Spring has sprung in Cape Town, and the Mother City is coming alive with plenty to see, do and experience.
From a celebration of one of South Africa’s favourite street foods and a literary festival to live music, rugby, theatre and a dog show for a good cause, here’s what’s worth adding to your weekend plans.
Enjoy kota at the Cape Town Kota Festival
Bring an empty cooler box and head to The Ostrich on Saturday for the Cape Town Kota Festival. Expect plenty of street food, family entertainment and activities for the kids.
Date: Saturday, September 5
Time: 10am–10pm
Venue: The Ostrich, Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia
Tickets: From R50
Get your literary fix at the Open Book Festival
The Open Book Festival returns to Cape Town from Friday, September 4 to 6, bringing writers, readers and literary conversations to venues across the city. With a packed programme of talks, discussions and events, it’s a good weekend pick for book lovers and curious minds.
Date: Friday 4 - Sunday, September 6
Venue: HCC: Homecoming Centre, Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
Back the Springboks against the All Blacks
The Springboks face the All Blacks in the third Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series this Saturday, and you don’t have to be in Johannesburg to get in on the action. Time Out Market Cape Town and various venues will screen the match live on big screens, with plenty of food, drinks and rugby spirit to go around.
Date: Saturday, September 5
Kick-off: 5.10pm
Venue: Time Out Market Cape Town, V&A Waterfront
See Liquideep at Cabo Beach
Pair your Saturday night with music and a sea view. Liquideep takes to the stage at Cabo Beach on Saturday, 5 September, for an evening of live music by the coast.
Date: Saturday, September 5
Time: From 4pm
Venue: Cabo Beach Club, V&A Waterfront
Line-up: Liquideep, Kid Fonque, Vinny Da Vinci and more
Bring your pup to Canine Couture in Goodwood
Forget Westminster, the real competition is in Goodwood this weekend. Water Warriors is hosting a community dog show featuring categories including Best Rescue and the ever-popular Owner-Dog Lookalike.
It’s a fun day out for dog lovers, while 100% of proceeds go towards local animal welfare initiatives.
Date: Saturday, September 5
Time: From 8am
Venue: Field next to Filia School, Goodwood
Cost: R50 per entry, per category
Say 'Mamma Mia!' at Artscape
ABBA fans have a date with Mamma Mia! The Musical this weekend. Catch the hit musical at the Artscape Theatre Centre, with a Saturday performance bringing the songs, romance, and feel-good energy to the stage.
Date: Saturday, September 5
Time: 3pm
Venue: Artscape Opera House, Cape Town
Tickets: R200–R580
Make a winelands day of it
Need an excuse to get out of the city? Head to Klein Joostenberg in Stellenbosch for the Winelands Bridal Fair, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6.
The event is aimed at couples and wedding planners, but the Winelands setting makes it an easy excuse for a September day out, especially if you’re already looking for a reason to escape the city.
Date: Saturday, 5 & Sunday, September 6
Time: 9am–3.30pm
Venue: Klein Joostenberg, R304, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
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