Amy Fraser

As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. We're tapping into all the vibes with our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town. Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, special shows and fun events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town🏠 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town 🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town

In the lead-up to Father’s Day, Time Out Cape Town is getting an exclusive inside scoop on what makes the perfect celebration in the Mother City – straight from four local dads who are serving up more than just classic dad jokes (though expect a few of those too). While the perfect Father’s Day might look different from one dad to the next – from slippers and sleep-ins to braais and beach walks – one thing’s for sure: quality time with loved ones is the real gift (no socks required). To celebrate Father’s Day in the Mother City, we asked four local legends (we don't make the rules) – all masters of balancing dad life with doing the most – what makes the day truly unforgettable. There’s Smile FM’s Ryan O’Connor, the voice that wakes up Cape Town with a grin; our very own explorer-in-chief Richard Holmes, always chasing sunsets or discovering the next best thing; Time Out South Africa's Content Director and all-round creative wrangler Andrew Hallett, who is still searching for the perfect beer; and last but never least, Carl Wastie – the man of many hats (and mics), whether he’s lighting up screens on the 'Expresso Show' or spinning good vibes on Kfm. So, what does the ultimate Cape Town Father’s Day look like for them? Spoiler: it’s less about the gifts, and more about the moments. [Haven't made any plans yet? We've got you covered with Things to do in Cape Town for Father's Day]

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. When you hear the word mohawk, there’s a good chance Carl Wastie’s name pops into your head. But beyond the signature hairstyle, it’s his unmistakable voice that’s become a daily soundtrack for many Capetonians. Whether he’s brightening your morning on the Expresso Show, keeping you company on your way home on Kfm, or bringing the energy as an event MC, Carl has earned his place as one of Cape Town’s most dynamic and down-to-earth media personalities. But what does the award-winning presenter get up to when he’s off-air? Time Out Cape Town caught up with Carl to find out how he spends his time in the Mother City. MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS Comedian Alan Committie on his favourite breakfast spot Where designer Sindiso Khumalo shops for gifts Where Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis heads for coffee The GoodLuck guide to Cape Town!

The Waterfront Theatre School brings the South African premiere of the acclaimed West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to the Artscape this July. Inspired by a true story, Everybody's Talking About Jamie explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the strength it takes to live authentically. The production features students from the Waterfront Theatre School and runs from 9 to 19 July.

Located in Johannesburg's Kempton Park district, OR Tambo International Airport is one of the few airports in the world to offer scheduled direct passenger flights to all six inhabited continents. What to expect during your visit: OR Tambo International Airport offers a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers. You'll find everything from banks and pharmacies to an extensive selection of dining options and retail stores. The airport also features six hotels within the precinct, making it easy to rest before or after your journey. For those seeking added comfort, there are five premium lounges available. Lounge operating hours: Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge: domestic departures • Monday to Friday: 5 am to 9 pm • Saturday and Sunday: 6 am to 9 pm Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge: international departures • Open 24 hours Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge: domestic departures • Monday to Friday: 5 am to 9 pm • Saturday and Sunday: 6 am to 9 pm Mashonzha Premium Lounge: international departures • Daily: 7 am to 10 pm Shongololo Premium Lounge: international departures • Daily: 6 am to 10 pm

Nelson Mandela, a global icon of peace and justice, once lived in Soweto, Johannesburg. His former home has since been transformed into Mandela House – a museum dedicated to preserving his legacy. Mandela House is a world-class visitor destination and a leading centre for the preservation, interpretation and research of the historical heritage and legacy of the Mandela family. What to expect during your visit: Before entering the home, the spirit of Ubuntu – a sense of community, compassion, and shared humanity – can be felt in the vibrant atmosphere of the street. Local vendors sell handcrafted cultural items such as beaded jewelry and traditional clothing, while the enticing aroma of local cuisine fills the air. Visitors may also be treated to performances by traditional dancers. Inside the house, guided tours lead visitors through rooms filled with framed photographs, personal letters, and inspirational quotes – each telling a powerful story of Nelson Mandela's life and legacy. Price: Local visitors: • Below 7: Free • 7 to 18: R40 • Older than 18: R100 • 60 and up: R50 • Students: R40 (student card must be presented)   International visitors: • Below 7:Free • 7 to 18: R70 • Older than 18: R180 • 60 and up: R180 • Students: R70 (student card must be presented)

Established in 1904, Johannesburg Zoo has been a beloved attraction for over a century, drawing visitors both from within the city and beyond. What to expect during your visit: The Johannesburg Zoo is home to more than 320 animal species including birds and primates, with a total population of around 2,000 animals. It features 10 exhibits: • Amazonia • AngloGold Lion Enclosure • Animal of the Amazon • Ape House • Cheetah Slopes • Crocodile Country • Education Centre • Farm Yard • Madagascar • Reptile House   Price: • Adult: R126 • Child: R74 • Senior citizens: R74 • Differently abled: R47   Time: • Monday to Sunday (public holidays included): 8:30 am to 5:30 pm  

Located on Durban’s iconic Golden Mile, Suncoast Durban is a vibrant hub of excitement and entertainment – perfect for thrill-seekers, families and food lovers alike. What to expect during your visit: Step into the 24-hour Suncoast Casino, where you’ll find over 1,600 slot machines and 61 gaming tables, featuring popular games like Blackjack, Poker, Roulette and Baccarat. The fun doesn’t stop there – Suncoast offers a wide range of entertainment options for the whole family, including outdoor play areas, cinemas and live performances at the Barnyard Theatre. Feeling hungry? You’re spoiled for choice with 14 restaurants and 10 fast food outlets, offering everything from quick bites to gourmet dining.

For endless fun and excitement for kids and families in and around Johannesburg, look no further than Gold Reef City Theme Park. Voted the city’s most loved and coolest entertainment destination, it offers something for everyone. Thrill-seekers will be spoiled for choice with a wide range of adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. What to expect during your visit: Set against the backdrop of the gold rush era, the park features six adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, seven family-friendly rides and 21 dedicated kids' rides.    Visitors can also enjoy Jump City Trampoline Park, explore 12 diverse dining options, browse multiple retail stores and discover 15 additional attractions – all in one destination. Time: • Monday to Wednesday: Closed  • Thursday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm   Price: • General admission: R295 per person • Children under three: free   Good to know: Tickets can only be purchased online.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, South Africa’s two premier classical ballet companies – Cape Town City Ballet and Joburg Ballet – will unite to present the timeless classic Swan Lake on tour. This landmark collaboration will take place at Cape Town’s CTICC from 25 to 27 July. Each performance lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.  

Located within the historic Durban City Hall, the Durban Natural Science Museum serves as a vibrant centre for research, education and conservation. What to expect during your visit: Explore fascinating exhibitions through both self-guided and guided tours of the museum's galleries. Highlights include a rare, nearly complete dodo skeleton – one of the only specimens of its kind in the world – alongside diverse displays showcasing natural history, paleontology and biodiversity. Time: • Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 3:45 pm • Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm Price: • Free

The Playhouse Company is Durban’s premier entertainment and theatre complex. What to expect during your visit: Located in the heart of Durban, The Playhouse Company is a vibrant hub for performing arts, offering a rich blend of local and international productions. The complex features three distinct theatre spaces: • Opera Theatre: seating 1,224 guests • Drama Theatre: seating 468 guests • Loft Theatre: an intimate space seating 136 guests In addition to hosting its own acclaimed productions, The Playhouse is available for hire, making it a versatile venue for both small-scale performances and large productions. The facility also includes a state-of-the-art recording studio, spacious enough to accommodate a full orchestra.

Shakatak, the renowned English jazz-funk group, will be back in Cape Town for a one-night performance on Saturday, 28 June 2025. The show takes place at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, with doors opening at 7 pm and the music starting at 8 pm.

Located directly opposite the Durban ICC, the Durban Exhibition Centre is a versatile, multi-purpose venue ideal for exhibitions, conferences, weddings and banquets. It regularly hosts a range of prestigious events, including the renowned East Coast Radio House & Garden Show. What to expect during your visit: The venue features two expansive halls with a combined capacity of over 8,000 people. In addition, it offers several smaller halls, professional catering facilities, open plazas and gardens. Price: Pricing depends on the type of event being hosted at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Kommetjie is home to two tidal pools: Soetwater 1 and Soetwater 2. What to expect during your visit: Nestled along the rugged Atlantic coastline just a short drive from the iconic Slangkop Lighthouse, the Soetwater tidal pools offer a safe and refreshing swimming experience on the rocky shores of Kommetjie. In addition to the pools, visitors can enjoy well-maintained braai and picnic areas – perfect for a relaxing day out by the sea.

At the prestigious 2025 International Wine Challenge (IWC), Le Grand Domaine in Stellenbosch claimed top honours! Le Grand Domaine beat off competition from wineries in the Bordeaux, Napa and Coonawarra regions by winning both the 'International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy' and the 'South African Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy' for its Le Grand Vin de Stellenbosch “La Grande Sélection” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vintage. Judges praised the wine as: “Dense, youthful colour. Cassis, blackcurrant, leafy black pepper and bouquet garni. Savoury, graphite lead, dark fruits with tar and mulberries over a tight, restrained, dry, lightly spiced finish.” PR companyLe Grand Domaine - Debbie Thompson and Harvest 2025 team “We are very pleased, indeed, with this outstanding result,” said Bernard Fontannaz, owner and founder of Le Grand Domaine. Winemaker Debbie Thompson, who joined the winery in 2020, added: “The IWC award is a powerful endorsement of what we’re quietly accomplishing at Le Grand Domaine.” Where is Le Grand Domaine Wines located? Le Grand Domaine sits atop the Devon Valley and overlooks the Stellenbosch mountains. Despite being relatively unknown, Devon Valley has seen the cultivation of vines since the 18th century. Looking to explore more of Cape Town's award-winning wine farms? We've got you covered with our 13 top picks. TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Tow

It may be winter in Cape Town, but Khayelitsha Fashion Week (KFW) is turning up the heat. Now in its 10th year, the event is not only a celebration of style – it’s a powerful platform for rising local talent.  Hosted at the Artscape theatre, this year's edition is shining a spotlight on emerging designers, models, and photographers from in and around the township, giving them a stage to share their boldest and brightest creations. Over the past decade, KFW has been a trailblazer in challenging stereotypes and creating space for underrepresented voices in fashion. “This is where we celebrate the creatives of our township, where we celebrate fashion as a whole,” says Bongani Matenjwa, Director of Khayelitsha Fashion Week. “So this platform, to me, means a lot.” Instagram: Khayelitsha Fashion Week Matenjwa adds that KFW is especially meaningful because it’s opening doors for rural and township-based talent – many of whom have had little to no exposure to the fashion world. Most of their models had never set foot on a runway he says, but after just two months of training, people who never imagined themselves in fashion now confidently own the catwalk. Khayelitsha Fashion Week will take place at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 June, from 12 pm. Tickets are priced between R150 and R250.   TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has confirmed that the wandering elephant seal, now affectionately known as Gordy, has hauled out again – this time at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town following quite the swim across False Bay. Google Maps Gordy made his first appearance on Tuesday, 27 May in Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town, during the early hours of the morning. He was discovered lounging alongside Sir Lowry’s Pass Road. What followed was a nearly nine-hour rescue option. “Wild animals don’t always follow the script, and this seal’s unexpected journey into a residential area created real cause for concern,” said Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. SPCA Now, the SPCA has given an update, sharing that the internet sensation has made his return to land, but is in a safe and secure location with no immediate threats to his well-being. They'll continue to keep a close eye on his condition.  In case you missed it, take a look at Gordy making his unexpected visit in Gordon's Bay earlier this week: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) If you spot any similar incidents, call 0217004158/9. They are available on this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  And on a lighter note - our sister publication Time Out Johannesburg had a bit of fun tapping into Gordy's wanderlust, read more about it here. TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best break