Here’s how to celebrate Human Rights Day

Affordable: Free guided tours, family day under R50, & more

Last updated: Tuesday, 17 March 2026

2026 marks 31 years of Human Rights Day. While we don’t have the day off this year, we’ve put together a guide on how you can spend the day this Saturday, 21 March. There are free guided tours at a historical exhibition, a heritage concert, family festival on a tree farm for under R50, and more for you.

FOOD HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

If you’re looking for a dinner out on Saturday, one of Cape Town’s best bars also has specials on food. From 4.30pm to 7pm fable has happy hour on both food and drinks, which means you could pay R90 instead of R130 for a smashburger, or R85 instead of R135 for a chicken tikka flatbread. There’s also specials on cocktails at fable. 

When: Saturday hours, 4.30pm to 1am
Cost: From R60 for food, and from R85 for drinks

Corner Bree Street and Wale Street | City Centre | @fablecpt | Image: fable

FREE HISTORICAL TOURS

Long March to Freedom, a one-of-a-kind exhibition with 100 life-size statues of struggle heroes, will have free guided tours focusing on the figures that fought for human rights in South Africa. They happen on the hour from 10am to 3pm. Plus, for the month of March you can get a discounted history walk and wine tasting, which includes a 30 minute tour and a tasting of five wines from Black winemakers. 

When: Saturday, 21 March to Sunday 22 March; 10am to 4:30pm
Cost: Free entry for guided tours. R120 for history walk and wine tasting, book via Webtickets

Century City Boulevard | Cape Town | @longmarchtofreedom | Image: Long March to Freedom

FIRST EVER 'TUSSEN BOOM & BOSCH' FUN RUN, TREASURE HUNT & MORE 

Be a part of the first ever 'Tussen Boom en Bosch'. Trees South Africa, a tree farm in Stellenbosch, is hosting the ultimate family day out with tickets under R50. 

There will be the 5km fun run through the tree farm and families can also expect food stalls, a kids treasure hunt, jumping castle, market vendors, go-karts, a wine pairing tour, live entertainment and more. 

When: Saturday, 21 March; 8am to 4pm
Cost: R20 - R50, book via Quicket

Trees South Africa | Vlaeberg Road | Stellenbosch | @treessouthafrica | Image: Trees South Africa

CELEBRATION CONCERT OF FREEDOM MUSIC

March to Freedom, a heritage concert produced by Elvis Sibeko, is an evening to celebrate songs and stories that have shaped South African history. The concert highlights the desegregation of South African theatres, with acts including Loukmaan Adams, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Amanda Strydom, Nuur Leeman and more. 

When: Saturday, 21 March; from 7.30pm
Cost: R180, book via Webtickets

Joseph Stone Auditorium | Protea Street and Klipfontein Road | Athlone | Image: March to Freedom

PLUS MORE WEEKEND PLANS

There’s plenty more to do on Saturday, 21 March, from the iconic Cape Town Carnival to Freshlyground live at a community concert, a whiskey festival, and more. Find all the details unpacked for you, and over 10 more ideas for how to spend the weekend.

When: Saturday, 21 March; from 8am
Cost: Varies 

Green Point Fan Walk | Cape Town | @capetowncarnival | Image: Cape Town Carnival

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