at the Cape Point Vineyards Restaurant and Function Venue; an idyllic lakeside setting overlooking stunningly scenic vineyards, Noordhoek’s mountain range and the nearby sea.This vibrant market, boasts a selection of the country’s most iconic food vendors.
Cape Town annual events
Kirstenbosch Sundowner Concerts
Where: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
When: Sundays, late Nov-early Apr
Tel & website: 021 799 8783 / https://www.sanbi.org/events/kirstenbosch-summer-sunset-concerts-kirstenbosch
Beat the Sunday blues with a few good bottles of wine and a sunset backdrop during the popular weekly Kirstenbosch sundowner concerts. These performances have become a summer institution among Capetonians, so get there early if you want a grassy patch from which to see hot local talents like Freshlyground, the Parlotones and Fokofpolisiekar.
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
Where: City Centre
When: 1-2 Jan 2018
Tel & website: 021 799 8783 / https://www.sanbi.org/events/kirstenbosch-summer-sunset-concerts-kirstenbosch
There’s something about the luminous multi-coloured satin suits and frenetic banjo-strumming of the Cape Minstrels that puts Capetonians in the party mood. The tradition has roots in the practices associated with slavery, when 2 January was given as a holiday to the slaves. Today singers and musicians still march through the streets of the Mother City (usually along Wale Street) complete with face paint, twirling parasols and some infectious beats, while ringing in the tweede nuwejaar (second new year).
J&B Metropolitan Handicap
Where: Kenilworth Race Course, Rosmead Avenue
When: 27 January 2018
Tel & website: 021 426 5775/ www.jbmet.co.za
Fancy takes on a whole new meaning at this swish equestrian extravaganza. Primped and preened lads and ladies get kitted out in their theme-appropriate best, sip champagne, pose for the social pages, and of course watch the feisty fillies kick up clumps of grass all along the ten furlongs of the Kenilworth Racecourse.
Cape Town Art Fair
Where: CTICC
When: 16 - 18 Feb 2018
Tel & website: 021 702 2280 /
Cape Town Art Fair showcases the best contemporary art, artists, curators and galleries at an exhibition. The accessible, family-friendly exhibition features works by over 75 established and up-and-coming artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Italy, the UK, and more – in a range of traditional media including paintings, drawings and sculptures. The fair coincides with Art Week Cape Town, which shines a spotlight on the vibrant contemporary art scene in Cape Town.
Design Indaba Expo
Where: Artscape
When: 21 - 24 Feb 2018
Tel & website: 021 465 9966/ http://www.designindaba.com/festival/
Global leaders in the creative and design industries are converging, once again, in Cape Town to present talks, seminars, workshops and performances on the latest global trends, and to share and exchange valuable insights and ideas. And, like previous years, attendees can expect more than just a “chalk-and-talk” format – there’ll be dialogues and debates, performances and music, adding different dimensions to the three-day event.
Constantia Food & Wine Festival
Where: Buitenverwachting Wine Estate, Constantia
When: 24 Feb 2018
Tel & website: 083 265 2405 / https://www.facebook.com/Constantia-Food-and-Wine-Festival-217847814970118/
The rambling lawns of Buitenverwachting wine estate is where you’ll find foodies and wine enthusiasts on 24 Feb 2018. Over 200 wines will be available for you to swirl, sip and savour, while you nibble on gourmet canapés prepared by some of the country’s most talented chefs
Cape Town Cycle Tour
Where: Cape Peninsula,including Chpamn
When: 11 March 2018
Website: https://www.capetowncycletour.com
Each year over 40,000 keen cyclists from hither and thither converge to partake in this epic 109km pedal. The scenic circular route starts in the City Centre, and snakes its way through the Southern Peninsula, over Chapman's Peak Drive and past the Atlantic Coast before coming to an end in Green Point.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Where: CTICC
When: 23 Mar 2018 - 24 Mar 2018
Tel & website: 021 671 0506 / http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/
On the last weekend of March 2018, the Mother City will once again become a hive of activity when the 19th edition of the internationally acclaimed Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) 2018 kicks off. Music fans, jazz lovers and festinos (festival-goers) can expect two days of world-class music from international jazz greats and emerging stars alike, all happening at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Cape Town Whisky Live Festival
Where: The Lookout, Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront
When: 12 Apr 2018 - 14 Apr 2018
Tel & website: 021 880 0180/www.whiskyfestival.co.za
Whether you indulge in the odd dram or have an extensive range of single malts, you’ll get your money’s worth out of this tipple fest. There are over 180 top brands from stalwart master blenders in Scotland and Ireland to lesser-known spirit makers from Japan and Wales.
Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon
Where: Newlands. Ultra marathon includes Chapman's Peak Drive
When: 31 March 2018, Easter weekend
Tel & website: 087 742 0210 / http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
Every Easter Weekend dedicated joggers slog it out in the 56km ultra marathon, which starts in Newlands and winds its way along the bends of the picturesque Chapman’s Peak Drive before ending at the UCT campus.
Cape Town Funny Festival
Where: Baxter Theatre
When: 9 July - 5 August 2018
Tel & website: 021 685 7880 / http://www.baxter.co.za/shows/jive-cape-town-funny-festival-2018/
The popular Jive Cape Town Funny Festival returns for its 2018 season presenting the best SA comedians and the famous international variety acts on the same stage.
Open Book Cape Town
Where: Fugard Theatre
When: 5 - 9 September 2018
Tel & website: 021 418 5493/ http://openbookfestival.co.za
A world-class assembly of local and international book stores and publishing houses showcasing everything from Swiss comic books to fairy tales from France. Add to the mix a host of renowned authors, illustrators and publishers sharing nuggets of wisdom and you’ve got the perfect fix for any self-respecting book junkie.
Cape Town International Kite Festival
Where: Zandvlei, Muizenberg
When: late Oct (2018 dates to be confirmed)
Tel & website: 021 447 9040/ http://www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite
The sky’s the limit as far as designs go at Africa’s biggest kite festival. Larger-than-life South Park characters dip and dive along with giant octopi and Chinese dragons on Muizenberg’s Zandvlei grounds.
