Your guide to Cape Town's weekend entertainment: From opera to marathons

Cape Town Opera presents Georges Bizet’s Carmen, the timeless story of passion, freedom and jealousy.
Cape Town Opera presents Georges Bizet’s Carmen, the timeless story of passion, freedom and jealousy.Picture: Supplied

If you’re stuck on what to do around Cape Town this weekend, the city has no shortage of entertainment, culture and family-friendly experiences on offer. From world-class opera and live music to brunch experiences and marathon excitement, here are a few events worth adding to your weekend plans.

Cape Town Opera: Carmen

Cape Town Opera presents Georges Bizet’s Carmen, the timeless story of passion, freedom and jealousy. Set in Seville, Spain, the opera follows the fiery and fiercely independent Carmen as she refuses to surrender her freedom, no matter the cost.

Known for its unforgettable music and dramatic storytelling, Carmen remains one of the world’s most celebrated operas and is often recommended for first-time opera-goers.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours with an interval.

Age restriction: No children under 5; no babies in arms

Tickets can be purchased here

Be.UP Park Waterfront

For parents and guardians looking for a kid-friendly outing near the city centre, Be.UP Park at the V&A Waterfront offers climbing walls, trampolines, obstacle courses and indoor play areas perfect for energetic youngsters.

Nestled in the heart of the Watershed, next to the Two Oceans Aquarium and Scratch Patch, the indoor activity space has quickly become a favourite for families wanting something active, especially during cooler weather.

Best for: Families and children

Where: V&A Waterfront

Mastandi Brunch Experience

For lovers of all things soulful and African ahead of Africa Day, the Mastandi Brunch Experience will bring together food, music, storytelling and Pan-African culture at the V&A Waterfront this Sunday.

Hosted by Spitch Nzawumbi, the experience promises African-inspired cuisine, live entertainment and conversations centred around culture, connection and Ubuntu.

Date: Sunday, May 24

Time: From 2.30pm

Tickets can be purchased here.

The Blue Room

For the cooler crowd looking for live music and late-night energy, The Blue Room on Bree Street has become one of the CBD’s go-to spots for jazz, soul and contemporary live performances.

The intimate venue regularly attracts a younger creative crowd looking for good music and a lively city atmosphere close to Cape Town’s nightlife hub.

Best for: Young adults and music lovers

Where: Bree Street, CBD

Cape Town Sanlam Marathon

Thousands of runners are expected to hit the streets for the Cape Town Sanlam Marathon this weekend, bringing energy and excitement to the city.

Whether you’re participating or supporting from the sidelines, the marathon offers a vibrant atmosphere and a chance to experience one of the city’s biggest sporting events.

Date: Sunday, May 24

Time: From 6am

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