Cape Town's 7+ things to do this week(end)

Theatre shows, astronomy tour, thrift shopping and more

Latest update: Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Which would you do this week(end): Take a night time astronomy tour and stargaze, go thrifting, watch a circus show, or create vision boards? Whether you’re looking for things to do while on leave or family ideas for the school holidays, we’ve got over 30 things for you to try in our guide.

SEE AN AFRICAN CHRISTMAS PLAY

Naledi’s Festive Dream follows the story of 10-year-old Naledi from Cape Town, whose festive wish to meet Santa’s crew comes true, as she shares the magic of an African Christmas with them. It’s a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and festive cheer. This festive season children’s play is happening at the V&A. 

Date: 14 - 22 December 2024

Cost: R100 via Webtickets 

V&A Waterfront | 021 408 7600 | Website | @vandawaterfront | Image: V&A Waterfront

TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO A THEATRE SHOW

JOLTYD - Through The Ages of Music is a theatre show that celebrates the evolution of music. There’ll be vibrant performances of music from every genre and age (from Frank Sinatra classics to modern beats). This production, which will be at the Baxter Theatre, allows younger audiences to experience rich musical history, and older generations to relive cherished memories.

Date: 19 - 23 December; 8pm

Cost: R180 - R220; book via Webtickets

 The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter | Main Road | Rondebosch | @baxtertheatre | Image: The Baxter Theatre

ASTRONOMY NIGHT TOUR (WITH STARGAZING)

The South African Astronomical Observatory is inviting visitors to a night tour and evening of star gazing. You’ll be taught the history of astronomy in South Africa and the tour includes a visit to the main building and museum. Then you can use McClean and Dobsonian telescopes to do some breathtaking stargazing. 

Date: Thursday, 19 December; 8pm to 10pm

Cost: R50; book via Quicket

 SAAO Cape Town | 1 Observatory Road | Observatory | @saao_astro | Image: South African Astronomical Observatory

12+ THINGS TO DO AT THE V&A   

Say hi to Santa and his elves, see the giant Christmas tree, discover a kids cooking class, go to a free music fest with over 3 000 vinyls for sale, and more. See all the things you can do this festive season at the V&A Waterfront.

Date: Some activities run until March 2025

Cost: Varies, from free to R145 

V&A Waterfront | 021 408 7600 | Website | @vandawaterfront | Image: V&A Waterfront

WATCH A ZIP ZAP CIRCUS SHOW

A Piece of Us is a new contemporary rock performance by Zip Zap Circus. The show uses innovative choreography, visual storytelling, and rock music to explore themes like personal identity and collective power. There’ll also be drinks and food like hotdogs, samoosas, and chips (which are all halaal). 

Date: 19 - 22 December; 7pm to 8:30pm

Cost: R200 - R300; book via Quicket

Zip Zap Dome | 10 Jan Smuts Street | Cape Town City Centre | @zipzapcircus | Image: Zip Zap Circus

GO THRIFTING IN WOODSTOCK

Find the ultimate thrift haven at The Woodstock Quarter this Saturday. Thriffest is back with another market, where you can shop from 35 vendors offering thrifted gems, handmade treasures, unique jewellery, and more. Bootleggers will be offering coffee and breakfast. 

Date: Saturday, 21 December; 9:30am to 2:30pm

Cost: Free entry; more info via Facebook

Woodstock Quarter | 24 Cornwall Street | Woodstock | @thriftfest | Image: Thrift Fest

CREATE 2025 VISION BOARDS

This vision board workshop will be held at Canto Boutique Wines, where you’ll be guided through manifestation techniques by the well-being coach to bring your visions to life. Light snacks will be provided and you can sip on a glass of bubbly while creating your vision board with the serene views of the wine farm. 

Date: Saturday, 21 December; 10am to 1pm

Cost: R150; book via Quicket

Canto Wines | Vissershok Road | Durbanville | @evolvex_employeex | Image: Canto Wines

BUY TICKETS TO AN EDGY UNDERGROUND PARTY   

One of London’s most iconic nightclubs, fabric, is coming to Cape Town for one night only. Expect international headliners, Ben UFO, Axel Boman and Ralph Lawson, and legendary local DJs (like Amy Mauritz, Cody Losper and more). Here’s why you can’t miss this underground electronic music event happening at Mødular in January 2025.

Date: Friday, 24 January 2025

Cost: From R250

Mødular | 34 Riebeek Street | @fabriclondonofficial | Image: fabric

TAKE THE KIDS TO A PAINT CLASS 

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 A FREE BEACH CLEAN UP 

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

DISCOVER THIS MEAT LOVERS’ PLATTER  

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

TASTE SUSHI CALAMARI AT A HIDDEN BISTRO 

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

FIND LUXURY SPA SPECIALS  

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

TRY A TIRAMISU MARTINI  

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

TRY GO-KARTING AT A NEW LOCATION

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

TRY DUTCH CUISINE AT THIS FAMILY EATERY

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

VISIT AN EXCLUSIVE CANNABIS CLUB, OPEN DAILY

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 

RIDE ON SCOOTERS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

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

PLAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL EVERY THURSDAY 

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

SPEND A THURSDAY IN EAST CITY

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

PLAY A SUPERHERO ESCAPE GAME  

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

SAVE ON A HAIR MAKEOVER THIS WEEKEND

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

VISIT A GLASS MUSEUM

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

ENJOY AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BRUNCH

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

ENJOY AFFORDABLE COMEDY EVERY TUESDAY 

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 

WATCH DUCKS PARADE ON A WINE FARM

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

GO TO A CITY MARKET

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
 

GO ON A MIDWEEK RETREAT WITH FRIENDS

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

VISIT AQUARIUM FOR FREE ON YOUR BDAY

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

GET LUNCH IN SEA POINT FOR R99

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

BOOK A TRIP TO THIS HISTORIC FARMHOUSE  

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 

TRY A CRAFT BEER TASTING

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

RELIVE BEACH MEMORIES AT THIS ONRUS RESTAURANT  

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 
 

VISIT A FLEA MARKET THIS SUNDAY 

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

EXPERIMENT WITH A GIN ATOMISER 

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  

TASTE WINE FOR FREE EVERY TUESDAY

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

TAKE A DRIVE FOR 5 EPIC TEA TASTINGS  

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

TRY VEGAN DISHES AND KOMBUCHA COCKTAILS

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

BOOGIE TO PUNK ROCK AND WINE

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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FOR FURTHER READING 

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