Things to do on Freedom Day in Cape Town

30 years of democracy, 10 ways to celebrate

Last updated: Thursday, 18 April 2024

2024 marks 30 years of democracy, and we’ve rounded some of the ways you can spend Freedom Day. There’s museums and exhibitions which celebrate history and culture, a free picnic or family market, live jazz, traditional cooking class and more.

COOK TRADITIONAL MEALS 

Food Jams is hosting a Freedom Day cooking class. The class honours the rich heritages and flavours of South African dishes. You cook a three-course menu with dishes like bobotie, Durban curry, pap and chakalaka, malva pudding and more. The event is open to all ages so you can make it a family meal. 

Date: Saturday, 27 April; 6pm to 9.30pm

Cost: From R350, book via Quicket

45 Yew Street | Salt River | @foodjamsofficial | Image: Food Jams

GO TO A QUEER-FRIENDLY PICNIC

Local community group CTL (Cape Town Lesbians) are hosting a picnic at Green Point Urban Park. You can spend your Freedom Day connecting and meeting new people. The picnic is open to everyone and is family-friendly. Bring picnic blankets and drinks and snacks that can be shared.

Date: Saturday, 27 April; 2pm to 5pm

Cost: Free, book via Quicket

1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road | Green Point | Facebook | Image: @garnett_snyman

WATCH A LIVE JAZZ PERFORMANCE 

Cultural centre Alliance Française du Cap and Jazz in the Native Yards are pairing up to host a night of live jazz by local artist Dr. Tete Mbambisa. There will be piano, saxophone, drums, trombone, trumpet and bass performances.

Date: Friday, 26 April; 6.30pm to 9pm

Cost: R100 for students and pensioners, R150 for adults; book via Quicket

155 Loop Street | City Centre | @alliancefrancaiseducap | Image: Alliance Française du Cap

SPEND FREEDOM DAY AT A FAMILY MARKET

Have a family day out at the Fish Hoek Freedom Day Market. You can expect street food trucks, a foodie hall, bakery, and stalls selling products like fresh produce, plants, woodwork, art, clothing, jewellery, pet stalls, African art & curios, stuffed toys and health products. 

Date: Saturday, 27 April; 10am to 2pm

Cost: Free

Fish Hoek Civic Centre | 65B Central Circle | Fish Hoek | Facebook | Image: Phoenix Market

ATTEND AN ALBUM LAUNCH 

Award-winning South African poet Koleka Putuma is launching a new studio album at One Park. The new album CAN I GET A WITNESS? honours the traditions of storytelling and collaboration while also fusing history poetry and music together. The vinyl album and merchandise will also be available. 

Date: Saturday, 27 April; 6.30pm to 9pm

Cost: R100, book via Quicket 

1 Park Road | Gardens | @manyanomedia | Image: Unsplash

5 WAYS TO COMMEMORATE 30 YEARS OF FREEDOM 

 By Sarah Williams 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT CAPE TOWN 

For something affordable, see art and animals at the Iziko museums. 

Did you know about this exhibition? See statues of Mandela and Tutu. 

There’s something for everyone on our list of free things to do.

Every week we’re rounding up a list of weekend activities. 

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