Here’s how to celebrate Human Rights Day

Festival, fun walk, live music, theatre show and light art

Last updated: Friday, 15 March 2024

You can see a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, visit one of Cape Town’s landmarks, get up to all sorts of tricks at a magic festival, or go to a free interactive light art show. Here are eight ways to spend Human Rights Day in 2024.

CELEBRATE AT THE ICONIC CASTLE

The Melodies of Equality Gathering are bringing top headliners to the Castle of Good Hope. Sing and dance to the sounds of gospel, jazz and afro soul, with local artists performing too. Food and drinks will be on sale from various food trucks. 

When: Thursday, 21 March; 12pm to 10pm

Cost: R150, book via Quicket

1 Castle Street | Cape Town City Centre | Website | Image: Lara Van Zyl

TAKE THE KIDS TO A MAGIC FESTIVAL

Children's Magic Festival, presented by the College of Magic, is back with theatrical magic shows, self-guided mansion tours, magical stunts training and a carnival. There are also puppeteers, jugglers, clowns and so much more. The 75-minute shows will run daily.

When: 21 - 23 March, 10am, 11am, 12pm & 2pm

Cost: R120pp; four-ticket combo for R100, book via Quicket

215 Imam Haron Road | Claremont | Website | Image: The College of Magic

SEE 100+ ARTWORKS FROM ESTHER MAHLANGU

Globally acclaimed artist Esther Mahlangu is showcasing over 100 artworks, including the iconic BMW 525i Art Car, at Iziko South African National Gallery. The once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective, is open to the public until August. Find out more about Esther Mahlangu’s art and career.

Date: 18 February to 11 August 2024; 9am - 5pm

Cost: From R40 for entry

25 Queen Victoria Street | Gardens | @esthermahlanguart | Image: Clint Strydom

WATCH CRAIG LUCAS LIVE 

This year’s Marist Music Festival, which takes place on the lawns of St Joseph’s Marist College, will be hosting Craig Lucas accompanied by Marz Barz, Stellenbosch Big Band and Botrivier Marimba Band). There’ll be food stalls, a bar and kids entertainment area.

When: Thursday, 21 March; 10am (gates open at 9am)

Cost: From R50, book via Webtickets

St Joseph’s Marist College | Belmont Road | Rondebosch | @sjmc_1918 | Image: St Joseph Marist College

GO TO A FREE LIGHT FESTIVAL

Spier’s annual light festival features interactive artworks, including experimental light, sound and video artworks from local and international artists. There’ll be plenty of food and wine available, or you can pre-book a sunset picnic. Free guided tours are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday evening. 

When: Thursday, 21 March; 6.30pm to 9pm

Cost: Free entry, no booking is required

Spier Wine Farm | R310 Baden Powell Drive | Stellenbosch | @spierwinefarm | Image: Spier Wine Farm

JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA’S HISTORY

The Long March to Freedom exhibition in Century City is the largest exhibition of its kind in the world. This sculpture garden has 100 life-sized bronze statues that depict South African and international liberation icons like Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Oliver and Adelaide Tambo. Read more about the story of the exhibition of local and global heroes who fought against discrimination in South Africa.

When: Tuesday to Sunday; 10am to 4.30pm

Cost: Adults (with guided tour) R75, Adults (with no guided tour) R25, Kids under six enter for free, R10 parking fee

Century City Boulevard | Cape Town | @longmarchtofreedom | Image: Eugene Dippenaar

WATCH A SHOW AT THE BAXTER THEATRE

Cape Town’s beloved theatre is showing Law of Carnage. It follows a successful prosecutor who’s been catapulted into a state of psychosis after she loses a close client. Using fragmented images and physical language, the show raises questions about the state of humanity and violence against women.

When: Thursday, 21 March; 8pm

Cost: From R100, book via Webtickets

Main Road | Rondebosch | Cape Town | @baxtertheatre

HAVE A BRAAI WITH AN OCEAN VIEW

Wine and dine to the vibrant sounds of a local marimba band. The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa will have a selection of braai platters and sides like braai broodjies and leafy salads. Guests will also receive complimentary gin cocktails on arrival and will be seated with views of Table Mountain, overlooking the hotel’s rock pool. 

When: Thursday, 21 March; 1pm to 3pm

Cost: TBC

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa | Victoria Road | Camps Bay | @12apostleshotel

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MAKE THE MOST OF THE WEEKEND 

This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the Iziko Gallery is on until August 2024. 

Enjoy the next long weekend with our guide to Easter events in Cape Town. 

No weekend plans? Check out our  +7 more things to do this week(end).

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