Spring is in full swing, and October is full of exciting events taking place across the Mother City. From arts festivals and garden celebrations, to wine tastings and high teas, there’s something for everyone in Cape Town this month.
Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2025
After the grey and wet scenes of winter, spend an uplifting few days in Stellenbosch celebrating arts and culture with the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2025, taking place from 11 – 19 October 2025. Regardless of your level of Afrikaans fluency, you’ll find a myriad of things to do and see at this prestigious festival, which includes art, performance, dance, theatre, music, food and more.
The festival takes over the town, with a multitude of venues showcasing the best in South African performance. Our guides highlight the full range of Woordfees events across different art forms.
All About Woordfees 2025
Dance
Dance is the universal language, and this year’s Woordfees has multiple breathtaking productions on show. Enjoy a variety of performance styles, from classical and ballet to contemporary and theatrical.
Dance Highlights at Woordfees
Comedy
Catch the top South African comedians at Woordfees 2025, from Marc Lottering to Pieter-Dirk Uys, as well as a variety of comedy performances guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
Comedy Picks at Woordfees
Classical Music
The Woordfees Classical Music programme continues to bring stellar performances and world-renowned artists that connect people across all walks of life with music. Opera, classical and choral performances all bring variety and musicality to this year’s festival.
Classical Music Favourites at Woordfees
Contemporary Music
Modern music more your style? This year’s Woordfees festival presents a spectacular music programme that celebrates the rich tapestry of South African talent, from Will Linley and The Melisizwe Plaatjie Collective to the Soweto String Quartet.
Contemporary Music Picks at Woordfees
Theatre
The Woordfees programme boasts a variety of theatre performances in both Afrikaans and English, highlighting the range and talent of South African performers and theatre writers.
The English Theatre Highlights at Woordfees
Gwala Ka Jan
Gwala Ka Jan is a raw, original stage production being performed inside Pollsmoor Prison, written and performed by the inmates themselves. It’s a rare opportunity for the public to hear the stories of gang life, identity, and transformation from those who have lived them, as told through the story of Keegan, a first-time offender who is thrust into the brutal and deeply structured world of prison gangs.
This is not a polished commercial play, but a deeply human, deeply South African story of resilience and redemption told with honesty, courage, and heart.
Cost: Free. Register on Quicket.
When: 16 – 18 October 2025 | 7pm | 1pm (Sat)
Where: Pollsmoor Correctional Facility: Recreational Hall, Informal Rd, Pollsmoor, Cape Town
Cape Town International Kite Festival
Cape Mental Health’s annual Cape Town International Kite Festival has been supporting mental health initiatives for over 30 years, and attracts people of all ages. This year’s festival features kites by both local and international guests, in a breathtaking display of colour and craftsmanship. Over two fun-filled days, the event will features entertainment, kite-making workshops, vendors and an exciting amusement park for the little ones.
Beyond the festival, the Cape Town International Kite Festival continues to expand its reach with online and community-based events, including the inclusive EduKite competition for learners from both mainstream schools and schools for children with special needs, their Heideveld Community Fly, children’s activities, and a variety of kites for sale.
Cost: R70 per adult per day | R130 for two-day pass. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 25 and 26 October 2025 | 10am – 6pm
Where: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery, Cape Town
All About the Kite Festival
Visit Norval Foundation
Norval Foundation is hosting a variety of events this month, for the entire family to enjoy.
Holiday Art Club
Keep the kids engaged, inspired, and creative during the school break with various creative workshops held by the Norval Foundation Learning Centre. Each workshop takes on a different theme, and allows kids aged 7-12 to express their creativity and create art.
Cost: R275 per child per workshop. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 6 – 10 October 2025 | 10am
Where: Norval Foundation Learning Centre
Full List of Holiday Workshops
Garden Day
Enjoy a relaxed day in the sun in Norval Foundation’s iconic Sculpture Garden, as the museum opens its doors for Garden Day. Each ticket includes access to both the Sculpture Garden and the museum itself, allowing you to explore both the beauty of the garden and the inspirational exhibitions.
Live entertainment sets the scene for the day, and various kids entertainment and a Scavenger Hunt will keep the kids happy. There are also two slots available for flower crown workshops (tickets sold separately), which allow attendees to create and wear their own beautiful flower crowns, under expert guidance.
Cost: R250pp | R125pp (Norval Foundation members) | kids enter free | R220pp (flower crown workshop). Book tickets on Webtickets.
When: 12 October 2025 | 11am – 3pm
Where: Norval Foundation Sculpture Garden, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Everything About Garden Day
Galileo Open Air Cinema: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Relax and enjoy a movie in the beautiful Norval Foundation gardens with the Galileo Open Air Cinema’s screening of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The movie is is a 2011 British comedy-drama film, in which British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believed was a newly restored hotel, but they soon realise it’s less luxurious than advertised.
This event only features Royale tickets, which include a canape and drink upon arrival, a main meal, and a 60g popcorn per person.
Cost: R450. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 23 October 2025 | doors open 6pm | movie starts 7.30pm
Cape Town City Ballet: Coppelia
The Cape Town City Ballet is bringing the iconic comic ballet Coppelia to the Cape Town stage this October, promising a delightful mix of comedy, romance and a touch of mystery, all wrapped up in dazzling costumes and sets. The story is a whimsical fairytale about young love, a curious inventor, and a life-like doll that causes quite a stir.
Every performance of this comic masterpiece is brought to life with musical arrangements performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, whose live accompaniment adds depth, energy, and vibrancy to the story. Combined with expressive choreography and a kaleidoscope of colour, Coppelia is an unforgettable celebration of the magic of dance.
Cost: R200 – R550pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 17 and 18 October 2025 | 17th: 7pm | 18th: 2pm and 7pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Everything About Coppelia
Doggy High Tea at President Hotel
The President Hotel’s featured pet event will have a return with their Doggy High Tea this month.
The event features specially designed menus for both pups and parents. Canine guests are treated to a selection including tail-wagging terrine with chicken liver and sautéed spinach and canine croquettes featuring salmon and sweet potato, while dessert promises strawberry banana bites, peanut butter pup cakes and more.
Meanwhile, human guests can indulge in an equally impressive spread featuring gourmet offerings such as vol-au-vent with roasted mebos chicken and fermented peach aioli, melanzane tartlets, and finger sandwiches with smoked trout and lemon cream cheese. The sweet selection includes citrus cheesecake, traditional buttermilk scones and decadent milk tart éclairs.
Cost: R300 per dog | R350 per person. Bookings can be made via email ([email protected])
When: 25 October 2025 | 2pm
Where: President Hotel, 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Two Oceans Aquarium Trash Bash
The Trash Bash is an initiative dedicated to tackling plastic pollution and raising awareness about the harmful effects it has on marine ecosystems. By rolling up your sleeves and participating, you’re making a real difference for the environment while enjoying a morning at the beach.
Make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing, a bucket or bag for colleting trash, and your desire to make a difference!
Cost: Free
When: 18 October 2025 | 9 am to 11 am
Where: Sunset Beach, Milnerton
Nomadic Orchestra at Cafe Roux
The Nomadic Orchestra is a motley crew of music nerds, fondly referred to as “The Nomads,” and hail from the South African College of Music (UCT) in Cape Town and all have a deep passion for music performance and composition.
The music keeps dance and groove at the centre of its inspiration and borrows from many different styles. Hip hop, afrobeat, ghoema, samba, ska, klezmer and various other sounds are blended into one cohesive, high-energy performance.
The primary goal of The Nomads is to get people moving. The band plays an infectious kind of high-energy dance music guaranteed to get feet tapping and limbs swaying.
Cost: R200. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 26 October 2025 | 6pm
Where: Cafe Roux, Noordhoek Village, Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoek
Visit 3 Kitch3ns at Silver Forest
This spring, enjoy relaxed dining at 3 Kitch3ns with grill favourites and perfectly cooked traditional Napoli-style pizzas, alongside delicious breakfasts to start your day right, and cocktail hour every day from 12 pm to 6 pm. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a crafted dining experience, there’s something for everyone.
Planning a celebration? Host your Year-End Boutique Event at 3 Kitch3ns, perfect for office get-togethers and bespoke events to suit your budget. With different private areas accommodating up to 40 guests each, or up to 80 guests with exclusive use of all areas, your event will be both intimate and memorable.
Bookings can be made via email ([email protected]), WhatsApp (072 622 1477) or phone (021 140 0040).
Where: Silver Forest, C/O Parel Vallei Road and Silverboomkloof Road, Somerset West
Take the Kids to See Stitch Head
Take the family on a movie outing to catch the newest animated comedy film, Stitch Head, inspired by the classic Frankenstein story. The film follows the story of a small, forgotten creature living in a long-abandoned castle. Awoken by a Mad Professor, Stitch Head is tasked with protecting the professor’s other wildly inventive creations from the suspicious townspeople of Grubber Nubbin.
Stitch Head splits his time between keeping the castle safe & the other monsters hidden. He is terrified that even the smallest sign of monstrousness will cause the townsfolk of Grubbers Nubbin to burn the castle to the ground.
One day, a tired-looking freak show comes to town; led by its desperate owner Fulbert Freakfinder. The show is in dire need of a new attraction and when Freakfinder meets humble Stitch Head, he knows he has found his star.
Stitch Head is released in cinemas on 24 October 2025, and will be playing at Nu Metro and Ster-Kinekor cinemas across the country.
More About Stitch Head
To Life, With Love
The highly-regarded Cape Talk host and Rhodes University trained actor, John Maytham, returns with the critically-acclaimed solo show he commissioned from multiple award-winning playwright, Mike van Graan.
A poetic reflection on loss and love and the way we choose to live, To Life, With Love draws on Maytham’s and van Graan’s own experiences of ageing as well as on Atul Gawande’s international bestseller, Being Mortal.
Cost: R120 – R265. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 14 – 25 October 2025 | Mon – Sat 8pm | Sat also at 4.30 pm
Where: Golden Arrow Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
Solo Studios
Solo Studios offers a unique opportunity to experience art and culture nestled in the homes, studios and galleries of Riebeek Kasteel. Throughout this weekend’s gathering, visitors can attend a selection of guided walkabouts, performances, talks and food events.
Throughout the weekend, the event’s collection of guided walkabout tours invite guests to stroll through the quaint town to connect with a list of noteworthy solo artists. This is an opportunity for art lovers, buyers and scholars alike to forge relationships with the artists and art spaces that are celebrated in the area.
Cost: Day Pass R195 – R210 | Premier Weekend Pass R410. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 24 – 26 October 2025
Where: Various locations in Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Open Langa
The streets of Langa will come alive with the energy of people, music, movement, and joy when Open Langa officially launche. This is a vibrant series of public space activations designed to reconnect communities, celebrate heritage, and reimagine our streets as places for people, not just cars.
The Open Streets Day features the temporary closure of King Langa Libalele and Lerotholi Avenue. The event will transform these streets into a festive, car-free environment alive with art, music, activities, and local enterprise—an inclusive public space for all to enjoy.
When: 26 October 2025
Where: Langa
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate. Abbott World Marathon Majors represent the biggest, most renowned marathon races across the world, and the Cape Town Marathon is a currently on track to join this prestigious list. Entering its final year of candidacy in 2025, this global city, fast-paced marathon is suited to a range of running enthusiasts from social runners to elite athletes.
This running festival weekend includes the 42.2km marathon, 10km and 5km Peace road runs, three incredible Table Mountain trail runs at 41km, 22km, and 11km, and a 42km Wheelchair Invitational for wheelchair athletes. Cheer on the incredible athletes taking part in this year’s event.
When: 18 & 19 October 2025
Where: Start at Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Voorkamerfest
Hosted by Darling Brew, Voorkamerfest is an experience that brings theatre productions to the ‘voorkamers’ (front rooms) of residents’ homes.
Darling residents open up their homes to accommodate this unique event, welcoming a variety of artists and visitors alike. The event features 21 venues, with a maximum of 25 viewers per home, and attendees are safely transported along seven routes to each theatre venue by local taxis hired for the event.
There are three multi-disciplined performances per route which remain a surprise until showtime, and each performance is approximately 30 minutes in length. This is an opportunity to catch 60 professional performers from South Africa and elsewhere, up close and personal.
Cost: R350 per route. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 18 & 19 October 2025 | from 11am
Where: Darling Brew, 48 Caledon St, Darling
Sip and Savour Festival
Get ready for an electrifying weekend at Sip & Savour Festival on the enchanting Breede Riverbanks in Robertson. Sip on world-class wines from renowned wineries, savouring gourmet delights from a buzzing farmers’ market, all while lounging in riverside seating under the sun.
Little ones will be buzzing too, in a fun-filled, supervised kids’ zone designed with them in mind. Groove to the lively beats of South African artists and immerse yourself in stunning visual performances that dazzle the senses. Tickets include free shuttle service from designated pick-up zones, so you can kick back, sip, savour – and make unforgettable family memories in a spectacular riverside setting.
Cost: R300 – R1500. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 25 October 2025 | from 10am
Where: Viljoensdrift Wine Estate, R317, Robertson
Galileo Open Air Cinema
Cape Town’s favourite open air cinema is back for their summer season with a host of movies, from tense thrillers to family-friendly romps. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night with Before Sunset (15 October) and Dirty Dancing (25 October), or a fun family experience with The Secret Life of Pets (24 October) or Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (17 October), there’s a outdoor movie experience for everyone.
When: From 15 October 2025
Where: Weekday screenings at Kirstenbosch Gardens; weekend screenings at a variety of venues.
All the October Movies at the Galileo
Visit ROOI at One&Only Cape Town
This month, ROOI is offering a celebration of Knysna oysters with a variety of dishes and wine pairings. Enjoy a variety of oyster combinations, including chilli angel hair and sesame, fynbos and fennel, or grapefruit and chives, as well as delicious seafood mains and sago pudding for dessert.
Where: ROOI Grillroom, One&Only Cape Town
All About One&Only
DSK Bazaar
Once a year the DSK Bazaar in Tamboerksloof transforms the German International School Cape Town (DSK) into a festive summer hub of authentic German food, beer and unique activities for both young and old alike. Enjoy live music, delicious German food and drinks, a variety of kids activities for both younger and older kids, and a raffle that includes the chance to win two return flight tickets, all over this two-day celebration.
Cost: R180 per person per day (Adult) | Kids enter free | R200 for all kids activities over both days | R6000 for a table of 10 (includes food and drink voucher). Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 31 October – 1 November 2025 | 10am – 11pm
Where: German International School Cape Town, 28 Bay View Avenue, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Everything About the DSK Bazaar
Willowbridge Cheers to 20 Years Campaign
Willowbridge Shopping Centre celebrates its 20th birthday this October with giveaways, treats, and special offers. From 31 October to 2 November, spend R200 or more to claim a Tessa’s Bakery cupcake with hidden prizes, plus a chance to win mystery gifts.
Highlights include 20 Days of Giveaways (10–31 October), VIP Swipe & Win for parking card holders, free coffee and cake for seniors with Pensioner Cards and October birthdays, and exclusive tenant discounts running from 1 October to 2 November.
Where: Willowbridge Shopping Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Dr, Tyger Valley, Cape Town
More About Willowbridge Cheers to 20 Years
Visit the Silver Forest Spa
Bring a friend and stop in at the iconic spa at the Silver Forest Boutique Hotel. Enjoy treatment packages paired with a bite to eat and drink at the 3 Kitch3ns restaurant for the ultimate spa day experience.
Choose from 45-minute treatment options:
- Khoi Khoi Massage
- Classic Manicure
- Classic Pedicure
- Indian Head Massage
- Swedish Massage
- 1 Treatment: R795 per person – includes a R200 voucher to use at 3 Kitch3ns.
- 2 Treatments: R1650 per person, including a R200 voucher to use at 3 Kitch3ns, and access to sauna and steam room facilities.
- 3 Treatments: R2450 per person, including a R200 voucher to use at 3 Kitch3ns, and access to sauna and steam room facilities.
Where: Silver Forest, C/O Parel Vallei Road and Silverboomkloof Road, Somerset West
More About Silver Forest
Halloween Hotel Transylvania at Hotel Sky
Step into Hotel Transylvania this Halloween for a night of thrills and scares, with classic Halloween decor, a live DJ, spine-tingling scares, and prizes for the best costume. As the night comes to a close, extend your stay with the Hotel Sky’s luxurious accomodation offerings.
Cost: R100pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 31 October 2025 | 7.30pm – 12 midnight
Where: Hotel Sky, 4 Lower Long St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Catch the New South African Horror Movie, Hen
Prepare to step into the darkness with Hen, a gripping psychological horror set on an isolated South African farm. The film follows a small family fighting to survive as the shadows close in, offering a stark meditation on the knife-edge between life and death.
Written and directed by Nico Scheepers, Hen pulls viewers deep into the raw, desolate tension of the South African veld. When Dawid (Stian Bam) stumbles upon a devastating family tragedy, he uncovers a chilling secret hidden inside a wooden crate; one that unravels into something far darker and stranger than he could imagine.
Hen opens in cinemas on 10 October 2025, and is being played at various Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro branches, as well as the Labia Cinema in Gardens.
More About Hen
Visit Drumstruck at Silvermist
Drumstruck is a captivating musical experience that brings the vibrant rhythms and beats of Africa to audiences around the world. A unique and interactive show, Drumstruck combines traditional African music, drumming, and storytelling in an exhilarating theatrical production.
Audiences enter a space where an extensive and rare collection of indigenous African instruments is displayed and are taken on a journey through the musical heritage of Southern Africa – from the first drum through to the newest high-tech electronic instruments. Each audience member is provided with their own djembe drum and gets to play and sing along with the show, becoming participants in the collective celebration that exemplifies African music and culture.
With the performances being a collaboration with the Silvermist Wine Farm, audiences can choose either to just watch the show or enjoy a rare wine and entertainment experience. If they choose the latter, the adult guests get to taste and learn about a range of exclusive South African wines from the area, while the children (and those who prefer) are offered a refreshing farm-brewed selection of iced teas to taste.
After the show, guests can opt to enjoy an authentic South African braai experience, while taking in the beautiful views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range.
Cost: Standard Rates – R480pp (Adult wine tasting & show); R300pp (Kids U12); R380pp (Adult, show only) |
SA Local Rates – R380pp (Adult wine tasting & show); R200pp (Kids U12); R280pp (Adult, show only) | Braai – R350pp for adults, R150pp for kids. Book via website. For events, corporate bookings, or private parties, contact Warren on [email protected] or 082 901 0496.
When: Runs every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and certain weekdays
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town.
