The V&A Waterfront has planned the ideal itinerary for dads of all hobbies and interests to enjoy while exploring the iconic district on Father’s Day. From fine dining that is perfect for dads who enjoy nothing more than a good meal overlooking the ocean, to the best spots to buy braai equipment for fathers finally perfecting their steak recipe, here’s everything on offer at the V&A this Father’s Day.

For the artsy dad

The V&A Waterfront is often at the forefront of arts & culture in Cape Town, with exciting artists and museums dotted throughout the area. Curious dads who want to explore can start their day at the Zeitz MOCAA, the world’s largest museum of contemporary African art. While there, they can experience thought-provoking exhibitions, including Zohra Opoku’s We Proceed in the Footsteps of the Sunlight and Lerato Shadi & Robin Rhode’s A Protea is Not a Flower.

There are many other locations for viewing art in the Waterfront, including the very highly regarded Art@Africa, Southern Guild, and Everard Read, Africa’s oldest commercial art gallery. The Watershed has its very own artisan section, with highlights including veteran cubism painter Boyi Molefe and artsy home decor from Threads That Bind Us.

Finally, to end the day, dads can enjoy a meal with their families at Jollof Cafe in Maker’s Landing. There is a diverse range of indigenous West African cuisine on offer, with everything from plantain porridge to slow-cooked Yoruba pepper stew (known as Ata Dindin). With a lengthy menu and authentic ingredients, there are few better places in the Mother City to experience an entire culture through a hearty meal.

For the braai-master dad

Dads who know the nuances between different cuts of meat and have fiery opinions on what type of wood is best for a braai are covered at the Waterfront. There are few Father’s Day gifts better than premium kitchenware from Yuppiechef, which offers scores of braai attachments, tools, and accessories.

Other gifts dads would love include biltong and droewors from either Stokkiesdraai (available in a food truck at the Watershed) or J&M Biltong in the mall, some fresh cuts from Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants or pastries from Jason’s Bakery, both found at Oranjezicht City Farm & Market.

There is no shortage of premium restaurants throughout the Waterfront for foodie dads who love flavour. Sevruga offers some of the city’s most refined seafood with a great oceanside view, while COOKED in the Watershed is known for its affordable family favourites, ideal for a Father’s Day lunch. PIER is a favourite among Cape Town’s luxury dining scene, with multi-course lunches of curried hake and yellowfin tuna, and SPYCED is a traditional Cape Malay eatery with a fine-dining twist.

For the “no gifts” dad

Some fathers prefer quality time over fancy gifts; luckily, the V&A is well stocked with activities and experiences for the family to enjoy. A classic harbour walk through the Waterfront is always a beloved group activity, particularly when the weather decides to play along. While meandering, coffee shops like Montreal and AAFRICAA serve as warm pit-stops with plenty of drinks and snacks to keep the day rolling.

HintHunt’s array of escape rooms and puzzle games is sure to keep most dads entertained; just make sure to steer them away from unhelpful rabbit holes when they get too invested. Those with a bit of athleticism left in them can make their way to the basketball courts at Battery Park for a game or two, with picturesque views of the city, mountain, and ocean all around the sports ground.

Finally, gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vernon White performs his usual blend of Xhosa and Afrikaans music live at the Amphitheatre on Father’s Day. Everyone is encouraged to grab a snack, find a seat, and enjoy the show for free while taking in the wholesome Sunday evening.

For the “main character” dad

Lastly, but certainly not least, a ‘main character dad’ expects a fully pampered day of relaxation, and the V&A Waterfront is happy to oblige. Start the day off with a fresh haircut and beard trim at either EDGE or Carlton, before taking him on a trip to the Cape Wheel for an unbeatable view of the Mother City.

Some new clothes and accessories are certainly on the menu. Take dad to the Watershed for some fashionable additions to his winter wardrobe, particularly from Ogun or Koi Koi. Atelier des Lunettes sells luxury sunglasses and eyewear (whether it’s for summer or just looking cool), and the large Adidas outlet in the middle of the mall is currently stocking some of the trendiest World Cup kits, including the beautiful, sought-after Bafana Bafana away strip.

A luxury lunch or dinner is the final stop to a Father’s Day out to the Waterfront. Whether it’s a seven-course tasting menu on the marina from COY or a curated wine-and-food pairing from The Waterside, there are tons of options for good views and equally acclaimed dining at the V&A. The last stop can be Bascule Bar, an enthusiasts’ whiskey bar at the Cape Grace hotel. With deep leather sofas and a collection of six hundred whiskey labels, it’s a premium spot to round off the evening. Bascule is even offering a Father’s Day special throughout the month that combines a 60-minute massage with a luxury tasting experience.

Spend a cosy evening with friends, whiskey, and cocktails at Bascule Bar

Win The Perfect Father’s Day At The V&A

Whatever Dad is into, the V&A Waterfront ensures they can celebrate their special day doing what they love with their favourite people.

To give the fathers in the Mother City what they deserve, the destination is hosting a giveaway competition. To enter, Dad’s favourite must just comment on the related post on the V&A’s Facebook or Instagram with a bit of a biography about their father, what makes them special, and what a perfect Waterfront day would look like.

Winners could have their wish granted, with a day out specially curated for the chosen dad. Additionally, the V&A is hosting daily giveaways across the Waterfront, where the first person to find the Father’s Day ambassador following the social media clues gets a hamper from some beloved brands.

When: 9 – 17 June 2026 (entries open for social media competition) | 18 – 21 June 2026 (daily giveaways)
Where: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Website: waterfront.co.za
Facebook: V&A Waterfront
Instagram: @vandawaterfront