Start the second half of the year with a variety of winter events in the Mother City. Enjoy food and wine celebrations, music concerts across genres, and community volunteering events on Mandela Day – all throughout Cape Town’s coldest month. Here are all our top picks.
Jimmy Nevis: Roses & Thorns
Jimmy Nevis is working with SAMA-nominated producer Darren Petersen to debut an entirely new experience that combines a concert performance with theatrical monologues and live instrumentation. The immersive evening sees Nevis perform some of the hits that made him a local star, alongside brand-new tracks performed for the first time, accompanied by a full live band.
With a show that tackles difficult topics, including masculinity, grief, love, and violence, Roses & Thorns is a one-night-only event that kicks off a new chapter in Nevis’ work.
Cost: R350 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 30 July 2026 | 8pm – 9.30pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, 15 Buitenkant St, District Six, Cape Town
Pan African Film Caravan
In collaboration with the Labia Theatre, Zeitz MOCAA screens important films by landmark African filmmakers on the last Friday of every month.
The next film is One Take Grace (2021), a collaboration between artist Lindiwe Matshikiza and actor/community leader Mothiba Grace Bapela. What begins as the two women meeting as actors on a local film set becomes a unique cinematic portrait of Bapela as she attempts to move beyond her career as a domestic worker to become a film star in her 40s. Narrated by Bapela herself over the course of 10 years, with experimental camera angles and surrealist editing, One Take Grace is a compelling and immersive documentary that explores the difficult lives of migrant workers in South Africa, as Bapela goes from servicing the dreams of others to chasing a dream of her own.
The film was selected to premiere at the 2022 Encounters South African International Documentary Festival and was nominated for the Best First Feature Award at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA).
After each screening, Zeitz MOCAA’s curatorial team hosts a communal conversation where attendees can raise questions, share their opinions, and continue the conversation sparked by the selected film. Each ticket fee is fully reinvested in the BMW Centre for Art Education, enabling children from underserved communities to access and participate in Zeitz’s holiday and community programmes, tours, and workshops.
Cost: R30 per person | Zeitz members get in free. Book now on Webtickets.
When: Friday, 24 July 2026 | 6pm – 8pm
Where: The Labia Theatre, 68 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town
Schalk Bezuidenhout: Hey Hey Divorcé
Following his public split in 2024, Schalk Bezuidenhout unpacks life as a divorced man in this new comedy special. As expected, the work depicts the real trials and tribulations of single life in your thirties, in his words: “because it’s cheaper than therapy”. He hopes that this will be the first and only show about divorce he will ever have to do.
Cost: R250. Tickets are available on Webtickets.
When: 28 July – 2 August 2026 | From 7pm
Where: Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Pairing in the Valley – St Luke’s Hospices
In the picturesque Constantia winelands, guests enjoy a five-course canapé and wine pairing experience while giving to a good cause. Pairing in the Valley is designed for couples, friends, corporates, and supporters to enjoy an elegant evening of award-winning Constantia Glen wine and dining at discounted prices in one of the city’s most beloved settings.
All profits from the event go directly to St Luke’s Combined Hospices, which provides medical care and palliative support to over 60 vulnerable patients and their families, as well as counselling, food parcels, social worker support, and practical care to those in need. The evening concludes with an exclusive auction of curated items, including fine wines, gifts, holiday and lifestyle experiences, jewellery, and fine art, with every bid contributing to St Luke’s various support initiatives.
To donate, pledge, sponsor, and buy tickets, guests can contact 021 797 5335 or email [email protected].
Cost: R650 per person | R1200 (couples ticket) | R2400 for four (corporate package). Book now on Quicket.
When: 24 July 2026 | 5.30pm – 9pm
Where: Constantia Glen, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
We Wanna Party
Those who love dressing up for a night out should diarise this Prime Time event. The evening kicks off with a listening party for Tyla’s hotly anticipated album A*Pop, which includes her 2025 smash hit Chanel. However, this night isn’t just for South Africa’s newest superstar, as partygoers can expect everything from R&B to gqom and hip hop at this truly mixed-genre event.
Fashion is a big focus for the night: the theme is neon, bright, and bold colours, inspired by the aesthetics of Tyla’s recent Asian tour.
Cost: From R100 (early bird). Book now on Quicket.
When: 25 July 2026 | 8pm – 2am
Where: Club Paradise, 9 Albertus St, District Six, Cape Town
Food Indaba
The Food Indaba brings together a wide range of speakers involved in shaping the food system, providing an opportunity for food growers, academics, activists, writers, nutritionists, policymakers, food lovers and anyone interested in sustainable approaches to engage in key issues connected to the food consumed and finding ways to work together in creating a better, more sustainable food future.
This year’s programme focuses on water and the food system, exploring how water moves through landscapes, bodies, and food systems throughout the country. This theme ties the Food Indaba to broader issues in South Africa, such as public health and water scarcity, to ensure a more holistic conversation around the nation’s problems.
Cost: R140 – R500 per event. Book tickets to each event now on Quicket.
When: 20 July – 2 August 2026 | From 9am – 6pm
Where: Various venues across Cape Town.
Call Me When You Get This
Playing for Cape Town audiences for the final time before debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe, Call Me When You Get This explores the complications of a love story between two people where every moment counts. Performed by writer-director Alice Viskat and actor Maya Boraine, every scene is haunted by a ticking clock that counts down as each visit starts – asking the impossibly simple question: “How do you build a future with someone you always leave behind?”
Audiences can expect a tender string of memories told outside of a traditional chronological structure, exploring what to do with love when the person it’s meant for isn’t there to receive it anymore.
Cost: R120 per person (early bird). Book now on Quicket.
When: 21 – 23 July 2026 | 8pm – 11pm
Where: The Outlore Base, 80 Hout St, Cape Town City Centre
Winter Flames: July at ROOI Grillroom
To celebrate the cold-weather season in Cape Town, ROOI is serving up an exclusive experience that continues its tradition of using local ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood. The four-course event starts with a creamy cauliflower soup garnished with toasted granola and parmesan, before moving on to a creative rooikrans-charred butternut barley with pickled butternut and smoked duck breast.
For the main course, guests can choose among three options, catering to meat-lovers, vegans, and pescatarians. The big attraction is a prime rump steak, cooked on a premium Josper grill, and served with a side of samp and beans casserole, fire-roasted carrots, and crispy bone marrow. Seafood lovers can try the fennel-spiced grilled kingklip, which comes with fennel root, a creamy beurre noisette velouté sauce, and classic ROOI-style pap and chakalaka. Guests wanting to steer clear of meat get a gourmet charred cabbage dish featuring white bean purée, toasted cashews, harissa dressing, and roasted grape salsa.
Finally, dessert is a sticky date, pecan, and walnut crumble with vanilla bean ice cream and chilli toffee sauce, finishing the night off on a warm, nutty note – a suitable ending for a winter dinner experience.
Cost: R695 per person. Book now by contacting [email protected] or 021 431 5888.
When: Daily | 6pm – 10pm | Offer available until 31 August 2026.
Where: ROOI, One & Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Book a stay at Future Found Sanctuary
Just 30 minutes from the city, Future Found Sanctuary combines architecturally designed accommodation, exceptional dining, personalised hospitality and curated experiences at a private mountainside luxury hotel in the Constantia Winelands, bordering Table Mountain National Park.
For a limited time, South African residents can enjoy exclusive rates from R4,950 per couple per night, including luxury accommodation in a Deluxe Garden Room or Deluxe Mountain Room, as well as breakfast.
The offer is available until 31 August 2026, making it the perfect opportunity to discover one of Cape Town’s most exceptional luxury stays. Bookings can be made via the website.
Where: 10 Hunters Way, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Spier’s Routes of Sound
Following rave reviews in the previous two years, Brett Bailey and Third World Bunfight return with a bigger and better edition of The Routes of Sound, taking place at Spier Wine Farm from July. This immersive experience invites visitors to wander through the scenic estate’s lush gardens while enjoying a series of live acoustic performances over three weekends.
This winter special highlights talented local musicians from across the country, while guests try Spier’s award-winning Creative Block wines in some of the estate’s most distinctive, cosy spaces.
The first weekend (3 & 4 July) features many folk singer-songwriters, including Johannesburg-based vocalists Tubatsi and Chosi, Afrikaans singer-songwriter Magé Troskie, blues-rock musician Cheyenne Hill, Mickey Struwick (from Like the Mouse), and Freddy Lalendle (from Ntu2ko). The second weekend (31 July & 1 August) features Tshivenda singer-songwriter Muneyi, who won the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist award. Other highlights include Afrikaans poet-musician RFKI with CJ Bergh, up-and-coming indie artist Karla von Solms, and intimate ballads from music duo Akeeda.
Those wishing to stay over at the new Spier hotel can email [email protected]. The entire Routes of Sound programme is available on the website.
Cost: R300 per person (including concerts + wine tasting). Book now on Webtickets.
When: Fridays & Saturdays, from 7.30pm – 10pm | 3 – 4 July; 31 July – 1 August; 21 – 22 August 2026
Where: The Yellowwoods Lounge, Spier Wine Farm, R310, Stellenbosch
Last Thursdays: Comedy in a Surf Shop
A relatively new addition to the Cape Town comedy circuit, Last Thursdays brings together some of the city’s most in-demand comics to perform in a truly unconventional location. This month’s lineup is stacked: Jive Funny Championship winner Phil de Lange headlines the gig, supported by “Cape Town icon” Kurt Langeveld, rising acts Marius Rossouw and Ngosa Kangwa, and other Funny Championship contenders, Alex Dreyden and Hayley White.
With every previous edition selling out, guests are encouraged to pick up tickets early to laugh along with award-winning comedians in an intimate, lively atmosphere.
Cost: R50 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 30 July 2026 | 8pm – 10pm
Where: Atlantic Surf Collective, 2 Coral Rd, Table View, Cape Town
Social Link-Up
This day-to-night event invites Cape Town’s music lovers, creatives, professionals, and anyone looking to make new friends at a vibrant meet-up. Guests can expect a curated lineup from the Mother City’s thriving DJ scene, food vendors, a premium shisha lounge, and a social crowd looking to hang out with friends and make new ones as the music seamlessly progresses from day to night.
With a gorgeous view of the Mother City, the Social Link-Up is for those who love quality sound, making connections, and spending Saturdays out and about.
Cost: From R150 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 25 July 2026 | 2pm – 11pm
Where: Rooftop On Bree, 170 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Honest Chocolate Workshop
As the only dedicated chocolate cafe in the city, Honest Chocolate prides itself on its commitment to quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers and offers a wide range of vegan, cane sugar-free, and gluten-free treats.
At the end of the month, they are hosting a behind-the-scenes experience that takes participants through the full chocolate journey, including a live chocolate-making demonstration, a hands-on bonbon-dipping workshop, and even the chance to make an original chocolate.
Cost: R450 per person. Spots can be booked on Quicket.
When: 25 July 2026 | 10am – 12pm
Where: 7 Barron St, Woodstock, Cape Town
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is award-winning director, Christopher Nolan’s (Interstellar, The Dark Knight, Oppenheimer), latest blockbuster epic. The movie features an unbelievable A-list cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and more.
The film follows the Greek hero Odysseus after the Trojan War, as he faces a dangerous 10-year voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way.
The mythic action epic has been shot around the world using brand-new IMAX film technology. The movie brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theatres everywhere.
When: The Odyssey opens in theatres on 17 July 2026
Where to watch: Set to be released in IMAX cinemas nationwide
From London With Love – Cape Grace x Savoy Afternoon Tea
This special collaboration between Cape Grace and the Savoy Hotel, London’s first luxury hotel, celebrates the deep tradition of afternoon tea, with a distinct South African twist. The experience is hosted at Heirloom, Cape Grace’s flagship fine-dining establishment, with gorgeous mountain and marina views as guests enjoy a series of curated treats and drinks.
One of the menu’s highlights is a reimagined Peach Melba, in honour of The Savoy’s original head chef, Auguste Escoffier, who is often credited as the father of modern French cuisine – now brought to life with Cape Town ingredients and flair.
Guests can expect filled and flavoured scones from Scoff, The Savoy’s dedicated scone bakery, and a range of seasonal cakes and tarts that make the most of the winter’s produce. On the savoury side, smoked snoek pate, free-range chicken roulade, braised leek tartlet, and a selection of finger sandwiches are available for indulgence.
Cost: R750 per person, including bubbles or iced tea. Spaces can be booked on Dineplan or by calling 021 410 7100.
When: 17 July – 13 September 2026 | Seatings between 1.30pm and 3pm
Where: Cape Grace Hotel, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
WinterFest
WinterFest is an event dedicated to Cape Town’s All-African heavy metal scene, with its screeching guitars, crashing drums, and raspy vocals. The night features seven local bands at the “Headbangers Hall”, four DJs in charge of the “Serpent Pit”, drinks, and even a Metal Market.
2026’s band lineup includes up-and-coming Hardcore band The Dominion HxC, followed by the Durban-based doom-infused noise-scape of Strage. Previous Metal4Africa debutants are set to return, including Gqeberha’s Dead Man Risen, Cape Town’s eclectic reggae-hop-jungle-nu-metal-hybrid group Ill System, and Wacken Metal Battle finalists from 2025, the thrash band Halvar. Die Gemeente, a self-described “nu-metalcore” group from Pretoria, plays their second show in Cape Town before the event finishes off with Mpumalanga’s Eat The Elderly and their slam-driven death metal, serving as an energetic and loud closer.
Cost: R250 per person. Book now on the website.
When: 25 July 2026 | 4pm – 2am
Where: The Alley, 85 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
Christmas in July at the One&Only Hotel
Those wanting to ward off the winter chills and celebrate with friends can join the One&Only’s Christmas in July afternoon tea experience at the end of July. On the cards is an array of lush greens, golden bites, pleasant sweets, and a touch of wickedness to stay festive and warm in Cape Town’s harshest season.
The savoury spread appeals to a wide range of taste buds and flavour profiles. Highlights include festive Christmas puffs, goat’s cheese quiches, pretzel fingers with salmon, a tomato focaccia with turkey and gruyere, and cranberry-and-feta-filled green pinwheels, among many others. On the sweet side, guests can indulge in matcha-dipped chocolate brownies, strawberry and citrus sablés, Black Forest trifle cups, and even a make-your-own live croffle station with decadent dipping sauces, sliced banana, toasted nuts, and whipped vanilla chantilly cream.
Cost: R650 per person. Book via email [email protected] or call 021 431 5888
When: Saturday & Sunday, 25 & 26 July | From 2pm – 5pm
Where: Vista Bar and Lounge, One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
School Holidays at Ster-Kinekor
With schools closing for the winter holidays and kids looking for something to do, Ster-Kinekor has a long list of blockbusters and family-friendly favourites for young ones to catch on the big screen.
Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, and Moana, all highly anticipated releases, are in cinemas throughout this period. Additionally, Minions fans can enjoy a fun-filled character roadshow at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas at V&A Waterfront on 5 July (11am – 4pm) and at Blue Route Mall on 7 July (11am – 4pm), offering photo opportunities and interactive entertainment so young moviegoers can meet their favourites.
At select Ster-Kinekor cinemas across the country, including Blue Route Mall, the V&A Waterfront, and Cape Gate Shopping Centre, these sought-after children’s films can be watched in the vibrant Kids’ Cinemas, which are specifically designed to enhance the movie magic for younger audiences. With colourful seats, slides, and a ball pool, the Kids’ Cinemas are good for keeping kids engaged as they watch the latest releases.
For families who like a trip down memory lane, Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema promotion brings back some classic family favourites to the big screen, with heavily discounted tickets at just R50 per person.
Tickets for all films screening at SK cinemas can be booked using the website.
Watch the winter’s biggest blockbusters at Ster-Kinekor
Pretty Girls Like Film
To celebrate women in the local film industry, Pretty Girls Like Events is hosting an evening for the community to socialise and connect. The programme features a curated selection of short films by local women filmmakers. After the screenings, there is a panel discussion where attendees can ask questions and converse with creators & creatives on their films, their subject matter, and issues surrounding women’s filmmaking in Cape Town.
To end off the night, guests hear live poetry from a variety of poets in the local creative scene. There is a curated playlist of mood music playing during the in-between moments, and free popcorn for everyone attending. Pretty Girls Like Film is an initiative that promotes women filmmakers and provides women in the industry with a platform to connect, socialise, and discuss pertinent issues in a safe and inclusive space.
Cost: R30 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 29 July 2026 | 6pm – 10pm
Where: Gorgeous George (The Pink Room), 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre
Samthing Soweto Live
One of the country’s biggest Amapiano singer-songwriters, Samthing Soweto, is playing his 2025 album, ‘Touch is a Move: Good Morning’, live for the very first time.
The performance combines a full band, simple lighting, and Samthing’s soulful vocals for an intimate live show that focuses more on storytelling than on large-scale production. The album reflects various aspects of his troubled upbringing growing up in the kasi, with the music and lyrics portraying an ordinary day in his native Soweto as a five-year-old.
Cost: R400 – R700 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 24 – 25 July 2026 | From 7pm
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
The Cunning Little Vixen
Families and first-time opera watchers are sure to enjoy the new English-language adaptation of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen at the Joseph Stone Auditorium. Reimagined for Cape Town Opera by Alan Olejniczak, the work places nature, imagination and renewal at its centre, celebrating the cycle of life through the adventures of the mischievous Vixen Sharp-Ears.
The Cunning Little Vixen follows Sharp Ears, an energetic young fox, as she learns about the wonders of nature, friendship, and love following chance encounters with many animals and humans.
Cost: R80 per person. Bookings can be made on Webtickets.
When: 21 – 26 July 2026 | Shows at 11am & 2pm
Where: Joseph Stone Auditorium, cnr Protea St & Klipfontein Rd, Athlone, Cape Town
