From dance festivals to thrilling rugby matches and iconic annual events like the SA Navy Festival, Boatica, the much-loved Gin Festival and Cape Town Marathon, not to mention the legendary Joe Barber live at the Grand Arena, the city is ready for all the fun and adventure this season brings. Get your tickets and save the dates… Summer is officially on its way!
WOMAD – World of Music, Arts & Dance, Cape Town
Date and Time: 1 – 6 October
Cape Town City Hall | St George’s Cathedral | V&A Waterfront
Entry: Free and Paid options through www.quicket.co.za
Immerse yourself in the rhythms and melodies of diverse artists from around the world, as they unite to promote cross-cultural awareness and unity. With a focus on economic development, cultural tourism, and job creation, WOMAD Cape Town offers an enriching experience that honours legacies, celebrates milestones, and embraces the power of music and arts to connect communities. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and celebration! For a complete guide on various shows visit www.womadsa.co.za/cape-town-gig-guide .
SA Navy Festival
Date and Time: 4 – 6 October
10am to 5pm
Simon’s Town
Entry: Free
The South African Navy Festival, held annually in Simons Town at the East Dockyard in Cape Town, is a beloved event that continues to grow in size and festivity each year. This three-day festival offers a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy, and best of all, entrance is free! Visitors can look forward to browsing a vibrant flea market, playing games, and savouring delicious food from various stalls. Highlights of the festival include performances by the navy choir, a dry dock concert, a retreat ceremony, cannon firing, demonstrations, and many other exciting displays. With so much to see and do, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Secure park and ride from Fish Hoek Sports Grounds and Fish Hoek Beach as Main road closures will be in place. For more information go to www.simonstown.com/event/navy-festival/ or call 021 787 4696.
Franschhoek Classic Car Festival
Date and Time: 5 – 6 October from 10am to 4pm
Franschhoek Motor Museum and Huguenot Monument
Entry: From R200 at webtickets.co.za/v2/Event
The festival will feature over 150 cars, including special anniversary displays for the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (50 years) and Alfa Romeo Giulietta (70 years). Visitors can explore the museum’s indoor static display and enjoy the Annual Forty of the Finest curated exhibition. Highlights include a Ford Mustang 60th-anniversary display, group and club exhibits, and the RIVALS Tour Parade at 1pm on the 6th October. Entry is free for under-18s when accompanied by a ticket holder. Ticket holders gain access to the museum both days. For more information go to www.fccf.co.za/.
Urban Sketching: Kom skets in die dorp (Woordfees)
Date and Time: 5 October from 10am to 4pm
Stellenbosch
Entry: From R350 – book via www.quicket.co.za/events/urban-sketching-kom-skets-in-die-dorp/
The Rupert Museum is collaborating with Multimedia artist Fawa Conradie to present a workshop in which participants will draw inspiration from nature and buildings. Comfortable shoes are needed for the walk through the town. Participants will sketch with Fawa and are welcome to ask questions. A variety of drawing techniques and materials plus frames of reference are combined during the workshop. All materials will be supplied. This class is for both beginners and experienced artists.
Jam Jam and Friends
Date and Time: 6 October from 6pm to 9pm
Bokeh Creative Studio Sea Point
Entry: From R120 – book via quicket.co.za/events/jamjam-and-friends-at-bokeh/
Get ready for an incredible night of comedy as Jam Jam and Friends take over Bokeh Creative Studios. Fresh off his sold out UK Tour Jam Jam is back. Featuring an all-star lineup with the hilarious Stuart Taylor, Lazola Gola, Vafa Naraghi, and Chuma Bentele, this is a comedy night you don’t want to miss! Hosted by the one and only Khanyisa Jam Jam, it’s guaranteed to be an evening full of laughs and good vibes followed by Karaoke.
The Cape Town Silent Book Club
Date and Time:
6 October Green Point Park (2pm-4pm)
13 October Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville (2pm-4pm)
26 October Bertha House in Mowbray (3pm-5pm)
Entry: Free
The Cape Town Silent Book Club has three gatherings happening in October. This BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) reading event that gathers to enjoy good reads, cool spots, and great community is open to all book lovers. For more information check out their instagram profile – instagram.com/cptsilentbookclub .
Disney’s The Magic Box
Date and Time: From 9 October
Artscape Theatre, Opera House
Tickets: From R200 to R550 via feverup.com/
Disney’s The Magic Box is one epic musical that weaves together much-loved Disney songs, characters and tales, to create a magical nostalgic musical experience that brings Disney alive on stage. The show, featuring an all-South African cast and crew, opens at Artscape, Cape Town for a limited season and then transfers to Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg before embarking on an international tour. Show goers can look forward to a sensory feast featuring captivating projections, elaborate costumes, enchanting animations and more to create an innovative theatrical masterpiece; a fusion of over 75 Disney hits from unforgettable classics to contemporary hits. Perfect for all generations—with an extra touch of magic for nostalgic adults. Visit www.artscape.co.za/event/the-magic-box/ for more.
Crypto Fest 2024
Date and Time: 10 – 12 October from 9am to 5pm
Cape Town Stadium
Entry: From R380 tickets via www.quicket.co.za/events/crypto-fest-2024-cryptopia/
Crypto Fest returns for its highly anticipated sixth edition, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Town. The main event takes place on 11 October at the iconic DHL Stadium in Green Point. With over 15 sessions featuring a diverse lineup of speakers, you’ll gain valuable insights into the latest trends in cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, Web3, and Decentralised Finance (DeFi). The event also includes engaging workshops, vibrant exhibitions and networking opportunities. Gain invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of digital asset regulation and emerging developments. For more information go to cryptofest.co.za/.
Studio ArtWave Textured Workshop
Date and Time: 13 October 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
The Event Box, Wood Drive Lifestyle Centre, Sunningdale
Entry: R750pp – ticket includes all equipment, drinks and snacks – book at studioartwave.com
ArtWave is dedicated to artistic exploration, offering engaging art workshops and classes. The aim is to inspire and nurture creativity by providing top-notch education and fostering a vibrant community of artists. In the Textured Workshop you will be introduced to tools and techniques to create your masterpiece. You will receive personalised guidance, ensuring that the textured art creation complements each participant. Go to studioartwave.com/ for more information.
The Folk Vino and Pizza Festival 2024
Date and Time: 12 October from 3pm to 10pm
Folk Café, St James
Entry: from R290 from www.quicket.co.za/events/vino-pizza-2024/
The Folk Vino and Pizza festival is a celebration of the best partnership since they invented TASTE BUDS, WINE and PIZZA! The historical connection between pizza and wine has evolved through centuries of shared heritage that honour simplicity and flavour. When we pair the two, people just get happier! Tastings will be curated by some of the Western Cape’s top award winning wine producers including Mullineux, Chamonix, Black Oystercatcher, Doolhof, Oak Valley, Vondeling, Raats Family Wines, Stellenrust, Bouchard Finlayson and so many more. On the night you can expect to be entertained with live music and exciting giveaways whilst you work your way through your pairings! If you love wine, music and pizza there really is nowhere better to be than Folk Vino Pizza 24. Visit www.folkcafe.co.za/ for more information.
Joe Barber 25
Date and Time: 16 to 19 October from 3pm to 10pm
Grand Arena at GrandWest
Entry: From R195 to R395 via www.ticketmaster.co.za/event/joe-barber-25-tickets/
The iconic Joe Barber turns 25 this year! To mark the anniversary, the comedy team, starring David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen. Joe Barber follows the adventures and anecdotes of Boeta Joe and Gamat at a much-loved local barber shop, and also features the popular characters of Washiela and Outjie. The shows are created, written by and starring Oscar Petersen and David Isaacs. Joe Barber continues to hold the record as the top selling show in the history of Grand Arena. Their 2022 concerts sold out all 6 nights and broke all attendance records at the venue. Call +27 21 505 7777 for more information as some shows are already sold out.
Stormers vs Munster
Date and Time: 19 October at 6pm
DHL Stadium
Entry: From R80 via www.ticketmaster.co.za/event/dhl-stormers-vs-munster-tickets/
Expect powerful scrums, lightning-fast breaks, and a roaring crowd cheering every play. Join thousands of passionate fans for an unforgettable experience, filled with intense rivalry and thrilling moments. Grab your tickets now and be part of the action! Check https://wprugby.com/ for more information.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Date and Time: 20th October at 6pm
DHL Stadium
Entry: Free for Spectators
One of the biggest springtime events in the Mother City is the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon when over 21 000 runners from across the globe will gather to explore our diverse suburbs and landmarks on foot. While athletes train for months to run a marathon, marathon watching takes little to no effort at all. There is a spectator point for everyone, no matter where you live, work or visit along the route.
Here are our top picks to show your support on Race Day.
The Start / Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point – Please only use this option if you live nearby and can walk to this point.
6.5km: Off-ramp, N2 – The 2nd hydration point is located just before the offramp out of town. The last runners should pass here around 9am.
14.2km: c/o Claremont Blvd & Mill, Claremont – Virgin Active in Claremont is the 4th hydration point, hosted by Virgin Active, between 7am and 10h30am.
For more information go to capetownmarathon.com/ and for road closures visit capetownmarathon.com/road-closures/.
Cape Town Country Music Festival
Date and Time: 26 and 27 October
DHL Stadium
Entry: From R650 (Weekend passes also available) via itickets.co.za/events/476501
Eight international country artists, 10 local country artists, two days of phenomenal Country Music. The first ever Cape Town Country Music Festival promises to be the highlight of the year for Country Music lovers and will be the biggest Country Music Festival in Southern Africa. You can decide which day you would like to attend or you can get the special 2 day pass and see them ALL! You can also book a hospitality suite to enjoy the Festival in style. For more information go to www.ctcfest.net/.
Bountiful Blooms and Blissful Bites (Garden Week)
Date and Time: 26 October from 11:30am to 2:30pm
Cavalli Estate, Somerset West
Entry: R875pp from cavalliestate.com/dining/reservations/
Get ready to celebrate the beauty of nature for an unforgettable Garden Week Event! Start your journey with a captivating garden walk led by renowned landscape designer Ray Hudson as he guides you through the 10 hectares of stunning fynbos gardens at Cavalli Estate. The Cavalli gardens seamlessly blend the strong, geometric lines of the estate with the natural beauty of Indigenous fynbos, carefully selected trees, and vibrant flowering perennials. The result is a breathtaking juxtaposition that celebrates the authentic charm of a working farm. After the walk, indulge in a delectable 3-course lunch showcasing the fresh, homegrown produce from Cavalli’s very own vegetable and herb gardens. A showcase of Cavalli’s commitment to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. For more information go to cavalliestate.com/.
Boatica Cape Town
Date and Time: 25-27 October
V&A Waterfront
Entry: Tickets from R160 from www.howler.co.za/
Get ready for South Africa’s premier boating event, Boatica Cape Town 2024, celebrating 22 years of excellence. Presented in partnership with the City of Cape Town and the South African Boat Builders Association (SABBEX). This year’s event will display world-class South African-built boats, yachts, luxury catamarans, the latest boating gear, water sports equipment, and cutting-edge marine technology. With a newly curated layout that connects the water and land exhibits, the visitor experience will be more immersive and exciting than ever! Explore the latest yachts, catamarans, powerboats, jet skis, and more in our spectacular on-water exhibition. Get a front-row Dragon Boat Racing, and exhilarating flyboarding and foiling demonstrations. For more information go to boatshow.za.messefrankfurt.com/capetown/.
Cape Town Gin Festival
Date and Time: 26 October from 12 till 10pm
GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World
Entry: Tickets from R280 via www.howler.co.za/events/schweppes-cape-town-gin-festival
Get ready to sip and savour at the Schweppes Cape Town Gin Festival! This year, you’ll be spoiled with a variety of world-class gin brands, gourmet food, expertly crafted cocktails, and incredible live music, making it the ultimate festival experience. This is where it’s at for all the gin lovers. Your ticket includes a complimentary gin on arrival, so you can start the celebration right away. Note: No food or beverage items may be brought into the event venue. Food will be on sale. No under 18’s. For more information go to saginsociety.co.za