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Thrifting, painting, exploring and more for you
Last updated: Tuesday, 3 September 2024
Spring is here! As we get ready for warmer weather, how are you getting out and about? You could meet new people, support small businesses and make your city even better. This weekend our team’s looking forward to a cave exploration, bingo night, paint and sip event, First Thursdays thrift fest and 25+ more. Which one are you trying?
This cave in the Kalk Bay mountainside holds fascinating rock formations and a colony of insect-eating bats. Learn Your Land will be hosting a hike to this cave where you can learn about the history of the area and see incredible views over False Bay. Coffee and pastries are included.
Date: Sunday, 8 September; 9am to 1pm
Cost: R250; book via Quicket
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Kalk Bay Hillside | Image: @t__rich
Rotary South Peninsula, which assists communities in Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Simon’s Town, and Red Hill, is raising funds to provide sports equipment to underprivileged schools. There’ll be bingo games (with prizes for each game) and R99 brunch and lunch specials at the venue, The Galley in Fish Hoek.
Date: Wednesday, 11 September; 12pm to 3pm
Cost: R100 - R140; book via Quicket
Beach Road | Fish Hoek | Facebook | Image: Unsplash
One seat at this show means one much-needed sterilisation of a shelter dog. Dancers Love Dogs was created with the National Sterilisation Project and has sterilised over 20 000 dogs. The dance show will take place at the Artscape and every cent that is raised goes directly to the sterilisation programme.
Date: Wednesday, 11 September; 12pm to 3pm
Cost: R390; book via Quicket
D.F. Malan Street | Foreshore | Cape Town | @artscapetheatre | Image: Cape Town Opera
Thriftfest is back with another market. This time it’s on First Thursday and you can expect music from various DJs, cocktails, thrift stalls and more. The venue is Protea Fire and Ice on New Church Street, so it’s a super convenient base to kick off your evening before heading into town
Date: Thursday, 5 September; 5pm to 9pm
Cost: Free
Fire and Ice Hotel | 64 New Church Street | Cape Town | @thriftfest | Image: Thrift Fest
Jack Black Brewing Company is hosting a paint and sip night at their taproom in the southern suburbs. You can expect two hours of painting, meeting new people and tapping into your creative side. Your canvas and all painting materials are included in your ticket, as well as an apron and complimentary drink.
Date: Thursday, 5 September; 7pm to 9pm
Cost: From R220, book via Quicket
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10 Brigid Road | Diep Rivier | @jackblackstaproom | Image: Jack Black's Taproom
The FAME Short Film Festival celebrates Africa’s rich diversity through films that explore themes like cultural heritage, modern life, identity, history, and socio-political issues. This film festival at Labia Theatre includes films like No, You’re Amazing and Riel, which captures the essence of love in its many forms.
Date: 4 - 7 September; Screenings vary from 4pm to 9pm
Cost: R150 per screening, R350 for a 4 day pass; book via Quicket
68 Orange Street | Labia Theatre | @fame_shorts_film_festival | Image: Lara Van Zyl
Miski and Artjamming Somerset West are running weekly art classes for kids aged between seven and thirteen. It’s a safe space for children to get creative where they’ll learn various painting and drawing techniques and get to take their projects home.
Date: Weekly on a Thursday; 3pm to 4pm
Cost: R180 per class, book via WhatsApp on 071 260 5007
Lourensford Wine Estate | Somerset West | @artjamming_sw | Image: @popcorncandi
Join ocean lovers and protect Cape Town’s beaches with Trash Bash, the Two Oceans Aquarium’s monthly beach cleanup event. Bring your sunblock and connect with nature and people passionate about protecting our marine environment. Find out more about Trash Bash’s upcoming beach cleanups.
Date: Every third Saturday of the month, 9am to 11am
Cost: Free
Trash Bash | Cape Town | 021 418 3823 | aquarium@aquarium.co.za | @2oceansaquarium | Image: Two Oceans Aquarium
Gravel Road Distribution Group is spotlighting the iconic Studio Ghibli and featuring their films across cinemas in August. You can watch beloved masterpieces like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle at The Labia and Ster-Kinekor. Attendees can also join themed activities like pop up shops.
Date: Thursday, 1 August to Thursday, 12 September; from 12pm
Cost: Starts from R90
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Various locations | @gravelroadfilms | Image: Gravel Road Films
You’re spoiled for choice when you visit this top steakhouse. There’s steaks like skirt, flank, hanger, flat iron, Denver, caveman, Tomahawk… cuts that you probably haven’t tried (or maybe even heard of), which is why the meat appreciation platter is the go-to for a steak lover or first-timer at Char’d Grill & Bar.
Char’d Grill is open: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Hermanus Waterfront | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus | Image: Char’d Hermanus
It’s on the Hermanus Waterfront and right by Walker Beach, where families can dine on crispy pan-fried gnocchi and friends catch up over cocktails. Chicken nacho burgers, rice krispies milkshakes, and ginger and date malva pudding are just some of the dishes that await you at Pear Tree in Hermanus.
Date: Daily, 8am to 9pm
Cost: From R30 for small plates
Pear Tree | Hermanus Waterfront | Marine Drive | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree
Whether it’s birthday parties or family meals, we all know and love this eatery. New changes include the iconic logo and refreshed play areas. Golden Spur in Rondebosch even has a wine cellar with premium local labels like Anthonij Rupert and Beyerskloof wines. You can, of course, still find favourites that haven’t changed like the burgers and onion rings at Spur.
Date: Hours vary
Cost: Varies
Various locations | @spursteakranches | Image: Spur Corporation
Revved Up Café is running a winter special where you can taste four hot chocolate flavours: Pistachio, white chocolate, salted caramel, and gingerbread. Each drink is paired with a biscuit, including shortbread and honey crunchies.
Date: Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm; Saturday, 8am to 1pm
Cost: R100, book via Instagram
112 Buitengracht Street | Cape Town City Centre | @revvedupcafé | Image: Revved Up Café
This 5-star hotel has a bespoke Wellness Oasis with massages, facials and al fresco fine dining from an award-winning chef. The half-day package includes a two-hour treatment of choice, use of the pool and a three-course lunch. Find out more about the specials at Palm House Boutique Hotel’s spa.
Date: Open daily from 10am to 7pm
Cost: Varies depending on special; treatments start from R600
Palm House Boutique Hotel | Wynberg | 021 745 5008 | spa.reception@palmhouse.co.za | @palmhousespa | Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel
This new restaurant in the CBD evokes feelings of a laidback Italian summer. There’s Limoncello cosmopolitans, tiramisu martinis, and unconventional eats like bite-sized lasagne crocchetta. And if that’s not enough, there’s a vibey rooftop bar upstairs from Filini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore.
Open: Daily, 6.30am to 10pm
Cost: Cocktails from R95; Mains from R129
Filini | 29 Heerengracht Street | 021 427 4800 | info.capetown@radisson.com | @radissonhotelcapetown | Image: Radisson at Cape Town Foreshore
Rev your engines at Tyger Valley Centre’s new extreme karting. Their doors are open to the public, where you can challenge your friends to F1-style driving. The track has a classic karting circuit layout and chequered racing flags at the starting point. There are also tables and benches on the side for those who want to cheer from the stands.
Date: Tuesday to Saturday (and public holidays), 10am to 8pm; Sunday, 10am to 7pm
Cost: From R150 (five minute session), no pre-bookings available
Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | Mezzanine Level | Facebook | Image: Extreme Go Karting
This iconic Dutch inspired beach bar sits metres away from Grotto beach. After a swim or exploring the beach, visitors can grab a bite to eat or a quick drink: Seafood, sushi and Dutch cuisine. Try the traditional bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs with mustard), deconstructed stroopwaffels, or good old hake and chips at Dutchies in Hermanus.
Date: Daily, 9am to 9pm
Cost: From R65 for starters
1 Grotto Street | Voelklip | Hermanus | @dutchiesrestaurant | Image: Dutchies
Spanish pinchos, boozy milkshakes and epic sea views – name a better summer's day. Ficks Restaurant is carved into the cliffs of Ficks tidal pool. You can swim in the tidal pool, lounge on the rocks, enjoy sundowners and the deck, and you might even spot a whale or dolphin (in season). Find out more about this bucket list tidal pool eatery.
Date: Open daily; 11am - 9pm (weather dependent)
Cost: From R55
8 Marine Drive | Westcliff | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks Restaurant
Cannibisters is a members-only herbal apothecary with more than 90 strains of weed, an in-house medicinal cannabis practitioner, and a coffee bar with CBD-infused coffee and tea. Plus, there’s a workspace for regulars and premium members have access to The Serenity Room. Here’s how you can become a member of Cape Town’s cannabis club.
Date: Daily, 10am to 11.30pm
Cost: R100 monthly membership fee
65 Regent Road | Sea Point | 0087 537 8000 | Website | Image: Cannibisters
A one-stop-adventure-shop with Monster Mountain Scooters, purpose-built tracks, archery, vine bike tours and mountain biking trails. All surrounded by mountain ranges and wine farms. Could this be the best day ever? Read more about Scootours’s new location in Banhoek (which also takes walk-ins).
Date: Open daily; 8am - 5pm
Cost: R590 pp for riders
Swart Street | Kylemore | bookings@scootours.co.za | @scootourscapetown | Image: Scootours
Join a free weekly event on Clifton 1st beach with volleyball games, sunsets and live DJs. It’s a great way to end off a summer evening and make new friends. Players don’t need to be professional and spectators are welcome to watch the fun at Friends Who Volley.
Date: Every Thursday, from 5pm
Cost: Free
Clifton 1st Beach | Clifton | Cape Town | @friendswhovolley | Image: @hansminaar_film
Harrington Street ticks all the boxes. There’s a classy cocktail lounge, local dive bar, nightclub and rum bar all under one roof. Every Thursday Harrington Street is a hub of local music, with live bands and DJ performances.Plus, there’s happy hour and half-price tapas at Harrington Street.
Date: Every Thursday, from 4pm to 4am
Cost: Classic cocktails from R70
61b Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington Street
It’s up to you to save the city of Cape Town from The Roach. You only have 75 minutes to do it. Are you in? This thrilling new escape game feels like a superhero simulation and is filled with Marvel easter eggs. Our team was the first to play it. Here’s everything you need to know about HintHunt’s Marble escape game.
You might also like: HintHunt has five other escape games, here are our tips and tricks on how to play your best game.
Date: Open daily; 10am - 8.30pm
Cost: R395 per person in a team of 6
Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: Claire Photography
In a tranquil fishing village hidden on the West Coast is Blue Bay Lodge: A 3-star resort on the bay’s edge, with winding beach walkways, beauty salon, tennis courts and more. Here’s 10 reasons to stay at this beach resort (and see how to book).
Cost: From R1 630 per night
48 Gracillaria Crescent | Blouwaterbaai | Saldanha | @bluebaylodge | Image: Blue Bay Lodge
Want to do something new with your ‘do, or pamper yourself with a hair treatment? Excentric Hair are offering CapeTownMagazine.com readers some serious discounts on services like hair extensions, hair loss treatments, frizz-fighting experiences and more. Find 5 ways to transform your hair with some of Cape Town’s top hair stylists.
Cost: From R190
Excentric Hair | Sea Point & Kloof Street | onpoint@excentric-hair.co.za | Instagram | Image: Excentric Hair
You don’t just taste great gins, you get to distill and design your own gin – from choosing the alcohol percentage, flavor profile and colour to designing the bottle. While you’re there, you can do a gin tasting and have wood-fired pizza on the deck. Plus, you’ll walk out with a specially designed bottle of gin at Distiller’s Union.
Date: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 5.30pm
Cost: From R595 for standard gin making experience
Distiller’s Union | 156 Victoria Road | Woodstock | @distillersunion | Image: Distiller's Union
Sweet and sticky wings, loaded cheese fries, harissa drumsticks, ragout spaghetti, Snickers chocolate bars… what if we told you this could be healthy (and plant-based)? For your next movie night this weekend, why not try Bamboo, a healthy takeout spot in the city.
Date: Daily, 11am to 9pm (delivery)
Cost: From R50
9 Long Street | Bamboo Plant Power’s website | @bambooplantpower | Image: Bamboo Plant Power
Whether you’re a fan of glass art or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, you won’t regret stopping by the Glass Museum at Glenelly Estate! Home to one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world, see over 600 pieces of glass in Stellenbosch and the best part? It’s free.
Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm & Sundays, 10am to 3pm
Cost: Free
Glenelly Estate | Stellenbosch | @glenellyestate | Image: Glenelly Estate
Treat your family or friend group to an all-you-can-eat buffet every weekend. There’s something of everything – cereals, fruit salads, artisan cheeses, waffles, freshly baked bread, omelettes and croissants, in addition to the regular menu. It’s on every Saturday and Sunday at Café Extrablatt.
Date: Saturdays, 9am -12pm; Sundays, 9am–2pm
Cost: Saturdays, R139.90; Sundays, R159.90
Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @extrablattcapetown | Image: Lara van Zyl
Comedy on Kloof hosts an affordable, weekly stand-up comedy night. At just R40 a ticket, this is some of the most affordable comedy in Cape Town. Promoting a queer-friendly space, this weekly comedy night offers talent in both popular comedians and rising stars.
Date: Every Tuesday, 8pm to 10pm
Cost: R40, book via Quicket
66 Kloof Street | Gardens | @comedyonkloof | Image: Comedy on Kloof
An affordable outing for the whole family. In an effort to farm sustainably, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate uses 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks to parade around the estate and eat any snails and bugs. Take the kids to the free duck parade, and after enjoy a meal at Chef Bertus Basson’s Geuwels Restaurant or Clara’s Barn, a restaurant in the oldest barn in the Western Cape.
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday; between 8am and 10am or 11am and 1pm
Cost: Parade, free; Guided tours starting at R40
Stellenbosch | @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate | Image: @saltysn0w
St George’s Market has officially reopened in Cape Town inner city. Every Thursday locals and tourists can explore the historic ambience of the inner city, while grabbing lunch from spots like Seven Colours Eatery. There are a number of local vendors, vintage clothes and more.
Date: Every Thursday, 11am - 3pm
Cost: Free
138 St Georges Mall | Cape Town | Facebook | Image: St George’s Market
It’s time to get that WhatsApp group together…This retreat in a secret ancient valley, outside Citrusdal, is just the midweek timeout you and your buddies need to reconnect with nature. Book out the main house with a pizza oven or pair up in cosy cottages with jacuzzis or glamp tents. Plus, there’s loads to do as a group at Cederkloof Botanical Retreat.
Date: Open daily
Cost: From R750pp per night
R303, | Regional Road (The Baths) | Citrusdal | Website | @cederkloof | Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
The Two Oceans Aquarium offers a special gift to all South African citizens – free entry on your birthday, plus six days thereafter. This gives you a whole week to do one of the city’s most magical experiences. Find out how it works + discover 14 secrets to unlock during your next visit.
Date: Monday to Sundays, 7am to 10pm
Cost: Free entrance
Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | aquarium@aquarium.co.za | @2OceansAquarium | Image: Lara van Zyl
If you’re looking for somewhere to brunch this weekend, this daily special is a must-try. For R99 you’ll get an eggs benedict paired with South Africa’s best cappuccino (literally: mischu have won this award three times). And that’s just one of the reasons we love mischu.
Date: Served daily until 4:30pm
Cost: R99
mischu | 85 Regent Road, Sea Point | 0763791693| info@mischu.co.za | @mischucoffee | Image: mischu
Amina is filled to the brim with colour, vintage finds, antique furniture and special art. Once a house in Bo-Kaap, it has been renovated to a 5-bedroom boutique hotel that is estimated to be 160 years old. Just a 10 minute walk from Bree and Buitengracht Street, it’s the spot for a staycation or unique group getaway.
Cost: From R1 000 to R2 200, depending on season
16 Whitford Street | Bo-Kaap | 084 418 1879 | aminahotel@royva.com | @stayatamina | Image: Amina Boutique Hotel
Mardouw Country House is a Swellendam gem on a 1000-hectare olive farm. Renovated from a nineteenth century farmhouse, it has a golf range, flowedge pool, mountain biking and hiking trails… Plus, all meals are included (even three-course dinners) at Mardouw Country House.
Cost: R13 000 per night (sleeps 10 people)
R60 | Swellendam | 023 616 2999 | Website | Image: Mardouw Country House
Whether you’re losing your beer-ginity or have been drinking brews for years, here’s a fun activity for the weekend. Taste up to nine craft beers, all named after sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, while eating burgers or schnitzels in a German-style beer hall. Or try something different and go for a small-batch brew on Thursdays, all at Woodstock Brewery.
Date: Daily; 12pm - 10pm
Cost: R10 a tasting
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
With loaded hotdogs, beach toys and stunning lagoon views, Milk on the Beach is a great spot to visit with the kids. Milk also has kombucha cocktails and sushi, and the deck overlooking Onrus lagoon makes it a great sundowner spot.
Milk on the Beach is open: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 9pm; Sunday, 8am - 8:30pm
Cost: Varies
1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach
The Muizenberg Flea Market has been in existence for the last 34 years. It has over 300 stalls that sell everything from Cape Malay food and mielies in a cup to underwear and brass decor. And best part of all, you always leave with a bargain when you visit this Sunday market.
Date: Every Sunday, 8am-6pm
Cost: Free entry
Muizenberg Flea Market | Sunrise Circle | Muizenberg | Facebook | Image: Mark Schultz
From the brewery that brought you sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll beers – get 2-for-1 burgers, a sizzling sharing platter, curry special and more. The easy-does-it comfort food goes well with any of their craft beers. The food specials are on every week, get all the juicy details about Woodstock Brewery.
Date: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 10pm
Cost: Varies
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
Gin-tasting works a little differently when you do it at Char'd Grill. You'll be able to smell different gins through an atomiser and do a tasting of your top four. Being a steakhouse, Char'd also offers rare and unqiue cuts of meat that you wouldn't be able to find at most restaurants. We recommend the Caveman Rib: rich, marinated for 24 hours and with 10/10 tenderness. Read more about what you can experience at Char'd.
Char’d Grill is open: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Village Square | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus
Wine lover with a tight budget? This local eatery and wine shop offers a free wine tasting experience every Tuesday. Taste and learn more about wine from the region, free of charge + stay for dinner. You can also buy your favourite bottle from the wine shop at Judd’s Local.
Date: Every Tuesday; 6pm - 9pm
Cost: Free
141 Kloof Street | Gardens | 064 527 1272 | @juddslocal | Image: Lara van Zyl
You don’t need to be religious to have a soulful experience at a Sunday church service in Langa. Camissa’s Gospel Tour will take you to church with the community, followed by a walk through the streets of Langa with a local guide. Prepare to sing, move and be moved by this joyful outing.
Date: Sundays, from 8.30/9am to 12.30/1pm
Cost: R770 per person, half price for under 12s. Ask about discounts for CapeTownMagazine.com readers.
Camissa Gospel Tours | 078 657 7788 | @Camissa_Travel | Image: Camissa
Take a roadtrip to the Piekenierskloof Pass to visit De Tol Farm Deli - it’s one of the oldest farm stalls along the N7. Be adventurous and try the most unusual pairings… tea and gin or wine. Or opt for something less daring like tea and nougat, or chocolate truffles. There’s also a tea and nibbles pairing, plus kids can join in on the tasting fun at De Tol Farm Deli.
Date: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 5pm; Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: R80 - R90
Piekenierskloof N7 Pass | Citrusdal | 067 410 3315 | @de_tol_farm_deli | Image: De Tol Farm Deli
At Pear Tree there are plenty of unqiue dishes that you won't find anywhere else (many of which are vegan). Situated on the Hermanus waterfront, this healthy eatery looks out onto the vibrant blue sea. Sip a kombucha cocktail under the trees, or try a tofu tostada sprinkled with nori dust and a charcoal aquafaba dessert.
Pear Tree Bistro is open: Daily from 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Village Square | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree Bistro
Traditional cheese-and-wine pairings are way too passé for Black Elephant Vintners – it offers something far more rebellious: Join for a sparkling-wine or wine tasting, pop on some headphones and prepare to be blown into a land of heightened senses at this punk-rock cellar.
Date: Every Saturday, from 11am
Cost: R150 - R300pp, book here
40a Uitkyk Street | Franschhoek | 021 876 2903 | Image: Tasting Cape Town (@tastingct)
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