7 Things to do this week(end)

Theatre, art, wine farms, escape rooms, tours + 28 more

Last updated: Tuesday, 14 September 

Cape Town has something for everyone to enjoy this weekend. Attend a heart wrenching production at the Baxter or register to enjoy Cape Town’s biggest Art Fair from anywhere at any time. You can also go on a mini road trip and treat yourself to seaside dining, wind down with a glass (or bottle) of pinotage or sauvignon blanc at a wine farm, plus even more. 

SEE RICH MNISI'S BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE 

Fashion prodigy Rich Mnisi has a captivating solo show of collectible furniture pieces at the Southern Guild from this October until February 2022. His pieces draw inspiration from the image of the snake, his African heritage and the theme of fluidity. It’s free to see Rich Mnisi’s Nyoka. 

Date: 2 October 2021 to 4 February 2022
Cost: free

DON'T MISS MAGNET THEATRE'S SNAPPED AT BAXTER

Magnet Theatre’s latest production, Snapped, is premiering this September at the Baxter Theatre and explores themes of grief, loss and destruction. Support local theatre and see Snapped at the Baxter Theatre.

Date: 16 September - 2 October 2021
Cost: R65 (students); R120 (early bird); R150 thereafter. Available at WebTickets.

FLY FOR A CAUSE AT THE KITE FEST

The Cape Town Kite Festival is back! From 2 October to 31 October 2021, join a mix of online discussions, kite-making workshops and see colourful, eye-catching kites. In an effort to continue bringing awareness to mental health at the 2021 Cape Town International Kite Festival.

Date: 2 to 31 October 2021

REGISTER FOR FREE: INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR 

Art lovers have a real treat in store: this year the Investec Cape Town Art Fair is running a free digital event as a precursor to the in-person event in February next year. This means you can spend time with art from some of Africa and Europe’s to and  artists, from Conrad Botes to Leila Rose Fanner, from the comfort of your lounge at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair Digital Event.

Date: 17 - 19 September, 2021 (Preview days 15-16 September by invitation only)
It’s free, register here: investeccapetownartfair.co.za

 

TEAM BUILDING FOR VIRTUAL TEAM, ANYWHERE

Get your crew to escape online every Wednesday and Friday from wherever they are. Your remote working team can prove their innocence in the online escape room game, Framed! Or, find lost jewels before they enter the black market in Detective Mystery. Every team member is vital to your survival (win). Can you solve the riddles and puzzles in HintHunt Online Escape Room Games? 

Date: The Online Escape Room Games run from Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 5:30pm

ROAM THE CITY FOR FOOD, WINE + GIN

Cape Town, and everything around it, is full of cultural gems, wine estates that are off the general radar and pretty natural spots to access. Kiff Kombi Tours offers a range of interesting, knowledgeable and fun tours that are perfect for an outing in your own city. Pair these tours with activities like clay shooting, bubble soccer and paintball matches. What’s more, look at the range of bachelorette, bachelor’s and events Kiff Kombi Tours offers.

Date: Monday - Sunday, 8am - 6pm 

 

CAN YOU SURVIVE THESE TRICKY ESCAPE ROOMS?

Kick start your weekend by solving live escape room challenges. Can you escape a disintegrating shipwreck, find cursed treasured scattered along the decks of a decrepit ship or solve the mysterious murder of Mr O before you perish in a crumbling hotel room? Every team member is vital to your survival (win). Can you solve the riddles and puzzles at HintHunt Africa in the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront? 

Date: Wednesday, 10am - 5:30pm to Sunday, 10am - 4pm

 

DISCOUNTED LUNCH + A COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING

At Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate everyone is welcome, even dogs. The kids will love the open lawns while parents relax with a gourmet picnic basket to enjoy in private overlooking the vineyards and mountain range. Plus CapeTownmagazine.com readers get 10% off lunch until the end of August with a complimentary wine tasting at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate.

Date: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Tasting room: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm  Saturday, 10am - 3pm
You may also like: trying out Cape Town’s top wine farms for a unique and surprising wine tasting

REP A SMALL BUSINESS YOU ADMIRE

Times are tough, especially for SMEs and we’re enabling you to help. From now till end of October, you can nominate an SME braving it in business in our Small Business Spotlight Initiative. One that has triumphed through the storms and has an impact. Nominate as many as you like, from anywhere in the country, even nominate your own. Just nominate! Our partner Lulalend is investing up to R100 000 in interest free funding to one nominee. 

Date: 3 August – 26 October

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). 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

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: Every day, 11am-9pm
You may also like: smokin’ hot Mexican food with zesty margaritas to try at Mexicola Locale

GET OUT FOR A BIG SUNDAY LUNCH  

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard has five wine ranges worth trying. You can taste six wines from the five ranges by yourself, or have a wine ambassador guide you through them. You could also stay for lunch. It’s the type of place where everyone will find just the right type of food to keep them happy. There’s a rotisserie section and a harvest table. Plus the range of wines caters for many tastes (and pockets) during lunch at Leopard’s Leap.

Date: Tuesday to Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday from 11am–5pm
You may also like: getting the kids involved in dinner with 7 simple, but tasty recipes to make with the little ones. 

 

YOU’LL BE SHOCKED BY WHAT YOU FIND

Lazy sharks, floating giant turtles, crabs as big as a toddler, a fish that has no eyes, no mouth and no fins, and cheeky adorable penguins are just a few of the 8 000 wonderful sea creatures that will fascinate kids and adults alike at the Two Oceans Aquarium. 

Date: Daily, 9:30am - 6pm weekdays & 9am - 6pm weekends
You may also like: treating the little ones to a friendly alpaca, a visit to the space agency and other free and cheap things you can do with the kids

 

FEEL THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR

Race down the bumpy rollers on top of the Dragons Back or skid under the canopy of trees in the Bush Tunnel in Scootours newest dirt Flow Trail at Middelvlei Wine Farm. Plus, team days and kids’ birthday parties get a complimentary boerebraai with a ride on a Monster Mountain Scooter with Scootours. 

Date: Tuesday - Sunday, rides depart between 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00. You can book your spot via scootourscapetown.activitar.com

 

PICK YOUR OWN CUT OF MEAT 

This off-beat and edgy steakhouse should be on every meat eater's bucket list. Char'd Grill is best known for its selection of dry-aged, traditional steaks, including the lesser-known steak cuts of spider, brisket and bavette – the cuts most restaurants wouldn't usually put on the menu. But one of its house favourites is entirely vegetarian: the smokey potato rosti patty burgers. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love Char'd Grill's menu. 

Date: Monday - Saturday , 12pm - 9pm; Sundays, 12pm - 8pm

ENJOY OUTLANDISH DINNERS + FIERY COCKTAILS 

Zsa Zsa Restaurant is the perfect dinner-party-with-a-vibe experience. Set in the middle of Hout Street, this ultra-glamorous restaurant, inspired by legendary actor and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, has a resident DJ and a decadent French-, Italian- and Mediterranean-style menu. There are also surprise performances every night, so you never know what’s going to happen at Zsa Zsa Restaurant. 

Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 4pm - 9pm
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TASTE FROM THE BRIGHTEST FOOD MINDS

If you haven't gone to the new district of the V&A Waterfront for young local foodie talent, you're missing out. Makers Landing is a food community where the brightest minds in food can hone their skills. Think shisanyama, samosas and a gatsby sandwich – classic, simple South African food with a gourmet twist. The market has also started doing delivery boxes stocked with gourmet burgers, crispy samosas and more. If you're planning your summer holidays, make sure you don't miss Makers Landing.

Date: Friday - Sunday, 8am - 9pm
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SERVE UP 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, 9am-4pm

EXPLORE THE CITY ON A HARLEY

Driving the roads of a town or country on a bike is one of the most exciting ways to sightsee. You’re entirely engaged with the scenery, nature and elements. And in the Western Cape we have no shortage of gorgeous landscapes. Here are four routes to take and the bikes to do them on, by Jörg Vogel owner of Cape Bike Travel.

Date: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 6pm; Saturday, 9am - 12pm and Sunday, 9am - 10am
You may also like: exploring everything the Western Cape has to offer a stunning day trip 

RELAX IN A PRIVATE VILLA IN HERMANUS

Whale Rock Luxury Lodge is an all-rounder haven for families, kids, couples and friends. The kids will love the large, crystal-clear pool, while parents can kick back and enjoy brunch in the beautiful glass breakfast room. There's also a private villa, which has ample space for families with small kids. But you'll want to take part in some of the nearby activities close to Whale Rock Luxury Lodge. 

Date: Monday - Sunday

 

HOLIDAY BENEATH A MOUNTAIN RANGE 

Samadhi in Hout Bay is the dream house for the holidays: a pool that stretches along the deck with views of the bay beyond, mountains and greenery surrounding it, a cottage with a tennis court for the best of days playing long rallies. This dream villa also has a dream winter special; it costs R20 000 less than the usual rate, so you can stay at Samadhi over winter.

Date: Special on 1 May - 30 September, 2021 

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURAL BEAUTY

You won’t find a better escape, or deal, than at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve in Citrusdal in the Cederberg right now. On this special, you can stay at the camping villages for only R250 per person mid-week (minimum booking of 2 people), on the weekends it costs R350 per person (minimum booking of 6 people for 2 nights). The deal also applies to the Wolfkop Nature Reserve cottages Mid-week you can stay there for only R300 per person (minimum of 4 people). Activities are also discounted at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve.

Date: Monday - Sunday. Mid-week nights are Sunday to Thursday
You may also like: finding more awesome adventures at some of Cape Town's top camping sites

TRY A SPECIALITY ABALONE DISH  

Burgundy Restaurant in Hermanus is a prime spot for whale-watching. The open veranda in the front gets a clear, uninterrupted view of the ocean, the craft market and the promenade dotted with bold and striking sculptures. Plus, its varied menu includes beer-battered hake and chips, a famous seafood pasta and a speciality abalone dish, making Burgundy Restaurant a popular choice. 

Date: Monday - Sunday, 8:30am - 9pm
You may also like: Making an excellent seafood dish at home, here’s where you can get the freshest catch of the day

 

IT’S A LOW CARB A-FAIR EVERY WEEKEND

A Low Carb A-Fair, hosted by Banting Baker Gigi and We Love Low Carb, welcomes all foodies. Together with other traders it brings top-quality food and loads of flavour to this market which has anything from boerie rolls to cake, ice cream and cheese. There will also be specials and lots of tasters available, as well as live entertainment. You might find banting and keto aren't boring when you visit A Low Carb A-Fair.

Date: The first Saturday of every month in Helderberg, Strand from 9am - 2 pm and again on the last Saturday of every month from 9 am - 3 pm in Paarden Eiland.

 

ENJOY A WARM WINTER WINE TASTING

Winter’s coming, as the famous phrase now goes, and one of the best destinations to earmark for a winter outing is La Motte wine estate. Not only does it have a state-of-the-art wine-tasting facility attached to the impressive cellar (which you can tour), but it also has a fabulous fireplace where you can settle in to taste and savour the range of wines, from current vintages to more rare and limited edition wines. 

Date: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

 

TRY YOUR HAND AT GIN MAKING 

Gin lovers, listen up! Try your hand at crafting the perfect gin. Distillers & Union offer a gin-making course where you can personalise everything from your favourite fragrant botanical spices to the alcohol level and even the logo. The co-founders Simon Von Witt and Warren Harries-Jones have some award-winning vodkas, rums and a spicy, fiery ginger-beer range ready for you to sample at Distillers & Union.  

Date: Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm; Saturday, 10am- 5pm
You may also like: finding out what other spectacular selection of gin tastings Cape Town has to offer

 

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, 9am-5pm
Tasting room: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am- 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

SAMPLE TOP CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING WINES 

It’s not only one of the country’s most eco-progressive wine estates, it also has a reasonably priced wine tasting (R40 for 6 different wines), which happens to include some of the best Cap Classiques in the country. Villiera is the Stellenbosch family-run wine farm with award-winning Cap Classiques, premium red and white wines and a wildlife sanctuary. See game such as kudu, even giraffes at Villiera Wines.

Date: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 9am - 3pm
You may also like: witnessing a golden wildebeest at Vredenheim animal park or relaxing on more safari game drives around Cape Town

TAKE A DIP IN SAINT JAMES TIDAL POOL

St James is close to Dalebrook and right on a train station, so if you’re not into lots of people, you may want to give this one a skip. Otherwise get there early for a quiet morning dip. It’s also uber close to Saint James Cafe, where you can grab a pizza, tapas or a burger. Depending on where you are, you could find a tidal pool closer to you. 

Date: Every day
Cost: Free 

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For Further reading

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STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS CORONAVIRUS-RELATED
The situation is ever-changing and our team is committed to bringing you all the latest updates on COVID-19 in Cape Town. Find out which places have closed and get notified when they reopen. Keep tabs on the governmental restrictions in place. And treat yourself to some moments of joy we have found during these challenging times. 

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