Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape ...
From lunches and carols to markets and meeting Santa
Creepy, haunting Halloween ideas
Cult classic, haunted fort, park after dark + more
Last updated: Monday, 16 October 2023
Boys and girls of every age, would you like to see something strange? It's time to embrace your wildest fears on the spookiest weekend in Cape Town. Whether you’re a scary movie fanatic, love dressing up or have a sweet vang, we’ve got some thrilling events for you. Explore the park after dark, do the monster mash at a party, watch a cult classic + more this Halloween. Plus, check out our top picks for your spooky playlist.
DRESS UP AND DO THE TIME WARP
At the Labia Theatre’s audience participation screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, movie-goers are encouraged to dress up as Rocky Horror characters and sing and dance during the movie. The Lovecraft Experiment will have a stall outside the cinema where audience members can buy participation packs (from slices of toast, rice, newspapers, rubber gloves). We know you’re shivering with antici…pation!
Date: Friday, 27 October; 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Cost: R70 per ticket (no under 16s), book via Quicket
68 Orange Street | Gardens | @thelabia | Image: The Labia Theatre
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE (LITERALLY)
Dare to explore the Muratie Forest at night? Dirtopia is hosting its 10th race on the historic wine estate, with a 10km and 5km race (walkers and kids are welcome to join). There’s no need to be frightened in the dark, for live music from rockers Akkedis will guide the way. Remember to yield for ghosts (and to pre-enter before 29 October). Plus, there’s prizes worth R20 000 to be won.
Date: Tuesday, 31 October; registration starts at 6pm
Cost: R150 for 5km, R180 for 10km, R60 for kids; enter via Entry Ninja
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Muratie Wine Estate | Knorhoek Road | R44 | Stellenbosch | @dirtopia
BEWARE THE BOOGIE(MAN)
Demons, ghouls, loadshedding, ghosts of talking stage past – expect everything you fear and more. Prime is hosting a spooky Halloween jol at The Waiting Room. Dress up in your best (or baddest) costume, and stand a chance to win some thrilling prizes. Plus dance to everything from hip hop, R&B and more.
Date: Friday, 27 October; 8pm - 2am
Cost: From R60; book via Quicket
2nd Floor | 273 Long Street | City Centre | @waitingroom.ct | Image: The Waiting Room
EXPLORE THE PARK AFTER DARK
At this family camp out in Green Point Urban Park, there’ll be a drumming session, a night tour of the park, pillow fights and s’more making. Plus, a campfire breakfast in the morning. Bring a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, picnic supper and meat to braai. All food provided for snacks and breakfast are Halaal and Kosher.
Date: 27 - 28 October; 8pm - 9am
Cost: R225 for kids, R300 for adults; book via Quicket
Green Point Park | @nurtureinnature | Image: Lara van Zyl
DARE TO ENTER A SPOOKY MARKET?
Trenchtown is hosting a ghastly Halloween market, with a thrift market, live art, pizza and drinks specials and multiple stages. Live bands and DJs will be performing, including local talents Cistamatic, Dukes of Note, Gothic Resurrection and Petrol Station Pies. Plus, they will be screening the Rugby World Cup final on big screens. No under 18s allowed.
Date: Saturday, 28 October; from 2pm
Cost: Free entry to Garden Market, R50 for dance floor
143 Lower Main Road | Observatory | @trenchtown_obs | Image: Trenchtown
DRESS UP YOUR LITTLE MONSTERS
Spiders, bats, skeletons, witches… Are you brave enough to join this ghostly affair? Papa Paul’s is hosting an outdoor Halloween party for kids. Meet the Count of Halloween, listen to scary stories and watch a spooky show. There’s food vendors available, and feel free to bring a picnic blanket or chair to sit on. Plus, dress up and stand a chance to win some prizes.
Date: Sunday, 29 October; 11am - 1pm and 3pm - 5pm
Cost: R120; book via Quicket
11 Milner Road | Rondebosch | Facebook | Image: David Menidrey/Unsplash
KARAOKE LIKE A BANSHEE
Your friendly neighbourhood bar in Camps Bay is hosting a thrilling karaoke night on all hallows eve. You can trick (or treat) the crowd with your favourite Halloween songs like Thriller by Michael Jackson or Superstition by Stevie Wonder (check our playlist below for more song suggestions). Get dressed up and stand a chance to win some epic prizes.
Date: Tuesday, 31 October; starts at 8pm
Cost: Free entry, booking is essential
41 The Drive | Camps Bay | @dizzyscampsbay | Image: Dizzy’s
ARE YOU SCARED OF GHOSTS?
Tour around one of Cape Town's most paranormally active locations (hint, it’s a 222-year-old fort). You’ll hear tales of strange occurrences, go underground and explore secret passages, bunkers, chambers and interrogation rooms of Fort Wynyard in Green Point. Don't forget to bring a torch or you could get lost.
Date: Tours hosted on request
Cost: TBC, email mattweisse@mweb.co.za to book
Fort Wynyard Street | Green Point | Website | Image: Good Hope Adventures
WATCH A SPOOK-TACULAR BURLESQUE SHOW
What’s that saying? Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun? The Rouge Revue Burlesque Company is putting on a spine-tingling soiree at The Wave Theatre, a night of empowerment, jubilation, and performances that will haunt your memories, all with a spicy twist of Halloween. Featuring 50 student dancers, prepare to be bewitched.
Date: Saturday, 28 October; 7pm - 11.55pm
Cost: From R220; book via Quicket
44 Long Street | Cape Town City Centre | @therougerevue | Image: The Rouge Revue
BE SPOOKED BY GHOST STORIES
The Western Cape has a plethora of spooky myths and folklore to tell. From haunted houses to ghost ships, ghost riders and even mermaids. You can go to these sites – if you’re brave enough. Here are some of the best known ghost stories from Cape Town.
PLUS: OUR TOP PICKS FOR A SPOOKY PLAYLIST
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DISCOVER MORE CREEPY EXPERIENCES
Here are 7 spooky ghost stories of Cape Town’s past.
Meet the Joker at this hidden art gallery just off Bree.
Get lost in punk rock at this neighbourhood dive bar.
Discover +7 things to do this weekend.
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