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Things to do for the Heritage Day Weekend in Cape Town
Celebrate your diversity and make the most out of a long National Braai Day weekend
Monday, 24 September 2012 is Heritage Day, a South African public holiday that celebrates our rainbow nation’s diversity, and that calls on South Africans to unite despite their differences.
Nicknamed National Braai Day in 2005 as a result of a pointed media campaign lead by Jan Braai, the day traditionally sees families, friends and strangers unite over webers, drums and potjies to share in two of South Africa’s favourite past-times: meat and fire! Luckily, even if you don’t have an outdoor area, there are plenty of braai spots in Cape Town to chisa nyama, and if you’re a braai novice, have a look at Jan Braai’s top tips to get you sizzling.
Furthermore, since Heritage Day falls on a Monday this year, it provides a relaxing long weekend – a great mid-year break – so whether you’re painting the town red or leaving it behind in (it’s a perfect time for getaway), we’ve put together a guide to give you all the happenings in and around Cape Town.
FRIDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2012
This legendary three-day trance festival is back at Nekkies Resort near Worcester, signalling the start of the illustrious Cape Town trance season. Taking place from Friday, 21 to Sunday, 23 September 2012, this tricked-out outdoor jol is, as always, just as committed to manufacturing non-stop, mind-bending beats as it is to fostering peace and harmony.
Tickets: Tickets are available via Webtickets.co.za and various retailers; tickets range between R280p/p and R400p/p.
This week-long festival kicks off on Saturday 15, and runs until Sunday, 23 September 2012. The event pays homage to the Mother City’s creativity by calling on artists, advertisers, architects, authors and locals to come together to utilise the people and public places in this vibrant city. The headline acts for this year are the Architecture ZA 2012 Biennial Festival (and after party), the Loeries and the Open Book Festival; though, there are a host of events happening in the CBD as perfect for lunch hour inspiration as they are for longer contemplation.
- Parklets – Stroll through the city and discover spots transformed into parklets – ‘reclaimed’ and ‘renamed’ parking spaces made over into mini parks. These installations aim to encourage Capetonians to use greener modes of transport in light of International Car Free Day on Saturday, 22 September 2012.
- Have your say – Artist and TED Fellow Candy Chang engaged with her neighbours in New Orleans with the ‘Before I die...’ installation, a project that erected blackboards and encouraged participants to fill in the blank with their ambitions. Take part in this worldwide movement during Creative Week.
- WikiLovesMonuments – Take part in this exciting national photographic competition, a movement that celebrates our heritage through our monuments. Snap Cape Town’s monuments during your lunch time and stand a chance to win some great prizes.
- Open for Lunch – Get down to Harrington Street for great vibes and even better food; retro food trucks will set-up shop in The Fringe district for the duration of Creative Week (and every Thursday thereafter).
Tickets: Tickets can be booked for each event separately. Check the Creativeweekct.co.za for more information.
The Open Book Festival is back for a second year to promote a love for literature and to showcase South African writing. The festival, which runs from Thursday, 20 to Monday, 24 September 2012, is predominately based at the Fugard Theatre, but smaller scale events will also be held at various other venues in Cape Town. After the success of the 2011 festival, this year sees over 100 events that feature over 100 local and international authors over the five days. Featuring workshops, poetry readings and even a comic-book event, this festival has something for everyone.
This year, the school programme will run separately – from Monday, 17 to Wednesday, 19 September – to the main event to give students an exclusive experience.
Tickets: Tickets can be booked for each event separately and range between R30p/p and R40p/p; tickets are available through Webtickets.co.za and the Fugard Theatre. Furthermore, the Book Lounge has special ticket packages on offer.
Get down and dirty, and stomp to the drum and bass beats at the Friday Night Side Show at The Side Show (former Fez club) on Friday, 21 September 2012. Expect a thunderhead of mayhem, lithe dancers and a hot DJ line-up to get your Heritage Day weekend off to a banging start.
Tickets: Tickets are R50p/p, doors open at 10pm and the guest list closes at 11pm. Make sure you bring your ID, no ID, no entry. Strictly no under 18s.
Sure Thing Fridays at The Dragon Room
Groove to hypnotic, sultry beats at the Sure Thing party at The Dragon Room (former Chevelle club) on Friday, 21 September 2012. Serving progressive house, electro and swing in plush and stylish setting, this Harrington Street club boasts four full service bars, two dance floors and indulgent VIP private booths.
Tickets: Tickets are R30p/p, doors open at 10pm and the guest list closes at 11pm. For table bookings or function bookings contact abby@nawtymedia.net, book early to avoid disappointment. No guys under 20 and no girls under 19, ID's required.
Charlie King gig at Villa Pascal
Charlie King, former lead singer of Diamond Back Blues Band, is set to perform alongside guitarist Sven Blumer at Durbanville’s Villa Pascal - the only theatre in a house – on Friday, 21 September 2012. Known in blues circles as one of the country’s most formidable female vocalists, King is set to soothe audiences with her smoky voice in this relaxed atmosphere. Book your spot and make a night of it, patrons are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and wine – no corkage will be charged.
Tickets: Tickets are R100p/p.
Abdullah Ibrahim plays solo at Cape Town Waterfront art gallery
Cape Town born and internationally acclaimed pianist and composer, Abdullah Ibrahim, will perform a series of one-man piano concerts at the Everard Read Gallery at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, from Tuesday, 18 September until Saturday, 22 September 2012.
Known as one of the founders of the sub-genre Cape Jazz, this living legend will provide the soundtrack to the visual aesthetics of the art gallery. Catch this maestro before he departs for the shores of the Land of the Rising Sun, Tokyo.
Tickets: Tickets are available through Computicket.com at R250p/p. Seating is limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Order and Division Exhibition at Brundyn + Gonsalves
Get your dose of art and culture at the Brundyn + Gonsalves Gallery (formerly iArt), the aesthetic space is currently showcasing the hyper-realistic oil painting exhibition, ‘Order and Division’, by Stellenbosch artist Gina Heyer. The exhibition explores and dissects the skeleton of a school building, taking the viewer through corridors, bathrooms and landings, depicting the sterility and coldness of these institutions.
Tickets: Access to the gallery is free, Brundyn + Gonsalves is open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm and on Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.
SATURDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2012
The Livingspace Bridal Experience
Not your everyday wedding planning affair, the Livingspace Bridal Experience – hosted at the exclusive Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa – will take place on Saturday, 22 September 2012 from 10am to 6pm. This expo-workshop combination looks to give brides and grooms-to-be an opulent taste of what their big day could be like.
Tickets: Tickets to the expo only are available through Webtickets at R100p/p and R150 per couple. While tickets for the workshop, including entry to the expo, are R150p/p or R250 per couple. Accomodation, including breakfast and entry to the workshop is R1800 per couple.
SUNDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
Heritage Day Potjiekos Challenge at Noordhoek Farm Village
Get your potjies and spoons ready for the Heritage Day Potjiekos Challenge at Noordhoek Farm Village. Taking place on Sunday, 23 September 2012, the cook-off pits restaraunts from the area - The Toad, The Foodbarn and Café Roux – against teams of stew-savvy locals. This is the ultimate test for those who claim to be masters of this traditional South African culinary past-time.
Tickets: Entry to the Farm Village and competition are free. Samples of the potjies are R20 per plate per person.
Kegs vs. Corks Six-Course Food, Wine and Craft Beer Menu at Galbi
In celebration of the sexier, more versatile side of braai, Galbi, Cape Town’s only interactive Korean barbeque joint, is inviting locals for a six-course food, wine and craft beer pairing on Heritage Day Eve. The DIY braai restaurant will dish up pre-marinated mains primed for the grill, and patrons can cook tiger prawns, eland fillet and more over a personal braai in the centre of their table. The utmost care has gone into creating the perfect food and drink pairing, and thus diners can look forward to a delectable – if not, daring – evening.
Tickets: Booking is essential as seating is extremely limited (45 persons). Tickets cost R175 p/p and include all food and drink on the menu; additional beverages are for diners’ own account.
Open Air Art Exhibition at Imhoff Farm Village
Take a walk through the Imhoff Farm Village in Noordhoek on Sunday, 23 September 2012 for the inaugural Open Air Art Exhibition. The showcase features work by a range of artists exhibiting, and even if you’re not feeling aesthetic, stop off at one of the three restaurants in the village for a bite to eat and a glass (or three) of great wine.
MONDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
Heritage Day Brunch + Braai Platter at Café Extrablatt
Open bright and early on Heritage Day morning (9am), this Green Point café happens to claim one of the most affordable all you can eat brunch buffets this side of the equator (R99.95). An assortment of freshly-baked croissants, eggs any way you want ‘em, cold meat and cheese platters and fresh fruit will be on offer alongside a festive gammon roast. And additionally, in honour of National Braai Day, the German import (the eatery is prolific in Deutschland) will dish up a collection braai trimmings (boerewors, chicken drumsticks, lamp chops, potato salad and a small mixed salad).
Tickets: Extrablatt's brunch buffet is served from 9am to 2pm and costs R99.95. Booking is recommended, but not essential.
The 2012 Bosman Wine Release on Heritage Day
Sample sterling new Bosman vintages at this annual and much-anticipated wine release, held at the Bosman Family Vineyards’ historic estate, Lelienfontein, in Wellington on Monday, 24 September 2012.
For starters, the Heritage Day affair kicks off with a tasting journey in the winery’s centuries-old cellar, a sampling session during which each of the new releases will be paired with canapés. Soon after, an al fresco lunch comprised of various decadent dishes and barbequed bites will be served under the grand oaks on the estate.
Tickets: Tickets are available through Computicket.com at R300p/p and include lunch, the various events and sampling sessions. Places are limited to 250 spots, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.
La Vie Restaurant’s Heritage Day Braai
Laze the afternoon and evening away with a traditional South African braai at this longstanding Sea Point eatery, or as the restaurant’s owner, Catherine Malan, says, “Yizo tyanathi iTshisanyama (come braai with us)!!!” Known for its sweeping 180-degree ocean views and relaxed, vibrant atmosphere, La Vie will be firing up the grill and offering diners a buffet-style selection of meats and fish (think boerewors, ribs, chops, steak, snoek and chicken) as well as salads and ‘pap en sous’ (maize meal and sauce) with mielies (corn). Promotions and gift givings will also be on the cards, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets: The meal costs R99 p/p, and payment can be made on the day. Be sure to book in advance, as seating is limited (Tel: +27 (0) 82 808 2456).
Hazendal Wine Estate’s DIY Braai Day Celebration
For those who insist on holding fast to their braai master status, but who don’t have space at home to fire up the grill, Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is offering the perfect solution. The farm, with its sprawling lawns, mountain vistas and charming Cape Dutch architecture, is hosting a family-friendly DIY Braai Day Celebration from 11am to 5pm. Pack your meat, drinks, blankets and braai grids, and picnic on the estate’s gorgeous green. Salads (green salad, potato salad and potato salad) will be available at R15 per adult, and the farm will provide wood and ice. What’s more, jumping castles and jungle gyms will be set up for the little ones, and cool drinks (and of course, Hazendal wine) can be purchased from the restaurant.
Tickets: Entrance to the estate costs R50 p/p, and includes wood and ice. A helping of salad is available for R15 per adult.
Boerie and Pinotage at Avontuur Estate
Known as the home of fast horses and fine wine, Avontuur Estate in the Helderberg hills is putting out the friendship table for Heritage Day on Monday, 24 September 2012. Guests are invited to plonk down at the wine farm’s down-to-earth restaurant between 11am and 3pm for a gourmet boerie and a big glass of their Pinotage for only R50p/p. No booking is required, at the friendship table, there’s always a spot for one more.
Tickets: Entrance to the estate is free; it costs R50p/p for a boerie and a glass of Pinotage.
Trail Run and Family Fun at Steenberg Vineyards
Head down to the Constantia Valley for a day of family, fitness and fun at the Steenberg Vinyeards this Heritage Day. The wine farm’s annual trail run takes runners on a scenic route through the vineyards, and the participants are encouraged to don costumes for the fancy dress competition – a contest in which entrants stand a chance to win their weight in Steenberg wine. Trail Run entries cost R230p/p, and includes a donation to the SPCA and a goody bag along with a bottle Klein Steenberg wine. Not your cup of tea? The team at Steenberg restaurant is whipping up boerie rolls, “Steenburgers” and picnic baskets packed with traditional South African gourmet goodies. Picnic baskets are R350 per couple and booking is essential; to book, contact Lida on 021 713 2211 or email lida@steenbrg.co.za.
Tickets: Entry for the Trail Run costs R230p/p; participants can enter online through Topevents.co.za. Picnic baskets are R350 per couple. Booking is essential.
Tickets: Entrance to the Imhoff Farm Village is free.
National Braai Day Celebration at Hamiltons Rugby Club
Savanna and Good Hope FM present a show to rock your socks off: National Braai Day Celebration featuring live music by MiCasa, Jack Parow, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Bed on Bricks and Me & Mr Brown at the Hamiltons Rugby Club in Green Point this Heritage Day. Tickets cost R80p/p, and include a free Kameelhout boerewors roll and a Savanna Cider; if that doesn’t satiate your appetite, braai food and drinks will be on sale. Doors open at 10am, and the live music starts at 1pm.
Please note: No under 18s, bring your I.D. No weapons, alcohol and illegal drugs will be allowed.
Tickets: Tickets cost R80p/p and are available on Webtickets.com; for more information contact Anneke on +27 (0) 72 110 4350 or events@braai.com.
Underground Tunnel Tours in Cape Town
Swap the scenic beaches and winelands for a city tour that delves beneath the streets of the Mother City into tunnels that date back to the mid 1600s. During the days of “Little Amsterdam” – as Cape Town was commonly known – canals and rivers ran through the city supplying fresh mountain water to ships and the Company Gardens. These canals were later covered and now lay dormant beneath the city. Grab your headlamps and sense of adventure for a journey through time and tunnels to discover Cape Town’s underbelly.
Tickets: Prices include entrance to the Castle of Good Hope and spots are limited to 24 people per adventure. Tickets are R225p/p and R175p/p for children under 18.
Founded in 1975 by a group of musicians, the Barleycorn Music Club has become an institution and the perfect way to banish the Monday blues. Run by a dedicated group of volunteers, the club has been an integral part of forging the way forward for many South African greats; David Kramer (who recorded his first CD at the club there), Flat Stanley, Amapondo, Freshlyground and many more.
Tickets: Get there early to get a seat; tickets are R20p/p for member and R30p/p for non-members. Drinks and snacks are available at the club.
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