The festive season is officially in full swing in the Cape Town Central City and you’re invited to revel in the incredible events and activities on offer. Check out our curated listing below and come back to town for some fun.
Unmute Artsability Festival 2020
Now on till 3 December
The Unmute Artsability Festival 2020 is Africa’s premier disability-led inclusive arts festival. It provides a platform for both disabled and able-bodied artists and performers to showcase their talents and pays tribute to International Month of Persons living with Disabilities (December). Due to Covid-19, performances exploring various themes are available online daily. A series of lectures and workshops are also available on the festival website: www.artsability.com. To book to view any of the events, send an email to info@unmute.co.za.
Where: Online
When: See website for details
Cost: Free
www.artsability.com
Tenors Under the African Sky
3 December 2020
Don’t miss the City of Cape Town’s fourth event to revitalise the CBD’s economy. It’ll see musicians, “Tenors Under the African Sky”, thrill audiences with their smooth sounds. To ensure members of the public are safe, strict Covid-19 protocols will be in place. Remember to mask up as well.
Where: Zip Zap Circus School Dome, DF Malan St
When: 16h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
Artists’ Dinner at Haas
3 December 2020
Join an exciting evening with Culture Connect SA, South Africa’s only art and design tour specialist offering both public and private tours. In this one-of-a-kind event, they’re bringing together a range of exhibiting artists for a night of great conversation, food and cocktails created by Haas. The artists, who will circulate throughout the event, specialise in various mediums including print, painting, porcelain, papier-mâché and plants. Social distancing protocols will be adhered to.
Where: Haas, 19 Buitenkant St
When: 18h00 for 18h30
Cost: R800
https://bit.ly/3lH0NV3
Le Cabaret Masquerade
3 December
Treat yourself to a wonderful variety theatre show at 44 on Long. This never seen before production features a circus, burlesque, showgirl, dance, song, comedy and drag acts. Guests are encouraged to dress up as amazing prizes are on offer for the best-dressed individual. What’s more, drinks and food will be available at the bar. So why not make a night of it.
Where: 44 on Long, 44 Long St
When: 20h00
Cost: R225
https://bit.ly/3mqSNbl
Pigment Grinding and Binders
5 December 2020
Want to make paint and learn about the art of pigment grinding? This course is for you. You’ll learn all the secrets to the types of pigments used in the arts and how to prepare minerals and clays into ground pigments and bind them to various mediums to create, oil paints, watercolours, egg tempera and gouache.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 13h00 – 15h05
Cost: R950
https://bit.ly/3fW9E3u
Walking Art Tour
8 December
If you’ve always wanted to see artists at work, this walking tour is for you. It’ll start at the beautiful Labotessa Boutique Hotel in Church Square with coffee and a visit to their penthouse with contemporary art, including by Pierre Fouché. Thereafter, you’ll be treated to a short trip to see Pierre in his studio. The tour will conclude at Union House where you’ll meet fine art mosaicists, beaders and educators at Spier Art Trust. Optional lunch is available at the nearby Swan Café.
Where: Haas, 19 Buitenkant St
When: To be confirmed
Cost: R500
https://bit.ly/3pATJfc
Cape Town City Ballet: Back on Stage
10 till 12 December 2020
The wait is over for theatre lovers! Artscape has opened its doors after closing due to Covid-19 and will be showing an enthralling show by Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) in partnership with Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CTPO). The works (George Balanchine's Serenade and Moon Behind the Clouds) to be performed by CTCB were created by seven South African choreographers. The CTPO which will be led by resident conductor, Brandon Phillips, will perform beautiful works by Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Barber, Satie, Delibes and Mahler.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: 19h30
Cost: R300 – R500
www.artscape.co.za
A Circus Picnic
11 till 20 December 2020
Zip Zap Circus is bringing some holiday cheer with their Circus Picnic. This is their first show since Covid-19 struck and they’re going all out with this coming-of-age tale of a young boy who is discovering the circus for the first time. For your viewing pleasure, the venue will be transformed into a theatrical picnic site and you’re welcome to bring your cushions, low-lying chairs, comfy blankets and order your picnic feast from Dish Food & Social when you buy your tickets.
Where: Zip Zap Circus School Dome, DF Malan St
When: 19h00
Cost: R85
https://bit.ly/3nmnyOC
Now on till 16 January 2021
Inkaba yami
Central City gallery, WHATIFTHEWORLD, is excited to present Sthenjwa Luthuli’s debut solo exhibition, Inkaba yami. The gallery explains that the title, meaning “navel” in isiZulu, refers to the ceremony of Inkaba yami, where a newborn’s umbilical cord is placed in the centre of a family’s kraal. Elders lead this ritual which is a reminder for the child to never forget where they come from. Using his language of patternmaking, Luthuli depicts the significance of the ritual in his unique way and “highlights the potential for a communal disconnect from traditional customs caused by urbanisation, globalisation and migration”.
Where: WHATIFTHEWORLD, 16 Buiten St
When: 09h00 to 17h00 (Monday to Thursday) and 09h00 to 16h00 (Friday)
Cost: Free
www.whatiftheworld.com
99 Loop Gallery Exhibitions
5 December 2020 till 16 January 2021
99 Loop Gallery has three exciting exhibitions opening on 5 December. They include works by artists Wim Legrand, Elléna Lourens and Chris Denovan. Wim is a multi-disciplinary artist who is renowned for his skills as a master printmaker, Elléna is well-known for her illustrative style, murals, paintings, and embroidery. And Chris has a background in fine art and animation and is known for creating “disharmonious character portraits which explore notions of personhood and portrayal”.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 11h00 – 15h00
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Walking Tour by Culture Connect
2 and 18 December 2020 and 13 January 2021
Enjoy a fascinating history walking tour by Kate Crane Briggs, founding director of Culture Connect SA, South Africa’s only art and design tour specialist offering both public and private tours. The tour will be led by experienced tourist guide Lesley Cox, who will share captivating stories that make Cape Town unique. A maximum of ten people is allowed, with physical distancing aided by microphones and earpieces.
Where: Starts at the Castle of Good Hope and ends at the Company’s Garden, where you can unwind at the Heritage Shop with a cup of coffee.
When: 09h30 – 11h30
Cost: R275 per person
www.cultureconnectsa.com
Upper Bree Street Market
3 December
Trendy Bree Street is shaping up to be the place to be this summer in the CBD. The Station On Bree has started a great initiative that will see the street being cordoned off for family and friends every First Thursdays from December 2020. This way, you get to safely have drinks, taste great beers or gin, shop locally produced goods, enjoy live music and dance. To book a table, email support@thestationonbree.co.za or call 021 422 0566.
Where: Station on Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 18h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.thestation.capetown
Friday Elixer Fiesta: The return
Now on till 26 February 2020
Friday nights in the Central City are reserved for good music, tapas and cocktail specials at Harringtons Cocktail Lounge. Join in the fun as resident DJs usher you into the weekend. To book your booth with friends, email: bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za or call 078 916 7903.
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington St
When: 12h00 till late
www.harringtonstreet.co.za
WEBINARS AND VIRTUAL EVENTS
Go Digital Webinar
Every Wednesday
If you’d like to find out more about the world of technology and all things digital, register for the Go Digital Webinar series hosted by the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The free sessions are held every Wednesday between 12h30 and 13h30 and are facilitated by tech-savvy experts. Only 200 people are allowed per session. Register your interest by emailing Dedat.Broadband@westerncape.gov.za.
The PSG Think Big Series
8 December 2020
One of the most thought-provoking webinars for business leaders is the Think Big series by financial services group, PSG. Led by Bruce Whitfield, award-winning financial journalist and PSG executives, the conversations with various speakers “address burning issues that are concerning South Africans in these uncertain times” to empower leaders with evidence of how the situation could develop. The next session is on The Future of Environmental, Social and Governance Factors. Register here and also check out recordings of previous sessions.
Flux Trends
If you’re a business owner, you might want to consider One on One Consults with Flux Trends or their Pre-Strategy sessions. Flux Trends specialises in identifying and analysing macro trends that affect social dynamics and business interactions. The One On One Consults are aimed at helping businesses make sense of trends and mitigate risks. The Pre-Strategy sessions are for executives so they can identify blind spots in existing strategies. Email info@fluxtrends.co.za to enquire. For “brain food”, event invitations, new service offerings and industry-specific trends subscribe to the Flux Trends newsletter here.
REGULAR EVENTS
Mini Gin & Tapas Fest
Every Saturday
On Saturdays, The Station On Bree hosts a Mini Gin & Tapas Fest where you can taste five double gin and tonics with garnish as well as delicious tapas. Bookings are essential.
Where: Station on Bree, 207 Bree St
When: 15h00 – 19h00
Cost: R200
https://thestation.capetown/bookings
East City Cycles Friday Social Ride
Every Friday
Where: East City Cycles, 50 Harrington St
When: 05h45 – 07h30
Cost: Free
www.eastcitycycles.com
Story time for children at Book Lounge
Every Saturday
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za/
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za
Bingo Night by The Electric
Every second Thursday
Where: Zoom
When: 20h00 every second Thursday
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/TheElectricSA/
Thursday Night Ride Club
Every Thursday
Where: Rook Cycles, 295 Long St
When: 19h00 (every Thursday)
Cost: Free (bring your bike or rent one for R100)
www.rookcycles.com
Thursday Night Live Entertainment
Every Thursday
Station On Bree has introduced a range of live entertainment on Thursdays for all to enjoy with food and drink.
Where: Station on Bree, 207 Bree St
www.thestation.capetown
IMAGES: Zip Zap Circus, Cape Town City Ballet