Winter experiences at the V&A neighbourhood

Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront

Last updated: Thursday, 20 July 2023

Every season you’ll find some of the most interesting and special happenings dotted across the V&A Waterfront’s various precincts. Like the best live jazz, local cuisine and cooking classes at its one-of-a-kind food hub and market, Makers Landing. Or the throng of indoor things to do with kids, and even picnics in the sky. See some of the hidden, free and undiscovered things to do at the V&A Waterfront this winter.

The V&A Waterfront is situated on the Atlantic shore and Table Bay Harbour. Image: V&A Waterfront

JAM TO FREE LIVE JAZZ ON FRIDAY NIGHTS

Jazz and great food are an integral part of urban life. You’ll find the city’s vibey and funky crowds jamming it out at Friday Night Jazz at Makers Landing, the hub for local food and culture at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.

The jazz evenings feature artists like Kujenga, an afrojazz band, and Vernon Castle, the music legend who draws inspiration from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Nat King Cole. While there, do try the stews, kotas, braai platters or chicken feet from Pitso’s Kitchen and craft beers from Ukhamba Beerworx. They’ll go down very well with live jazz. 

How to get to Makers Landing:

Enter Dock Road from Coen Steytler, continue towards the Silo District, at the circle before South Arm Road, turn right into the Cruise Terminal. Click on the map.

Support local artists and crafters at the V&A. Image: Makers Landing 

CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY AT SPECIAL MARKETS 

At Makers Landing, you’ll also get to celebrate Women's Month and Heritage Day through food. 

In August, the Waterfront will spotlight brilliant women in the food industry and invite them to Makers Landing to showcase their wares, host Demo Kitchen classes, and more. 

Foodies will love the extravagant September market, focusing on Cape Malay, Nguni, halaal and African cooking classes in celebration of Heritage Month. More information to follow shortly on the Maker's Landing website.

Makers Landing is a hub of South African food and culture. Image: Makers Landing 

SKATE, BOUNCE OR PADEL

Battery Park at V&A Waterfront has plenty of free activities for all ages, all against the awesome backdrop of Table Mountain. You can work on your skateboarding or scooter skills, play a game of basketball or soccer, and even try your hand at Stand Up Paddle. 

You can also get into the world’s fastest-growing sport, at Africa Padel on Portswood Road near the Protea Hotel. It costs R500 to book out a court per hour, which can take up to four people. 

Battery Park forms part of the Canal District, and there's no entry fee to access the area. Image: V&A Waterfront

TICK SOMETHING OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST

Easily one of the Waterfront’s most recognisable attractions, the Cape Wheel recently relocated to V&A’s Breakwater Lawns (next to the promenade). From that position you get to see the city from a whole new perspective, with views of Robben Island, Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the Cape Town stadium. 

You can now also experience a picnic in the sky. Bring your favourite snacks, and Cape Wheel will provide you with a basket, a table in your gondola and extend your ride to double the length. It’s R320 for adults and R150 for kids (a normal ride costs R175 for adults and R95 for kids).

The Cape Wheel is a symbol of adventure, excitement, and the city. Image: V&A Waterfront

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

• Kids get to experience a world of wonderment (maybe for the very first time) at Two Oceans Aquarium, with its 8 000 creatures. There’s daily puppet shows, too. It’s R235 for adults, R175 for children and kids under 3 get in free. Plus there’s an after 3pm discount for all visitors.

• With a rainbow of colours and a blank canvas, kids can create their own artworks and learn creative skills at Artjamming studios. Parents can join too. Costs start at R185 for a A3 flat panel (includes canvas, paint and apron).

• Scratch around and find gemstones at Scratch Patch. At R30 per bag, it’s an inexpensive way to keep kids busy for hours. It’s popular with all ages.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is open 365 days a year. Image: Lara van Zyl 

GO ON A SPONTANEOUS INDOOR DATE

• Skate, play pool, and challenge each other at arcade games at Battery Park’s Rollercade. It’s R150 for a 2-hour session, including skates and safety gear. Find out more about Cape Town's first indoor roller skating park.

• Launch a torpedo, escape from prison, break a curse or find lost jewels at HintHunt’s Escape Rooms. Each room takes groups of two - six, and costs start at R630. Find them on the first floor of the Watershed.

• Navigate tricky angles and steep hills at Cave Golf, the indoor 18-hole putt-putt cave, next to the V&A Waterfront’s Scratch Patch. It’s R35 per player. 

You have 60 minutes to escape. Image: HintHunt Africa

VISIT THE V&A WATERFRONT

V&A Waterfront is open: Daily, 9am - 9pm
Find it: Situated on the Atlantic shore and Table Bay Harbour
Contact on: 021 408 7600, info@waterfront.co.za, @vandawaterfront 

By Lara van Zyl

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