Things to do on Women’s Day in Cape Town

Commemorate those of past and celebrate the present

Whether you’re commending acts of a time gone by, celebrating the changes that constructed our present or working toward a better future, there’s plenty of things to do this Women’s Day, Thursday, 9 August 2012, in Cape Town.

This particular South African public holiday is a day on which we remember and commemorate the power of the women who rose up against the legislation that required black South Africans to carry the “pass” (special identification documents linked to the freedom of movement during the Apartheid era). These tenacious women and the countless others who embodied definace in their own manner showed the country and the world the extent of female strength and the resilience.

As they say, “if you strike a woman, you strike a rock.”

Falling on a Thursday this year, Women’s Day provides the opportunity for a relaxing long weekend (just put in for Friday leave), but if you’re looking to paint the town red, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you all the happenings in and around Cape Town.

WEDNESDAY, 8 AUGUST 2012

Queen at the Ballet at the Baxter Theatre (opening night)

Not to be mistaken with a regal homage to Her Majesty the Queen, “Queen at the Ballet”, an athletic rock ballet immortalising the life and music of Freddie Mercury, opens on Wednesday, 8 and runs until Saturday, 18 August 2012. High-flying, action-packed choreography and stunts make this grand dance of the elite a performance to delight all ages. Featuring over 20 of Queen’s greatest hits, the storyline transports audiences on a journey through the life and lovers of Queen’s iconic lead singer. Get rocking with “Queen at the Ballet” for a dance and live music extravaganza like no other.

Tickets: Tickets are available via Computicket and range between R165p/p and R180p/p.

Artscape presents the Women’s Arts Week Festival  

A four day mini-festival – from Wednesday, 8 to Sunday, 11 August 2012 - in honour of the fairer sex, the Artscape’s Women’s Arts Week Festival has a little something for everyone: stage productions, workshops and exhibitions all aimed at unpacking the issues that affect women and society. This year’s topic is ‘Masculinity and Sexual Diversity in our Society’ and the voices of gender advocacy groups, including the Triangle Project, SWEAT, Free Gender and Gender Dynamix, will be leading this year’s debate.

Highlights of the Women’s Day Arts Week Festival

• Dance for a Cure (9-10 August for R120p/p)
• I Stand Corrected (10 – 11 August for R70p/p)
• Die Vagina Monoloë (9-10 August for R90p/p)
• The Eve ‘A celebration of the curve of humanity’ (11 August at R80p/p)
• Pink Drive – ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’ (8-11 August No charge)
• WHEAT Trust Awards Ceremony (11 August No charge)

Tickets: Tickets can be booked for each event separately through Computicket or Dial-A-Seat.

Styled shoot night at Alexander Bar

The lovely people at Alexander Bar are hiring a professional make-up artist and photographer to shoot complimentary professional headshots for one night only in honour of Women’s Day. How much you ask? Gratis, nothing, for free, mahala; get dolled up with your girls for a fun night out and a definite image booster as you get professional photos taken, well, just for the fun of it. Take along any accessories or props, and get snapped in your Sunday best. Booking is essential, and high resolution images of your shoot will be available a few days later.

Tickets: Free
Tel: + 27 (0) 21 300 1088

THURSDAY, 9 AUGUST 2012

“One Night in Cape Town” concert at the GrandWest Arena  

Hilltop Live Productions and MK have allied their forces to bring you a taste of Oppikoppi a little closer to home. Seether, Enter Shikari, Bullet For My Valentine, Eagles of Death Metal, KONGOS and Van Coke Cartel are only a few of the rock powerhouses performing at the GrandWest Grand Arena, this Women’s Day, Thursday, 9 August 2012.

One Night in Cape Town Women’s Day Line-up

• Seether
• Enter Shikari
• Bullet for My Valentine
• Eagles of Death Metal
• Kongos
• Van Coke Kartel 

Tickets: Available at Computicket, Golden circle: R473p/p (Limited tickets remain) | General standing - R420p/p | Seated (Mezzanine blocks G-L) - R380p/p  | Disabled platform - R420p/p (Disabled patrons may buy two tickets, on for themselves and one for a companion, seating will be provided for companions).

Grand Cafe and Beach presents That’s What She Said

It’s going to be the fattest jol in town! That’s What She Said! No really, that’s what the Grand Cafe and Beach said when they got international DJ and Ibiza resident Sarah Main as the headline act for this all ladies DJ line-up for the hottest – and sexiest – party this side of the equator on Thursday, 9 August 2012.

Line-up for That’s What She Said Women’s Day Party

• Sarah Main
• Lady Lea
• Vanessa Holliday
• Kirsti Hugo
• Thalia Sklair
• Emma X
• Lady M
• Funky B
• Tashy
• Trixy T
• Nicole Weitsz
• Shylo

Sisters are doing it for themselves!

Tickets: Tickets are available through Computicket at R150p/p for guys and R100p/p for girls. Obviously.

Bump at The Reserve

Ladies, get your chicas together this Women’s Day for the first Bump party at the swanky nightlife hotspot, The Reserve. This Thursday’s inaugural jol features sexy R&B and hip hop beats brought to you by Oude Meester brandy and some of Cape Town’s hottest DJs.

Line-up for Bump at The Reserve

• Mr Mo
• DJ Thurston
• Guest DJs

 Tickets: FREE entry for the night!

From 4pm to 9pm this Women’s Day, The Lounge in Observatory is putting on an afternoon of fun and entertainment. The down-to-earth jol will feature a range of eclectic local artists.

Line-up for Women’s Day at The Lounge

• Jill Levenberg (jazz performer and activist)
• Khadija Tracey Heeger (poet)
• Oyama Mbopa (dancer and singer)
• Namhla Kalipa (poet)
• Shannon Lewis (operatic artist)
• Franky Heuwel (artistic jeweller)
• DJ Belinda Clarke
• Blaq Pearl

 Tickets: R30p/p

Winter Pedicure and Manicure Specials at EyeCandy 

Treat your feet and fingers to some colour this Women’s Day. You deserve to be spoiled, and luckily, you don’t have to fork out a fortune to do so. EyeCandy has a pedicure and manicure special that will have your toes twinkling and fingers tapping: with every purchase of a deluxe pedicure at R210p/p, you receive a complimentary mini-manicure (valued at R70).

Price: Deluxe pedicure at R210p/p, free mini manicure (valued at R70).

Fundraising events

Fluff out those feathers and get your girls together for these Women's Day fundraising events.

• St Luke’s hospice is hosting a brunch at the Belmont Square Conference Centre in Rondebosch from 10:30am to 1pm Thursday morning
• Sister’s Incorporated is hosting a fundraising tea at Signal Restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel from 2pm.

Each event’s proceeds go directly to the charities involved, and there’s great giveaways and prizes to be won, as well as goodie bags.

Tickets: St Lukes - R220p/p or R2200 per table | Sisters Incorporated – R250p/p or R2500 per table.

FRIDAY, 10 AUGUST 2012

The Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival

Strumming up something of a party at the Fugard Theatre, the Cape Town Folk and Acoustic Music Festival – brought to you by Real Wired Music in association with Sedgwick’s Old Brown – is hitting all the right high notes this Women’s Day weekend - from Friday, 10 to Saturday, 11 August 2012. Set up like the folk concerts of yesteryear, artists perform either duets or solos with nothing but their voices and instruments, an arrangement designed to give the audience a raw and pure performance without all the special effects.

Line-up for the Cape Town Folk and Acoustic Music Festival, 10 to 11 August 2012

• Andre De Villiers
• Andrew James
• Derek Gripper
• Shawn Phillips
• Tina Schouw
• Joshua Grierson
• Larry Joe
• Emma du Preez
• Simon van Gend
• Dave Knowles

Tickets: R160p/p at Computicket.

Not your cup of tea? Don’t fret, check out our winter hot spots with fireplaces, catch the boys and girls in gold at the Olympics at one of our top sporty spots, or go slow and meet the winemakers and their families at the Robertson Slow Food and Wine Festival and  have a look at our overview of Cape Town’s trendy places for further policy directives.

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