Dine, drink cocktails while top local muzos jam at this moody new bar
7 Things to do this week(end)
Join a chocolate workshop, play beer pong on Fridays, and shop vegan goods
Latest update: Tuesday, 24 May 2022
Why not make this a food-focused weekend? Try a chocolate bonbon workshop and tasting, pop by a vegan market, add a little cannabis to your baked goods and join beer-pong Fridays (beer is a food for some, right?). Here are 7 things (and more) to do this weekend.
LEARN THE SECRETS OF CHOCOLATE MAKING
Join Honest Chocolate at a bonbon workshop, where you can learn the ins and outs of chocolate making. The workshop includes the entire process, from the ethical sourcing of cocoa beans to the creation of the chocolate we all know and love to eat. Get ready to dip, decorate and wrap your own bonbons. Note: a full tasting of Honest Chocolate’s delicious chocolate is included.
Date: Saturday May 28, 10:00 -11:30
Cost: from R350, book here
Honest Chocolate Factory | 7 Barron Street | Woodstock | Instagram: @honestchocolate | Image: Honest Chocolate
LAST CHANCE TO SHOP AT THIS VEGAN MARKET
The Vegan Goods Market and Thrift Fest will be bringing you the last ultimate sustainable market experience before we go into hibernation. Get your fresh produce, vegan foods, vegan-friendly wines and beers, and handcrafted body products. Then, pop over to the Thrift Fest vendor next door and shop a curated selection of thrift and handmade goods.
Date: Sunday, 29 May; 10am - 3pm
Cost: Free entry
The Range | Orpen Road | Tokai | Facebook | Image: Vegan Goods Market
ADD “GREENS” TO YOUR BAKING
Create a feast for the senses, body and mind. Learn how to add a little “green” into your everyday cooking with 420 Baked Brunch, by Food Jam. Bake soufflés, flapjacks, shakshuka and more, using Cape Town's finest cannibis in collaboration with experienced small-scale growers. A cooking class where food is only half the fun.
Date: Sunday May 29, 10:30 - 13:30
Cost: R500, book here
Soute Studio | 45 Yew Street | Salt River | 063 292 0419 | Instagram: @foodjams_capetown | Image: Food Jam
TAKE A TOUR THROUGH THE BO-KAAP
Join an informative group tour of the historical Bo-Kaap area. One of Cape Town Heritage Tours’ passionate guides will take you through its history, from its origins dating back to the 1760s as housing for Cape Malay slaves to the vibrant, colourful houses we know and love today. Afterwards, you can stay for a traditional bobotie.
Date: Sunday, 29 May 2022; 2pm - 4pm
Cost: R100 (pre-booked), R150 (on the day), call to book 076 033 8164
Auwal Mosque | Bo-Kaap | 076 033 8164 | Instagram: @capetownheritagetours | Image: Cape Town Heritage Tours
PLAY BEER PONG EVERY FRIDAY
Kick off the weekend with a friendly beer-pong competition at Randy Warthog Bar & Grill, in Green Point. From 5pm to 7pm it’s Happy Hour, so get there early and soak up the vibe or order food for R100 or less. Gather your friends and join Beer Pong Fridays.
Date: Every Friday, 7pm - late
Cost: Free entry (just buy your own beer)
Randy Warthog Bar & Grill | 107 Main Road | Green Point | Instagram: @randywarthog | Image: Randy Warthog
GET YOUR FILM FREAK ON AT THIS FESTIVAL
Join the Labia Theatre in celebrating classic movies with the 70s Film Festival. Enjoy a selection of 7 of the best films of that decade, including The Godfather, Cabaret and Clockwork Orange. The festival will run throughout the week, so head down to Cape Town’s favourite cinema for some movie magic.
Date: 20 May to 2 June; from 11.30am
Cost: R70 a ticket, book here
68 Orange Street | Gardens | 021 424 5927 | Instagram: @thelabia | Image: Logan Hing
KICK OFF YOUR FRIDAY WITH A COFFEE RUN
Join Harvest Café & Deli’s running club. The 5km loop, which starts at both its Newlands and Muizenberg outlets, will take you around either the leafy suburb or along the seaside. All fitness levels are welcome, and you can bring along your furry friends too. Plus, enjoy a R20 coffee special afterwards.
Date: Every Friday, 7am
Cost: Free
Harvest Cafe | 4 York road | Muizenberg and Dean Street | Newlands | Instagram: @harvestcafect__ | Image: Harvest Café
2 WAYS TO GET YOUR BREATH BACK EVERY WEEK
Breathwork has gone mainstream, and everyone is using the tool to manage stress and anxiety, replenish their energy and find joy. You can try it for free: Every month Breathwork Africa, a global leader in the field of conscious breathing, hosts free online sessions. Or read more about this movement to find a course that suits you.
Date: Once a month
Cost: Free: Book a BreathCafe session for beginners
Online | Image: Breathwork Africa
CELEBRATE 50 YEARS WITH IRMA STERN
The Irma Stern Museum is celebrating its half centenary with a series of events. Explore the “Athi & Irma…an intervention” exhibition, join in discussions and walkabouts with Athi-Patra Ruga or take a guided tour of the museum. Discover more ways to celebrate the beloved Irma Stern here.
Date: Wednesday to Saturday, 11-14 May 2022; 10am - 5pm
Cost: R65 admission fee
21 Cecil Road | Rosebank | Cape Town | 060 827 0787 | Instagram: @irma_stern_museum | Image: Irma Stern Museum
BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE AT BIG DISCOUNT
People come from all over the world to see sharks in Gansbaai. They come for great white sharks and you’ll also see a big variety of other shark species, such as bronze whaler and 7-gill cow sharks. Mention CapeTownMag and White Shark Diving Company will give you R400 off a cage-dive (it’s usually R2 200), or up to 50% off private charters.
Date: Open daily, from 8am
Cost: Discounted rates from R1 800 pp
9 Kus Drive | Kleinbaai | Gansbaai | +27 (0)82 559 6858 | info@sharkcagediving.co.za | @whitesharkco. Image: WSDC
LISTEN TO JAZZ IN A MOODY NEW BAR
Make a date with this cute, bluesy live music and cocktail lounge in Cape Town. It’s a collaboration between jazz musician Buddy Wells and chef patron Matt Manning. Listen to South Africa’s top jazz and blues musicians at this intimate space – the line-up is always good. And bonus, you can dine and drink unique and delicious cocktails while you enjoy the show at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine.
Date: Tuesday - Saturday evenings
Cost: R100 - R150; Dinner from R35
103 Bree Street | 087 153 5244 | Instagram: @theblueroomct | Image: The Blue Room
DOUBLE UP ON FRENCH INFLUENCES WITH THIS PAIRING
Canto Wines is a stunning boutique winery in Durbanville and offers 3 fabulous tastings for the whole family – and one doubles up the French influence: Taste MCC paired with macarons (you can’t believe how good it is). Or sip gin and nibble dried fruit or opt for a non-alcoholic pairing (great for our designated drivers and kids).
Date: Monday to Thursday, 11am - 5pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am - 8pm; Sunday, 11am - 6pm
Cost: From R80
Canto Wines | Vissershok Road | Durbanville | 021 492 2821 | Instagram: @cantowines | Image: Canto Wines
LET THE KIDS DECIDE
It’s the holidays and you want some fun things on the agenda. Cape Town is overflowing with loads of fun-tastic activities (for kids of all ages), from sailing with pirates and acrobranch adventures to indoor roller-blading and play parks for all. Check out these 31 things to do with kids.
R304 | Muldersvlei Road | Stellenbosch | 086 999 0369 | Instagram: @acrobranchza | Image: Bongi Hill
THRIFT AT OASIS + SUPPORT ITS COMMUNITY
Did you know that the Oasis Association’s thrift and second-hand shop is one of the best places in town to go bargain hunting? The range of goods is extensive, from pre-loved clothes and jewellery to household goods, kitchenware and even furniture. You can buy delicious baked goods there, and all proceeds go to supporting the 600 intellectually challenged beneficiaries of this amazing non-profit.
Oasis Association | Cnr Lee + Imam Haron roads | 021 671 2698 | director@oasis.org.za | Image: Katleho Mohale
BOOK A KIDS’ PARTY OR SUNSET CRUISE WITH PIRATES
We’ve all seen the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat, but have you actually been on it? It’s South Africa’s only pirate ship and you can board it any day of the week and sail the seven seas (or at least the Atlantic seaboard), eating, drinking, playing games and listening to pirate puns. It’s fantastic for kiddies’ birthday parties, but also good for adults, because epic DJ sessions can be organised on this incredible pirate boat.
Date: The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat runs daily; times can vary
Cost: Starts at R190 per child, R220 per adult
Yacoob Yachts | 7A 5 W Quay Road | V&A Waterfront | 021 421 0909 | Instagram: @yacoobyachts | Image: Charlene Yared West
PARK IT AT THE MARKET
Unwind on the lawns of this wine estate at its weekly Slow Market, which is very family friendly. Order meat from a shisa nyama or braai, or try a variety of other local favourites, like pulled pork or steak burgers, baklava and butter chicken. You can also taste wine and there will be crafters from the area, along with live music. There’s also an impressive outdoor playground for kids, and you can bring your dog to this pet-friendly market at Nederburg Wine Estate, in Paarl.
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 3pm
Cost: Free entry
Slow Market, Nederburg Wine Estate | Paarl | 081 831 3011 | Facebook | Image: Nederburg Wine Estate
POP IN TO THE NEW ART GALLERY IN SEA POINT
There’s a new experiential art gallery in Sea Point, and it has exciting tricks up its sleeve (like interactive artworks). Experience artworks by Cape Town locals and international artists, buy some goodies for you or your doggos, and meet the artist who is the Guinness World Record Holder for the largest display of origami butterflies (29 416). Plus it’s pet friendly! You can see all this and more at Art Haus.
Date: Tues - Sat from 10am to 6pm; Sun from 10am to 4pm
Cost: Free entry
Art Haus | 3b Clarens Road | Sea Point | 082 786 2181 | Instagram: @arthaus_ct | Image: Lara van Zyl
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
HIKE TO A MYSTICAL WATERFALL
Unwind by hiking to a waterfall in Cecilia Forest. There are many routes to get there: Cecilia car park, Newlands Forest, Constantia Nek and Kirstenbosch Gardens. The routes differ in duration and difficulty, but all lead to the breathtaking water gushing over hanging ferns and green mosses. All the routes are pet friendly and most of them are free! Find out more about the hiking trails here.
Date: Differs
Cost: Free (excluding Kirstenbosch route)
Waterfall at Cecilia Ravina | Cecilia Forest | Constantia | Image: Carmen Lewis
BOOK YOUR LADIES FOR A NIGHT OUT
Every Wednesday at Zsa Zsa Ladies Night you can order 3 glasses of prosecco or two Bombay Sapphire G&Ts for only R100. Food, music and drinks, the city’s classy women get the red carpet rolled out at Zsa Zsa’s.
Date: Wednesday, 6pm until late
Cost: Varies
101 Hout Street | Cape Town | 079 656 1080 | zsazsa.co.za | Image: Zsa Zsa Cape Town
WATCH BIRDS IN A SANCTUARY
Intaka Island is a family-friendly nature reserve with 7 natural habitats, 120 bird species living in the park and 212 indigenous plants. Walk a 2-kilometre nature trail or take a boat trip or guided tours. Intaka Island is like a treasure hunt with an educational twist.
Date: Monday to Sundays, 8am to 7pm
Cost: R26 for Adults, R16 for children (under 12) and R16 for pensioners
Grand Central Precinct | Century City | 021 552 6889 | Instagram. Image: @funmammasa
ESCAPE INTO A FAIRYTALE GARDEN FOR FREE
You’ll be enchanted by this garden in the heart of Newlands. With a river that runs through it, picnic tables and chairs made out of tree stumps and meandering trails, the Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a great spot for a family outing. You can also walk with the dogs or just enjoy a quick and serene escape from the city without even needing to leave it. Escape to a natural paradise in the middle of the city at the Upper Liesbeek River Garden.
Date: Open all day, every day
Cost: Free
Riverside Road, Newlands | Cape Town | info@rivergarden.org.za
WALK, PLAY + SKATE IN A NATURAL PARK
The Radloff Dog Park, which has the Lourensford river running through it, caters to the whole family. You can walk your dog or jog along the path, and it’s an especially good find if you have kids who love water. This is not your typical manicured garden, which makes it perfect for your dogs to run and play. There’s also a skate/bike park right next door. This natural park is the perfect match for your whole family’s needs.
Date: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free entry
Radloff Park | Somerset West | Image @welnagilbert
SEE 17 GORGEOUS GARDENS
Vergelegen Wine Estate is a World Heritage Site for good reason. It has a 300-year-old Cape Dutch Homestead, a 200-year-old library and majestic camphor trees that were declared national monuments. Besides being able to see these wonders, you can also explore its incredible 17 themed gardens (rose, sundial, bamboo gardens among them).
Date: Daily at 9:30am – departing from Vergelegen
Cost: R50, for Heritage & Garden Tour
Lourensford Road | Somerset West | 021 847 2111 | info@vergelegen.co.za | Instagram
GET INTO A SECRET CLUB
Getting into Darling, Cape Town’s sexiest night club, is a thrill. You’re led behind the bar, past the fire escape, a glass sculpture, up a few flights of stairs, through a none-descript door, which opens up to Darling. There's 3 ways to get access to get in. Here’s how to get you and your crew into Darling.
Date: From about 9pm till late on Saturdays (or on special days)
Cost: There’s 3 ways to get into this secret club.
101 Hout Street | Cape Town City Centre | 079 656 1080 | Instagram
FREE + CHEAP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
Take your kiddies out for a budget-friendly adventure this weekend. Explore Green Point Urban Park, visit an antique store in Hermanus, say hello to some alpacas in Paarl, watch an animated show at the planetarium, or discover free things to do on your birthday. We have listed all of these fun activities and more in our free + cheap things to do overview.
Date: Varies
Price: Free - R100
The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio | Suid Agter Paarl Road | info@alpacas.co.za | 084 793 3666
FEAST ON A BUDGET (FOR AS LITTLE AS R6)
This canteen-style eatery with its string of bustling stalls is a vibe. The portions are huge (one porting is usually more than enough to serve two people), affordable, it’s halaal and vegetarian-friendly. Get Turkish, Cape-style biryani, bunny chows and more at the most reasonable prices at Eastern Food Bazaar.
Date: Open Monday to Thursday, 10am - 8pm, and Friday to Saturday, 10am - 10pm.
Cost: From R6 for rotis and R9 for a giant naan bread, dosas for R40 and bunny chow for R50.
96 Longmarket St | Cape Town City Centre | 021 461 2458 | info@easternfoodbazaar.co.za | @easternfoodbazaarct
DRINK WHISKY FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT YOBO
YOBO Whiskey and Wine Bar, where Cape Town's eclectic tribes to unwind. They serve some top select range of whisky and wine. The food is good too at YOBO on Shortmarket Street (next to House of Machines).
Date: Wednesday to Friday, 4pm
Cost: Free entrance
86 Shortmarket St | Cape Town City Centre | 064 752 0555 | @yobo_love
BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY (FOR FREE)
Cape Town Free Walking Tours does exactly what it says on the box. Professional tour guides take groups of people on enlightening historical walks through the city. They are free, short, and happen twice a day (11am and 2pm) every single day. This is a gem of an experience often overlooked by locals. See where you can find free walking tours.
Date: Everyday
Cost: Tip
Wale Street/St George’s Mall | City Centre | 0766369007 | info@freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za
MEET YOUR FAVOURITE GLOBAL ICONS
The Long March to Freedom exhibition in Century City is the largest exhibition of its kind anywhere in the world. It’s a sculpture garden of 100 life-sized, bronze statues that depict South African and international liberation and human-rights icons, and tells the story of South Africa’s 350-year struggle for freedom and democracy.
Date: Monday to Saturday, 10am- 6pm, Sundays and public holidays 10am - 4pm
Cost: Adults R75, kids under 16 and pensioners R50, family (2 adults and 2 children) R210, R10 parking fee
Century City | Cape Town | 01106465595 | @longmarchtofreedom
HIKE TO A MYSTICAL CAVE
This hike is not just a joy for the eyes but is also easy on the feet. Elephant’s Eye offers some of the most Instagram worthy views in the Western Cape. As amazing as the walk is, the highlight and reward of the hike is Elephant’s Eye cave. The roof of this mystical cave is covered in ferns and has breath-taking views of the dark green forests and vineyards of Tokai and Constantia. Here are all your questions on the hike answered.
Date: Every day, year-round, from 8am to 6pm
Cost: R35 per adult and R15 per child at the Silvermine main gate
Duration: Two hours (or longer), including a picnic at Elephant's Eye cave
Right off Ou Kaapse Weg coming from Cape Town | 021 780 9002
BOOK AN UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
The Two Oceans Aquarium has just launched its PADI-certified dive school, which means it is a fully fledged Dive Resort. It offers a range of diving certifications that will qualify you to dive anywhere in the world. You can sign up for refresher courses, the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver, as well as other PADI speciality scuba courses. Kids from 10-years of age can do it. Whether you are a novice or expert driver, you can find a course that suits you with the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Date: Check the website to see dates for courses: aquarium.co.za/diving
Cost: From R1 850 per person
Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | 021 418 3823 | www.aquarium.co.za
YOU CAN MEET TINKERBELL HERE
The Riding Centre in Hout Bay is an outing the whole family can enjoy. Stop by to meet Henry the sheep, Tinkerbell the miniature horse and other animals. Learn to ride or let the kids stop by for some pony playtime. You could also hold a birthday party your child will always remember at The Riding Centre.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 1:30pm - 5:30pm, Saturdays, 9:30am - 11am and 2:30pm -4pm. Closed on Sundays.
Main Road | Hout Bay | https://theridingcentre.com/ | 021 790 5286 | instagram.com/theridingcentrehoutbay
WATCH BIRDS AND MONKEYS PLAY
All ages are welcome to pay a visit to the wild birds and playful monkeys in Hout Bay. There are over 3 000 birds and small animals to visit. Expect to see some of the world’s most beautiful birds plus a playground and picnic area next to the flamingos at the World of Birds. You could also do more activities from finding hidden treasure at the scratch patch, play in a room made of trampolines or discover 37 more things to do with the kids.
Date: Daily, all year 9am to 5pm (keep an eye out for feeding times).
Cost: For adults, it’s R130p/p and R50p/p for children.
You may also like: keeping the kids entertained with heaps of things to do when it rains
Valley Rd, Hout Bay | Cape Town | 021 790 2730 | www.worldofbirds.co.za
DINE AT AN OPEN-AIR EATERY IN HERMANUS
Fick's tidal pool is carved into the rocky shore of Hermanus, and just above it, set on decks built into the cliffs, is Ficks Pinchos & Wine. Here you're treated to incredible views over the pool, breaching whales, dolphins, seals, birdlife and the occasional yacht. Plus, Ficks has an excellent menu designed for seaside snacking. There are cocktails (fantastic alcohol-free ones, too), pinchos (the Spanish version of tapas) and hot-from-the-oven flammkuchen at Ficks Pinchos & Wine.
Date: Monday - Sunday
Hours: 11am-9pm
You may also like: smokin’ hot Mexican food with zesty margaritas to try at Mexicola Locale
8 Marine Dr, Westcliff | Hermanus | 028 312 4082 | www.ficks.co.za
HAVE A HARVEST STYLE LUNCH WITH THE KIDS
When you get a hankering for a roast chicken and a table filled with plates of vegetables and salads, then Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is the answer. Every Wednesday to Sunday chef Christiaan Visser puts together a meal that is served at your table, designed for sharing between family and friends. There are other options besides chicken, including pork and lamb, and plenty of vegetable choices, too, at the Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie.
Date: Every Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 9am-4pm
R45 Main Rd | Franschhoek | 021 876 8002 | www.leopardsleap.co.za
SIP AND SWIRL LIMITED-EDITION WINES
The Vinoteque Tasting at La Motte is special because the wines you’ll taste are limited and have been reserved for tasting only for that reason. This tasting is the only way you’ll get to drink the Millennium, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon of vintages from 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. Taste rate, limited, premium vintages at La Motte Wine Estate.
Date: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead
R45, Franschoek | 021 876 8000 | www.la-motte.com
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FOR FURTHER READING
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How to find the best bargains in Cape Town, according to locals.
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