Autumn in Cape Town brings crisp air and a hot line-up of events! From Comic Con and Ultra South Africa to a marimba festival, foodie expos, wine festivals and Mother’s Day celebrations, there’s loads to see and do.
Scroll through our guide for all the must-attend events in Cape Town this month:
Comic Con
Date: 1 to 4 May 2025
Where: CTICC 2, Cape Town
Entry: From R220. Book here.
Get ready to geek out at Comic Con Cape Town, the city’s largest pop culture and gaming festival, returning for its third edition this year. Dive into a world where everyone is welcome to be themselves. This festival features pop culture, thrilling games, and unforgettable fandom moments.
For more information, visit Comic Con.
Muddy Princess Stellenbosch 2025
Date: 3 May 2025, from 8am
Where: The Purple Windmill, Uitspan Farm, R44, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
Entry: From R399 per adult, R299 per child. Book here.
Get ready for a day of fun, laughter, and empowerment at the Muddy Princess 5km obstacle mud run, designed exclusively for women of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. A perfect muddy ‘girls’ day out’.
For more details, visit Muddy Princess.
The Luxe Affair: Cape Escape
Date: 3 and 4 May 2025
Where: Park View Event Space, Woodstock
Entry: Ticket sales to be announced. More info.
Luxe Affair Cape Town features a sophisticated setting with family-friendly vibes, gourmet food, and South Africa’s finest brands across shopping and entertainment. Expect the best food vendors, quality goods and delicious food the Mother City has on offer. Definitely for the discerning market lover.
For more information, go to Luxe Affair Cape Town or visit their Instagram page.
Ultra South Africa
Date: 9 May 2025
Where: The Ostrich, Cape Town
Entry: From R995. Book your tickets.
Get ready to party the night away as some of the world’s best DJs and artists turn up the heat at Ultra South Africa. Some of this year’s acts include Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix and KSHMR. Expect big beats, lasers, and dancing all night long. Please note it would be best to ride share or Uber to the venue.
Check all the line up details here.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Date: 8 and 9 May 2025
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Central Park, Century City
Entry: Ticket prices vary and are available at Webtickets.
Catch the season’s final flicks at The Galileo Open Air Cinema, located at some of the most iconic backdrops in the city. Some of the upcoming films include Mama Mia on 8 May at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Braveheart on 9 May at Central Park, Century City.
Pack a picnic or visit the onsite vendors to purchase delicious food and drinks on arrival. Choose from mouth-watering pizza, juicy burgers, tasty wraps, nachos, movie popcorn and other yummy snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options are available. Please email hello@thegalileo.co.za ahead of your visit if you have specific dietary preferences. Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7:30pm.
Check here for the full list of screening locations and times.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Smile90.4FM
Date: 10 May from 8:30am to 1pm
Where: GrandWest, Market Hall
Entry: From R450, ticket at Quicket.
Spoil your mom at this super stylish Mother’s Day celebration hosted by Smile90.4FM. Expect to be pampered and entertained with a live performance by Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels and a live drumming session by Drum Café. Meet your favourite Smile FM presenters, indulge in gourmet food, and take home a goodie bag filled with treats. Make sure to dress up in the theme for the day: Out of Africa.
For more information, visit here.
Mother’s Day Celebrations at Rickety Bridge Estate
Date: 11 May at 12pm
Where: Rickety Bridge, R45, Franschhoek
Entry: R695 per adult and R295 per child under 12 years of age.
Booking is essential. Email reservations@ricketybridge.com.
Ring in your Mother’s Day celebrations at Rickety Bridge Estate in Franschhoek. Tuck into an unforgettable feast featuring delicious dishes like smoked trout, butter roast chicken ballotine, rolled pork belly, and a decadent chocolate malva pudding. It’s the perfect way to say thank you to your mom, surrounded by breathtaking views and culinary delights.
Visit Rickety Bridge Estate for more information.
ABSA Run Your City
Date: 11 May
Where: Milnerton to Cape Town CBD
Entry: All your entry info here.
ABSA Run Your City is a city-wide celebration with thousands of runners taking to the streets of Cape Town in this fun and inclusive race. This 10K has established itself as a ‘proudly South African, proudly Cape Town’ road running event that celebrates everything Cape Town: the vibe, the city and the people. The route is fast and flat, with magnificent views and lively performances from some of the city’s leading artists. The morning starts with a bus trip from Cape Town’s CBD to the start in Milnerton. The route follows the coastline in the direction of the majestic Table Mountain before finishing in Lower Long Street.
For more information, visit ABSA Run Your City.
Funny Side Up with Kurt Schoonraad
Date: 12 to17 May
Where: Baxter Theatre
Entry: Tickets from R180 to R200 from Webtickets.
Enjoy a hilarious evening with beloved local comedian Kurt Schoonraad and his new solo show, ‘Funny Side Up‘. Bringing his signature wit, warmth, and uniquely South African humour, this show sees Kurt tackling the absurdities of modern life, from navigating daily chaos to finding silver linings in an ever-changing world. With sharp insights and relatable stories, this show is a hilarious reminder that sometimes, the best way to cope is to simply laugh it off!
Visit here for more information.
DHL Stormers vs Cardiff
Date: 16 May. Kick off at 7pm
Where: DHL Stadium
Entry: Tickets from R80 at Ticketmaster.
Catch the thrilling face-off as the DHL Stormers host Cardiff in a high-stakes rugby showdown. Get there early and make a day of it. Be sure to stay up to date with all the DHL Stormers news.
Cape Town Marimba Festival
Date: 16 May at 7pm
Where: Baxter Theatre
Entry: Tickets from R100 at Webtickets.
Get ready for a high-energy celebration of African marimba magic, brought to life by Woodworx and the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival. This annual event has been lighting up the Baxter Concert Hall since 2009, and it just keeps getting better! Expect infectious beats, vibrant performances, and a powerful showcase of musical talent that’ll have you dancing in your seat.
Visit Baxter Theatre for more information.
Louie Vega All Night Long at Cabo Beach Club
Date: 16 May
Where: Cabo Beach Club
Entry: Tickets from R250. VIP Standing from R450 at Howler.
International DJ Louie Vega brings pure house music to the shores of Cape Town in this exclusive beach club set. Enjoy pure house music and pure magic ALL NIGHT LONG.
Find out more.
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Bascule Whisky Bar at the Cape Grace – World Whisky Day
Date: 17 May
Where: Cape Grace Hotel, V&A Waterfront
Entry: Experiences from R200–R1000. Book here.
Sip and savour premium whiskies while enjoying live music, delicious tapas and unmatched harbour views at Bascule Whisky Bar at the Cape Grace. Booking is essential.
For more information, visit Cape Grace. Check out a virtual tour of this Cape Town favourite here.
Celebrate International Museum Day at Zeitz MOCAA
Date: 18 May, from 10am to 6pm
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, V&A Waterfront
Entry: R250 at Webtickets.
Celebrate global culture with exhibitions at Africa’s leading contemporary art museum.
Check out their latest exhibition, One Must Be Seated, a solo exhibition by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan. The exhibition explores the enstoolment of a prospective chief, akin to coronation; a call to take their rightful seat in the stool that has been chosen for them. The exhibition, on Level 3, Silo Side of the museum, runs until 5 October 2025. Also check out UNDERSTUDIES, the first major South African museum solo exhibition by artist Nolan Oswald Dennis. The exhibition, curated by Thato Mogotsi, on Level 3, Elevator side of the museum, runs until 25 May 2025.
For more information, visit Zeitz MOCAA.
The Cape Meander
Date: 18 to 22 May
Where: The journey begins in Cape Town and winds its way to Klein Karoo.
Entry: Details on request.
The third edition of the Cape Meander will, for the first time, be heading into the Klein Karoo before returning to the coast. Travel along some superb mountain passes and visit a game lodge, accompanied by great hotels and food. The tour is open to all pre–1990 vehicles. This four-night trip covers 901km of scenic roads and luxury accommodation.
For more information, visit here.
Aida Opera
Date: 22 May
Where: Artscape Opera House
Entry: Tickets from R190 from Webtickets.
Cape Town Opera presents Verdi’s Aida in a bold, Africanfuturist reimagining of this iconic opera. Set against a backdrop of war, forbidden love and cultural conflict, Aida follows the love story of an enslaved Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian commander. With a 56-member chorus and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under Kamal Khan, this production promises to be a cultural highlight of the year.
For more information visit Verdi’s Aida.
Nik Rabinowitz’s Pension Killer
Date: 27 to 31 May at 7:30pm
Where: Baxter Theatre
Entry: Tickets from R180 from Webtickets.
Stand-up comedian Nik Rabinowitz returns to the Baxter for his smash-hit show ‘Pension Killer’. From global chaos to personal embarrassments, Rabinowitz leaves no stone unturned, and no WhatsApp group unmuted. Armed with razor-sharp wit, mild bewilderment, and an uncanny ability to cause just the right amount of offence, he tackles some of South Africa’s most pressing concerns, including the question of: “Wat Weet Ons, Dat Hulle Nie Weet, Nie?”
Visit The Baxter for more information.
Winelands Autumn Expo
Date: 30 and 31 May
Where: Worcester, Western Cape
Entry: From R10 to R160 at Webtickets.
The second annual Winelands Autumn Expo will take place in Worcester. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste, experience, and celebrate everything the Winelands has to offer, all in one splendid location. The expo aims to showcase the diverse tastes from the five distinct terroirs found in the district. The Winelands covers the world-renowned areas of Breede Valley, Drakenstein, Langeberg, Stellenbosch and Witzenberg.
For more information go to Autumn Expo.
Feastival at Cabo Beach Club
Date: 31 May
Where: Cabo Beach Club, V&A Waterfront
Entry: Tickets from R200. Sign up to be added to the waitlist.
You know it’s officially winter when this festival makes its first appearance. It’s getting cold outside, and Feastival is known for turning up the heat with an evening of gourmet cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment at the city’s trendiest beach club.
Stay tuned to the socials for all the latest updates and line-up information.
The Good Life Show
Date: 30 May to 1 June 2025
Where: CTICC 2, Cape Town
Entry: Tickets from R175 from Quicket.
Africa’s largest food, drink, wellness and sustainable living expo returns with new features, and tastings. The Good Life Show is back with even more exciting high quality and innovative products, experiences and surprising content.
There will be innovative products to try, chef demos, mixology sessions, hands-on masterclasses, expert wellness advice, insightful industry talks and activities that will leave you inspired.
Get ready for bags of fresh and fun-filled experiences at the 2025 Good Life Show.
For more information visit here.
