As winter draws to a close, take advantage of the gradually warming weather and stop by some of the incredible August events in store in the mother city. From awe-inspiring musical showcases to creative workshops, eye-opening plays, anime festivals, beach runs and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
On The Record: ISO
See local rock band, ISO, live as they headline the second show in the Texx and the City event series, On The Record powered by Shure. An event all about celebrating sounds and the stories and inspirations behind them, ISO’s show is set to give fans insight into a world of history about the band, whose extensive rock music-making careers spans almost two decades.
Cost: R195pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 1 August from 7pm to midnight
Where: The Outlore Base, 80 Hout St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
‘Neighbourhood’ at The Baxter: The world premiere of Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni’s new play
Be among the first to see the premiere of Fleur du Cap and Standard Bank Ovation Award-winning playwright-director, Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni’s new play, ‘Neighbourhood’ at the Baxter Studio this August. The riveting story investigates the lingering effects of spatial apartheid in the ongoing fight for land justice and affordable housing in urban areas.
Cost: R150 – R190pp, book via Webtickets
When: Fri 2 August to Sat 24 August | Tues to Sat | Various showings at 2.30pm and/or 8pm
Where: Baxter Studio, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
EcoActive Beach Run @ Muizenberg Beach: A beach fundraising run
Participate in the annual EcoActive run, staged as a means to raise funds for EcoActive’s goal to empower, uplift, and upskill communities through various Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs. This August marks the tenth anniversary of the run, and the milestone event aims to raise awareness and funds for EcoActive’s Drowning and Dropout Prevention initiatives, contributing to the safety and brighter futures of youth. The beach day is filled with fun, fitness, and positive impact, with participants being able to partake in either a 5km or 7km run.
Cost: R75pp to R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 3 August from 7.30am
Where: Starts at Surfers Corner Muizenberg, 56 Beach Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Fynbos & Fragrance Walk: An informative and immersive walking tour through the Fynbos
Join an experience for the senses, guided by Follow Your Nose’s founder, Justin Williams. The journey starts with a cup of home-brewed tea, a special fynbos blend. Following that, attendees learn about the art of perfumery and get acquainted with fragrant materials through an educational introduction to plants and perfume, before taking a walk through the flourishing fynbos habitat where dozens of plants and flowers have stories to tell and unique scents to discover.
Cost: R650pp, book via Quicket
When: Tuesday, 6 August & Saturday, 10 August from 10am to 12.30pm both days
Where: Welgelegen Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
The Anime Festival: A celebration of the magic of Studio Ghibli
The Anime Festival 2024 celebrates Studio Ghibli in cinemas nationwide by bringing three of the company’s beloved titles to the big screen in 4K. Stop by the cinema this August to catch two of these films, the sweet and tender My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and the wildly popular Spirited Away (2001). The festival also aims to bring together the anime community, hosting opening weekend activations centred on Japanese culture and the visual storytelling mastery behind the films.
Cost: From R75pp
When: Thursday, 8 August (My Neighbour Totoro) | Friday, 23 August (Spirited Away)
Where: The Labia Theatre, Orange St, Cape Town | Select Ster Kinekor cinemas
MTN Shift Gaming Tournament: SA’s largest mall-based gaming tournament comes to Table Bay
Attend the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience, a major gaming event and tournament aiming to make esports accessible to everyone, bringing people from all walks of life together to participate in the thrilling world of esports. The tournament is staged in eight qualifier events held at malls all over the country. This month’s qualifier takes place at Table Bay Mall, where competitors get to compete in featured games such as EA FC 24™. More games and activations are also available to visitors.
Cost: FREE Entry
When: Friday, 9 August to Sunday, 11 August (Live event) | Sunday, 4 August (Online Qualifier)
Where: Table Bay Mall, Corner or Berkshire Boulevard and R27 Sunningdale, Cape Town
Woodcarving Workshop: Learn different ways to whittle and carve
Don’t be afraid to get some cuts and grazes on your hands at ‘Barefoot Carpenter’, Connor Trembath’s woodcarving class at NUDE FOODS. Learn about the fundamentals of woodcarving and whittling, as well as the many forms of carving. Attendees leave having gained a better understanding of the grain of wood and come away from the experience with a greater reverence for wood, and a deeper respect and appreciation for the wooden articles in their lives.
The activity is suited to adults and teenagers over the age of 13.
Cost: R600pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 10 August from 10am to 4pm
Where: NUDE FOODS, 5 Constitution St, District Six, Cape Town
Mzansi Tenors: Farewell for Luvo & Mzi
Join the Mzansi Tenors as they bid farewell to two of their members, acclaimed singers Luvo Maranti and Mziwamadoda Sipho Nodlayiya, in an unmissable concert sendoff before these stars start new careers in Europe. The farewell performance features some famous opera arias and hit South African tunes, and as an extra Women’s Month treat, the tenors hit the stage in high heels.
Cost: R200pp | R150pp (pensioners and students) | Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 10 August from 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Where: Erin Hall, 8 Erin Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace
Secure a seat in the crowd as the Symphony Choir of Cape Town presents two concerts at the Cape Town City Hall, staged in collaboration with the SACS Boys High School Choir and the Hershel Chorale with accompaniment by the Windworx and Stellenbosch University Symphonic Wind Ensembles.
Karl Jenkins’ achingly beautiful ‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace’ is the main feature for the event, complemented by movements from Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’, and John Williams’ ‘Hymn to the Fallen’ from the Steven Spielberg’s, Saving Private Ryan (1998).
Cost: R190pp to R280pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 16 August & Saturday, 17 August from 7pm to 9.45pm nightly
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, District Six, Cape Town
Cape Winemakers Guild Showcase: Taste soon to be auctioned wines
The annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Showcase returns this month, providing wine enthusiasts the opportunity to experience some of the finest wines produced by members of the Cape Winemakers Guild. Spend the day taking an informal walk-around, tasting wines that will later be going under the hammer at the 2024 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Also available for tasting are past auction wines and flagship wines from Guild Members, and some light snacks.
Cost: R500pp, book via Quicket
When: Monday, 22 August from 6pm
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2, Cnr of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town
Myles Smith on Tour: See the international singer-songwriter in his South African debut
Catch Myles Smith, the immensely talented singer-songwriter and DIY phenomenon from London, as he embarks on his debut tour of Mzansi. Fans can look forward to experiencing his heartfelt and emotive performances live alongside supporting act and local favourite pop artist, Craig Lucas.
Cost: From R495pp, book via Webtickets
When: Monday, 22 August from 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Where: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
PechaKucha Nights: An evening of storytelling, networking, and creative exchange
PechaKucha Nights bring creative minds together to share their passions, adventures, and unique perspectives. This edition of the event is themed ‘Light Up the Night’ and promises to shine a spotlight on creativity, innovation, and the power of shared experiences. Form a part of this community for an evening and witness as each speaker gets their chance to present 20 images, each shown for just 20 seconds, and convey their message, from captivating tales to innovative projects.
Cost: R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 22 August from 7pm to 9pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, 15 M59, District Six, Cape Town
Cap Classique Safari & Mystery Weekend: Indulge in the finest wines and much more
Franschhoek Wine Valley presents the inaugural Cap Classique Safari, a weekend that pays tribute to all things Cap Classique wines, perfectly coinciding with the beginning of spring and International Cap Classique day. Book this new weekend event and indulge in the finest Cap Classiques of the region, delight in a unique tasting experience, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch.
Cost: R750 pp (Cap Classique Safari) | R8,950 per couple (Mystery Weekend) | Book via email at [email protected]
When: Friday, 30 August to Sunday, 1 September
Where: Various venues in Franschhoek
Lavender Picking at Cannetvallei: Seasonal lavender picking on a lavender farm
Purple season is here and the Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm’s popular and much anticipated annual lavender picking event returns. Lavender picking runs through the winter months until the end of September, at the peak of the spring season. The farm provides all the tools you might need and takes you through the area, showing you where and how to pick before you get to leave with your own fresh bunch of purple blooms.
Cost: R60pp, book via Plankton
When: Running until 30 September, with daily sessions from 10am to 4pm
Where: Canettevallei Lavender And Wine Farm, Canettevallei, Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Vlottenburg
Find out what amazing events are taking place this Women’s Day
