2026 is here, and what better way to celebrate the new year than by diving into Cape Town’s vibrant events scene? Start your year with new adventures and cherished experiences in Cape Town. With a calendar full of exciting events, January is set to be unforgettable!
Whether you’re up for live music under the stars, exploring the city’s culinary gems, or experiencing theatrical masterpieces, this January has something for everyone. This guide is constantly updated, so make sure to check back in to see the top things to do this January.
Life-size LEGO® Mercedes-AMG F1 Car Showcase
LEGO® South Africa has pulled off its most ambitious project to date, shipping a detailed, up-scaled LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build from Singapore to South Africa, marking the largest life-size LEGO build ever brought into the country.
Based on the 1642-piece LEGO set available in stores, the scaled-up LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build took a team of expert builders eight hours to assemble. The team used a total of 192,937 bricks, resulting in a build weighing approximately 913 kilograms and measuring 5.1 metres in length and 2.2 metres in width.
The spectacular build will pop up at select malls across South Africa, allowing fans to experience the engineering masterpiece up close. Additionally, fans can challenge their speed and reflexes with an exciting lineup of activities, including a build Station, championship racing, reflex challenge and more.
Cost: Free entry
When: 15 to 25 January 2026
Where: V&A Waterfront
More About The Life-size LEGO® Mercedes-AMG F1 Car Showcase
Pilates, Social Evening & Exhibition Walkabout at Norval Foundation
Night at Norval, 16 January 2026: Unwind in the Sculpture Garden this festive season with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and art under the stars. Enjoy free access to the Sculpture Garden, background music, a rotating selection of food trucks, and the Norval Bar – the perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Cost: Free entry. Tickets available on Webtickets.
Pilates in the Garden, 24 January 2026: Start your morning with movement and mindfulness! Join Pilates in the Garden for a 1-hour session surrounded by art and nature, plus access to our Sculpture Garden. Bring your own mat and stay for a coffee at our café on the deck.
Cost: R100. Tickets available on Webtickets.
Exhibition Walkabout: Wild Life by Brett Murray, 24 January 2026: Visit Norval for an artist-led walkabout of Brett Murray’s major solo exhibition, Wild Life. Explore more than four decades of Murray’s sculptural practice and gain firsthand insight into his themes, processes, and artistic evolution.
This in-depth walkabout offers visitors the rare opportunity to engage directly with one of South Africa’s most influential contemporary artists as he reflects on the works presented in Wild Life, curated by Karel Nel.
Cost: R100 – R300. Tickets available on Webtickets.
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town
See More Things to Do at Norval Foundation
Sheer City Block Party
Sheer City launches its inaugural two-day block party, happening across six downtown venues, aimed at uniting diverse underground nightlife collectives and LGBTQ+ culture.
Anchored in the Harrington Street district, Sheer City takes place at Harringtons, District, Surfa Rosa, Zer021 Social and The Electric, and extending into the City Bowl fringe at Texas. The festival celebrates Cape Town’s creative pulse and its long, storied relationship with LGBTQ+ culture, merging artistry, sound, movement and style.
The lineup includes Horse Meat Disco, Freudenthal, Ante Perry, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, Make A Dance, Flemish.Fetish, Esa and Thor Rixon, alongside more than twenty local artists and a wide network of dancers, performers and installation artists.
Cost: R250 – R500 | BOOK NOW
When: Saturday, 17 & Sunday, 18 January 2026
Where: Harringtons, District, Surfa Rosa, Zero 021, Social, The Electric & Texas
Saturday Makers Summer Sessions
This summer, Makers Landing is turning up the heat with a season-long celebration of local flavour, creativity, and community. Enjoy the Saturday Makers Summer Sessions – a line-up of hands-on cooking workshops and pop-up experiences led by South Africa’s most exciting food innovators.
Arabella from Eat to Thrive is on a mission to get people to relate to food differently. Her recipes take classical favourites and turn them into healthier, more sustainable options for others to try at home.
Attendees will learn to make their own sweet potato flatbread from scratch – a quick, affordable, and versatile recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or a standout dinner-party dish. The menu for the workshop includes hot honey sweet potato flatbread with South African spice mix, labneh, smokey tomato chutney and Indigenous summer greens.
Tickets include a hands-on flatbread-making workshop, all recipes and ingredients, light refreshment, a welcome drink, a gift from Makers Landing to take home, and a complimentary Cape Wheel ticket.
Use the discount code #MakersSummer5 to celebrate 5 years of Makers Landing! Enjoy 50% off your ticket.
Cost: R450 | BOOK TICKETS
When: Saturday, 10 January, 6pm – 9pm
Where: The Demo Kitchen, Makers Landing, The Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront
Museum of Illusions in Kloof Street
As part of a global network in over 60 cities, this immersive museum experience offers a unique blend of fun, learning, and creativity, designed to trick the senses and challenge the mind.
Attendees can expect a variety of interactive exhibits – from optical illusions and holograms to gravity-defying rooms and mind-twisting puzzles.
It’s a space where visitors of all ages are encouraged to explore, touch, and snap unforgettable photos, making it ideal for a day out with families, friends, and curious minds.
Cost: R250pp (adult) | R200pp (children aged 4-12 and seniors) | R790 (family bundle – 2x adults & 2x children). Tickets are available for purchase on the website.
When: Daily 9am – 7pm, Slots are scheduled 20 mins apart, but each visit is estimated to take between 45 and 60 minutes.
Where: 10 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
More About the Museum of Illusions
Amura by Ángel León: An Immersive Marine Dining Experience
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, is known for bringing the most unique dining experiences to Cape Town, and the opening of Amura by Ángel León is no different.
For the first time outside of his home country, Spain, Michelin-starred chef Ángel León brings his pioneering culinary philosophy across hemispheres to Cape Town, as Culinary Director of the new restaurant.
Guided by Head Chef Guillermo Salazar, Amura merges tastes from Andalusia and the Cape with a minimalist, expressive style that reflects both his international background and the raw beauty of the local coastline.
With the ocean as inspiration, the menu focuses on elemental flavours and a strong sense of place, honouring both the Atlantic and the culinary traditions that shaped Salazar’s craft.
The drinks offering incorporates coastal influences and collaborations with local producers. From bespoke spirits to ocean-aged wines, the selection is curated to complement the restaurant’s coastal identity.
When: Tuesday – Saturday | 12.30pm – 3pm (lunch) and 6.30pm – 10pm (dinner)
Where: Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
More About Amura by Ángel León
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden hosts its iconic Summer Sunset Concerts with a stellar line-up of South African favourites this January. Pack a picnic or pre-order meals from the Tea Room or Moyo Restaurant. Food trucks will also be available, making it a perfect evening of music, nature, and relaxation.
January line-up highlights:
11 January – The Greatest Love of All starring Belinda Davids
Internationally acclaimed songstress Belinda Davids honours Whitney Houston with her breathtaking tribute performance. Having wowed audiences worldwide with her incredible vocal range and emotional delivery, David’s show is a spine-tingling celebration of Houston’s timeless hits.
Expect goosebumps, singalongs, and unforgettable moments as she channels the voice of a legend in a setting as iconic as the music itself.
18 January – Freshlyground and Manana
Beloved Afro-fusion band, Freshlyground reunites for a soulful summer concert filled with hits that have become part of South Africa’s soundtrack. Their catching rhythms and joyful energy meet the contemporary sound of Manana, creating a cross-generational night of groove, harmony and heart.
Together, they promise a celebration of music’s power to unite, uplift and turn the gardens into a festival of sound.
Cost: From R255 to R360 | Tickets available via Webtickets
When: 4, 11 and 18 January 2026 | 5.15pm to 7pm | Gates open at 4pm
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
All the Kirstenbosch Concerts this Summer
Drumstruck: African drumming, music, lunch and wine tasting experience in Constantia
If you’re searching for an experience that captures the very essence of South African culture, its rhythm, flavour, and warmth – Drumstruck at Silvermist is where it all comes together.
Nestled in the heart of the Constantia Valley with sweeping views of the Cape Peninsula, this immersive event blends African theatre, organic wine, African music, drumming, and delicious food into one unforgettable celebration.
Cost:
African Lunch Experience: R930 per person, R830 for locals
Sunset Dinner Experience: R930 per person, R830 for locals
Wine Tasting & Drumstruck Show Only: R480 per person, R380 for locals
Drumstruck Show Only: R380 per person, R280 for locals
When:
Saturdays and Sundays, Selected weekdays
African Lunch Experience: 12.30pm – 3pm
Sunset Dinner Experience: 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town
Book via website. For events, corporate bookings, or private parties, contact Warren on [email protected] or 082 901 0496.
All About Drumstruck
Mini Makers Summer Edition – Kids Cooking Classes
Let your little chefs get creative in the kitchen this festive season! The fun and interactive Kids Cooking Classes are designed especially for children aged 5 to 12. Each session, your child will make one sweet and one savoury treat to take home and share with the family.
Makers Landing provides all ingredients, equipment, and aprons. The lineup includes:
8 January: Homemade Oreo Cookies & Toasted Cheese Sarmies
10 January: Cinnabuns & Burgers
10 January: Lasagna & Chocolate Tiramisu (no coffee used)
11 January: Shepherd’s Pie & Vanilla Funfetti Cake
Cost: R480 per workshop. Tickets available here.
When: 8 – 11 January 2026 | 10am – 12 noon
Where: Maker’s Landing, V&A Waterfront
Stellenbosch Street Soirées
Welcome the sunny season with the ever-popular Stellenbosch Street Soirées. Featuring wine tastings, street food, and live music, these events transform Drostdy Street into a vibrant social hub. Each ticket includes a Stellenbosch Wine Glass and 10 wine-tasting tokens for an unforgettable experience!
Cost: R250pp | Tickets available here
When: 14 and 28 January 2026 | 6pm to 8pm
Where: Drostdy Street, Stellenbosch
Wolfkop Weekender
Hidden deep within the Citrusdal Valley, Wolfkop Weekender is a boutique music festival offering riverside camping, curated music, and wholesome food. Spend your days floating on the river and your nights enjoying live sets under the stars. With various accommodation options, it’s a perfect getaway for music lovers.
Cost: R850 to R4950 (based on accommodation selection) | Tickets available here
When: 15 – 19 January 2026
Where: Wolfkop Camping Villages, 59 Voortrekker St, Citrusdal
Friends Who Volley
The sun is shining, and the nets are ready for another season of sunset volleyball on Clifton 1st Beach.
Every Thursday over the spring and summer seasons is open call for all volleyball lovers to get into some friendly competition. Each game must have five players a team, and the first team to 10 points wins. After a game, both teams leave the court to give another two teams a turn to play.
Beyond playing fair, attendees are expected to keep the beach clean and be friendly.
Cost: Free Entry
When: Every Thursday | Until March 2026
Where: Clifton 1st Beach, Victoria Rd, Clifton, Cape Town
Movies At The Galileo Open Air Cinema This Month
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is the place to be in Cape Town. It’s not just a movie night – it’s a whole experience. With jaw-dropping locations, an awesome mix of films, and that unbeatable under-the-stars ambience, it’s no wonder everyone’s talking about it.
Whether you’re craving animated adventures, swoon-worthy romance, or mind-bending thrills, The Galileo Open Air Cinema has your movie fix covered.
Cost: R155pp for entry only (take your own blanket); R170pp for entry, backrest and blanket. See all the ticket options at Webtickets. Special rates for students and pensioners
When: Throughout the month of January
Where: Various venues
All About the Galileo Open Air Cinema
Sunshine & Slices
Get ready for the sweetest day out in Cape Town! Sunshine & Slices is not your average picnic – it’s a cake lover’s dream come true.
At the event, bring along your own cake creation, and when your time slot arrives, grab your cake box and fill it with slices from the delicious variety of cakes on display.
The Guest of Honour Lynn Glass will be hosting a meet & greet, judging the Best Tasting Cake Competition, and giving a special VIP demo. Enjoy live music, immersive photo opportunities, food truck and pop up bars, and a kiddies corner complete with activities.
Cost: R250 | R850 (VIP) | R80 (children u12). Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 31 January 2026 | 11am – 5pm
Where: Wijnlanden Uitzicht, Wild Clover, Farm, R304, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
L’Ormarins King’s Plate
The annual King’s Plate is an opportunity to witness one of Cape Town’s most celebrated horse racing ocassions.
It is a totally blue and white affair where guests can enjoy some of the country’s best racing, wine, and food, along with antique car displays, and a renowned after party in the peak of Cape Town summer.
A general ticket allows entry into the Style Lounge Village, where guests get a glass of Methode Cap Classique, access to the horse racing, the after party, wine and food bars, and car displays by the Franschhoek Motor Museum.
For VIP treatment, guests can opt for the Stud Club, the most popular hospitality marquee at the venue. This is an exclusive area in a prime location along the rail decorated with private bars, lounge areas and cocktail seating. There are also selected Anthonij Rupert wines and beers and guests have access to the car display as well.
Cost: R600pp (Style Lounge Village) | R1 800pp (Stud Club). Tickets available here.
When: 10 January 2026
Where: Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, 109 Rosmead Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town
Maynardville Open Air Festival
Experience the magic of live performances at South Africa’s oldest outdoor arts festival.
The 2026 season of the Maynardville Open-Air Festival brings audiences multiple outdoor theatre shows to be enjoyed in the 600-seater Maynardville Open Air Theatre, a cherished gem nestled within the lush surroundings of Maynardville Park in Wynberg.
The January programme includes:
13 January: Shades of Blue
Experience an unforgettable evening of jazz-infused classical chamber music in a setting of natural beauty. Showcasing composers inspired by the vibrant rhythms and harmonies of jazz, the program blends classical sophistication with swing, energy, and soulful expression.
Cost: From R212. Tickets available on Quicket.
14 – 15 January: Jazz in the Park
Jazz in the Park features an ensemble of local jazz musicians in an unforgettable evening of instrumental jazz. This concert showcases a vibrant repertoire of contemporary and classic jazz compositions, including timeless favourites such as My Funny Valentine, Take Five, and Summertime. Expect bold improvisation, rich textures, and the pure power of instrumental expression in a setting as dynamic as the music itself.
Cost: From R212. Tickets available on Quicket.
16 – 17 January: Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
With music like In the Mood, The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will swing at Maynardville this year. Conductor Brandon Phillips will lead a program featuring Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer, Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet, Duke Ellington, a selection from Bernstein’s West Side Story, a tribute to Henry Mancini, and a whole lot more.
Cost: From R254. Tickets available on Quicket.
20 – 21 January: Cape Ballet Africa’s Giselle
Cape Ballet Africa’s production of Giselle brings together international and local excellence under Maina Gielgud’s artistic direction. The romantic ballet follows a peasant girl whose love and forgiveness transcend betrayal and death… one of the most moving stories in the classical repertoire. The production features new designs by Michael Mitchell, and performances to recordings by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cost: From R254. Tickets available on Quicket.
23 – 24 January: Cape Town City Ballet’s Swing Time
Making its premiere in 2003, Swingtime, choreographed by Sean Bovim, takes the audience on a nostalgic journey of the Big Band Era. The story centres around Bojangles, the owner of the Swing Club where it all happened. Bojangles’ journey takes the audience back in time where romance was the order of the day, and dancing was a way of life for the young and young-at-heart. The audience will accompany Bojangles on his trip down memory lane where he remembers his past loves and the shenanigans during his time at the Swing Club.
Cost: From R254. Tickets available on Quicket.
Jazzathon 2026 at the V&A Waterfront: The People’s Festival returns
Feel the rhythm of our city’s soul as South Africa’s longest-running music festival fills the air with jazz. For three magical days, the Amphitheatre becomes home to rising stars, surprising legends, and the pure joy of live music. Come be part of this beautiful tradition where every note tells a story.
When: 9 – 11 January 2026 | 7pm – 8pm
Where: Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront
fabric London
The legendary London clubbing brand, fabric, takes over the Castle of Good Hope.
Known for its gritty atmosphere and cutting-edge sound, this year’s international head;iners include Marcel Dettmann, Gerd Janson, Horse Meat Disco and Gabrielle Kwarteng, with over a dozen local superstars scattered across three rooms.
Dance through the night across three rooms of diverse electronic music genres in an intimate setting.
Cost: From R450. Tickets available on Howler.
When: 10 January 2026 | 5pm – 2am
Where: Castle of Good Hope, Corner Darling and Castle St, Cape Town City Centre
Shxtsngigs: Daddy’s Home Tour
Catch James and Fuhad live in action as they bring their Daddy’s Home tour to Grand Arena at GrandWest.
The dynamic duo, who go by Shxtsngigs online, are known for their outrageous, unfiltered, and laugh-out-loud wildly popular podcast. Popularised for their viral ‘icks’ and ‘Twitter Hall of Fame’ segments, the pair share their unfiltered opinions on sex, relationships, and popular culture.
On TikTok, they have rapidly risen to become one of the most prominent podcast channels on the platform, with content regularly generating millions of views in the space of hours. With their alluring video-first strategy, Shxtsngigs captures the short-form content zeitgeist that’s gripping hold of Gen-Z and younger millennials worldwide.
Cost: R345 – R3070pp. Tickets available on Ticketmaster.
When: 27 January 2026 | 8pm
Where: Grand Arena at GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park, Cape Town
The Commons Fest
The Commons Fest is a celebration of art, love of community and good vibes. It is an annual cultural affair where South Africa’s brightest and most celebrated in music, film making, public discussions, and fine dining are brought together.
The line-up of artist this year have been carefully curated, and the event features ten awesome days of soul enriching and body moving creative offerings that features an eclectic group of artists whose work are celebrated both locally and beyond.
Alongside the live music, enjoy exhibitions, dining experiences, DJs, film screenings, public talks and a thrift market.
Cost: R250 per day | R850 for ten events | R550 for five events. Tickets available here.
When: 9 – 18 January 2026
Where: The Commons, Surfers Corner, Beach Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
World Sports Betting Cape Town MET
The World Sports Betting Cape Town MET is back!
Symphony of Style is the theme to this years’ summer season highlight hosted at the new and improved Hollywoodbets Kenilworth – an unconventional celebration of stunning visuals and sensational style.
Guests’ boldest and wildest dreams are brought to life at the Summer Festival of Racing’s most celebrated horseracing event. The event is a spectacle of entertainment, art installations and hospitality – from jaw-dropping fashion shows and horseracing action to Best Dressed competitions and live musical performances at the official World Sports Betting Cape Town MET afterparty.
Cost: From R200pp. Purchase tickets here.
When: 31 January 2026 | 10am – 12 noon
Where: Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, 109 Rosmead Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town
Alan Committie: AV-A-LAUGH-TA
Much loved South African comedian, Alan Committie, returns in his 28th brand new solo show – AVALAUGHTA: standup comedy to keep the blues away!
Committie is back for the festive season and to see us into 2026. This all new solo show features his usual witty wordplay, fast paced japes and jibes, madcap physical hi-jinx and a comic look at events and madnesses from 2025.
Cost: R200 – R350. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 18 December 2025 – 7 February 2026 | 8pm
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link St, Camps Bay
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Festival
Acclaimed conductor Jonathan Lo makes a welcome return back to the CPO to conduct the full Summer Festival season, with a variety of soloists across three distinct performances.
The 15 January performance is the annual Friends of Orchestral Music gala, and features soloist Alexander Ullman. Pieces include Brahms ‘Academic Festival Overture, Op.80’, Beethoven ‘Piano Concerto No.5 in E-flat, Op.73 ‘Emperor’’, and Dvorak ‘Symphony No.8 in G, Op.88’.
The 22 January performance features soloist Ryoko Yano, and pieces include Mozart ‘Symphony No. 31 in D, K. 297 “Paris”’, Saint-Saëns ‘Violin Concerto No.3 in B minor, Op.61’, Debussy ‘La Mer’ and Ravel ‘Bolero’.
The 29 January performance features soloist Lothar Hensel, and includes the pieces Gershwin ‘Cuban Overture’, Piazzolla ‘Aconcagua for Bandoneon and Orchestra’, Copland ‘El Salon Mexico’ and Respighi ‘Pines of Rome’.
Cost: R190 – R525.
When: 15, 22 and 29 January 2026 | 7.30pm
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town City Centre
Mavericks Revue Bar: Cape Town’s Iconic Adult Entertainment Venue
Long established as the city’s most iconic adult entertainment experience, Mavericks Revue Bar delivers exciting, world-class performances, great food and a lively buzz for locals and visitors alike.
With a diverse line-up of talented dancers from around the globe, Mavericks delivers an impressive mix of burlesque, themed shows and high-energy pole performances.
Top DJs play every night, keeping the energy high from open to close. Midweek favourites like Topless DJ Wednesdays ensure the party never slows down, creating a uniquely Cape Town vibe, long after the rest of the city closes.
Mavericks serves a full restaurant-quality menu long after most kitchens in Cape Town close. Guests can enjoy steaks, Wagyu burgers, sushi and sharing platters – far beyond the usual late-night fast food options. From cocktails and champagne to whiskey and shooters, the bar menu fits right in with the city’s top nightlife venues. A fully stocked humidor with premium Cuban cigars adds a luxurious touch.
Cost: R100 (general access entry) | R400 (additional for VIP) | R1000 (VVIP entry) | R300 (table dance, two songs) | R300 (lap dance) | R750 (VIP dance). Booking ahead of time is recommended, especially for weekends and special events. Reserve via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Saturday | 7pm – 4am
Where: 68 Barrack Street, Cape Town City Centre
More About Mavericks Revue Bar
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is the heart and soul of Cape Town’s recreational relationship with the ocean. Since it opened in 1995, this unique and fascinating world of water creatures has offered us an insight into the ‘other home’ on our doorstep – a home of which many of us have very little knowledge.
The Two Oceans Aquarium lets us come eye to eye with turtles, sharks and rays, brightly coloured marine life in weird and wonderful forms, hilarious penguins, and any number of wondrous and mesmerising animals, plants and environments.
Cost: General entry allows you to see the animals. R265 (adults), R195 (pensioners, students, and children age 14-18), R120 (children 4 – 13 years). FREE for children aged 3 and under. Book general entry here.
When: Daily, 9.30am to 6pm
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
All About the Two Oceans Aquarium
Sign Up To Our Weekly Newsletter For The Best Events and Experiences
