2025 is off to a buzzing start in Cape Town! There’s a stellar line up of incredible events you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re a fan of world-class music acts, thrilling horse racing, or hilarious comedy shows, there’s definitely something that will grab your attention. From the iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival kicking off the year in style to Robbie Williams rocking the Calabash stage and the Ndlovu Youth Choir visiting the Mother City – this month promises unforgettable memories. So grab your calendar, mark those dates, and prepare to experience the best of Cape Town in January 2025!
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
Saturday 4 January
Starts in Hanover Street, into Darling Street, Adderley Street and Wale Street and ends in Rose Street in Bo Kaap. Procession starts between 1pm and 2pm.
Entry is free or book tickets from R150 for the Grandstand on the Grand Parade via Computicket
computicket.com/hollywoodbets_street_parade/
Be part of the excitement at the annual HollywoodBets Cape Town Street Parade, affectionately known as the Minstrels Carnival or the Kaapse Klopse. 20 troupes are set to bring the new year celebratory vibes with tens of thousands of spectators lining the streets of the city to welcome 2025.
Among this year’s lineup – West London All-Stars, Phantoms Community Development, Playaz Inc, Young TV Stars Community Development, Posh Vibrant Youth Development, Wesbank Youth Entertainers, the Juvie Boy Entertainers and many more! For all the details read more here
L’Ormarins King’s Plate 2025
Saturday 4 January from 12 noon to 11pm
Kenilworth Racecourse
Tickets to the Style Village are R600pp and R1800 to the Stud Club lormarinskingsplate.co.za/tickets-hospitality/
The running of the 164th King’s Plate is set to dazzle racegoers as one of the main social events of the year. Tradition requires all guests to don their blue and white attire appropriate to racing. Place those bets and as the sun sets over the racecourse, hit the dancefloor under the stars and dance the night away with top DJs providing all the beats. For more information go to lormarinskingsplate.co.za/ .
Goldfish Submerged
Saturday 4 January
Cabo Beach Club from 5pm
Tickets from R450
musicpeople.howler.co.za/goldfish-submerged/
Goldfish returns to the Mother City this summer with exclusive shows at Cabo Beach Club. One of summer’s hottest parties sees the electronic duo bringing the heat alongside party starters Dean Fuel, Dino Moran, Ghxst Bunny, and Jordan Arts. Get your tickets today!
Riaad Moosa – Whats the Point?
From 7 to 18 January
The Baxter Theatre
Tickets from R140 to R180 at webtickets.co.za/
One of Cape Town’s favourite comedians is back at the Baxter. Riaad Moosa is confused about the state of the world. He muses about the meaning of life and our purpose for being here. This is a doctor turned comedian’s attempt at being funny and philosophical and we’re here for it! For more information go to baxter.uct.ac.za/ .
The Commons Fest
From 7 to 18 January
The Commons, Muizenberg
Full Festival ticket from R550 – book at quicket.co.za/the-commons-fest-2025-early-bird-full-festival-pass/
The Commons Fest is a celebration of art, love of community and good vibes. It is an annual cultural affair where we bring together South Africa’s best in poetry, film making, music, and fine dining. Ten awesome days of soul enriching and body moving creative offerings that features an eclectic group of artists whose work are celebrated both locally and beyond. For a full program of events go to quicket.co.za/the-commons-fest-2025-early-bird-full-festival-pass/ .
100% Retro – The Party
11 January
GrandWest Grand Arena from 7pm
Tickets from R525 itickets.co.za/
Get ready to experience a night of pure nostalgia as the Grand Arena transforms into the ultimate retro paradise. The 100% Retro Party brings together iconic artists from the 90s and early 2000s and will feature artists such as Tina Cousins, 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor and Whigfield. Headlining the night is none other than Right Said Fred, known for their hit “I’m Too Sexy.” For more information go to suninternational.com/grandwest/100-retro-the-party/
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Investec Champions Cup – DHL Stormers vs Sale Sharks
Saturday 11 January at 3pm
DHL Stormers
Tickets from R80 ticketmaster.co.za/dhl-stormers-vs-sale-sharks-tickets/
With the Stormers’ dynamic play and the Sharks’ formidable lineup, fans can expect an evening filled with intense action, skillful plays, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a die-hard rugby enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting night out, this game is not to be missed. Join thousands of passionate fans and experience the electric atmosphere as the Stormers and Sharks battle it out on the field. For more information go to wprugby.com/
Undisputed Cape Town – International Breakdancing Showcase
Saturday 18 January
V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre – main event at 6pm to 9pm
Free Entry
This groundbreaking event shines a spotlight on the dynamic world of breaking. The Cape Town edition serves at the last qualifier before the World Final in Tokyo in March 2025, bringing together top b-boys and b-girls from around the globe. Winners of the Solo Women and Solo Men battles will earn a trip to Tokyo to compete in the World Final and represent Africa on the global stage. Visit undisputedmasters.com/cape-town/ for more details.
Father Love
Saturday 22 January at 8pm
Artscape Opera House
Tickets from R240 to R280 webtickets.co.za/
Loukmaan and Emo Adams are thrilled to announce a heartfelt tribute to their beloved father, Omar ‘Boeta Maan’ Adams, as he celebrates his remarkable 80th birthday. This extraordinary event will feature the beloved Mr. YumYum himself, alongside an array of special guest performers who will pay homage to Omar’s profound impact on South African music and culture. Known for his vibrant personality and musical legacy, Omar has inspired generations with his passion and creativity, making this celebration not only a tribute to his life but a gathering of those touched by his artistry.
For more information go to artscape.co.za/event/father-love/ .
Calabash 2025
22 and 23 January from 6pm
DHL Stadium
Tickets from R745
ticketmaster.co.za/robbie-williams-goodluck-matthew-mole-lee-cole/ AND
ticketmaster.co.za/green-day-the-offspring-fokofpolisiekar/
22 January show is headlined by the legendary Robbie Williams, with performances by South African favourites Goodluck and Matthew Mole.
23 January features the historic debut of Green Day in South Africa, The Offspring and local favs Fokofpolisiekar.
This momentous event promises an electrifying night. See www.calabashsouthafrica.co.za/ for more information.
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
24 and 25 January at 8pm
Maynardville, Wynberg
Tickets from R220 quicket.co.za/philharmonic-orchestra/
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s popular concerts are a highlight of the annual Maynardville Festival, and the Orchestra is back for two performances this upcoming season.
Under the direction of conductor Brandon Phillips, this internationally renowned ensemble will take audiences on a classical stormy journey with their symphonic weather report, titled Stormy Weather – A Symphonic Weather Report. Expect thunder, lightning, and everything in between as the orchestra navigates through classical masterpieces and contemporary favourites, exploring composers’ expressions of nature’s elements.
The show will be narrated by John Woodland, a Cape Town-based musician, broadcaster, and scientist, who will guide the audience through this symphonic weather adventure. For more information go to maynardville.co.za/.
The Cape Town Met
Saturday 25 January from 10am to 10pm
Kenilworth Racecourse
Tickets from R150 quicket.co.za/world-sports-betting-cape-town-met/
Couture Unleashed is this year’s theme for the Cape Town Met (the richest horse race in South Africa) but don’t be fooled – there so much more to this event than flashy outfits and cocktails – it’s where South Africa’s best racehorses show off their speed and grace. The race has a rich history, with the first official running of the Metropolitan Mile (later shortened to ‘The Met’) dating back to 1883. Mark your calendars for the Summer Festival of Racing’s’ most anticipated feature race day event. For more information go to caperacing.co.za/cr-events/cape-town-met/ .
Candlelight Concert – A Tribute to Coldplay on Piano
25 January at 6pm
Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium
Tickets from R565 feverup.com/
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Cape Town. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay on Piano at Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium. under the gentle glow of candlelight.
The duration of the concert is 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted). This venue is fully accessible on the ground floor. Please note seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone.
Ndlovu Youth Choir
From 30 January to 1 February
Artscape Opera House
Tickets from R150 to R450 ticketmaster.co.za/ndlovu-youth-choir-tickets/
The Ndlovu Youth Choir is back and ready with many new songs, the fifteen choristers and live 3-piece band are ready to bring new life to this year’s local tour. The Choir’s 2024 repertoire includes many brand-new numbers such one of the world’s most recognised songs, Bohemian Rhapsody. The South African medley, with its unique Ndlovu flavour, honours SA music legends Johnny Clegg, Sipho Hotstix, Mango Groove, Mandoza and Kurt Darren. The Choir will make history when they perform What a Wonderful World, originally made famous by Jazz legend, Louis Armstrong aka as “Satchmo”. Using sign language and low-frequency bass sounds, this much-loved song is especially for members of the deaf community. Celebrate this country’s talented youth with the proudly South African Ndlovu Youth Choir. For more information go to www.artscape.co.za/
Cape Town Tens
31 January and 1 February
Green Point Common Fields
Tickets from R70
quicket.co.za/playcoza-cape-town-10s-2025/
Play.co.za Cape Town 10s is back and bigger than ever!
With six sports, three music stages, a sports party, beer tents, rugby legends, delicious food, dance parties, fancy dress, a VIP area and so much more.
Thousands of fans and squads gather from across the globe to play their favourite ten-a-side sports from rugby and netball, to T1, dodgeball, water polo and padel.
The experience and vibe of 10s is underpinned by fun, friendships, sports and a couple of cold ones.
