Beat the July blues this month with a variety of winter events in the Mother City. Enjoy various food and wine celebrations, music concerts across genres, and nature events designed to harness the winter magic of Cape Town. Here’s all our top picks.
Knysna Wine Festival
The Knysna Wine Festival is a highlight of the Knysna Oyster Festival, offering over 200 wines from more than 50 wine estates. Visitors can sample wines and craft liquors from the Cape Winelands and Garden Route.
The broader Knysna Oyster Festival features a variety of events, including live music, food experiences, sports activities, and cultural showcases, providing something for everyone to enjoy. Oysters remain a central focus, with ample opportunities to enjoy this local delicacy throughout the festival.
For the full list of events at the Knysna Oyster Festival, have a look at the website.
When: 4 – 5 July 2025 | Oyster Festival: 4 – 13 July
Where: 1 George Rex Dr, Rexford, Knysna
Cape Town Festival of Running
The Cape Town Festival of Running is a beloved running festival allowing running enthusiasts to compete in various competitive categories.
The races take place along the scenic Sea Point Promenade and are divided among three events over two days. These include the 50km run mini-ultra and the 5km x 5km relay race on day one, and the 21km half-marathon on day two.
A limited number of entries will be allocated on the day of the race
Cost: R330pp (50km) | R350 per team (5×5 relay) | R200pp (21km).
When: 12 and 13 July 2025 | 12 Jul, 7am (50km) & 12pm (relay) | 13 Jul, 7.30am (21km)
Where: Sea Point Pavilion, Sea Point
metal4africa’s Winterfest
WinterFest is Cape Town’s legendary winter celebration of all-African Heavy Metal and sub-culture, and features seven killer bands, two entertainment areas, DJs, stalls, and good headbanging vibes.
The featured bands include Doom Trigger, Marene, Terroraze and Dreadlines, among others.
Cost: R230pp (early bird) | R280pp. Tickets available online.
When: 26 July 2025 | 4pm – 12 midnight
Where: Viben Lounge, 12 Viben Ave, Brackenfell Industrial, Cape Town
Celebrate Bastille Day in Franschhoek
The annual Bastille Festival in Franschhoek brings together wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and families to celebrate French heritage. Known for its scenic beauty and wine excellence, this event offers an opportunity to explore local wines, delicious cuisine, and cultural entertainment. The festival originated as a way to honour Franschhoek’s French roots and has grown into a hallmark event, attracting visitors from near and far.
Central to the event is the wine tasting marquee, featuring a curated selection of wines from over 20 wineries. Visitors can also enjoy village shopping, food stalls, and live performances along the main road and families are welcome, with activities available for children.
Cost: R390 per day. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 12 and 13 July 2025 | 11am
Where: Franschhoek High School, 15 Akademie St, Franschhoek
Stellenbosch Chamber Music Festival
The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival aims to provide talented young South African musicians with the opportunity to study, perform and be inspired by chamber music and orchestral playing at an internationally recognized and professional standard. This ten day long festival puts Stellenbosch University and South Africa on the international music calendar as an event of outstanding musicianship and as a nurturing ground for young talent.
Each year, a select number of top international and national institutions are invited to send representative student groups to attend the festival. A total of approximately 240 international and national participants between the ages of 12 and 28 are divided into a number of chamber music groups, in which they are trained and eventually perform.
Cost: R165 – R230pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 3 – 13 July 2025 | 8pm | 13 July: 4.30pm
Where: Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University, Victoria St & Neethling St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
International Fly Fishing Film Festival
The International Fly Fishing Film Festival is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, coming to South Africa this July. Alphonse Fishing Co., Blue Safari and African Waters presents this spectacular event as a means to showcase films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe sharing the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly-fishing.
It’s the central gathering place of the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, fly-fishing stories, and stoke, with chances to win amazing prizes.
Cost: R395pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 22 July 2025 | 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Labia Cinema, 68 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town
Winterfest Beer Festival by Triggerfish Brewery
Winterfest is an annual festival that is all about the BIG beers (9% and higher), some excellent crafted spirits and wine. Different breweries, distilleries and a winery from all around the Western Cape come together for this epic event, and everyone is invited to experience it.
Winterfest 2025 promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The festival welcomes two distilleries, a winery and nine different breweries offering the best of the best. The event features craftsmanship, live music, kids face painting and delightful food throughout the day.
Cost: R110 – R130pp (ExtremeFest ticket) | R95pp (10 discounted taking tokens) | Free (designated drivers). Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 26 July 2025 | 11am – 10pm
Where: Triggerfish Brewing, 9 De Beers Ave, Paardevlei, Somerset West
Food Indaba
The Food Indaba is an annual programme of talks and events that focus on the local food system. The event 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 food future.
Events on the programme include walking tours, cooking workshops and various speakers.
Cost: From R140 – R500. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 7 – 20 July 2025
Cape Town & Joburg Ballet: Swan Lake
For the first time in almost 30 years, South Africa’s two leading classical ballet companies are joining forces to present one of the great ballet classics on a national tour. Cape Town City Ballet and Joburg Ballet will perform the legendary classic Swan Lake in Johannesburg and Cape Town this July, bringing together the dancers of both companies to present the world’s most famous ballet on a grand scale seldom seen in SA.
Close on 150 years after its first performance in 1877, this saga of love and betrayal remains at the pinnacle of classical ballet, performed by ballet companies around the world, its leading role danced by the greatest ballerinas of every generation.
Cost: R200 – R800. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 25 – 27 July 2025 | 25th: 7pm | 26th: 2pm and 7pm | 27th: 2pm
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (Auditorium 1), Lower Long Street, Cape Town City Centre
Allfashion Sourcing 2025
South Africa’s leading fashion and textile trade event, allfashion sourcing, is here to shine a light on South Africa’s fashion and design industry. The event is a vital marketplace for designers, manufacturers, retailers, and innovators seeking to connect, collaborate and co-create the future of fashion in Africa.
Enjoy a three-day showcase of creativity, design and manufacturing, while exploring the textile and fashion hub of Africa.
Entrance to the event is free once registration has been confirmed. Register here
When: 8 to 10 July 2025
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
Everything Going On at Allfashion Sourcing 2025
Visit the Norval Foundation
Norval Foundation, situated in the Tokai region of Cape Town, is a haven for both South African and African artwork. The gallery aims to provide awareness and promote African artists within the global art space.
Make sure to beat the cold this month by visiting the world-class exhibitions at Norval Foundation, and follow up your visit with a tasty meal at Grub and Vine. If you’re looking to move your body, engage in some Pilates in the beautiful Atrium at one of Norval Foundation’s exciting events in partnership with Virgin Active on 26 July.
When: Saturday, 26 July | 9am – 10am
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Cost: R250 pp | Smoothie & breakfast croissant – R150 | BOOK NOW
Norval Foundation offers an annual, affordable membership for single, double and group tickets with special perks such as invitations to exhibition openings and special discounts on guided tours. All pensioners pay half price every Thursday, and African Nationals may need to present their passports to access the special entry fee. See more info here.
Cost: Day Pass – R200pp for African Nationals | R300pp for Internationals | R100pp for young adults aged 18 to 24 years | Kids under 18 enter free. Book via Webtickets
When: Wed to Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 4pm | Closed on Mon & Tues
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
All the Info about Norval Foundation
Wild Food Winter Walk with Veld & Sea
Join Roushanna Gray and the V&S team for an educational walk and talk in and around the cultivated wild herb gardens, farm and fynbos mountainside in search of wild flavour at the Veld and Sea HQ in Cape Point. After a wintery walk, warm up back at the Glasshouse with a hot cup of fynbos tea and wild greens soup.
Attendees also have the chance to relax in the Glasshouse and explore the mini wild library, and purchase various edible and medicinal plants. This experience is a must for nature lovers and those wanting to explore the natural surroundings of Cape Town.
Cost: R500 per adult | R275 per child. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 12 and 22 July 2025 | 11am
Where: Veld and Sea, 7976 Plateau Rd, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
Clean Up the Shores with Trash Bash
Hosted by the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Trash Bash is a monthly event that aims to keep the South African beaches clean. The event offers the perfect opportunity for families to come together and learn about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of conservation awareness for biodiversity.
Make sure to bring reusable gloves, a bucket or bag for collecting rubbish, and your enthusiasm to make a difference!
When: 19 July 2025 | 9am – 11am
Where: Sunset Beach, Milnerton
Everything About Trash Bash
Eat Sleep Drink 2025: A Taste of Franschhoek
Franschhoek’s much-loved winter special is back this month, shining a spotlight on the town’s world-class culinary scene at an affordable price.
Eat Sleep Drink was created to give locals the chance to experience the best of Franschhoek’s food, wine, and hospitality during the quieter winter months. Book a table for dinner at a participating restaurant and get R300 off per person, or stay over and enjoy 30% off at selected guesthouses and hotels. It’s the perfect excuse to make a night (or weekend) of it and explore the valley’s world-class dining scene for less.
More information on participating restaurants and guesthouses can be found on the website.
When: 21 July – 11 August 2025
Where: Franschhoek
Enjoy Christmas in July at One&Only Cape Town
In the mood for something a little celebratory with friends and family to ward off the winter chills? One&Only Cape Town is once again putting on the sparkles for their annual Christmas in July afternoon tea experience.
Enjoy delicious gourmet sandwiches, canapes and cheese, as well as high tea cakes and treats. Kids will love the Lindt chocolate fountain or toasting marshmallows at the S’mores Bar.
Cost: R650pp, including afternoon tea experience, a welcoming cocktail, coffee and tea. Book via email [email protected] or call 021 431 5888
When: 26 and 27 July 2025 | 2pm to 5pm
Where: Vista Bar and Lounge, One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
All You Need to Know
Devin Gray: May Divorce Be With You
After earning a Best Newcomer nomination at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival for his solo show, How to Get Away with Marriage, comedian Devin Gray debuts his new show, May Divorce Be With You, coming to Cape Town for two intimate performances this July before heading to the renowned Edinburgh Festival.
Devin Gray is a whip-smart international comedian and comedy writer, who has been working the comedy circuit in Europe, Asia and the UK for over a decade. In this new show, Devin turns the page on a major life chapter – not with bitterness, but with insight, humour, and heart.
Cost: R100 pp. Tickets can be booked on Quicket.
When: 16 & 17 July 2025 | Doors open at 7.30pm | Show starts at 8pm
Where: Ground Culture Cafe, 170 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
All the Info About Devin Gray
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.
This winter, explore the home of hundreds of diverse marine creatures through multiple exhibits. Various events are also taking place throughout the month, as the July edition of the After Dark concert series takes place. Featuring Visitors Centre and Carla Franco, the July concert promises a cosy night of music and ambiance. More information is available here.
Kids also have their fair share of fun during the school holidays, with courses, exhibits and play centres available for kids of all ages.
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
Opening times: 9am to 6pm
Get Your Heart Racing With Jurassic World Rebirth
The newest installment in the Jurassic series, Jurassic World Rebirth ushers in a new era of dinosaur exploration and high stakes. This action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park, inhabited by the worst of the worst that were left behind.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, this action-packed adventure is not to be missed.
Jurassic World Rebirth opens at Ster-Kinekor Theatre, Nu Metro Cinemas and Cineland across Cape Town on Friday, 4 July 2025.
Visit the Hotel Sky
One of the iconic features of the Cape Town skyline, Hotel Sky offers panoramic city views and a world-class hotel experience. Enjoy a decadent food experience, a sundowner in the cocktail bar, or relax in one of the many suites available at the hotel.
For the thrill seekers, get a bird’s eye view of the city with the Sky-Hi Ride, offering a thrill unlike anything else in the city. No
More information on the hotel is available on the website.
Everything About the Hotel Sky
Fabulous French Fête at Leopard’s Leap
Enjoy the start of the Bastille Day celebrations with Leopard’s Leap at the Fabulous French Fête. A celebration of French-inspired food, wine and music, the event offers a French75 cocktail on arrival, a starter to Frenchify your palate as well as a buffet of famous French staples like Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin and a Toulouse-inspired cassoulet.
Guests also have access to discounted prices on Leopard’s Leap wine, and a French patisserie counter with a wonderful selection of sweets and desserts.
Cost: R550pp. Tickets available online.
When: 11 July 2025 | 5pm – 10pm
Where: Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, R45, Main Road, Franschhoek
Keep the Kids Entertained this School Holiday
Don’t let the kids waste their well-deserved school holiday at home. Enjoy various kid-focused productions, such as Bluey’s Big Play and Jack & the Beanstalk; learn something new with various workshops; and enjoy family-friendly activities across the city.
Our School Holiday guide is constantly updated, allowing for you to keep up to date on the best activities to keep your kids busy.
Our Guide to School Holidays
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Greyton Fire + Wine
The village of Greyton is turning up the heat in July with its much-loved Winter Wine weekend. Pull on your coat, grab your wellies, and take a stroll down Greyton’s quaint Main Road. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals and sip your way through more than 20 top-notch winemakers, all tucked inside cosy spots with crackling fireplaces.
Expect delicious reds and full-bodied whites to keep you warm while the weather does its thing. It’s a weekend full of flavour, fun, and signature Greyton charm.
Cost: R695pp. Inludes a tasting glass, venue map and 2 days of wine tasting. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 25 and 26 July 2025 | 25th: 1pm – 7pm | 26th: 12 noon – 6pm
Where: Greyton
Catch the Game at a Cosy Sports Bar
No matter which sport you prefer, there’s a space for you in the Cape Town scene. There’s very little to beat catching the game in shoulder to shoulder with other fans, and the Mother City offers various venues to accomodate this.
From Jerry’s and Hudson’s to the Perseverance Tavern and Dizzy’s, there’s a seat for you. Get your gees on and enjoy the hype at one of the many spots in the city.
Our Full Guide to Sports Bars
