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Cape Town's 7+ things to do this week(end)
Freedom Day, salsa dancing, painting, comics and more
Last updated: Monday, 22 April 2024
This weekend marks 30 years of democracy. Celebrate with cooking, museums, exhibitions and more. Plus you can also try salsa dancing, go to a “puff and paint” session, enjoy coffee and comics, visit a five day jazz festival and Cape Town’s biggest Comic Con is happening. This and 15+ more ways to make this weekend a good one.
CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
This Freedom Day there’s lots to celebrate, and we’ve rounded up some of the top events taking place. From a free picnic or family market to live jazz, a traditional cooking class, historical museums, art and more. Discover 10 ways to celebrate Freedom Day 2024.
Date: Events from Friday, 26 March to Saturday, 27 April
Cost: Varies
Various locations | Image: Food Jams
TRY SALSA DANCING FOR FREE
Salsa Cape Town is hosting a free beginner salsa class at Cabo Beach Club, where you can learn how to salsa, bachata and kizomba. The beginner class starts at 7pm and from 8pm onwards, it becomes a salsa party for all. Book via Dineplan to secure your spot.
Date: Thursday, 25 April; from 7pm
Cost: Free entry, book via dineplan
Cabo Beach Club | 12 South Arm Road | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | Cape Town | @cabobeachclubza | Image: Cabo Beach Club
GET TICKETS TO COMIC CON
Comic Con Cape Town returns to the CTICC from 27 April to 1 May 2024. It’s bringing all elements of pop culture, comic books, gaming and cosplay to Cape Town. You can meet celebrities or take part in competitions with grand prizes. Here’s 10 reasons to attend Comic Con Cape Town 2024.
Date: 27 April - 1 May 2024, from 9am to 8pm
Cost: From R190 to R850, book via Howler
CTICC 2 | Cnr of Heerengracht Street & Rua Bartholomeu Dias | Foreshore | @comicconcapetown | Image: Comic Con Cape Town
PUFF AND PAINT ON SATURDAY
The Stoned Olympics are hosting a Shades of Green art experience where you can enjoy an intimate puff and paint workshop. You can expect to learn about paint techniques and get an understanding into the effects of cannabis on creativity. There'll also be live dope music and refreshments..
Date: Saturday 27 April, 2pm to 8pm
Cost: R420, book via Quicket
Blunted Social Club | 98 Station Road | Observatory | @stonedolympics.za | Image: Stoned Olympics
SPEND SUNDAY NIGHT WITH COMICS
At Comic Con’s “After Dark” event, you can grab a free coffee, meet renowned comic book artists and have an original piece sketched on a coaster. The event will be held at Truth Coffee, where comic artists will create one-of-a-kind drawings on the bottom of your coffee coasters. These limited-edition coasters will be sold for R150 each.
Date: Sunday, 28 April; 7pm to 10pm
Cost: R150, book via Howler
Truth Coffee | 36 Buitenkant Street | Cape Town | @comicconcapetown | Image: Comic Con Cape Town
ENTER A QUIZ NIGHT COMPETITION
Test your wits across a range of categories, from general knowledge to pop culture, history, and more. Christ Church in Constantia is hosting a quiz night where friends, family, and colleagues can form a team or enter as a single contestant. Your ticket includes wine and a snack platter. Plus there’s prizes up for grabs.
Date: Tuesday, 30 April 2024; 6pm to 9pm
Cost: R100, book via Quicket
Corner of Constantia Main Road & Parish Rd | Constantia | Cape Town | @thulababaproject | Image: Unsplash
JOIN A FIVE-DAY JAZZ FESTIVAL
Prince Albert’s second edition of the Journey to Jazz Festival has something for all ages. There will be multiple local and international artists, masterclasses and workshops across six venues. Some of the events on the lineup include ghost tours, pilates, wine tastings, movie screenings, yoga and more.
Date: Wednesday, 1 May to Sunday, 5 May
Cost: Costs vary, from free to R600, book via Quicket
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Church Street | Prince Albert | Western Cape
JOIN A NIGHT RIDE
Bike riders will cruise through the city for an hour from Triumph Cape Town’s showroom. Afterwards, the party heads to The House of Machines, an eclectic mix of live music, handcrafted cocktails, artisanal coffee, and more. Your ticket includes a complimentary non-alcoholic beer and burger from Frankie’s Burgers (plus vegetarian options too).
Date: Wednesday, 24 April; from 6pm
Cost: R150, book via triumphcapetown.co.za
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Triumph Motorcycles | 125 Buitengracht Street | Cape Town | @triumphcapetown | Image:
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)
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Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | Mezzanine Level
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
SEE 100+ ARTWORKS FROM ESTHER MAHLANGU
Globally acclaimed artist Esther Mahlangu is showcasing over 100 artworks, including the iconic BMW 525i Art Car, at Iziko South African National Gallery. The once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective, is open to the public until August. Find out more about Esther Mahlangu’s art and career.
Date: 18 February to 11 August 2024; 9am - 5pm
Cost: From R40 for entry
25 Queen Victoria Street | Gardens | @esthermahlanguart | Image: Clint Strydom
SWIM IN A TIDAL POOL AT THIS BUCKET LIST EATERY
Spanish pinchos, boozy milkshakes and epic sea views – name a better summer's day. Ficks Restaurant is carved into the cliffs of Ficks tidal pool. You can swim in the tidal pool, lounge on the rocks, enjoy sundowners and the deck, and you might even spot a whale or dolphin (in season). Find out more about this bucket list tidal pool eatery.
Date: Open daily; 11am - 9pm (weather dependent)
Cost: From R55
8 Marine Drive | Westcliff | Hermanus | @ficksrestaurant | Image: Ficks Restaurant
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
BOOK A STAY AT THIS BEACH RESORT
In a tranquil fishing village hidden on the West Coast is Blue Bay Lodge: A 3-star resort on the bay’s edge, with winding beach walkways, beauty salon, tennis courts and more. Here’s 10 reasons to stay at this beach resort (and see how to book).
Cost: From R1 630 per night
48 Gracillaria Crescent | Blouwaterbaai | Saldanha | @bluebaylodge | Image: Blue Bay Lodge
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
DISTILL YOUR OWN BRAND OF GIN
You don’t just taste great gins, you get to distill and design your own gin – from choosing the alcohol percentage, flavor profile and colour to designing the bottle. While you’re there, you can do a gin tasting and have wood-fired pizza on the deck. Plus, you’ll walk out with a specially designed bottle of gin at Distiller’s Union.
Date: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 5.30pm
Cost: From R595 for standard gin making experience
Distiller’s Union | 156 Victoria Road | Woodstock | @distillersunion | Image: Distiller's Union
TRY HEALTHY TAKEOUT
Sweet and sticky wings, loaded cheese fries, harissa drumsticks, ragout spaghetti, Snickers chocolate bars… what if we told you this could be healthy (and plant-based)? For your next movie night this weekend, why not try Bamboo, a healthy takeout spot in the city.
Date: Daily, 11am to 9pm (delivery)
Cost: From R50
9 Long Street | Bamboo Plant Power’s website | @bambooplantpower | Image: Bamboo Plant Power
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
BRUNCH FOR UNDER R100 IN SEA POINT
Mischu sits along vibrant Regent Road: It’s the pit stop before you meet with your running club or for a long brunch with friends. There’s daily food specials, like breakfast under R100 and lunch for R50. Discover why you might add mischu to your must-visit list.
Date: Specials are available everyday
Cost: From R95 for breakfast and coffee; from R50 for lunch (any warm bowl)
mischu | 85 Regent Road | 021 439 3944 | @mischucoffee | Website | Image: mischu
STAY SOMEWHERE SPECIAL
Amina is filled to the brim with colour, vintage finds, antique furniture and special art. Once a house in Bo-Kaap, it has been renovated to a 5-bedroom boutique hotel that is estimated to be 160 years old. Just a 10 minute walk from Bree and Buitengracht Street, it’s the spot for a staycation or unique group getaway.
Cost: From R1 000 to R2 200, depending on season 
16 Whitford Street | Bo-Kaap | 084 418 1879 | aminahotel@royva.com | @stayatamina | Image: Amina Boutique Hotel
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
ENJOY THESE SPECIALS EVERY WEEKDAY
From the brewery that brought you sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll beers – get 2-for-1 burgers, a sizzling sharing platter, curry special and more. The easy-does-it comfort food goes well with any of their craft beers. The food specials are on every week, get all the juicy details about Woodstock Brewery.
Date: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 10pm
Cost: Varies
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
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
GO ON A TOWNSHIP GOSPEL TOUR
You don’t need to be religious to have a soulful experience at a Sunday church service in Langa. Camissa’s Gospel Tour will take you to church with the community, followed by a walk through the streets of Langa with a local guide. Prepare to sing, move and be moved by this joyful outing.
Date: Sundays, from 8.30/9am to 12.30/1pm
Cost: R770 per person, half price for under 12s. Ask about discounts for CapeTownMagazine.com readers.
Camissa Gospel Tours | 078 657 7788 | @Camissa_Travel | Image: Camissa
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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