While the spotlight is on the Netball World Cup this July, there are other fantastic events happening in town. Here is what’s on.
Netball World Cup
Now on until 6 August 2023
The 2023 Netball World Cup is finally here. Get your tickets and be part of the first Netball World Cup on African soil right here in the Cape Town CBD. Those without tickets can catch all the action at a free City of Cape Town outside the CTICC on Walter Sisulu Ave between Heerengracht and Buitengracht St. It opens from 07h00 has a Kids’ Corner with games such as Jenga, jumping castle, face painting and giant chess. There are also Cape Town Carnival floats and performances, daily giveaways, a food court with outdoor seating, snacks, hot beverages and a beer garden.
Where: CTICC 1, 1 Lower Long St
When: 08h00 – 20h00
Cost: R500 – R2500
www.netball.sport
MOYA
3 to 6 August 2023
Zip Zap Circus is back with a revamped version of its production Moya, based on its award-winning acrobatic art film. The new show will have comedy, acrobatics and amazing dance routines. Performers from the professional wing of Zip Zap have just returned from performing 90 shows in France and Switzerland and look forward to thrilling local audiences with MOYA on home soil. Catch the Cape Town shows before Zip Zap travels to Johannesburg.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R100 – R300
www.artscape.co.za
ABFAB DRAG
11 to 12 August 2023
Treat yourself or loved ones to the fabulous ABFAB DRAG (Absolutely Fabulously DRAG) show. The annual show has gained popularity over the years for showcasing the crème de la crème of drag. Organisers say while Cape Town has a scintillating drag tradition dating back to the 1930s, nowadays, the pageants, parties and fabulous drag queen shows are often hosted by clubs that cater to a select few who know where to find them. Don’t miss it.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 08h15
Cost: R135 – R150
https://t.ly/ZT9W9
Don Quixote
12 August – 2 September 2023
After a stunning production of Carmen, Cape Town City Ballet will present Don Quixote, a famous tale by Miguel de Cervantes. The show will feature international guest stars including Vadim Muntagirov, Antonio Casalinho, Fumi Kaneko and Margarita Fernandes and Cape Town City Ballet’s talented dancers. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will appear at select performances.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R320 – R715
www.computicket.com
Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra
12 August 2023
The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is back for a second tour following a successful inaugural national tour last year. The event is by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and is aimed at supporting the orchestral sector. The Orchestra comprises up to 110 non-permanent musicians drawn from regional orchestras, universities, and freelance musicians. Performances will be in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha. This year’s event will be led by Marin Alsop, the first woman conductor to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the US, UK, South America and Austria.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When:19h30
Cost: R150
www.quicket.co.za
The Grand Exhibition Burlesque Benefit 2023
26 August 2023
Talented burlesque performers will take to the stage at the Home Coming Centre’s Star Theatre in support of the non-profit Rape Crisis, which assists survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Expect sultry moves and dazzling costumes and be sure to dress to the nines as this is a formal event.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When:19h00
Cost: R245
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
The Promise
14 September to 06 October
Don’t miss out on a stage adaptation of Damon Galgut’s The Promise, one of the most exciting events of the year. Galgut, who was awarded the 2021 Booker Prize for his novel a white South African family under apartheid, is the writer for the production which is directed by actress, writer and theatre director Sylvaine Strike. Expect a star-studded cast and spellbinding performances.
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R200 – R300
www.homecomingcentre.co.za
Book Launches at the Book Lounge
Ongoing
Book launches abound at Book Lounge, which will make for an interesting Open Book Festival in September. Keep an eye on the store’s online events calendar that’s constantly updated with new launches. Organisers are currently working on the Open Book Festival programme which will be available online (www.openbookfestival.co.za) in early August.
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: RSVP at booklounge@gmail.com and please note that all Book Lounge events are from 17h30 for 18h00.
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
Unfit & Forty – Cape Town
6 to 9 September 2023
Treat yourself to a fun evening filled with laughter at Artscape Theatre Centre. Stand-up comedian Alfred Adriaan will share relatable stories on how things panned out when he was on lockdown with his wife during the pandemic.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R185 – R220
www.artscape.co.za
Open Book Festival
8 to 10 September 2023
Another exciting edition of the Open Book Festival is on the cards. Book lovers can expect three days of engaging conversation, fun-filled events, award-winning authors and so much more. The full programme will be released in early August (www.openbookfestival.co.za).
Where: Home Coming Centre, cnr of Buitenkant and Caledon Sts
When: To be announced
Cost: To be announced
www.openbookfestival.co.za
Candace Bushnell: True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex in the City
29 September – 1 October 2023
And just like that, the author and creator of television sensation Sex and The City, Candace Bushnell, is coming to South Africa to spill all the details in her one-woman show. Called True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex in the City, the show provides a glimpse into the life of the original Carrie Bradshaw in New York City. It should make for an interesting event considering Season 2 of the reboot, And Just Like That, is back on screens.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R300 – R600
www.artscape.co.za
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Spring Symphonies Season
7, 14, 21 and 28 September 2023
There is no slowing down the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra which has announced an exciting line-up for the spring season with conductors Bernhard Gueller and Robert Maxym. The shows will include Swedish cellist Torleif Thedéen, Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham and violinist Priya Mitchell who was described by The Daily Telegraph as “a musical miracle”. Tickets are available via Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat (021) 421-7695.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 19h30
Cost: 150 – R350
www.cpo.org.za
Guided Tour of The Attic
Ongoing
Cape Town tour guide Lesley Cox has tailor-made walking tours that centre around the city’s rich history. One of her guided tours includes the Civic Collection Exhibition which is set up in the attic of City Hall. It features various historic and valuable movable heritage assets (archival, archaeological, historical, scientific and artistic) that encapsulate pieces of Cape Town’s management and growth over centuries. The exhibition was curated City’s Arts and Culture branch which also manages it. Cox also offers the following walking tours: Historical City Centre, Historical Waterfront, Castle of Good Hope, Company’s Garden and Themed Walking Tours, which include the History of Judaism in South Africa, The History of Christianity in South Africa, Memorial Art in the City Centre and Architecture in the City Centre.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: Depends on bookings
Cost: Email lesley@capetownwalkingtours.com or call 073 656 9496
www.capetownwalkingtours.com
The Ndlovu Youth Choir
12 to 15 October
The Ndlovu Youth Choir is coming back to the Mother City after a successful tour last year which was part of its first-ever headline tour in the country. The choir is known for its unique song arrangements of African traditional and contemporary music, dance and beautiful outfits. It stole many people’s hearts when it made it to the finale of America’s Got Talent in 2019 and is revered worldwide.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, DF Malan St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: R150 – R450
www.artscape.co.za
The South African Jewish Museum
Ongoing
The South African Jewish Museum, which houses the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, protects and celebrates Jewish culture and heritage in the country and is a wonderful institution to visit all year round. There are interactive displays, audio-visual presentations, and fascinating artefacts to help visitors understand the rich history of the Jewish community. The venue also offers private tours for visitors.
Where: South African Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Sunday – Thursday)
Cost: R50 (students over 12 years) – R200 (adults)
www.sajewishmuseum.org.za
Free CBD Walking Tours
Ongoing
Keen to explore the CBD without breaking the bank? Join free walking tours that take place in town daily. Organisers are keen to make Cape Town walkable for everyone and tour operators therefore rely on tips from clients. Options include a Historic City and Apartheid to Freedom Tour, Apartheid to Freedom and Bo-Kaap Tour and the Bo-Kaap and Historic City Tour. For more information, email info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za.
Where: Meet at the Piazza on Church Square, Spin St
When: 11h00, 14h00 and 16h20
Cost: Free
http://bit.ly/3ELMAlt
Viewpoints & Watering Holes Tour
Ongoing
This unique Central City tour sees attendees travelling by bus to six pubs, bars and rooftops in town while listening to fascinating stories that shaped Cape Town and its CBD. The initiative is by Gerald Garner, a city activist and tourism pioneer. Garner also leads the tours which start at Neighbourgood Bree Street and go through 14 Stories Rooftop Bar (Buitengracht St), Cloud 9 (Tamboerskloof), Athletic Club & Social (Buitengracht St), The Drinkery (Heritage Square) and Cape Town Gin & Spirits Emporium (Waterfront). Stops may be adjusted depending on private event bookings at venues. Garner also offers half-day walking tours from 09h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00. To book, send a WhatsApp to 082 894 5216 or email to gerald@localplaces.co.za.
Where: Meet at Neighbourgood Bree Street, 129 Bree St
When: 14h00 – 20h00
Cost: R660 per person
https://www.localplaces.co.za/
EXHIBITIONS
The Evolution of Indigenous Art
Now on till 31 August 2023
This must-see exhibition features original art pieces by 10 different artists from Cape Town and the Northern Cape. The display juxtaposes contemporary indigenous artworks with San and Khoe rock art from the Later Stone Age. The show is in collaboration with the Koena Art Institute and is curated by Annelize Kotze and Lukretia Booysen. Iziko CEO Rooksana Omar says hosting this exhibition at the museum, where indigenous communities contested their depiction in the space, is important to ensure inclusive and dignified representation of our histories.
Where: The Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Breaking down the walls – 150 years of art collecting
Ongoing
This extraordinary exhibition of more than 500 works, curated by Andrew Lamprecht, showcases the Iziko South African National Gallery’s 150-year art collection. Some of the pieces are on display for the first time and art lovers can look forward to creations by artists such as Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto, Peter Clarke and Gladys Mgudlandlu. Their works are juxtaposed with historical paintings and sculptures such as Rembrandt, Picasso and Goya. Don’t miss it.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Hidden Wonders of the Iziko South African Museum
Ongoing
The Iziko South African Museum is a treasure trove for those seeking mind-expanding experiences. Check out Hidden Wonders to view the venue’s extraordinary and almost 200-year-old collections. Some of the unique objects featured are ostrich eggshells that were carved into jewellery and given as gifts as well as a real preserved specimen of the “Living fossil fish” discovered by JLB Smith.
Where: The Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Who were the enslaved?
Ongoing
This exhibition asks questions such as: Who were the enslaved? What work did they do? How did they manage to survive a new, unwelcoming and often violent environment? How did they communicate with each other when they came from far-flung regions? As viewers explore the show, the stories of life under enslavement at the Cape of Good Hope become apparent and paint a picture of resilience in the face of extreme hardship.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Cost: R70 (adults), R40 (children, SA students and pensioners) and R100 for patrons who don’t have or can’t produce a South African ID or SADC passport.
www.iziko.org.za
Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition
Ongoing
Don’t miss the award-winning Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition at the City Hall. In October 2022, this permanent, self-guided exhibition won first prize at the Cultural Affairs Awards by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. In November 2022, it won an accolade for Local Government Commitment at the National Heritage Council of South Africa’s 9th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards. It honours Madiba’s history and the country’s long struggle for liberation. There are interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Tuesday to Friday)
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/3JhTQpu
Falling
Now on till 15 August 2023
Catch Falling, a new exhibition at The Pink Room at Gorgeous George boutique hotel in St Georges Mall. It is curated by artist and curator Susan Proctor Hume and features stunning works by Andrew Burns, Dave Robertson, Elizabeth Vels, Felicity Holly Carr, Luan Nel and Madeleine Van Manen.
Where: Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St Georges Mall
When: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
www.gorgeousgeorge.co.za
Stolen Reveries of the faces of Briatzieaah
Now on till 10 August 2023
Artist Bongani Vincent describes his portraits as afro-futurist and a study of the endless geometries that can be found in the faces. The artworks are striking and aim to show Vincent’s struggles with identity and mental illness.
Where: Association for Visual Arts, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Complex Systems
Now on till 30 July 2023
This unique exhibition by sculptor Driaan Claassen looks at the complicated nature of the mind and how it works. With this show, Claassen asserts that each person is an important component of the collective, and by examining the individual we can better understand the broader complex systems that encompass us all.
Where: THK Gallery, 52 Waterkant St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
99 Loop Gallery exhibition
2 to 23 September 2023
99 Loop Gallery is set to present a new solo show by artist and gender activist Robert Hamblin, also the author of “Queer and Crocked Memoir for the not so Straight and Narrow”. The artist’s work explores the performance of masculinity, power, and whiteness. Other exhibitions coming up at the gallery in September are solo shows by Heidi Fourie and Rory Emmett.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Galleria Gibello
Ongoing
Pop into Galleria Gibello for a dose of inspiration and joy. Owned by Caroline Gibello, it is a new addition in town and showcases wildlife and fine art photography. On her website Gibello explains that her work conveys a strong sense of beauty and reverence for spirit and her images bear witness to the multi-colours, textures and tapestries of the world in which we live.
Where: Galleria Gibello, 65 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.carolinegibello.com
REGULAR EVENTS
The Jam at Gorgeous George
Tuesdays
Musos keen on a jamming session have a home at the Gorgeous George hotel. The jam happens on Tuesdays and allows musicians to bring their instruments and play with other artists. Anyone is welcome, from music lovers to guitarists, singers, piano players to drummers.
Where: Gorgeous George, 118 St Georges Mall
When: Every Tuesday from 08h00 – 23h00
Cost: Free
Instagram: @gorgeousgeorgecpt
Jazz Night at Amber on Bree
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Jazz at Amber on Bree on Thursday nights. The venue also has cocktail and draught specials daily from 16h00 to 18h00.
Where: Amber on Bree, 16 on Bree, Shop 1 & 2
When: 20h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.amber-restaurants.co.za
Fresh Handmade Pasta Night at Ruby's Café
Thursdays
Indulge in handmade pasta, topped with a fresh sauce and ingredients of your choice, at Ruby's Bakery & Café inside Pepperclub Hotel.
Where: Ruby's Bakery & Café, 9 Pepper St
When: 17h00 – 21h00
Cost: R175
www.pepperclub.co.za
Cooking classes
Ongoing
The Chef’s Studio offers interactive cooking classes including for special occasions like team building, end-of-year parties or private events. The sessions are taught, supervised and judged by the venue’s highly experienced chefs.
Where: The Chef’s Studio, 103 Bree St
When: Depends on booking
Cost: Varies
www.thechefsstudio.co.za
Live Jazz at The Athletic Club & Social
Thursdays
The Athletic Club & Social hosts live jazz musicians on Thursday nights. Aside from the great line-up of artists each week, the three-storey venue has impressive food and cocktail menus and offers great views of Signal Hill. Tickets are available via Quicket. There is also a bar service.
Where: The Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St
When: 21h30
Cost: R100
www.theathletic.co.za
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Ongoing
Treat yourself to the sounds of jazz and blues, delicious cocktails and food at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine. There are three sittings for the evening performances, which take place from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday nights are reserved for Jazz Jam Sessions, while the other nights are reserved for performances by headline artists. Cocktails and tapas are served from 16h00 daily except on Sundays. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next. A selection of spirits, wine and beers are also served.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 20h00 – 20h40 (first session) 21h00 – 21h40 (second session), 22h00 (third session)
Cost: Cover charge of R200 per person (may differ for some artists)
www.grubandvine.co.za/the-blue-room/
Story time for children at the 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
IMAGES: City of Cape Town, The Chefs Studio, Netball World Cup, CCID