7 Things to do this week(end)

There’s lots to do! Watch an outdoor movie, see art, go diving with sharks + lots more

Last updated: Tuesday, 26 October 2021

It’s spring and the weather is warming up. We have a great selection of things to do outdoors this weekend: picnic at an enchanting garden with a river or have a picnic basket prepared for you by a deli. You could even book a movie beneath the stars in a botanical garden or on a wine farm. If you’re not quite ready for the outdoors, there are some excellent exhibitions on at the moment or grab this koesister special in Athlone on Sunday. Plus be sure to attend the Kite Festival before it ends – it will leave the whole family smiling.

 

FLY FOR A CAUSE AT THE KITE FEST

The Cape Town Kite Festival is back! From 2 October to 31 October, 2021, join a variety of online discussions and kite-making workshops, plus you’ll see plenty of colourful, eye-catching kites. Bringing continued awareness to mental health is the main goal of the 2021 Cape Town International Kite Festival.

Date: 2 to 31 October 2021

SPEND MOVIE NIGHT AT THE GALILEO

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back with a range of new movies from the 21 October 2021 - 24 April 2022. Picnic as the sun sets in a botanical garden or on a wine farm with new movies or well-loved classics. You can also opt for the Galileo Royale, which has screenings on the first Wednesday of every month and offers a 5-star viewing experience. Don’t miss out on this unique movie experience this spring / summer at The Galileo. 

Date: 21 October 2021 - 24 April 2022. The Galileo Picnic runs every Thursday to Sunday and The Galileo Royale, runs on the first Wednesday of every month
Cost: From R109

GRAB KOESISTERS AND AKNI IN ATHLONE

A new fast-food joint in Athlone promises “Cape Flats soul food”, everything from masala steak salomies and falooda to burgers and pizza. It has a Sunday special, where you can get chicken akni for R70 or 6 koesisters for R20. Experience food made by Cape Flats locals at The Roadhouse. 

 

SEE TINY PORTRAITS WITH BIG ATTITUDE

South African-born, award-winning artist Nic Fredman presents two decades of oil paintings and mixed media in a show entitled Nic Fredman: A Retrospective from 30 October, 2021 - 30 November 2021 at Spin Street Gallery. Works on show include small panoramic landscapes produced over the last 3 years, many of them during the various Covid lockdowns.

Spin Street Gallery, 6 Spin Street | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 461 0666 | nicfredman.com  

BOOK AN UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

The Two Oceans Aquarium has just launched its PADI-certified dive school, which means it is a fully fledged Dive Resort. It offers a range of diving certifications that will qualify you to dive anywhere in the world. You can sign up for refresher courses, the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver, as well as other PADI speciality scuba courses. Kids from 10-years of age can do it. Whether you are a novice or expert driver, you can find a course that suits you with the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Date: Check the website to see dates for courses: aquarium.co.za/diving
Cost: From R1 850 per person

 

TRY A FAIRYTALE ESCAPE IN NEWLANDS

Be enchanted by this garden in the heart of Newlands. With a river that runs through it, picnic tables and chairs made out of tree stumps and meandering trails, The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a great spot for your next family outing. You can also walk with the dogs or just enjoy a quick and serene escape from the city without even needing to leave it. Escape to a natural paradise in the middle of the city at The Upper Liesbeek River Garden.

Riverside Road, Newlands | Cape Town | info@rivergarden.org.za

CHURCH STREET GOES GOLD

A unique, black-owned space dedicated to housing some of Cape Town’s creatives, Church opened its doors on 7 October, 2021. Conceived as an unconventional art space where the rules are thrown out of the window, it is a space that is constantly changing to provide a platform for artists to take risks, test their boundaries and share ideas or conversations that are relevant to the current socio-political climate. Rich now, go and see Thania Petersen’s installation, Garden of Passion Gaps. To experience this artistic enlightenment, visit Church.

36 Church Street | Cape Town City Centre | info@church.co.za 
 

BE TRANSPORTED BY IRIDESCENT ART

Inspired by stained-glass church windows, South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga’s iiNyanga Zonyaka exhibition, on at the Norval Foundation, is inspired by black female pioneers. It’s vibrant and rich with meaning. There are three more remarkable exhibitions running simultaneously, and don’t forget the Sculpture Garden. See Athi-Patra Ruga's rainbow artwork and more at Norval Foundation.

Date: 2 September - 14 March 2022 (Athi-Patra Ruga exhibition), the Sculpture Garden can be viewed all year round.
Cost: R180 for an annual unlimited access pass (no once-off tickets sold)
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am - 5:30pm; Tuesdays, closed

4 Steenberg Rd, Steenberg Estate | 087 654 5900 | www.norvalfoundation.org 

SEE RICH MNISI'S BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE 

Fashion prodigy Rich Mnisi has a captivating solo show of collectible furniture pieces at the Southern Guild until February 2022. His pieces draw inspiration from the snake his mother saw in a dream, his African heritage and explore the concept of fluidity. It’s free to see. It’s free to see Rich Mnisi’s Nyoka. 

Date: 2 October 2021 to 4 February 2022
Cost: free

TEAM BUILDING FOR VIRTUAL TEAM, ANYWHERE

Get your crew to escape online every Wednesday and Friday from wherever they are. Your remote working team can prove their innocence in the online escape room game, Framed! Or, find lost jewels before they enter the black market in Detective Mystery. Every team member is vital to your survival (win). Can you solve the riddles and puzzles in HintHunt Online Escape Room Games? 

Date: The Online Escape Room Games run from Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 5:30pm

ENJOY A STATE-OF-THE-ART WINE TASTING 

Spring has sprung, as the famous saying goes, and one of the best destinations to earmark for an outing is La Motte wine estate. Not only does it have a lovely leafy garden where you can dine, it also has a state-of-the-art wine-tasting facility attached to the impressive cellar where you can settle in to taste the range of wines, from current vintages to more rare and limited edition wines. 

Date: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

SIT IN A CHIC CAFÉ AT THE OLD FOUNDRY HOTEL 

The Old Foundry Hotel has both private and intimate spaces that ooze old-world charm. Plus, it's in Cape Town city centre with its rich culinary and wine scene and active arts and culture sector, which means it's a destination that gives visitors plenty of entertainment choices. The Old Foundry's rooms are luxurious, spacious and peaceful. You can also have self-sufficiency, as some suites have a small kitchen at the Old Foundry Hotel.

Date: Monday - Sunday

WATCH BIRDS AND MONKEYS PLAY

All ages are welcome to pay a visit to the wild birds and playful monkeys in Hout Bay. There are over 3 000 birds and small animals to visit. Expect to see some of the world’s most beautiful birds plus a playground and picnic area next to the flamingos at the World of Birds. You could also do more activities from finding hidden treasure at the scratch patch, play in a room made of trampolines or discover 37 more things to do with the kids.

Date: Daily, all year 9am to 5pm (keep an eye out for feeding times).
Cost: For adults, it’s R130p/p and R50p/p for children.
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ROAM THE CITY FOR FOOD, WINE + GIN

Cape Town, and everything around it, is full of cultural gems, wine estates that are off the general radar and pretty natural spots to access. Kiff Kombi Tours offers a range of interesting, knowledgeable and fun tours that are perfect for an outing in your own city. Pair these tours with activities like clay shooting, bubble soccer and paintball matches. What’s more, look at the range of bachelorette, bachelor’s and events Kiff Kombi Tours offers.

Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: 8am - 6pm 

 

ENJOY A SPRING PICNIC

Picnic Café & Deli at Montebello Design Centre in Newlands has a novel concept. When you order your food from the deli counter, it'll come in a picnic basket. You can choose to have it at one of the tables under the trees (some with couches, others with chairs) or you can take a blanket and find a more secluded spot around the centre. There is also a play area for kids and games for the older crowd to play at the Picnic Café & Deli.

Date: Mondays to Sundays
Hours: 7am till 4pm
You may also like: discovering hidden sculptures and playing in a giant bamboo fort at Little Stream Farmhouse Deli 

WAKE TO FRESH FRUIT AND WAVES IN HERMANUS 

Head to Hermanus Guest House. The guest house has views of the sea forever and is a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the centre of town. A big plus is that the town is surrounded by South Africa's top wine farms, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. But if all you want to do is sleep and stay put, this is the place. You'll feel like you're in Greece or Croatia at Hermanus Guest House.

Date: Booking required online via www.hermanusguesthouse.co.za.
Cost: from R2250

CAN YOU SURVIVE THESE TRICKY ESCAPE ROOMS?

Kick start your weekend by solving live escape room challenges. Can you escape a disintegrating shipwreck, find cursed treasured scattered along the decks of a decrepit ship or solve the mysterious murder of Mr O before you perish in a crumbling hotel room? Every team member is vital to your survival (win). Can you solve the riddles and puzzles at HintHunt Africa in the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront? 

Date: Wednesday - Sunday
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10am - 5:30pm; Sunday, 10am - 4pm

 

SLEEP IN A NEW YORK-STYLE CONDO

Cartel House Hotel in Cape Town's bustling CBD is the contemporary, upmarket hotel built for the rising breed of digital nomads looking to visit different destinations, working while they go. It's part of the Ideas Cartel group, which has three sites. Take your can pick between 33 suites across Loop Street, Sand Hill Road and Main Road in Muizenberg. If you're looking for the best option for work-life and accessing city nightlife, Cartel House Hotel is where you want to be. 

 

DISCOUNTED LUNCH + A COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING

At Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate everyone is welcome, even dogs. The kids will love the open lawns while parents relax with a gourmet picnic basket to enjoy in private overlooking the vineyards and mountain range. Plus CapeTownmagazine.com readers get 10% off lunch until the end of August with a complimentary wine tasting at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate.

Date: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Tasting room: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm  Saturday, 10am - 3pm
You may also like: trying out Cape Town’s top wine farms for a unique and surprising wine tasting

REP A SMALL BUSINESS YOU ADMIRE

Times are tough, especially for SMEs and we’re enabling you to help. From now till the end of October, you can nominate an SME braving it in business in our Small Business Spotlight Initiative. One that has triumphed through the storms and has an impact. Nominate as many as you like, from anywhere in the country, even nominate your own. Just nominate! Our partner Lulalend is investing up to R100 000 in interest free funding to one nominee. 

Date: 3 August – 26 October

 

DINE AT AN OPEN-AIR EATERY IN HERMANUS

Fick's tidal pool is carved into the rocky shore of Hermanus, and just above it, set on decks built into the cliffs, is Ficks Pinchos & Wine. Here you're treated to incredible views over the pool, breaching whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife and the occasional yacht. Plus, Ficks has an excellent menu designed for seaside snacking. There are cocktails (fantastic alcohol-free ones, too), pinchos (the Spanish version of tapas) and hot-from-the-oven flammkuchen at Ficks Pinchos & Wine. 

Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: 11am-9pm
You may also like: smokin’ hot Mexican food with zesty margaritas to try at Mexicola Locale

GET OUT FOR A BIG SUNDAY LUNCH  

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard has five wine ranges worth trying. You can taste six wines from the five ranges by yourself, or have a wine ambassador guide you through them. You could also stay for lunch. It’s the type of place where everyone will find just the right type of food to keep them happy. There’s a rotisserie section and a harvest table. Plus the range of wines caters for many tastes (and pockets) during lunch at Leopard’s Leap.

Date: Tuesday - Sunday
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 11am–5pm
You may also like: getting the kids involved in dinner with 7 simple, but tasty recipes to make with the little ones. 

 

YOU’LL BE AMAZED BY WHAT YOU FIND

Lazy sharks, floating giant turtles, crabs as big as a toddler, a fish that has no eyes, no mouth and no fins, and cheeky adorable penguins are just a few of the 8 000 wonderful sea creatures that will fascinate kids and adults alike at the Two Oceans Aquarium. 

Date: Open daily
Hours: weekdays, 9:30am - 6pm; weekends, 9am - 6pm 
You may also like: treating the little ones to a friendly alpaca, a visit to the space agency and other free and cheap things you can do with the kids.

FEEL THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR

Race down the bumpy rollers on top of the Dragons Back or skid under the canopy of trees in the Bush Tunnel in Scootours newest dirt Flow Trail at Middelvlei Wine Farm. Plus, team days and kids’ birthday parties get a complimentary boerebraai with a ride on a Monster Mountain Scooter with Scootours. 

Date: Tuesday - Sunday
Hours: rides depart between 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00.
You can book your spot via scootourscapetown.activitar.com

GRAB A FAMILY-FRIENDLY OFFER IN HERMANUS

Wake to the sound of crashing waves and views of breaching whales in Hermanus with an incredible room special. Set right in front of the ocean right above the cliff rocks, you will be treated to restaurants, galleries, museums and nature trails within walking distance to the Windsor Hotel. 

PICK YOUR OWN CUT OF MEAT 

This off-beat and edgy steakhouse should be on every meat eater's bucket list. Char'd Grill is best known for its selection of dry-aged, traditional steaks, including the lesser-known steak cuts of spider, brisket and bavette – the cuts most restaurants wouldn't usually put on the menu. But one of its house favourites is entirely vegetarian: the smokey potato rosti patty burgers. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love Char'd Grill's menu. 

Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12pm - 9pm; Sundays, 12pm - 8pm

TAKE A DIP IN SAINT JAMES TIDAL POOL

St James is close to Dalebrook and right on a train station, so if you’re not into lots of people, you may want to give this one a skip. Otherwise get there early for a quiet morning dip. It’s also uber close to Saint James Cafe, where you can grab a pizza, tapas or a burger. Depending on where you are, you could find a tidal pool closer to you. 

Date: Every day
Cost: Free 

 

ENJOY OUTLANDISH DINNERS + FIERY COCKTAILS 

Zsa Zsa Restaurant is the perfect dinner-party-with-a-vibe experience. Set in the middle of Hout Street, this ultra-glamorous restaurant, inspired by legendary actor and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, has a resident DJ and a decadent French-, Italian- and Mediterranean-style menu. There are also surprise performances every night, so you never know what’s going to happen at Zsa Zsa Restaurant. 

Date: Tuesday - Saturday
Hours: 4pm - 9pm
You may also like: taste-testing more of Cape Town’s outlandish cocktails

TASTE FOOD FROM THE BRIGHTEST FOOD MINDS

If you haven't gone to the new district of the V&A Waterfront for young local foodie talent, you're missing out. Makers Landing is a food community where the brightest minds in food can hone their skills. Think shisanyama, samosas and a gatsby sandwich – classic, simple South African food with a gourmet twist. The market has also started doing delivery boxes stocked with gourmet burgers, crispy samosas and more. If you're planning your summer holidays, make sure you don't miss Makers Landing.

Date: Friday - Sunday
Hours: 8am - 9pm
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EXPLORE THE CITY ON A HARLEY

Driving the roads of a town or country on a bike is one of the most exciting ways to sightsee. You’re entirely engaged with the scenery, nature and elements. And in the Western Cape we have no shortage of gorgeous landscapes. Here are four routes to take and the bikes to do them on, by Jörg Vogel owner of Cape Bike Travel.

Date: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 6pm; Saturday, 9am - 12pm and Sunday, 9am - 10am
You may also like: exploring everything the Western Cape has to offer a stunning day trip 

HAVE A HARVEST STYLE LUNCH WITH THE KIDS 

When you get a hankering for a roast chicken and a table filled with plates of vegetables and salads, then Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is the answer. Every Wednesday to Sunday chef Christiaan Visser puts together a meal that is served at your table, designed for sharing between family and friends. There are other options besides chicken, including pork and lamb, and plenty of vegetable choices, too, at the Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie.

Date: Every Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 9am-4pm

RELAX IN A PRIVATE VILLA IN HERMANUS

Whale Rock Luxury Lodge is an all-rounder haven for families, kids, couples and friends. The kids will love the large, crystal-clear pool, while parents can kick back and enjoy brunch in the beautiful glass breakfast room. There's also a private villa, which has ample space for families with small kids. But you'll want to take part in some of the nearby activities close to Whale Rock Luxury Lodge. 

 

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURAL BEAUTY

You won’t find a better escape, or deal, than at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve in Citrusdal in the Cederberg right now. On this special, you can stay at the camping villages for only R250 per person mid-week (minimum booking of 2 people), on the weekends it costs R350 per person (minimum booking of 6 people for 2 nights). The deal also applies to the Wolfkop Nature Reserve cottages Mid-week you can stay there for only R300 per person (minimum of 4 people). Activities are also discounted at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve.

Date: Monday - Sunday. Mid-week nights are Sunday to Thursday
You may also like: finding more awesome adventures at some of Cape Town's top camping sites

TRY A SPECIALITY ABALONE DISH  

Burgundy Restaurant in Hermanus is a prime spot for whale-watching. The open veranda in the front has a clear, uninterrupted view of the ocean, the craft market and the promenade dotted with bold and striking sculptures. Plus, its varied menu includes beer-battered hake and chips, a famous seafood pasta and a speciality abalone dish, making Burgundy Restaurant a popular choice. 

Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: 8:30am - 9pm
You may also like: Making an excellent seafood dish at home, here’s where you can get the freshest catch of the day

 

ENJOY GLAMOROUS DECOR + SEA VIEWS

The crashing of the waves, the big green lawn, the authentic Italian aesthetic and rich heritage makes the Casa Labia the perfect escape from the bustling city life. Be it for a stay-cation or work-ation, you have quick access to the beach and nearby cafés and restaurants. Plus, there's an exceptional menu and an excellent wine-and-gin list at the restaurant in the beautiful Casa Labia Hotel in Muizenberg. 

Date: Monday - Tuesday, 8am - 5pm; Wednesday - Thursday, 8am - 7pm; Friday, 8am - 9pm and Saturday - Sunday, 8am - 7pm 

IT’S A LOW CARB A-FAIR EVERY WEEKEND

A Low Carb A-Fair, hosted by Banting Baker Gigi and We Love Low Carb, welcomes all foodies. Together with other traders it brings top-quality food and loads of flavour to this market which has anything from boerie rolls to cake, ice cream and cheese. There will also be specials and lots of tasters available, as well as live entertainment. You might find banting and keto aren't boring when you visit A Low Carb A-Fair.

Date: The first Saturday of every month in Helderberg, Strand from 9am - 2 pm and again on the last Saturday of every month from 9 am - 3 pm in Paarden Eiland.

 
 

TRY YOUR HAND AT GIN MAKING 

Gin lovers, listen up! Try your hand at crafting the perfect gin. Distillers & Union offer a gin-making course where you can personalise everything from your favourite fragrant botanical spices to the alcohol level and even the logo. The co-founders Simon Von Witt and Warren Harries-Jones have some award-winning vodkas, rums and a spicy, fiery ginger-beer range ready for you to sample at Distillers & Union.  

Date: Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm; Saturday, 10am- 5pm
You may also like: finding out what other spectacular selection of gin tastings Cape Town has to offer

SIP AND SWIRL LIMITED-EDITION WINES

The Vinoteque Tasting at La Motte is special because the wines you’ll taste are limited and have been reserved for tasting only for that reason. This tasting is the only way you’ll get to drink the Millennium, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon of vintages from 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. Taste rate, limited, premium vintages at La Motte Wine Estate.

Date: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

SAMPLE TOP CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING WINES 

It’s not only one of the country’s most eco-progressive wine estates, it also has a reasonably priced wine tasting (R40 for 6 different wines), which happens to include some of the best Cap Classiques in the country. Villiera is the Stellenbosch family-run wine farm with award-winning Cap Classiques, premium red and white wines and a wildlife sanctuary. See game such as kudu, even giraffes at Villiera Wines.

Date: Monday - Saturday
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm; Saturday, 9am - 3pm
You may also like: witnessing a golden wildebeest at Vredenheim animal park or relaxing on more safari game drives around Cape Town

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STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS CORONAVIRUS-RELATED
The situation is ever-changing and our team is committed to bringing you all the latest updates on COVID-19 in Cape Town. Find out which places have closed and get notified when they reopen. Keep tabs on the governmental restrictions in place. And treat yourself to some moments of joy we have found during these challenging times. 

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