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For R150 you’re getting theatre, acrobatics & a family experience
Cape Town's 7 things to do this weekend
Ocean fest, drag night, kids reptile show & a lot more
Latest update: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Besties, winter’s got nothing on this week’s lineup. There’s an ocean festival in Plett, a classic Jack and the Beanstalk show, French fest with wine tastings, orchestra ensemble with Mandisi Dyantyis, reptile show for kids, and a drag night at the V&A. Plus, 20+ more things to do anytime.
WEEK-LONG PLETT OCEAN FESTIVAL
Winter is the best time of year to visit Plettenberg Bay. It’s sunny with clear skies and the whales arrive for their annual migration. And it’s the Plett Ocean Festival, which celebrates marine life with ocean safaris, whale watching, kayak tours, guided walks and beach clean ups. We’ve unpacked the Plett Ocean Festival (including where to eat & stay).
Date: Friday, 4 July to Sunday, 13 July 2025
Cost: Some activities are free; others from R200
Plett Ocean Festival | Plettenberg Bay | 044 533 4065 | info@pletttourism.com | Instagram | Image: Porche Saayman
OYSTER FESTIVAL WITH 80+ EVENTS
It’s known as the Garden Route’s cultural highlight of the year. But did you know that it has a Beer and Burger Festival too? A classic car show, padel sessions, or kids art jamming? There’s 80+ workshops, sports competitions, foodie festivals, and of course, oysters. See our guide to Knysna Oyster Festival.
Date: 4-13 July 2025
Cost: Varies per event
044 382 5510 | info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za | @knysnaoysterfestival | Image: Knysna Oyster Festival
CHILDHOOD CLASSIC LIVE AT BAXTER
KickstArt Theatre, which has garnered over 170 local and national awards, is performing Jack and the Beanstalk. With July holidays in full swing, you can catch the show live at the Baxter for a limited 24-day only run. Starring William Young as Jack, Roshanda Lewis as Jill, and Blessing Xaba (who played Fatty in Spud) as Jack’s comedic, long-suffering mother.
Date: 8 - 27 July, various times
Cost: Tickets from R210, book via Webtickets
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Pam Golding Theatre | Baxter Theatre Centre | Main Road | Rondebosch | @baxtertheatre | Image: The Baxter Theatre Centre
LIVE SYMPHONY SHOW
Mandisi Dyantyis's Symphonic Celebration is an exclusive ensemble experience in collaboration with Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Compositions from Cwaka and Somandla will be performed with a full 65-piece symphony orchestra, with a few of Mandisi’s pieces adapted specially for this performance.
Date: 11 - 12 July; 8pm
Cost: Tickets from R150, book via Webtickets
Artscape | Opera House | D.F. Malan Street | Foreshore | @capetownphilharmonic | Image: Mandisi Dyantyis
FRENCH FESTIVAL IN FRANSCHOEK
The Franschhoek Bastille Festival is all about celebrating French heritage. There’ll be wine, cheese tastings, food stalls, and live entertainment. Your ticket includes a wine glass, 10 tasting tokens, and access to the exclusive Uncorked Experience (a curated wine tasting experience).
Date: Saturday, 12 July; 11am to 5pm, Sunday, 13 July; 11am to 4pm
Cost: R390, book via Webtickets 
Festival entrance is off Church Street just past Celebration Square | Franschhoek | @franschhoeksa | Image: Unsplash
REPTILE SHOW FOR KIDS
The Kids Factory playpark in Brackenfell is hosting Tails & Scales, an interactive reptile show for kids. Little ones can see snakes, geckos, tortoises and more. Entry is R25 per child and adult, and R75 for the full reptile show and playtime experience.
Date: Wednesday, 9 July; 11am to 1pm
Cost: R25 entry per person; R75 for reptile show + play time, book via Howler
Kids Factory | 17 Bottelary Road | Brackenfell South | @kidsfactoryrsa | Image: Unsplash
A NIGHT OF DRAG AT THE V&A
Time Out Market is hosting its third Night of the Queens, a drag showcase featuring the stars of Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. Expect a night of fierce and glamorous over-the-top live performances. Arrive at 6pm for some bubbly and to mingle with the queens before showtime.
Date: Thursday, 10 July; 7pm
Cost: Tickets from R150, book via Howler
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Time Out Market | Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @timeoutmarketcapetown | Image: Time Out Market Cape Town
DRAG MUSICAL AT THE ARTSCAPE
Artscape Theatre is hosting a musical performance of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. The show is based on a true story about a boy who dreams of becoming a drag queen. It’s high energy and heart tugging at the same time.
Date: 9 - 19 July, various times
Cost: Tickets from R150, book via Webtickets
32 Rua Vasco Da Gama Plain | City Centre | @artscapetheatre | Image: Artscape Theatre Arena
MIND, BODY & SOUL EXPERIENCE
The Human Consciousness Exhibit is the world’s first immersive health and wellness experience. Hosted by InUWell at the V&A Waterfront, the experience combines science, technology, and relaxation. There’ll be free full body health scans, cold-water immersions, digital subtraction skin analysis, and more.
Date: Wednesdays to Sundays, until 31 August; 4pm to 5pm & 6pm to 7pm sessions
Cost: Tickets from R250, book via Quicket
InUWell | Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre | V&A Waterfront | Green Point | @in.uwell | Image: InUWell
WEEKLY CHESS ON THE BEACH
Every Sunday, Cape Chess Club takes over the sandpit at Seaweed and Salt and brings an afternoon of Chess on the Beach. It’s a digital detox, where you can play a variety of board games, including chess, and sip on drink specials.
Date: Every Sunday, 2pm to 5pm
Cost: R40 registration fee
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Seaweed and Salt | 75 Main Road | Kalk Bay | @seaweed_and_salt_kalkbay | Image: Seaweed and Salt
21 THINGS TO DO AT SPIER WINE FARM
Think you know Spier Wine Farm? It’s one of the top wine estates in Stellenbosch, but have you seen its 21 Cape Dutch gables and the wine collection named after them? Or the 3,500+ art pieces (including a mieliepap replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà), the art gallery-like tasting room, singing stones, or the wildflower walk across the bridge? Rediscover Spier with these 21 unique experiences.
Date: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Cost: Varies
R310 Stellenbosch | Western Cape | 021 809 1100 | info@spier.co.za | @spierwinefarm | Image: Spier
POLISH AN ACTUAL DIAMOND
This experience is a glamorous journey through the history and craftsmanship of diamonds. There’s a hidden diamond chamber, gin and chocolate tasting, and you can even polish your own diamond. There are three tour options (one of them is free) at the Shimansky Diamond Experience.
Date: Monday - Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Cost: Free - R1 900 (three tour options)
The Rockwell All Suite Hotel | Corner of Prestwich & Alfred Streets | Green Point | @shimanskyjewellery | Image: Shimansky
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 3pm
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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Explore these special Cape Town rooftop bars.
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Here are 100+ bucket list adventures in Cape Town.
Say hello to 2024 on New Year’s Day with Sexy Groovy Love’s The Beach.
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