The Galileo Open Air Cinema, Cape Town’s beloved outdoor experience

New venues, vendors and blockbuster films

Latest update: Thursday, 28 March 2024

The magical Galileo is open from 10 November with some special additions like Bollywood and a dog-friendly show. Now in its 12th year, it's where parents bond with their kids, friends celebrate unforgettable special days and where locals like to impress their visitors. 

People have the best time when they come at least an hour early for the sunset, snacks and meals (including halaal friendly, gluten free and vegan) before they cosy up with popcorn and a movie.

Enjoy a movie night under the stars. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema
  

SEE CLASSICS OR NEW BLOCKBUSTERS

There’s over 100 movies screening over the next 5 months, from summer into spring, including Bollywood, musicals, rom-coms, action, Westerns, and animations. 

The organisers are excited about classics like Grease, The Holiday, Back To The Future, The Godfather, City Slickers, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Grease, Notting Hill and The Shawshank Redemption. 

Plus new blockbusters like Oppenheimer, Barbie, Elvis, The Whale, The Little Mermaid , Elemental, Where The Crawdads Sing, Ticket to Paradise, Magic Mike’s Last Dance and Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3. 

Watch an old favourite or something new. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema

FURRY FRIENDS NOW WELCOME

Galileo has always been a kid’s playground, and now your pets are also allowed (for a special show). The proceeds of VID (Very Important Dog) tickets go to local dog heroes Oscar’s Arc. 

These will be two picnic-style show screenings with Marley and Me being screened on 24 November 2023 and A Star is Born on 19 January 2024 (both shows at Central Park, Century City).

Bring your four-legged companions along. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema

NEW VENUES FOR A NEW SEASON

As per usual, the weekday slots for the open air cinema will be Kirstenbosch Garden, with the occasional Friday at Central Park, Century City. Saturdays are at alternating Winelands locations.

There are new Winelands locations like Morgenhof Wine Estate, Zevenwacht Wine Estate in Kuilsriver and Muratie Canvas (the stunning 360° glasshouse overlooking views of Muratie Wine Estate). They will also be the first venue to do a section of beanbags for seating in addition to the backrests.

Arrive early to make the most of the lawn games and food vendors. You’ll see kids playing Naughts & Crosses and giant Jenga, parents and friends guessing movie trivia or couples bonding over bubbly and popcorn.

Arrive early and play lawn games. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema

PACK A PICNIC OR BUY FROM LOCAL VENDORS 

While you can bring your own food and drinks into certain venues, there’s lots to buy. This season at Kirstenbosch there will be Butler’s Pizza, a fan-favourite with popular items like the Funky Fabb and The Rotherham.

There's also 2 Kitchens, who makes nachos, chicken and beef shawarmas, as well as falafel and healthy platters. Zukule’s Eatery offers chicken beef and vegan burgers. Both of these vendors cater to halaal customers, and all vendors have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items.

For wine and champagne by the glass or bottle, there's the Tipsy Gypsy (with non alcoholic options too).

Food and drinks can be brought into all venues except Blaauwklippen Wine Estate and Laborie Estate, and alcohol is not allowed at Central Park and all Winelands locations.

Pair your movie with the perfect snack. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema
  

CELEBRATE THE SPECIAL DAYS 

The Galileo gifts a free ticket during your birthday week (includes backrest and blanket). Plus, even if the screening of that day is sold out, room is made available. 

There are also special shows with themed decor and snacks to bring extra magic to this bucket list activity. This season there are four special shows, plus two fun-themed nights. 

1. Christmas Eve: 24 December 2023 at Kirstenbosch Garden. Home Alone Special Christmas Eve Show. R275 per ticket which includes movie entry, Christmas hat, backrest, blanket, popcorn and a candy cane. Earlier in the week, enjoy a screening of Last Christmas.

2. Christmas Day: 25 December 2023 at Kirstenbosch Garden. The Grinch Special Christmas Day Show. R275 per ticket which includes movie entry, Christmas hat, backrest, blanket, popcorn and a candy cane. 

Celebrate with a movie under the stars. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema

3. Valentines Day: 14 February 2024 at Nooitgedacht Estate. The Proposal – Special Valentine’s Day Show. R290 per ticket which includes movie entry, entertainment, backrest, blanket, welcome drink and a chocolate. Get into the romantic mood early with a February 10 screening of Notting Hill. 

4. Easter Friday: 29 March 2024 at Central Park, Century City. Peter Rabbit Special Easter Show.  R175 per ticket which includes movie entry, entertainment, backrest, blanket and an easter egg. 

There will also be two themed nights. Catch Magic Mike’s Last Dance for International Women’s Day on March 8 and The Lorax on 21 March to celebrate Earth Day.

Please note: Birthdays, pensioners and student discounts do not apply on special shows. 

Enjoy the themed, special shows. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema

BUY YOUR TICKETS 

There are a range of tickets based on the type of experience you’re wanting. Pensioners 60 and get discounted tickets at R130 per person, which include movie entry, a backrest and blanket. All tickets are purchased online through the Galileo website. 

Standard: R140 per person. Includes movie entry 

Comfy: R155 per person. Includes movie entry and a backrest. 

Warm & Comfy: R160 per person. Includes movie entry, backrest and blanket.

Double Delight: R390 for two. Includes movie entry, backrest, blanket, front row seating, 2 popcorns, 2 Astros and 2 Fruit Pastilles. 

VIP: R230 per person. Includes movie entry, reserved prime seating, blanket, backrest, popcorn, beverage & chocolate.

VIP+: R800 for two. Includes movie entry, reserved seating with plush reclining backrest and pillows, blankets, 2 popcorns, 2 Whispers and 2 Fruit Pastilles.

Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema 

PICK MOVIES FROM THE FULL SCHEDULE  

HAVE A STARLIT MOVIE NIGHT 

The Galileo is open: 8 November 2023 to 27 April 2024
Find it: Various venues
Book: via The Galileo's website
Contact on: 071 471 8728, hello@thegalileo.co.za, @thegalileo 

By Sarah Williams 

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