The V&A Waterfront Brings Back Vinyl & Record Fair, Live Music, and More

One of Cape Town’s most iconic destinations, the V&A Waterfront offers visitors the chance to shop, eat and celebrate. Looking towards the second half of 2026, the space is once again a sanctuary for South African music, with artists and performers taking to the stage to entertain audiences between their shopping and dining hours – all of which are completely free to attend.

The events calendar is bolstered by two more Record & Music Fairs before the year is out, and several variety events throughout the rest of the year.

Oceanus Symphonia

Audiences get a sneak preview of an all-new immersive live music event coming to the V&A Waterfront in March 2027. Visitors can expect a completely unique soundscape that captures the feeling of the ocean; with little information available ahead of time, it’s something to experience blind. The first glimpse shows run for half an hour this weekend, playing twice each day.

When: Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 October 2026 | 1.15pm – 1.45pm & 2.15pm – 2.45pm
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

V&A Record & Music Fair

Back again by popular demand, the V&A Record & Music Fair offers a vibrant celebration of vinyl culture, bringing together collectors, music lovers, and curious browsers for a day of discovery and sound. Set within the lively Watershed space, the event invites visitors to explore a wide selection of records, memorabilia, and music-related finds, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

With dozens of traders showcasing thousands of records, the fair spans genres and eras, from timeless classics to unexpected hidden gems. Alongside vinyl, visitors can browse band merchandise, vintage tees, and other collectables that reflect music’s enduring culture. Live DJs add to the experience, spinning tracks throughout the day and filling the space with an ever-evolving soundtrack.

When: 10 October & 19 December 2026 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Watershed Upper Level, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Public Stargazing Event

Anyone can join this experience to learn how to use a telescope, listen to professional astronomy talks, and discover the celestial objects in our night sky. Visitors can bring their own telescopes or just join for the stargazing by themselves.

When: Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 7pm – 9pm
Where: Clock Tower District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Busker Festival

Every year the V&A gives a platform to Cape Town’s beloved and talented street performers, musicians, magicians, dancers, and entertainers. With spontaneous shows from many of the city’s rising stars, V&A visitors get to experience live entertainment for completely free, while buskers get to show off their talents and build their platforms.

Further announcements will be made on the website.

When: Friday – Sunday, 30 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Across the V&A Waterfront, Dock Rd, Cape Town

Silo Concerts

Summer at the V&A Waterfront kicks off with the return of the Silo Concert series. Curated by the V&A, the event brings the Silo District to life as the sun sets, spanning many genres and bringing people of all ages together to celebrate community with the sound of music. Held on the first Friday of each month, the Silo Concert series is a completely free showcase of some of South Africa’s most talented up-and-coming musicians – with previous highlights including Ami Faku, giuliette price, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

This summer’s lineup is TBA. Keep an eye on the V&A website for more details as they come out.

When: Friday, 6 November & 4 December 2026 | 7pm – 8pm
Where: Silo District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Take The Stage

The V&A’s very own artist spotlight, the Take The Stage concert series, gives a platform to emerging artists to share their talents with the city. Throughout the summer, the Amphitheatre hosts many up-and-coming performers from Cape Town, serving as their stage for a series of free sunset performances showcasing the best of the local creative scene. Whether it’s a solo singer-songwriter, a big jazz band, or a dance troupe, Take The Stage serves as a platform for the Mother City’s artists and performers to grow their audiences.

Take The Stage has been running for over a decade, with previous shows featuring Daniel Baron, Jonathan Rubain, Lana Crowster, and Kristi Lowe.

This summer’s lineup is TBA. Keep an eye on the V&A website for more details as they come out.