January Events in Cape Town & Surrounds

Kickstart 2018 in the Mother City and discover our picks of the hottest and biggest calendar to-dos

January is known by many as probably one of the slowest months of the year. You may find you spent a little too much on Christmas gifts or that you attended one event too many, but these January events ensure a bang-for-your-buck factor.

Here is a list of what’s happening in Cape Town in January 2018:

THE SUN MET HORSE RACE AT THE KENILWORTH RACECOURSE (27 JAN)
Cape Town’s grandest affair, the Sun Met is back at Kenilworth Racecourse on 27 January. Previously known as the J&B Met, the Sun Met, in partnership with G.H. Mumm, promises a day/night extravaganza filled with glitz and glamour. This year’s theme is “Style ahead of the Field” and racegoers are encouraged to arrive dressed in bright colours, prints and textures inspired by Africa. What’s more, you’ll get to rub shoulders with the who’s who from SA, as well as revel in fine food, drinks and entertainment.

COST: Tickets are available via Ticketpro.co.za and costs vary according to the package selected; concessions do apply. Click through to the event for more information and costs.

THE GALILEO OPEN AIR CINEMA (OCT 2017 – APR 2018)
If the idea of cuddling up under the stars whilst watching a movie, munching popcorn and intermittently gazing at gorgeous surrounds appeals to you, then best you book your spot to watch your favourite movie with The Galileo Open Air Cinema. Bringing the best of the outdoor movie experience to the Mother City, the company has continued its schedule this year to include regular weekday and weekend screenings. Every week, cinephiles can grab some popcorn (or other tasty gourmet treats from the exhibiting vendors or even the new picnic hamper), settle down on the lush lawns at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the V&A Waterfront, Bloemendal and various venues in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands to see firm favourites, cult classics and many others.

• The Galileo Open Air Cinema at Bloemendal (Tuesday)
• The Galileo Open Air Cinema at Kirstenbosch (Wednesday)
• The Galileo Open Air Cinema at the V&A Waterfront (Thursday)
• The Galileo Open Air Cinema in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands (Friday & Saturday)

COST: Tickets are available via Webtickets.co.za and costs vary according to the package selected; concessions do apply. Click through to the event for more information on the line-up and costs.

[email protected] CLUVER SUMMER FESTIVAL (DEC 2017 – FEB 2018)
Every year the [email protected] Cluver Summer concerts are a great success. The musical events are enjoyed by both young and old and boast a variety of South African artists like Prime Circle and Elvis Blue – this season it’s no different. But all of this is for a good cause; Paul Cluver, together with the Thembalitsha Foundation in Elgin, have dedicated their services to eradicate poverty in the area with all proceeds from the festival donated to the foundation. Make sure to pack your picnic baskets and head there early to secure your spot. A wide variety of food and drink will be available for purchase.

COST: Tickets are available via Computicket.com and Computicket outlets, and costs range from R180p/p to R330p/p. Click through to the article for more information.

KIRSTENBOSCH SUMMER CONCERTS (NOV 2017 – MAR 2018)
You can’t say you have experienced Cape Town if you haven’t been to one of the summer concerts at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Ideal for a relaxed Sunday, pack a picnic basket and round up your friends and pick one of the many concerts to go to. Every musical genre is catered for, with a range of South African and International artists such as Freshly Ground, Mi Casa, Texas, The Christians and more featured. Remember to bring a good attitude and not to leave a mess behind.

COST: Tickets are available via Webtickets.co.za and costs vary according to the package selected; concessions do apply. Click through to the event for more information on the line-up and costs.

L’ORMARINS QUEEN’S PLATE AT KENILWORTH RACE COURSE (5 - 6 JAN)
Come dressed to the nines in your blue and white at the L’Ormarins Queen's Plate – and remember to keep it elegant. Don your best sun hat or fascinator to make this a truly grand affair, Rub shoulders with the cream of the riding crop as your kicK off your New Year in fitting LQP style. Don’t forget about the ‘best dressed’ and ‘best hat’ competitions that run throughout the day.

COST: Tickets are available via Computicket.co.za and costs vary according to the package selected; concessions do apply. Click through to the event for more information on the line-up and costs.

UP THE CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL (25 – 28 JAN)
Up The Creek Musical Festival is entering its 28th run this year and is promising to be a party of note. This event features the ever-famous Jägermeister Main Stage, and both the Savanna River Stage and Savanna Late-Night Stage, as well as the Rock ‘n Roll Stage so all kinds of music lovers are catered for. Located in the vicinity of Swellendam, this festival allows you to camp, party and have an all-around good festival experience in a safe environment.

COST: Tickets are available via Nuticket.co.za and R1060/p; concessions do apply. 

ORIGIN ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL (26 – 28  JAN)
Get ready for a full weekend of conscious partying with psy and techno tunes at the Origin Electronic Music Festival taking place at Elandskloof Farm (125km from Cape Town). Expect world-class DJs giving you all you need to end of the first month of 2018 with a bang. The aim of this edition of Origin is participation – in having a good time with your fellow party-goer or keeping the environment clean.

COST: Tickets are available via Quicket.co.za and costs vary according to the package selected; concessions do apply. 

DELHEIM START OF HARVEST FESTIVAL (27 JAN)
This family-friendly event taking place at Delheim in Stellenbosch is the ideal summer’s day you have been looking for. The Delheim Harvest Festival gives you the chance to reconnect with Mother Nature as you celebrate her bounty of grapes. Bring along the kids, relax and make a day of it. There will be live music as well as delicious treats to keep you satisfied.

COST: Tickets are R650/p for adults and R120/p for children under 12 years old. Tickets are limited so book yours by contacting Charlotte Briers-Louw on email [email protected]. 

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PLEASE NOTE: All dates are subject to change.

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Summer is about keeping busy and getting into the festive spirit by checking out Things You Have to do in Cape Town Before You Die, New Restaurants and Hot Spots in Cape Town and Things you must do on your summer holiday in Cape Town.

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