Comedian Yaseen Barnes shared a photo on his Instagram Stories the other day showing a woman wrapped in a keffiyeh walking hand in hand with a man dressed in a Father Christmas suit. This basically sums up the festive season in the Mother City.
We’re a city that celebrates our diversity and cultural differences, come Christmas, Eid, or Hanukkah. And that’s what I love the most about this piece of paradise. We embrace religious nuances with love and respect.
To those celebrating, a joyful and merry Christmas. Now, back to our regular scheduled programme… get ready for a host of comedy and concerts to family-friendly fun, festivals and late-night jol sessions. Here’s what’s happening across Cape Town this weekend Friday, 26 to Sunday 28 December.
CBD
Multi Love: One Night in Texas
- Friday, 26 December, 3pm
- Venue: TEXAS, Albertus Street, District Six
- Cost: R80 - R150, bookings via Web Tickets
Finding mainstream radio more meh than yay? You should pop in at TEXAS in District Six. From new beats to nostalgic sounds, you won’t be disappointed.
Masood Boomgaard LIVE in Cape Town
- Friday, 26 December - Sunday, 28 December, 8pm to 9:30pm
- Venue: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town, New Church St, Tamboerskloof
- Cost: From R200, bookings via Quicket
Masood Boomgaard has quite the resume. The first South African comedian to record a special programme titled My Father’s House from his home, Boomgaard’s star has risen ever since. Now you get to see him live at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town.
Also read: The best comedy shows in Cape Town
ATLANTIC SEABOARD
Flavours of Africa: A Sensory Journey Through Story & Taste
- Saturday, 27 December, 6pm - 8:30pm
- Venue: Makers Landing, The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: From R980, bookings via Quicket
Hosted by Chefs Lerato Waters-Maine and Leigh Waters-Maine, Flavours of Africa is an intimate culinary and cultural experience brought to life in collaboration with La Richmal Cape Town Wine Emporium.
Time Out Tip: The evening includes an open Q&A and shared reflections, bringing the experience together in true African spirit.
Explorers, time to meet SpongeBob!
- Sunday, 28 December, 10am - 3:45pm
- Venue: Flagpole (next to the Amphitheatre), Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Cost: Free
SpongeBob will be making a special appearance this weekend at the V&A Waterfront, because, guess what, kids? He wants you to see his new movie, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. How’s that for clever marketing?
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Jesse Clegg - A Summer Outdoor Concert!
- Saturday, 27 December, 4:30pm - 8pm
- Venue: Cafe Roux, Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoek
- Cost: From R225, bookings via Quicket
Jesse Clegg has had a phenomenal year. The music artist collaborated with Msaki, culminating in Entropy, a six-track EP. Now, he returns to Cape Town following his New York performance.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts - The Kiffness
- Sunday, 28 December, 5:15pm
- Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Kirstenbosch
- Cost: From R255 - R360, bookings via Web Tickets
Either you love him, or you hate him. When it comes to The Kiffness, there’s no in between. The polarising entertainer has had his fair share of viral fame. For those attending, expect a playful, high-energy show.
CAPE FLATS
Altitude Birthday Festival
- Friday, 26 December, 4pm - 2am
- Venue: Black River Park, 2 Fir St, Observatory
- Cost: From R200, bookings via Quicket
Pure house music. World-class DJs. And that signature Altifam vibe. Altitude takes the party outside to celebrate its first birthday. The lineup includes Kid Fonque, Loyd and Vincent, and many others.
Saturday Shutdown
- Saturday, 27 December, 9pm - 3am
- Venue: Delft Public Library, Voorbrug Rd, Delft
- Cost: From free, bookings via Quicket
Six hours of non-stop entertainment. Come as you are. Any dress code is welcome. Delft Public Library is a fully secured venue for your safety and peace of mind.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Boxing Day with Black Cat Bones & Akkedis
- Friday, 26 December, 5pm - 8pm
- Venue: Hillcrest Restaurant, Hillcrest Estate, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville
- Cost: From R200, bookings via Quicket
What is Boxing Day without a lekker jol? Bring the family; kids under 12 are free. The Black Cat Bones bring their signature fire and swagger, and Akkedis promise to deliver timeless rock grooves.
Also read: The best rock music venues in Cape Town
Sundaze
- Sunday, 28 December, 4pm
- Venue: Durbanville Hills Winery, Durbanville
- Cost: R100, bookings via Web Tickets
Another family-friendly event, Sundaze is all about music, cocktails, award-winning wines, and a fabulous vibe. Don’t forget your picnic blanket, and remember, the grassy area has no pre-booked seating. First come, gets first dibs.
Also read: The ultimate guide to the Durbanville Winelands
WEST COAST
S.P.I.N. on Killarney’s Spinning Pitch
- Saturday, 27 December, 9am - 5pm
- Venue: Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Table View
- Cost: R95, bookings via Web Tickets
SPIN (Supporting People In Need) hosts another fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled event at Killarney International Raceway. From outrageous stunts to sling-shotting, racing fans are in for a treat.
Phatt on Fleek - Soul Experience
- Saturday, 27 December, noon- 11pm
- Venue: The Ostrich, Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia
- Cost: From R150, bookings via Quicket
A soul-filled day, Phatt Society brings together the best in live entertainment, DJs, and soulful performances. The dress code is Butter Yellow. Show up glowing, confident, and unapologetically you.
CAPE WINELANDS
Arno Carstens Trio live at Triggerfish Brewing
- Saturday, 27 December, 8:30pm - 10:30pm
- Venue: Triggerfish Brewing, Unit 9 W.R. Quinan Blvd, Paardevlei, Somerset West
- Cost: From R250, bookings via Quicket
Celebrated singer and songwriter Arno Carstens’s magnetism is catnip for Millennials of the female species. I remember watching him performing with the Springbok Nude Girls in the basement of a dingy club decades before. I had goosebumps. Now’s your chance to experience this musical genius live.
Are you ready to unwrap a new Christmas surprise every single day? Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City.