From awe-inspiring live musical experiences to fun-filled festivals, scenic cruises, magical theatrical performances, incredible comedy acts, challenging marathons, and much more, there is no shortage of scheduled April events to keep you entertained and out of the house as we move into autumn 2024.
Spiritfest: Bringing yoga, meditation, dance and community together
The annual Spiritfest returns, and the excitement is palpable. This three-day festival is all about opening the heart, exploring the mind and body, and experiencing the profound nourishment of the self.
This gathering brings together the power of yoga, meditation, dance and community in a majestic setting surrounded by mountains, rivers and trees. Spiritfest is an experience of immersing in a celebration of well-being, community, and transformative experiences. Children are also welcome to attend.
Cost: R250pp – R7 900pp, book via Spiritfest
When: Fri, 29 Mar to Mon, 1 Apr | Gates open Fri, 1pm
Where: Well-Being Sanctuary, Hoogekraal Farm 182, Sedgefield
South African Photographer of The Year: A celebration of photography and nature’s beauty
The South African Photographer of The Year competition is an annual highlight for both amateur and professional photographers, celebrating the stunning diversity and beauty of South African and African wildlife and nature.
It’s a unique platform for showcasing exceptional talent and offers participants a chance to gain recognition while contributing to nature conservation. The best entries for the South African Photographer of The Year competition can be viewed in this exhibition, which showcases the shortlisted and winning photographs.
Cost: Free entry
When: 5 & 6 Apr | 5 Apr, 9am to 3pm | 6 Apr, 9am to 12pm
Where: Orms Showroom, 56 Roeland St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Two Gingers CAPE CHEERS: A World Record-Breaking Gin Festival
Presented by award-winning South African craft gin brand, Two Gingers, Cape Cheers is a festival with a difference – an attempt to achieve the world record for ‘Most People Drinking Gin in One Place’. The ticket price includes four mini bottles of Two Gingers Gin to participate in the official, audited Guiness World Record tasting overseen by an international Guinness World Record judge and certified taster, Cathy Marston.
Make a day of it by pairing your gin with awesome street food from a choice of food trucks on site. Music lovers also get the chance to groove to feel-good rock band Sunset Sweatshop, along with great local talent.
Cost: R280pp, book via Webtickets
When: 6 Apr from 10am
Where: Gember Distillery (Two Gingers Gin), Unit 6, Platinum Park, 101 Capricorn Dr, Muizenberg
‘Othello’: The South African premiere of a Shakespearean classic, reimagined
The Baxter Theatre Centre presents the South African premiere of Lara Foot’s highly acclaimed reproduction of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. Foot’s version of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ debuted at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus in Germany, in September 2022, to celebrated praise, earning Foot the Gustaf Theatre Award 2023 for Outstanding Artistic Achievement for Direction.
In this South African production, with design by Gerhard Marx and music by Kyle Shepherd, Foot focuses on Othello’s inner life, wanting to add an African perspective, staging the play in several languages and relocating it to the time of German colonialism. The production also features a stellar cast led by Atandwa Kani as Othello, Albert Pretorius as Iago, and Carla Smith as Desdemona.
Cost: R200pp – R290pp, book via Webtickets
When: 6 Apr to 4 May | Various showings at 11am, 2pm and/or 7.30pm
Where: The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Abdullah Ibrahim: The South African jazz icon on tour
One of South Africa’s most distinguished pianists and internationally respected master musicians, Abdullah Ibrahim, returns home to South Africa after a five-year absence to give a series of landmark concerts. The limited events include a highlight in Cape Town where he first professionally performed at the young age of 16 at the iconic City Hall.
Throughout his career, Ibrahim has performed with the greatest names to ever emerge from South Africa’s legendary jazz scene including his work with Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa, Kippie Moeketsi and many more. The concerts form part of a world tour for him as he performs around the world, visiting cities and cultures that in their time were pivotal in his exiled life.
Cost: R750pp – R2500pp, book via Ticketpro
When: 12 Apr, 8pm to midnight
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, CBD, Cape Town
Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want
Australian comedy legend, Jim Jefferies brings his ‘Give ‘Em What They Want’ tour to South Africa. This Sydney native is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation, entertaining audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging, and thought-provoking comedy.
Jefferies was honoured as Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the Just for Laughs Festival in summer 2019. His latest show, ‘Give ‘Em What They Want’, started at the end of 2022 with dates all around Asia, Europe and North America. Now, he brings his comedic stylings to Africa.
No U/16s are allowed entry. Golden circle ticket holders will get the chance for a meet-and-greet with the comedian himself.
Cost: R795pp – R3545pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: 12 Apr, 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
Where: Grand Arena, GrandWest, Goodwood, Cape Town
Mimosa Brunch Cruise: A 3-hour luxury Catamaran cruise and soiree
Waterfront Charters, in partnership with Martini Prosecco, have the perfect early bird outing featuring their Mimosa Brunch Cruises.
Guests get a full three-hour cruise aboard the luxurious catamaran Enigma as they enjoy a gourmet Brunch, serving delicious bagels with smoked salmon, dill-cream cheese, cucumber & red onion. Not to mention the mouthwatering bite sized benedict – poached egg, baby spinach and chive hollandaise and filled caprese croissants, among more on the menu.
Accompanying this feast are bottomless jugs of Mimosa, packed with vitamins and delicious Prosecco. As guests enjoy their luxurious brunch, the musical stylings of internationally acclaimed DJ Dino Moran set the mood.
Cost: R675pp, book via Waterfront Charters
When: 13 Apr | Depart 11am and return 2pm
Where: Shop 5 on Quay 5 (Next to Sevruga), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Find more cruises from Waterfront Charters’ Superb Summer Lineup
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon: South Africa’s leading marathon returns
The Two Oceans Marathon invites qualifying runners to participate in either a 21.1km Half-marathon, or its main event, the 56km Ultra Marathon, which takes the participants on a route around the Cape Peninsula. This Marathon is one of South Africa’s leading marathons and is often acknowledged as one of the most scenic courses in the world, as runners pass through highlights such as Chapman’s Peak, Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Constantia and Newlands.
Entries are non-refundable, and medals are awarded to all finishers within cut-off times. The Ultra Marathon event takes place on the 13th, whilst the half-marathon is held the following day. As an entrant, you must have run a qualifying marathon or a longer distance in the specified times.
Cost: R790pp (Ultra Marathon) | R420 (Half-marathon), enter via Two Oceans Marathon
When: 13 & 14 Apr | 13 April, starting time 5am | 14 April, starting time 6am
Where: Start at Newlands Main Road, at intersection with corner of Dean Street.
Finding the Light: South African and London stars align in musical extravaganza
The FTL Foundation is proud to announce their debut on-stage offering – Finding the Light – as they assemble London’s West End and South African musical theatre stars for a magical 2-hour musical theatre event. ‘Finding the Light – An Evening with Musical Theatre Stars’, is the culmination of a coordinated international fundraising drive with the Kolisi Foundation.
With Finding the Light, audiences can look forward to enjoying songs from shows such as “Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Miserables”, “West Side Story”, “Company” and many more, with the exquisite on-stage accompaniment by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hosted by Cape Town’s very own Marc Lottering, the musical event promises a visual and auditory kaleidoscope in celebration of our humanity and our collective search for the light. Some of the talented South African stars featured in the lineup include Jonathan Roxmouth, Lynelle Kenned, Tshepo Ncokoane and Lucy Tops.
Cost: R190 – R420pp | R950pp (VIP) | R1 600 (Gala Night VIP – 8 Apr), book via Webtickets
When: 17 to 21 Apr | 17 to 19 Apr, 8pm | 20 Apr, 3pm & 8pm | 21 Apr, 2pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
UPCYCLE: Office Furniture Reimagined
UPCYCLE: Office Furniture ReimaginedGlobal design and build leader, Tétris Design and Build, have enlisted artists and designers to create a collection of artworks upcycled from decommissioned office furniture in an exercise of reimagining what is old and unused, to demonstrate how design has the potential to shape a more conscious and sustainable workspace.
‘UPCYCLE: Office Furniture Reimagined’ is open to the public for a weekend. On the Friday, design students are welcomed for a special student-focused day, and on the Saturday, there is a free curated walkabout with the designers.
Cost: Free entry
When: 19 & 20 Apr, 10am to 9pm daily
Where: Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Kuier at the Castle: An experience featuring local artisanal products, culinary delights and entertainment
Kuier@TheCastle offers a multifaceted experience with various local artisanal products, culinary delights and entertainment designed to cater to all the senses and provide a memorable day out for the whole family. Set within the Castle of Good Hope, with Table Mountain as the backdrop, Kuier@TheCastle offers a unique and picturesque venue for locals and tourists to explore the Castle’s six museums, historically significant sites, and more on their own or through guided tours.
Visitors can gain insight into the creative process as artisans conduct live demonstrations and workshops, allowing visitors to explore the skill that goes into crafting unique pieces. The event is also a lively space for smaller niche pop-ups to trade monthly, adding to the ethos of inclusivity and a multi-faceted visitor experience.
Cost: R30pp | R15pp (kids)
When: 27 Apr, 9am to 4pm
Where: The Castle of Good Hope, cnr Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town
Comic Con feat. the Cape Town International Animation Festival: A self-expressive festival featuring the best of pop and fandom culture
The five-day Comic Con Cape Town Festival is back with a bang, offering attendees and enthusiasts the ultimate geek out opportunity as they get the chance to immerse themselves into the world of gaming, meet-and-greet TV and film idols, treat themselves to fandom gear and unique artwork, and attend some fantastic workshops.
Also featured this year, in collaboration with Comic Con Cape Town, is the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF). The festival offers attendees an unparalleled experience featuring practical workshops, networking opportunities, project launches, and more. Attendees can look forward to incredible talks from industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into the world of visual effects (VFX) and animation.
Cost: R190pp (day pass) & R550pp (five-day pass) for Comic Con entry | R850pp for CTIAF entry, book via Howler
When: Sat, 27 Apr to Wed, 1 May (Comic Con) | Sat, 27 Apr & Sun, 28 Apr (CTIAF) | Sat, Sun & Wed, 9am to 6pm | Mon & Tues, 11am to 8pm
Where: CTICC, cnr Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town
Drumstruck at Silvermist: An immersive African music and wine tasting experience
Drumstruck is a captivating musical experience that brings the vibrant rhythms and beats of Africa to audiences around the world. A unique and interactive show, Drumstruck combines traditional African music, drumming, and storytelling in an exhilarating theatrical production.
Each audience member is provided with their own djembe drum and gets to play and sing along with the show, becoming participants in the collective celebration that exemplifies African music and culture. With the performances being a collaboration with the Silvermist Wine Farm, audiences can choose either to just watch the show or enjoy a rare wine and entertainment experience.
Cost: R200pp – R450pp, book via Drumstruck
When: Apr | Fri to Sun, from 11am – 1pm and/or 5pm to 7pm
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Rd, Constantia Nek
Galileo Open Air Cinema: A movie night under the stars
The Galileo Open Air Cinema offers unique entertainment within the most beautiful vistas to be witnessed in Cape Town. The cinema is renowned for creating magical memories with great food, movie magic, entertainment and a fun social vibe all under a canopy of stars. Arrive early to secure your spot on the lawn, hire comfy backrests and warm blankets and spend quality time eating, relaxing and socialising with family and friends.
This month’s iconic movie selections range from comedy to romance, drama to musicals, and more, featuring hits such as The Greatest Showman, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Great Gatsby, Dirty Dancing, and Grease to name a few.
Cost: From R140pp, book via The Galileo
When: Every Wednesday – Friday of the month, doors open at 6pm | Every Saturday of the month, doors open at 5pm
Where: Various locations including Kirstenbosch Garden and a selection of wine estates
