While the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, Cape Town events are still on in full swing. Read on to find out everything happening in the month of May, from wine and beer events to ballet and theatre performances.
Comic Con Cape Town
Comic Con International, held alongside the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), is a four-day celebration of pop culture and gaming.
Packed with workshops, competitions, and the chance to meet international celebrities, the event is perfect for families and fans alike. Expect everything from eSports tournaments and cosplay competitions to game development sessions and celebrity photo ops.
Visit Artist Alley to meet talented artists, explore their work, and even commission pieces. Enjoy tabletop games at the Unplug Yourself zone or bring the kids along to KidsCon—South Africa’s only festival just for young fans.
Cost: R220pp (day pass). Tickets available on Howler.
When: 1 – 4 May 2025 | Thurs and Fri: 10am – 7pm | Sat: 9am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 6pm
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2, Corner of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Heerengracht St, Foreshore
Winelands Autumn Expo
The second annual Winelands Autumn Expo will take center-stage in the Cape Winelands District town of Worcester. Visitors will once again have the opportunity to taste, experience, and celebrate everything the Winelands has to offer, all in one splendid location.
The Winelands Autumn Expo showcases the diverse tastes of the five distinct terroirs found in the district. The Winelands cover world the world-renowned areas of Breede Valley, Drakenstein, Langeberg, Stellenbosch, and Witzenberg.
All five of these unique areas will showcase their best in the industry, as well as various options for food, drink, music, hospitality, arts and crafts, and many more. All this while keeping your little ones equally entertained at the kids’ activity area. Entrance includes one branded wineglass and one tote bag.
Cost: R160pp (weekend pass, adult) | R60pp (weekend pass, teen) | R100p (day pass, adult) | R40pp (day pass, teen). Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 30 – 31 May 2025 | Fri: from 3pm. Sat: from 2pm
Where: Montana High School, Worcester
Fork and Comedy
Fork and Comedy is a monthly comedy showcase that combines great food with big laughs, creating a relaxed and entertaining evening for the whole community. Set against the scenic backdrop of Lourensford Wine Estate, the May edition promises a memorable night out featuring top local comedians Mel Jones, Phil de Lange, and Charles Tertiens.
Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious food options available on the night while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere and top-notch comedy performances. It’s a great way to unwind, share a few laughs, and support South Africa’s vibrant local comedy scene.
Cost: R80pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 3 May 2025 | 6pm – 9pm
Where: Abru Motors Studio, Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Willowbridge Slow Markets
Get ready for Mother’s Day and treat your mom to a variety of gifts, flowers and treats from the Willowbridge Slow Market. The first edition of the Mother’s Day market also hosts a soap-making workshop on 4 May, to give you the skills to create a delicate, freshly scented gift.
The Willowbridge Slow Market are held on certain weekends throughout the year, and each market has a different exciting theme to celebrate. Bring the family together and spend a day browsing all that Willowbridge has to offer.
When: 4 – 5 May & 10 – 11 May 2025
Where: Wilowbridge Shopping Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Dr, Tyger Valley
Wynfees
Come and enjoy the golden season in the Cape with Netwerk24 and Die Burger, in collaboration with their partner Meerendal, and a total of 21 of the Cape Winelands’ leading wine estates.
Taste delicious wines from the Western Cape’s world-famous wine regions – all under one roof on the picturesque Meerendal wine estate. Tickets include a wine glass, as well as the opportunity to taste all the exhibitors’ wines. There will also be wine for sale to enjoy on the lawn or to take home.
Coffee and a few other snacks will also be sold on the day, and lucky draws will keep the excitement high. Celebrate the Cape Winelands at this exciting festival.
Cost: R350pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 24 May 2025 | 11am – 5pm
Where: Meerendal Wine Estate, Vissershok Rd, Durbanville
Queens at RED
The queens are back – and they’re bringing the house down. Join Manila von Teez, Kat Gilardi and Lilly Slaptsilli for an unforgettable evening of drag, comedy and high-octane entertainment at the Radisson RED hotel in Cape Town. With sweeping views of the Waterfront and the city skyline, this stylish rooftop venue sets the perfect stage for a night of sparkle, sass and sensational performances.
Each ticket includes entry and an arrival snack board, which consists of a chicken slider, wild mushroom vol-au-vent, roast BBQ cabbage, breyani risotto balls and panise.
Cost: R295pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 9 May 2025 | 6pm – 10pm
Where: Radisson RED, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cableway Charity Challenge
One of Cape Town’s most beloved fundraising events will once again take place on Table Mountain in May. On the day of the Cableway Charity Challenge, individual athletes, schools and corporate teams will hike Platteklip Gorge as many times as possible, between sunrise and sunset to raise funds for four beneficiaries: Ubuntu Football, Funda Kunye, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).
Since its inception in 2009, the Challenge has raised millions for local charities, and asks locals for their support to cheer on the participants and to donate to the cause. On the day, attendees are invited to take the cable car to the Table Mountain summit and to take a hike on one of the many mountain paths, in order to support the participants.
Refer to the website for more information.
When: 10 May 2025
Where: Table Mountain
University of Michigan Orchestra
A stellar line-up of soloists brings additional shine to the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra (USO), when they visit South Africa.
Under the auspices of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, The USO serves as a training ground for gifted young musicians, many of whom go on to significant careers in major orchestras, opera houses, and chamber music ensembles.
Under the baton of Kenneth Kiesler, who has been at the helm of USO as its music director and conductor since 1995, the USO is considered one of the world’s finest student orchestras. Soloists for the tour include renowned bass-baritone and tenured Professor of Music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Daniel A. Washington, 2025 Grammy award-winner soprano, Karen Slack and South Africa’s own star soprano, Goitsemang Lehobye.
Cost: R100 – R200pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 26 and 27 May 2025 | 7.30pm
Where: City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town (26 May) | Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium, 20 Picton St, Parow (27 May)
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Producers Pieter Toerien and the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) are set to dazzle Cape Town audiences with a thrilling new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The much-loved musical, created by the legendary duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is bursting with vibrant energy, dazzling choreography, and unforgettable songs. This fresh staging promises to captivate audiences of all ages like never before. A global sensation, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has enchanted audiences for decades, with countless performances on Broadway, in the West End, and across more than 80 countries.
Leading the cast is Dylan Janse van Rensburg, known for roles in Spring Awakening and My Fair Lady, alongside powerhouse vocalist Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator and the charismatic Chris Jaftha as Pharaoh. With a stellar cast and a fresh creative vision, this production promises an unforgettable theatrical spectacle.
Cost: R275 – R475pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 9 May – 13 July 2025 | Weekdays: 8pm | Sat: 5pm & 8pm | Sun: 2.30pm
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay
Suidoosterfees 2025
The popular arts festival Suidoosterfees is back for its 22nd edition. The 2025 edition has the theme “Art is Everything”, highlighting the important role that art plays in every facet of our lives.
The festival hosts a variety of theatre, dance, music, comedy and art events, as well as workshops and discussions. Meanwhile, the youth-centric version of the festival is hosted from 5-8 May.
The full lineup of the festival is available on the Suidoosterfees website, and tickets for each event can be booked on Webtickets.
When: 30 April – 4 May 2025 | Junior festival: 5-8 May 2025
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore
BeerEx Africa
BeerEx Africa is a conference and expo dedicated to the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage: beer! The two-day expo and one-day conference showcases everything to do with beer, as well as hosting beer launches and food pairings at craft breweries around Cape Town.
The week finishes off with the awards party for the African Beer Cup – the continent’s biggest beer competition.
Cost: From R125 per event, tickets available on Quicket.
When: 22 – 24 May 2025 | Thu: 6pm – late. Fri: 11am – late. Sat: 9am – late
Where: Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront
Hedda Gabler
Hedda and her successful yet uncomplicated husband, Jurg, have just returned from their honeymoon. She’s already bored with marriage, so when her former flame Lovborg arrives, she sets her life alight. Why? Because she can. In this modern adaptation of “Ibsen’s Hamlet”, Hedda shows one fat middle finger to being nice. She is horrible, and proud of it. Do not miss this exciting production.
A talented cast includes Rolanda Marais, Albert Pretorius, Martelize Kolver, Ashley de Lange, Ludwig Binge and Stian Bam, with the production being directed and translated by Christiaan Olwagen.
Cost: R150 – R250pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 1 – 10 May 2025 (Afrikaans season) | 12 – 24 May 2025 (English season) | 7.30pm | Saturday matinee at 3.30pm
Where: Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
A Journey Through Taste and Terroir
A SecretEATS evening isn’t just any ordinary dinner party – it’s a social soiree bringing together the very best in food, drink and fun with friends, new and old.
As always, the evening begins with a welcome drink on arrival and some canapes to kick things off. Prepare for a little mixing and mingling before settling in around a shared dining table to meet the Secret chef.
Enjoy course after course of gourmet goodness prepared by Secret Eats’ professional, classically trained Secret chef. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your evening.
Perfectly paired wines compliment each course and, of course, help the conversation flow as guests meet, mix and mingle to create an evening of magic.
Cost: R1800pp. Tickets available on the website.
When: 24 May 2025 | 7pm – 10pm
Where: The secret venue is revealed the morning of the dinner.
Intermezzo by Cape Ballet Africa
Cape Ballet Africa presents a new programme of short works at the delightful Drama Factory. The production is a gentle and cathartic artistic offering from this recently established company fresh from their exceptional debut at the Artscape Opera House in March.
Celebrating Tchaikovsky features the composer’s most loved works for ballet including The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. A selection of iconic tunes form the basis for this suite profiling the beautiful artists of Cape Ballet Africa.
Desiderata, the much – loved prose poem by writer Max Ehrmann forms the inspiration for the collection of choreographic works by South African choreographers with Marcel Meyer, celebrated South African actor, narrating the evocative and stirring text.
Cost: R280pp | R260pp (group of 4). Tickets available on the website.
When: 16 – 25 May 2025 | 7.30pm | Sun: 4pm | Sat matinee at 3pm
Where: The Drama Factory, 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand
Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race
The Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race returns, inviting cyclists to a unique adventure through South Africa’s Tankwa Karoo. Celebrating its fifth year, the event reintroduces the iconic traverse across “The Pan,” a vast, flat expanse that offers riders a surreal and visually stunning experience.
Participants can choose between a challenging 113 km route or a medium 59 km route on the first day, followed by a 62 km ride on the second day.
In collaboration with Sling, a select few have the chance to take aerial flips, providing a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking landscape. Beyond the cycling, the race features unique festivities, including themed water points, premium hospitality, and the “Bicycle Burn,” ensuring an adventure that extends beyond the race itself.
Cost: R3500pp (no meals) | R7900pp (incl meals and accomodation). Tickets available on the website.
When: 23 – 25 May 2025
Where: Tankwa Tented Camp, R355, Calvinia, Northern Cape
Pink Room Games Night Extravaganza
Immersive Cape Town presents another night of fun and (board) games,, with a great social element. Mr. Monopoly hosts the proceedings, which include board games, card games, interactive games and social games. Guests can pick and choose what they’d like to play – there is no pressure.
A full bar is available for beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) throughout the evening.
There is a costume closet to get you glammed up if you choose (not compulsory, but encouraged). Best dressed by popular vote stands to win a fabulous prize, with the theme of iconic game characters.
Games are curated based on a spectrum of simplicity, fun and potential for good social interaction. Some of the games include chess, backgammon, Uno, Bananagrams and others.
Cost: R80pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 16 May 2025 | 7pm – 10pm
Where: The Pink Room, First floor, Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St George’s Mall, Cape Town
Salome Live at GrandWest
Join Salome at the Grand Arena for a unique and heartfelt experience. In This is Me, Salome takes the audience on an emotional journey through music and storytelling, offering an intimate glimpse into her life. As she shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and cultural heritage, Salome invites you to reflect on your own path of self-discovery.
Her performance is a celebration of empowerment, resilience, and the courage to embrace one’s true identity. Each moment is infused with raw emotion, inviting the audience to connect deeply with the themes of love, strength, and personal growth.
Salome’s performance is a tribute to the power of authenticity. Don’t miss this special Mother’s Day show, where music, storytelling, and personal insight come together to create a night of inspiration and empowerment.
Cost: R200 – R350pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 10 May 2025 | from 6pm
Where: Grand Arena, GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park
Nuy Valley Festival
Set in the idyllic Nuy Valley, one of the Western Cape’s most scenic treasures, the Nuy Valley Festival invites guests to experience the very best of the region’s wine and olive harvest. With its stunning mountains, expansive vineyards, and exceptional olive products, the valley offers a picturesque backdrop for this family-friendly celebration.
The festival is a vibrant mix of activities, ensuring fun for all ages. From wine and olive oil tastings to traditional German cuisine and craft beer, the event is a feast for the senses. Families can explore the festivities aboard the Nuy Valley Express, a charming tractor ride that connects the festival venues, while live music fills the air and adventure awaits at every turn.
Whether you’re sipping award-winning wines or enjoying outdoor activities, the Nuy Valley Festival is an unmissable celebration of the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Cost: R230pp | R250pp at the gate | R150pp (designated driver) | R50pp (teens age 12 – 17). Tickets available online.
When: 10 May 2025 | 9am – 5pm
Where: Various venues in the Nuy Valley
Galileo Open Air Cinema
Catch the last few showings at the Galileo Open-Air Cinema before they close for the winter season. From family favourities such as Mamma Mia! (8 May) and Me Before You (10 May), to action-packed adventures such as Armageddon (14 May) and The Matrix (15 May), there’s a showing for everyone in the last few weeks of the season.
All the May Movies at the Galileo
Durbanville Sauvignon Soirée
Spend International Sauvignon Blanc Day at the Durbanville Sauvignon Soirée, enjoying an exclusive tasting journey through the cool climate valley, featuring the finest local Sauvignon Blancs curated by passionate winemakers.
Discover the ageability of this beloved varietal with a special showcase of international selections and the top 10 Sauvignon Blancs from 2020 by Sauvignon SA. Plus, be the first to taste the highly anticipated Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc 2025, a collaboration wine crafted by the members of the Durbanville Wine Valley.
Each ticket includes tastings of 10 different producers’ Sauvignon Blanc, two arrival Canapes by Cassia Restaurant, a selection of international wines from France and Italy, and live music by Gerry Liberty.
Cost: R250pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 9 May 2025 | 5pm – 8pm
Where: Cassia Restaurant, Nitida Wine Farm Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville
Franschhoek Literary Festival
The annual Franschhoek Literary Festival returns with a jam-packed and highly anticipated programme.
This year’s edition offers a captivating lineup of renowned local, pan-African and international authors as literary enthusiasts make their way to what is frequently regarded as “the literary event of the year”.
The festival also boasts an eclectic mix of voices from various genres, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with celebrated authors and discover new literary gems. The programme offers an enriching experience featuring a wide variety of thought-provoking panel discussions, in-depth author interviews, interactive writing workshops and poetry readings; and Melodies in Words, an evening of art, song and poetry inspired by literature.
Cost: Event tickets from R60pp, book on Webtickets.
When: 16 – 18 May 2025
Where: Various venues around Franschhoek
Mini Brandy Festival
Cause | Effect and SA Brandy present the Mini Brandy Festival, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to gather and to savour the finest selection of brandies.
Attendees enjoy three freshly made cocktails and four brandy tastings of their choice. Local DJs will have a music showcase in a cosy setting, with indoor and outdoor spaces, pyramid heaters, and a fireplace for comfort.
Cost: R300pp. Tickets available via Quicket.
When: 31 May 2025 | 1pm – 8pm
Where: The Salene, Devon Valley Rd, Stellenbosch
The Good Life Show
The Good Life Show, Africa’s premium food, drink and conscious living event, is back in Cape Town with even more exciting high-quality and innovative products, experiences and surprising content. The plant-based sector is growing worldwide, and The Good Life show is a must-visit for those interested in being part of the change.
The event focuses on health, wellness and sustainability, and includes innovative products, chef and mixology demos, expert wellness advice, and more. The event brings expert advice on everything from sustainable lifestyle choices to mental health strategies, and everything in between.
Make sure to get your tickets to learn all about the health and wellness industry, and the benefits it has for you.
Cost: Day Pass – R175pp. Weekend Pass – R265pp. Children under 15 free. Book via Quicket.
When: 30 May – 1 June 2025 | Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
All About the Good Life Show
Cape Town Opera presents AIDA
Cape Town Opera presents Verdi’s Aida with an all-African cast in a bold, Africanfuturist reimagining of this iconic opera.
Set against a backdrop of war, forbidden love and cultural conflict, Aida follows the love story of an enslaved Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian commander. Under Minnaar’s direction, this production combines video, animation and Gregory Maqoma’s choreography to bring a vivid, futuristic world to life.
With a 56-member chorus and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under Kamal Khan, this production promises to be a cultural highlight of 2025.
Cost: R190 – R980pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 23 – 31 May 2025 | 23, 27 and 29 May: 7pm | 25 and 31 May: 3pm
Where: Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan Street, Cape Town City Centre
Visit Norval Foundation
The Norval Foundation are hosting a variety of events in May, which include art-focused events, exhibitions launches, and wellness events. These events include:
- 14 May: Exhibition Opening: They Came and Left Footprints. The return of a significant exhibition, featuring the powerful and evocative works of South African artists Lucas Sithole and Cyprian Shilakoe.
- 17 May: Yoga in the Garden. Breathe and bloom at this upcoming yoga session in the Sculpture Garden at Norval Foundation, presented by Virgin Active Steenberg.
- 18 May: Museum Day. 50% off all tickets in celebration of Museum Day.
- 31 May: Art and Sip. Visit Norval Foundation for an intimate, guided drawing experience. Tickets are limited and includes beverages, a curator-led tour and a Museum Day Pass.
When: Wed to Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 4pm | Closed on Mon & Tues
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
All About the Norval Foundation
