The Festive Season is upon us! And it’s jam-packed with fun events and activities to enjoy for the whole family. Here’s what’s on offer in the Central City over the next few weeks.
Now on till 20 December
Summer Sundowners
After a tough week, wind down around the pool with a chilled drink and take in the balmy summer evenings. Head for the Southern Sun The Cullinan for their bottomless Cullinan cocktails on their spectacular pool deck. You’ll also receive a Stella Snack Stack to share with your friends.
Where: Southern Sun The Cullinan, 1 Cullinan St
When: 17h00 – 19h00
Cost: R220
www.tsogosun.com
Now on till 21 December
Three Blind Mice
These mice don’t run, they’re wearing heels. The Trolley Dollies are back in the faux fur animal Queendom, albeit short-sightedly, and this time they’ve got some fabulous eyewear to show off.
Where: Gate69, 87 Bree St
When: 18h30
Cost: R520 – R599
www.artscape.co.za
Now on till 21 December
More Adventures of Noddy
Noddy, Big Ears, Tessie Bear and all their friends are back. Tessie Bear is very concerned about Noah’s Ark as repairs are needed to stop the animals from escaping. The animals also need to be fed and supplies are running low. Don’t miss this great adventure, which is suitable for the whole family.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: 10h30
Cost: R90
www.artscape.co.za
Now on till 21 December
Othello: A Woman’s Story
In 2018, Mish Mash Media Productions staged an all-female cast of William Shakespeare’s Othello. Now, these women are back feistier than ever with their interpretation of modern-day Shakespeare. Get ready for drama, thrills and unexpected twists and turns. This is Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100
www.artscape.co.za
14 December
Private Affair: A Night of 90s & 00s Hip Hop and RnB
If you love Hip Hop, R&B and Pop from the 90s and 2000s, this event is for you. The line-up includes Ryan the DJ (S.A), Ashton Parenzee, Shane Langdon, MD, Denzil B, Gremlin and Waggy.
Where: Castle of Good Hope, cnr Darling & Buitenkant streets
When: 19h00
Cost: R180
www.artscape.co.za
16 till 23 December
Cape Town Summer Market
The City of Cape Town’s flagship summer market – which celebrates food, culture and community – is back. There are many new additions with a revamped kids’ zone with carnival-style rides and fun area, more food trucks and even a ladies spa and wellness zone. Summer Star at the market is not to be missed as the best singers compete for R30 000 worth of prizes. Don’t miss the action.
Where: The Company’s Garden, 15 Queen Victoria St
When: 17h00 – 23h00
Cost: Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/416666222604933/
23 December
Jesse Clegg Live
Eighteen months after his last single dropped, singer and songwriter Jesse Clegg is back on the music scene with his hot new track, Let it burn and much more.
Where: The Jagger Lounge, 74 Shortmarket St
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: R170
www.webtickets.co.za
25 December
Christmas Day Dinner
Join The Taj Hotel on Christmas for an authentic Indian fine dining experience. In addition to an aromatic, plated set menu dinner, you’ll get a tantalising L’Órmarins Brut Classique welcome drink on arrival and complimentary valet parking.
Where: Bombay Brasserie at Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale St
When: 18h30 – 22h00
Cost: R1 250 per person
www.tajhotels.com
Now on till 24 December
A Christmas Carol: The Story of Scrooge
You’re in for a treat this holiday season as Cape Town City Ballet presents a special Dickens production of the timeless classic story of the triumph of joy and the human spirit over greed.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Various times (see website) Cost: R150 – R295
www.artscape.co.za
Now on till 30 January 2020
Un/Settled
This project by Sydelle Willow Smith was part of Infecting the City 2019. It explores white South African histories, privileges, and reflections on identity. Through this project, the artist asserts that every nation has a past that it must confront in to “see the present clearly and to imagine a different future”. The project seeks to urge audiences to examine their historical and future roles within a landscape marked by deep social scars.
Where: Un/Settled is installed on Government Avenue in the Company’s Garden.
Cost: Free
www.willowphoto.co.za
31 December 2019
Kinky Boots New Year’s Eve
Grab your kinky boots, feather boas, faux fur and false lashes. For one night only, you’ll experience a Kinky Boots New Year’s Eve performance as well as a Beyond Kinky after-party with exclusive access to an after-the-show experience with chill areas, multiple bars, best-dressed prizes and live DJs.
Where: The Fugard Theatre, cnr Caledon & Buitenkant streets
When: 21h30
Cost: R580 – R700
www.thefugard.com
2 January 2020
Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade
The longest-running party in Cape Town happens on Second New Year or Tweede Nuwejaar, as the locals call it. Troupes of minstrels dressed in shiny satin uniforms and hats, twirling umbrellas and with their faces painted, march through the streets for all to enjoy.
Where: Rose, Wale, Adderley & Darling streets; watch press for details
When: 12h00 till 23h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/kaapseklopsekarnivalasosiasie/
5 January 2020
Viennese New Year’s Concert
Treat yourself and your loved ones to some of the loveliest music ever written by enjoying the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Viennese New Year’s Concert. It will be conducted by Richard Cock, with soloist Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi.
Where: City Hall, Darling St
When: 19h00
Cost: R80 – R170
www.cpo.org.za
Now on till 12 January 2020
The Rocky Horror Show
Broadway World says Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has been performed worldwide for 45 years in more than 30 countries and has been translated into over 20 languages. The good news is this highly acclaimed musical is thrilling South African audiences once again.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times (see website)
Cost: R100 – R500
www.artscape.co.za
Now on till 18 January 2020
Solo Exhibits at 99 Loop Gallery
If you’re looking to explore art in the CBD, be sure to pop in to stop by at 99 Loop Gallery which is showing solo works by four South African women artists namely Emma Nourse, Alka Dass, Emma Aspeling and Isabella Kuijers. The artists explore femininity, transparency and the lived experience.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Now on till 1 February 2020
Hold Still by Ruby Swinney
In her first solo following her presentation at the Zeitz MOCAA, Ruby Swinney’s new body of work focuses on several themes and conversations. She explores humankind’s increasing alienation from natural worlds, ecological concerns, simulated environments, digital technology and virtual realities, while still maintaining her signature style of painting with oil on silk.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
Now on till 2 February 2020
Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots has it all. “It is a beautiful story of hope, inspiration and friendship, combined with fabulous music, glittering costumes, breath-taking choreography and plenty of heart,” says Daniel Galloway, managing director of The Fugard.
Where: The Fugard Theatre, cnr Caledon & Lower Buitenkant streets
When: various times (see website)
Cost: R160 – R460
www.thefugard.com
15 January till 2 February 2020
Peter Pan on Ice
The world’s premier theatrical ice-skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, returns to South Africa with a brand-new Peter Pan on Ice show featuring 23 former World, European and National Championship-level skaters.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Various times (see website)
Cost: R150 – R475
www.artscape.co.za
Now on till 27 March 2020
Summer Sundowners at The Cullinan
If you want to unwind after work on a Friday, head for Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel, where you can usher in the weekend with a unique snack platter and bottomless cocktails.
Where: Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel, 1 Cullinan St
When: 17h00 – 19h00
Cost: R220
https://www.tsogosun.com/the-cullinan
Now on till 10 April 2020
Origins of Early Sapiens Behaviour
The Origins of Early Sapiens Behaviour exhibition is a showcase of a culmination of some 30 years of archaeological research in the southern Cape, undertaken by Prof. Christopher Henshilwood, Dr Karen van Niekerk, Prof. Sarah Wurz and their research teams at Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter and Klasies River. The exhibition explores key aspects of archaeological research and is linked to the SapienCE/Wits research programme that focuses on early human origins and innovations in southern Africa.
Where: South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: R30 (adults), R15 (6-17 years)
www.iziko.org.za
Now on till 1 June 2020
A Resilient Visionary: Poetic Expressions of David Koloane
This exhibition profiles an extensive selection of artworks by David Koloane, which attest to his contribution to the advancement of South African visual arts during and after apartheid. It traces Koloane’s artistic trajectory, helping to shed light on his creative and intellectual endeavours over the course of a 40-year career.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: R30 (adults), R15 (18 years and under)
www.iziko.org.za
Now on till July 2020
Aluta Continua
Aluta Continua zooms in on the largely overlooked Western Cape chapter of the 1976 student uprisings and brutal killing and arrest of students by the apartheid regime. It seeks to map the student’s individual and collective contribution to the fall of apartheid.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley & Wale streets
When: 09h00 – 17h00
Cost: R30 (adults), R15 (18 years and under), R5 (5 years and under)
www.iziko.org.za
Now on till 31 Aug 2020
The 2020 Fugard Bioscope World Arts Cinema Season
Now its 9th year, the Fugard Bioscope World Arts Cinema Season is back, bringing audiences the very best in recorded live performances all screened in the comfort of the Fugard Theatre. Presented by Eric Abraham and Ken Forrester Vineyards, the 2020 season features a record 48 titles from the world’s best opera, theatre and ballet companies. To keep guests sustained throughout the afternoons and evenings, there’s a selection of the homemade pizzas on offer as well as snacks, coffee and wine and drinks from the theatre bar.
Where: The Fugard Theatre, cnr Caledon & Lower Buitenkant streets
When: 15h00 and 19h00 (Mondays)
Cost: R120
www.thefugard.com
REGULAR/LONGTERM EVENTS
Live music at The Jagger Lounge
Daily
The Jagger Lounge is Cape Town’s premium live music venue and restaurant showcasing your favourite SA artists up-close and personal in an intimate setting.
Where: The Jagger Lounge, 74 Shortmarket St
When: Dinner menu from 18h00, shows starts 20h30
Cost: Tickets available on webtickets.co.za
www.thejaggerlounge.com
First Thursday of every month
First Thursdays
On the first Thursday of every month, take an after-hours walk between the galleries, restaurants and shops in the Cape Town CBD and experience what our Central City has to offer during the leisure hours.
When: 17h00 till late
www.first-thursdays.co.za
First Thursday of every month
Hope on Hopkins Gin & Tonic Tasting
Hosted by Bootlegger Coffee Company on every First Thursdays, Hope on Hopkins Gin & Tonic Tasting offers information about the distilling process, the history of gin and what makes gin “gin”, guiding guests through a curated tasting of three different styles of gin and tonics and what makes them different.
Cost: Free (seats are limited to 20 people but bookings via Cara at marketing@bootlegger.co.za are essential)
Where: Bootlegger Coffee Company, 50 Harrington St
When: 18h00
Every Thursday
Earth Fair Food Market
Where: Upper St Georges Mall (Wale St side)
When: 11h00 till 15h00
www.earthfairmarket.co.za
Saturdays
Story time for kids
Where: The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
Saturdays
Mini Gin & Tapas Fest
The Station On Bree hosts a Mini Gin & Tapas Fest like no other. For only R200, you can taste up to 10 gins as well as delicious tapas. The Mini Gin & Tapas Fest is great for birthday parties, team building and special celebrations. Bookings are essential.
Where: The Station On Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 15h00 – 20h00
Cost: R200
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheStationOnBree/events/
For regularly updated event info, visit City Views on Facebook.
IMAGES: CCID (Cape Town Summer Market), Sydelle Willow Smith (Un/Settled), www.artscape.co.za (Peter Pan on Ice)