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Cape Town's 7 things to do this weekend
Comedy night, literary fest, men’s ride, jazz brunch & more
Latest update: Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Our guide for this weekend has a literary fest in Franschhoek, motorcycle ride for men’s mental health, comedy night in the southern suburbs, candle making workshop, and jazz brunch. Plus 20+ more ideas for anytime. Find all the details for your weekend plans right here.
WEEKEND LONG LITERARY FEST
The Franschhoek Literary Festival brings together over 100 writers, journalists, and thinkers for a weekend of talks, panels, and interviews. Events are held in different spots across Franschhoek, like bookstores, halls, and historic buildings. And topics range from politics and history to fiction, memoir, and poetry. All sessions are open to the public, with tickets required per event.
Date: Friday, 16 May to Sunday, 18 May
Cost: From R60, book via Webtickets
Various locations | @franlitfest | Image: Franschhoek Literary Festival
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH RIDE
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global motorcycle event raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer. Riders dress in classic, stylish attire and cruise through cities around the world, including Cape Town. The ride routes and start times are shared with registered participants only. All riders must sign up online to take part.
Date: Sunday, 18 May; 10am
Cost: Minimum donation of R185, register via gentlemansride.com
Location released on registration | @gentlemansride | Image: Florin Gherasim
COMEDY NIGHT IN KENILWORTH
Every Friday, the Grande Café hosts some of South Africa’s best comedians for a night of comedy. This week, KG Mokgadi is headlining and Simmi Areff is the host. The show kicks off at 7pm, but doors open at 6.30pm, so you can grab a coffee or snack before it starts.
Date: Friday, 16 May; 6.30pm to 9pm
Cost: R50, book via Quicket
Grande Cafe | 74 Loch Road | Kenilworth | @grandecafeza | Image: KG Mokgadi
ALL-WEEK COMEDY SHOW
Catch comedian Kurt Schoonraad in his new one-man show, Funny Side Up, where he dives into the absurdities of modern life with his signature South African humour. Expect relatable stories about daily chaos and unexpected curveballs. Plus there’s a special show for the deaf community on 17 May, where a sign language interpreter will be on stage.
Date: Monday, 12 May to Saturday, 17 May
Cost: R180 - 200, book via Webtickets
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Baxter Studio | Baxter Theatre Centre | @kurt.schoonraad | Image: Kurt Schoonraad
CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP
You can spend the day at Durbanville Nature Reserve learning how to make poured, rolled, dipped, and carved candles. The workshop covers different types of wax, ideal melting points, and how to add fragrance and colour. All materials are included and you’ll get to take home three handcrafted candles.
Date: Saturday, 17 May; 1pm to 4pm
Cost: From R500, book via Quicket
Durbanville Nature Reserve | @soltribecreations | Image: Sol Tribe Creations
JAZZ BRUNCH ON SUNDAY
The Cape Town Club Jazz Brunch will have live music from the CTC Jazz Band and a full roast with brunch extras. The event kicks off at 12:30pm, with two 45-minute live sets at 1pm and 2pm. You can order from the menu and choose to add unlimited wine or MCC for an extra fee.
Date: Sunday, 18 May; 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Cost: From R50, book via Quicket
18 Queen Victoria Street | City Centre | @the.cape.town.club | Image: Unsplash
15TH SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL
Shakespeare Schools Festival is back at the District Six Homecoming Centre with 48 school groups performing shortened versions of classic plays. It’s the biggest youth drama fest in Africa, and this year there’s a visiting cast. It’s all about creativity, inclusion, and welcomes everyone from first-time actors to learners with disabilities.
Date: From 12 May
Cost: R95 - R150, book via Webtickets
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The Homecoming Centre | District Six | @shakespeareschoolsfestival | Image: Shakespeare Schools Festival
TULBAGH CHRISTMAS IN WINTER
Every June this dorpie comes alive with Christmas lights, fake snow, gluhwein stalls, and festive decorations. There’s a Winter Wonderland and Enchanted Forest for kids, a craft market, two bars and wine farm shuttles. Get all the details for Tulbagh Christmas in Winter 2025.
Date: Friday 27 June - Sunday 29 June; from 10am
Cost: From R110 for kids and R150 for adults, book via TIXSA
Church Street | Tulbagh | Tulbagh Tourism | Image: Tulbagh Tourism
AFROFUTURISM AT THE ARTSCAPE
A story that explores love and war, in a futuristic African setting (think Black Panther), with immersive audiovisual displays projected onto moving set pieces. And it starts from just R190. Aida is Cape Town Opera’s latest show and unlike any opera you might have seen before.
Date: 23 - 31 May 2025
Cost: From R190
D.F. Malan St | Foreshore | Artscape website | @capetownopera | Image: Cape Town Opera
WEEKLY CHESS ON THE BEACH
Every Sunday, Cape Chess Club takes over the sandpit at Seaweed and Salt and brings an afternoon of Chess on the Beach. It’s a digital detox, where you can play a variety of board games, including chess, and sip on drink specials.
Date: Every Sunday, 2pm to 5pm
Cost: R40 registration fee
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Seaweed and Salt | 75 Main Road | Kalk Bay | @seaweed_and_salt_kalkbay | Image: Seaweed and Salt
21 THINGS TO DO AT SPIER WINE FARM
Think you know Spier Wine Farm? It’s one of the top wine estates in Stellenbosch, but have you seen its 21 Cape Dutch gables and the wine collection named after them? Or the 3,500+ art pieces (including a mieliepap replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà), the art gallery-like tasting room, singing stones, or the wildflower walk across the bridge? Rediscover Spier with these 21 unique experiences.
Date: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Cost: Varies
R310 Stellenbosch | Western Cape | 021 809 1100 | info@spier.co.za | @spierwinefarm | Image: Spier
VISIT BAY HARBOUR MARKET IN HOUT BAY
Hout Bay harbour comes alive with live music, drag shows, arts and crafts, and cuisine from around the globe every weekend. Cape Town’s most vibrant market is the perfect little summer escape for the whole family. There’s local artisans, 4 bars and it’s free entry. We unpack what’s new at Bay Harbour Market this summer.
Date: Friday 5pm to 9pm; Saturday - Sunday 9.30am to 4pm
Cost: Free entry
31 Harbour Road | Hout Bay | info@bayharbour.co.za | @bayharbourmarket | Image: Bay Harbour Market
DISCOVER THIS MEAT LOVERS’ PLATTER
You’re spoiled for choice when you visit this top steakhouse. There’s steaks like skirt, flank, hanger, flat iron, Denver, caveman, Tomahawk… cuts that you probably haven’t tried (or maybe even heard of), which is why the meat appreciation platter is the go-to for a steak lover or first-timer at Char’d Grill & Bar.
Char’d Grill is open: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Hermanus Waterfront | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus | Image: Char’d Hermanus
TASTE SUSHI CALAMARI AT A HIDDEN BISTRO
It’s on the Hermanus Waterfront and right by Walker Beach, where families can dine on crispy pan-fried gnocchi and friends catch up over cocktails. Chicken nacho burgers, rice krispies milkshakes, and ginger and date malva pudding are just some of the dishes that await you at Pear Tree in Hermanus.
Date: Daily, 8am to 9pm
Cost: From R30 for small plates
Pear Tree | Hermanus Waterfront | Marine Drive | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree
FIND LUXURY SPA SPECIALS
This 5-star hotel has a bespoke Wellness Oasis with massages, facials and al fresco fine dining from an award-winning chef. The half-day package includes a two-hour treatment of choice, use of the pool and a three-course lunch. Find out more about the specials at Palm House Boutique Hotel’s spa.
Date: Open daily from 10am to 7pm
Cost: Varies depending on special; treatments start from R600
Palm House Boutique Hotel | Wynberg | 021 745 5008 | spa.reception@palmhouse.co.za | @palmhousespa | Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel
TRY A TIRAMISU MARTINI
This new restaurant in the CBD evokes feelings of a laidback Italian summer. There’s Limoncello cosmopolitans, tiramisu martinis, and unconventional eats like bite-sized lasagne crocchetta. And if that’s not enough, there’s a vibey rooftop bar upstairs from Filini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore.
Open: Daily, 6.30am to 10pm
Cost: Cocktails from R95; Mains from R129
Filini | 29 Heerengracht Street | 021 427 4800 | info.capetown@radisson.com | @radissonhotelcapetown | Image: Radisson at Cape Town Foreshore
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), no pre-bookings available
Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | Mezzanine Level | Facebook | Image: Extreme Go Karting
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
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
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
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
GET LUNCH IN SEA POINT FOR R99
If you’re looking for somewhere to brunch this weekend, this daily special is a must-try. For R99 you’ll get an eggs benedict paired with South Africa’s best cappuccino (literally: mischu have won this award three times). And that’s just one of the reasons we love mischu.
Date: Served daily until 4:30pm
Cost: R99
mischu | 85 Regent Road, Sea Point | 0763791693| info@mischu.co.za | @mischucoffee | Image: mischu
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
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
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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FOR FURTHER READING
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