The Cape Town CBD is everyone’s playground and is open for business. With great weather this Spring and all the safety protocols implemented by CBD businesses in place, it’s time to come back to town. Here’s our pick of events and activities to enjoy.
FIRST THURSDAYS
First Thursday of every month
First Thursdays, the popular monthly night-time event that enables Capetonians to enjoy the CBD’s art galleries, cultural attractions restaurants and other businesses, is back in business. Treat yourself to an after-hours walk in the Cape Town CBD, where you can enjoy the vibe. All retail venues have Covid-19 protocols in place.
When: 17h00 till late
www.first-thursdays.co.za
BIG SISTER
Now on till 28 November 2020
The Trolley Dollies are back to lift your spirits with their humour after spending Lockdown in self-imposed silence. In Big Sister, they “dish the dirt as they see it on the alarming events of the past few months”. Book your spot and let your hair down at Gate 69.
Where: Gate 69, 87 Bree St
When: Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat (suggested arrival time is 19h00 and the show starts at 20h00)
Cost: R390 – R450
www.gate69.co.za
BOOK LOUNGE
Ongoing
The iconic Central City bookstore, the Book Lounge, is waiting for your patronage! Come in and view their wonderful selection of books. What’s more, bring the kids to Storytime at the Book Lounge which takes place every Saturday morning.
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 09h00 – 16h00 (Saturday), 10h00 – 16h00 (Sunday)
www.booklounge.co.za
GIGI ROOFTOP BAR
Ongoing
Visit the CBD to enjoy the finest cocktails at GiGi Rooftop Bar at the Gorgeous George hotel. GiGi was voted as the Hotel Bar of the Year at the recent South African Bartending Accolades & Recognition Awards. The venue was also a finalist in the New Cocktail Bar of the Year category. Many of the city centre’s bars feature on this year’s list of South Africa’s best bars, which is more reason to come to town.
Where: GiGi Rooftop Bar, 118 St Georges Mall
When: 07h30 – 24h00
www.gigirooftop.com
WATER MARK BY LAUREL HOLMES
24 October till 14 November 2020
Treat yourself to Water Mark, a beautiful exhibition of paintings and printmaking by Laurel Holmes. Says Holmes: “I’m interested in the aesthetic of nature, which has been deeply influential throughout my life. The idea of water and its mark is used in my work to refer to the metaphoric ebb and flow of human lives: the departure and return or the swirling of emotions and experiences.”
Where: StateoftheART Gallery, 50 Buitenkant St (exhibition also available online)
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
www.stateoftheart-gallery.com
EAST CITY CYCLES FRIDAY SOCIAL RIDE
Ongoing
To discover your CBD and city in a new way and with new friends, join East City Cycles for their Friday rides which follow a coastal route to Hout Bay and back to the CBD’s East City. The rides end with a fabulous cup of coffee at Bootlegger Coffee Company in Harrington Street. Bring your bike, helmet, and mask up.
Where: East City Cycles, 50 Harrington St
When: 05h45 – 07h30
www.eastcitycycles.com
EAST CITY VINTAGE MARKET
Ongoing
Come and play at the East City’s Vintage Market. The family-friendly outdoor market promotes conscious consumerism and specialises in mouthwatering food, deli products, vintage clothing and entertainment. The East City has a great vibe and awesome retailers. We encourage you to linger in the neighbourhood until the afternoon.
Where: Near the corner of Harrington and Constitution streets
When: 09h00 – 15h00
THE ADVENTURES OF MBALI
Now on till 30 April 2021
Did you know that 22 April marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? To commemorate the milestone aimed at supporting environmental protection, Iziko Museums of South Africa launched a comic book strip featuring Mbali, a young explorer on a mission to fight climate change. Children are bound to enjoy The Adventures of Mbali.
Where: South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 10h00 – 14h30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Cost: R5 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
WALKING HISTORY TOUR BY CULTURE CONNECT
24 October and 6 November 2020
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 tour 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
BARISTA INTRODUCTION COURSE
Ongoing
Love coffee and want to learn more? Check out the new Barista Introduction Course by Stellski Coffee Bar. It’s the perfect experience to treat yourself or your coffee obsessed friends. The two-hour course covers the history of coffee, how to make the perfect espresso as well as latte art. Reserve your spot by emailing hello@stellski.com.
Where: Stellski Coffee Bar, 59 Loop St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R950
www.stellski.com
Note: The article appeared in the spring edition of City Views.
IMAGES: Ed Suter, Gorgeous George, Gigi Rooftop, Stellski Coffee bar