As the sun begins to shine and the flowers start to bloom, the Mother City opens up once more for a new season of events, performances, shows, festivals, and more. From month-long art showcases to experimental theatre and a Trevor Noah-led comedy night, there’s tons to do in Cape Town in September for those looking to finally get out of the house after a cold winter.
This article is updated throughout the month, so make sure to come back throughout September to see what’s unfolding.
Cape Town Climate Week
To round off August and kick off September, Cape Town Climate Week brings together activists, community leaders, students, and citizens for a week-long lineup of events exploring grassroots solutions to the climate and social crises that plague both South Africa and the world.
Tackling issues like climate change, spatial & gendered injustice, and migration through a series of community events, Climate Week aims to give participants the tools to enact change and build grassroots action that improves Cape Town for all.
In its fifth year, participants journey through different areas of the city to witness how these issues are connected, spanning eight events over six days on a variety of topics. While these problems often seem too big to tackle, solutions like alternative transport, improved urban planning, reliable energy systems, food growing, water resilience, and gender-inclusive policy are possible, even at the grassroots level.
When: 31 August – 5 September 2026
Where: Various locations across Cape Town
Find out more about the Climate Week programme & where to RSVP
Late Night Thrift: Floral Edition
Late Night Thrift is going Floral in Obs on 3 September, and Lower Main Road will be marking the arrival of spring in style with loud colours and bold prints. Shops on the Thrift Trail will be spilling out onto the pavement, and in addition to rails and rails of great secondhand and sustainable fashion, there’ll be a busker stage, food trucks, and Fashion Police out to help advise on where to get the best finds just for you.
A laidback alternative to First Thursdays in the Cape Town CBD, Late Night Thrift sees Observatory hosting a neighbourly after-hours celebration. By bringing together thrift stores, creative spaces, and social venues, it captures what makes Obs distinct: its sense of community, its alternative edge, and its love for the pre-loved and the quirky.
When: Thursday, 3 September 2026 | From 5pm
Where: Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Cape Town Photography Festival
Cape Town becomes a city-wide gallery as the Cape Town Photo Festival is underway with a vibrant, thought-provoking programme that celebrates photography in all its forms. After a successful launch last year, the month-long event returns with work from 149 photographers from South Africa and around the world.
From groundbreaking photography exhibitions and artist talks to hands-on workshops, music performances, and panel discussions, the festival brings together acclaimed international names, celebrated local voices, and rising talent to explore the art, craft, and future of photography.
CTPF takes place all throughout the Mother City, from the Deep South to the Northern Suburbs and everywhere in between. The event kicks off with an exhibition by Norwegian photographer Inge Norum, detailing their photographic study of a 500+ year-old oak tree.
The full list of exhibitions is available on the website.
Cost: Prices vary per event. Tickets available on the website.
When: 2 – 22 September 2026
Where: Main venue is WORLDART Gallery, 68 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre | Events throughout the city
Open Book Festival
Beginning in 2011, the Open Book Festival has become the city’s biggest celebration of writing, authors, and readers, bringing all those interested in literature together under one roof.
The festival attracts top writers and audiences, showcases some of the best of South African writing, with 2026 featuring a variety of events across genres and themes, with particular focus on talks that celebrate the diversity of African stories, both bright and dark. Foodies can enjoy experiences from some of their favourite culinary authors, including Onezwa Mbola, Karen Dudley, Fehmz, and Jane Nshuti. The festival’s dedicated marketplace is another big attraction, encouraging people to support local businesses, learn about up-and-coming creatives, and meet beloved authors.
Several influential voices join the Open Book Festival conversation for the first time this year, including Lulama Mali, Kirsten Deane, Jean-Paul Willemse, and Preven Reddy. They join many veterans of the scene, including Pumla Dineo Gqola, Siphokazi Jonas, Maneo Mohale, Athambile Masola, and Mohale Mashigo
Cost: R50 per event. Book now using Webtickets.
When: 4 – 6 September 2026 | Times vary per event
Where: Homecoming Centre, cnr Buitenkant St & Caledon St, District Six, Cape Town
Liquideep
The duo who took over SA radio with two hit albums in 2010, featuring hits like Fairytale, Alone, and Still, are set to take over Cabo Beach Club to kick off September. Fresh off new releases On My Skin and Stay Right Here, Liquideep are set to play a mix of new tracks and their classics in a one-night-only performance on the Waterfront.
The show also features a lineup of some of Cape Town’s most in-demand and acclaimed DJs, with highlights including Mila Rose, Kid Fonque, Leighton Moodey, and Vinny Da Vinci. Presented by Anything Goes, guests can expect to dance late into the night right by the ocean.
Cost: R600 per person | R1100 for two (combo ticket). Book now on Howler.
When: Saturday, 5 September 2026 | 4pm – 2am
Where: Cabo Beach Club, 12 S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Mamma Mia!
The beloved international production of Mamma Mia! is here, returning to South Africa, and it’s a guaranteed feel-good experience that celebrates the magic of ABBA’s music and the beauty of human connections.
Featuring a full South African cast, crew, and band – led by the iconic Amra-Faye Wright, best known for being the longest-running actress in the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago: The Musical on Broadway, as Donna Sheridan – Mamma Mia! combines the finest talent this country has to offer both on and off stage.
Produced by Showtime Management, the musical production also features the timeless ABBA songs composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, including Knowing Me, Knowing You, Dancing Queen, I Have a Dream, Voulez Vous, and many more.
Cost: R280 – R580 per person. Book now on Ticketmaster.
When: Tuesdays – Fridays, 3 September – 11 October 2026 | From 7.30pm | From 3pm (Sat matinee) | From 2pm (Sun matinee)
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre (Opera House), D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Love, No Labels
Mixing hip hop and the queer community, two of Cape Town’s favourite things, this event brings together some of the city’s up-and-coming DJs to play amapiano, trap, gqom, house, and hip hop hits for the first Love, No Labels event in the springtime.
The night is designed to feel like an all-night pre and is a 420-friendly event by and for the gays.
Cost: R70 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 4 September 2026 | 6pm – 11pm
Where: Spaza Shop, 42 Trill Rd, Observatory
Lourensford Market
Located on the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, the Lourensford Market has become one of the Helderberg’s most popular weekend destinations. Combining food, wine, shopping, and entertainment in a scenic outdoor setting, the market offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere surrounded by landscaped gardens, oak trees, and sprawling lawns.
After closing down for the winter, the market is back, inviting guests to celebrate the arrival of spring with an Opening First Friday celebration. Lourensford is kicking off the 2026/27 season with a bang, with beloved Afrikaans singer-songwriter Bok van Blerk taking the stage from 7.30pm on opening night (Friday, 4 September). His live performance is free to attend, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is available exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests can expect a lively show, with van Blerk performing some of his biggest hits, including Die Land, Hardekole, Lemoene, Tyd om te Trek, and 68 Chevy. The show comes right after his recent single, Hart van ‘n Leeu, all about passion for rugby, which should get the crowd in the right mood for the Springboks’ clash against the All Blacks the following day.
When: Fridays – Sundays | 5pm – 10pm (Fri) | 11am – 4pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: Lourensford Market, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Denim for Good
Denim for Good is a community initiative at Cavendish Square that invites shoppers to donate gently worn denim items at a dedicated collection point on the first floor, opposite Lovisa. For every item donated, Cavendish Square makes an in-kind contribution to the Amy Foundation, a Cape Town-based non-profit organisation that provides vocational, life and workplace skills training to unemployed young people, preparing them for employment, further study or entrepreneurship.
Donated denim is repurposed in two ways. Selected pieces go to learners at the Peter Clarke Art Centre; a community arts centre in Mitchells Plain, Elsies River and Athlone that has provided art education in Cape Town since 1979, who will transform the fabric into original upcycled artworks. Remaining denim goes to women participating in the Amy Foundation’s skills development programmes, who will upcycle it into handcrafted items including sling bags and Shweshwe accessories for sale or auction.
Both sets of work will be displayed at Cavendish Square in September in a combined showcase celebrating sustainability, youth creativity and community impact. The donation point is open during regular shopping hours. Denim items should be gently worn and in reasonable condition.
When: 20 July – 16 September 2026 | 9am – 7pm
Where: Cavendish Square, Level 1 (opposite Lovisa), Dreyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town
Punk Prom
The fifth edition of Punk Prom is here, allowing those who didn’t enjoy their matric dance to finally enjoy themselves and let loose on the dance floor. Guests are encouraged to wear black, spikes, leather, suits, boots, messy hair, piercings, and whatever they’d want to on their special day.
The lineup features a bunch of Cape Town’s rising alt & punk rock bands, including Cistamatic, Elephants Can Remember, and L!SA, with DJ Holskopper playing prom bangers before and after the sets, and a special performance from dancer and choreographer Overlord Rachel.
There is a free photobooth for everyone to take photos solo or with their dates. As per usual with Evol’s events, it’s all about inclusivity and making a secure space for all – femmes and thems are wanted at the forefront of the party.
Cost: R100 per person (early punk). Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 4 September 2026 | 7pm – 2am
Where: EVOL, 69 Hope St, Cape Town City Centre
The Grotto Spa: Hands & Feet Oasis
Newly revamped and thoughtfully designed for Cape Town’s busy women, the Hands & Feet Oasis gives guests an expanded manicure and pedicure experience.
While The Grotto is often seen as the place to book for a special occasion or just before a big event, the Hands & Feet Oasis invites women to fit a comfy retreat into their busy schedules. Rather than blocking out an entire day, the service requires only one hour of commitment for a fresh set of nails, which can be flexibly booked between work calls and tight deadlines.
Taking too long in between wellness check-ups can cause unnecessary stress. The Grotto invites guests to fit a full mani-pedi into their regular routine, taking an hour to just breathe, reset, and walk out with a brand-new aesthetic. More information is available on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8.30am – 8pm
Where: The Capital 15 on Orange, cnr Orange Street & Grey’s Pass, Gardens, Cape Town
Side Quest Socials
A new quarterly event for Cape Town’s creative underground, Side Quest Socials invites geeks, nerds, and pop culture enthusiasts to gather for a community event designed just for them. It’s a chance to browse handmade art, collectables, and accessories inspired by fan-favourite franchises, participate in themed activities, and connect with their peers.
Geek Culture South Africa, an umbrella organisation dedicated to giving a platform to the country’s local talent, hosts the event and invites the nerd community to support their work. With a new edition every couple of months, it’s also an important space for those interested in niche fandoms to meet and get to know one another regularly.
One of the main attractions is undoubtedly the vendor market, where a curated list of talented makers sell a wide range of products inspired by a variety of franchises. Other intriguing activities include the creative Roll & Reveal workshop, an art demonstration and exhibition, and a special trading card corner.
Cost: R30 per adult | Free for kids under 10. Book now on the website or pay at the door.
When: 5 September 2026 | 10am – 5pm
Where: Fish Hoek Civic Centre, 65B Central Cir, Fish Hoek, Cape Town
Meet fellow geeks & participate in interactive activities at Side Quest Socials
Waterblommetjie Festival
The Waterblommetjie, a unique indigenous delicacy only found in the Cape Boland, blooms to life in the spring. During this time, the Waterblommetjie Festival invites guests to experience these edible flowers in a range of dishes, often paired with wines, activities, and live music for the whole family.
The festival is collaborating with three wine estates – Rhebokskloof, Windmeul Kelder and Domaine Brahms – to provide a day of fine wines alongside authentic waterblommetjie meals and entertainment. Windmeul hosts the festival’s most popular farmers’ market and a lively potjiekos competition, while Rhebokskloof’s offering focuses on guests indulging in their acclaimed wines. Domaine Brahms is the ideal destination for families, with a dedicated play park, a vintage car museum, family picnics, and a buffet brunch for all.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can kick off their waterblommetjie celebrations by joining the Run The Vines trail run, which offers 5km, 10km, and 17km races, and a 3km trail run for the kids. Bookings for each event are made separately; find out more on the website.
When: Saturday, 5 September 2026 | 8am – 4pm | From 7.45am (race)
Where: Windmeul Kelder, R44, Paarl | Domaine Brahms, Vryguns Rd, Paarl | Rhebokskloof, Noord Agter – Paarl Rd, Paarl
ItsAHouse
One of the Mother City’s biggest House parties, ItsAHouse brings together beloved DJs and fans to form part of the genre’s underground culture. After a successful brand relaunch in the winter, the organisers are bringing over their first major international star, with Romania’s Mihai Popoviciu taking over the decks.
It’s the first ItsAHouse party to move to HALO Nightclub, making the most of the space’s immersive lighting and high-quality sound system. Guests can expect ItsAHouse’s resident DJs and some special guests in the lead-up to Mihai’s set, with the exact lineup to be announced.
Cost: From R100 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 4 September 2026 | 9pm – 4am
Where: HALO Nightclub, 71 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre
Fight Island 6: 3 Crowns
Makers Landing and the V&A are once again hosting a premier boxing competition featuring professional fighters from around the country.
The card includes 10 professional fights across many weight classes, featuring several international championship bouts, including 10-round fights between Kaya Mlata vs Hassan Milanzi and Josh Feldman vs Emile Brits. This is far from the only attraction, though, as there are bouts between regional champions all the way from bantamweight to middleweight.
Cost: From R270 per person (general standing) | R550 per person (seated). Tickets are available on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 5 September 2026 | 5pm – 11.50pm
Where: Makers Landing, 5 S Arm Rd, Cape Town
Immersion
For one night only, Cape Town’s adventurous music lovers are invited to a cathedral-like sonic experience that transforms an intimate sound bath into a theatrical production. Going beyond the traditional concert to bring audiences deeper into the sounds themselves, Immersion is a historic sensory event held in City Hall’s storied walls.
With more than 150 acoustic instruments playing across 105 minutes of uninterrupted sound, Immersion is a truly unique sonic experience for Cape Town audiences. Building on the concept of a sound bath, each performer and vocalist adds their own piece to the puzzle, creating a living composition in real time as the sounds shift and change throughout the night. Each artist responds to the others and the cclaimed acoustics of City Hall itself, creating a live soundscape unlike anything heard before.
The ensemble is led by creator, conductor and sound performer Chris Roland, alongside featured sound performers Antoinette Bishop, Janet Farquharson, Paola Masullo, Sadek Ezzideen and Ylinel Trujillo.
Cost: From R528 per person (stage seating). Book now on Quicket.
When: Tuesday, 8 September 2026 | 7pm – 8.45pm
Where: City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town City Centre
The Wine Concepts Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Celebration
The clock is set for the 13th annual Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Celebration hosted by Wine Concepts at Moyo Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, on Thursday, 10 September. Some of the Cape’s leading wine estates and producers will gather in Cape Town to showcase the finest vintages for 1 night only.
The Wine Concepts Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Celebration is an exclusive evening celebrating two of the Cape’s most elegant varietals – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Forty-five of the Cape’s premium wine producers will gather to present an exceptional line-up of more than 100 flagship wines, offering guests the chance to taste, compare and explore these noble Burgundian grapes in all their diversity. From crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays to richer, barrel-aged styles, and from delicate, fruit-forward Pinots to complex, structured expressions, this showcase reveals the remarkable versatility of South African winemaking.
Cost: R480pp, including a wine glass, tastings, and snacks. Book via Webtickets
When: Thursday, 10 September 2026 | From 6pm – 9pm
Where: Moyo Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town
Suits & Sneakerz: Masquerade 2026
Returning to the Mother City once again, this party asks guests to arrive in their best formal wear and flashiest shoes and dance the night away to a mix of soulful jazz, smooth R&B, and high-energy house. This year’s Masquerade edition includes the usual formal wear and sneaker dress code and encourages everyone to wear an alluring mask to complete the look.
The evening’s best-dressed are crowned as “Mr & Mrs Suits&Sneakerz” and given R600 cash, a SneakerLab cleaning kit, and a Skrop cleaning voucher. Attendees can expect a high-production evening at affordable prices, an inclusive atmosphere, and breathtaking rooftop views over Cape Town.
Cost: From R150 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 5 September 2026 | 6pm – 1.30am
Where: Hotel Sky (27th Floor), 9 Lower Long St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra: Spring Symphonies
The CPO, arguably the most versatile and active orchestra in Africa, return with their series of spring symphonies. Performing at the iconic City Hall, they play a range of classic pieces from world-renowned composers, inviting established international stars to join their big seasonal shows.
This edition is headlined by famed Russian conductor Daniel Raiskin, Principal Conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and classical French pianist Lisa de la Salle, who has performed worldwide for over 20 years since winning numerous international awards as a teenager in the early 2000s. They play Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.3 in D Minor, Op. 30 and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 15 in A Major, Op. 141.
Cost: R210 – R495 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 10 September 2026 | From 7.30pm
Where: City Hall, Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town City Centre
The Craving
An immersive theatre experience that puts audiences in the middle of a psychological thriller unfolding within a fictional restaurant, The Craving is the latest of The Outlore Base’s series of unsettling and experimental stage shows. What seems like a passionate chef preparing an avant-garde seven-course meal gives way to her twisted experimentations on staff and guests in the pursuit of culinary perfection.
As she gets closer and closer to her goals, she uncovers a truth that begs the question: who is creating who?
There are three types of tickets available throughout the run. The “Watcher” is given a phone and tasked with recording the troubling events as they unfold, showing what is happening through their own eyes. “Tasting” tickets allow guests to reserve a seat for the seven-course dining experience, although what exactly they eat is up to the chef (fussy eaters are encouraged to save their stomachs). Finally, general access allows viewers to experience the night as it dives further into madness.
Cost: R180 per person (general access) | R150 per person (Watcher) | R750 per person (Tasting Ticket). Book now on Quicket.
When: Thursdays – Saturdays, 11 September – 3 October 2026 | 8pm – 10.30pm
Where: The Outlore Base, 80 Hout St, Cape Town City Centre
Hilton Schilder Quartet Live at Athletic Club
Best known for his work as a member of The Genuines, Iconoclast, and Sons of Table Mountain, ghoema and Cape Jazz icon Hilton Schilder performs an intimate live show at Athletic Club & Social this September. Known for his traditional Cape rhythms and proficiency with a wide range of instruments, Schilder has been part of the local music scene since the mid-1980’s, when The Genuines’ anti-apartheid hit Die Struggle was banned in South Africa.
He is joined by violinist Carin Thompson, bassist Clayton Norman Pretorius and Kurt Bowers on drums, three musicians who have worked with Schilder on numerous projects and live shows over the years. They bring their own improvisational flair to the performance, ensuring no two shows are the same.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 11 September 2026 | 9pm – 11pm
Where: Athletic Club & Social, 35 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre
Strictly Soul
Africa’s biggest R&B party, Strictly Soul, returns to Cape Town to kick off the spring season after the August show got postponed to September.
The event has grown from a niche social gathering into an experience celebrated across Cape Town, Zambia, Namibia, and Uganda, catering to music lovers who enjoy smooth vocals, nostalgic classics, and top hits on the dance floor.
Resident curator DJ Akio leads the music alongside guest DJs, featuring R&B classics and new-school favourites, including Rihanna, Summer Walker, Luther Vandross, Leon Thomas, and KWN. Dinner service is available, as are table bookings. The event does operate on a first-come, first-served basis for all tables once the doors open.
Cost: From R180 per person (4th round). Book now on Fixr.
When: Friday, 11 September 2026 | 7pm – 1.30am
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 72 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Norval Foundation: Flower Arrangement Workshop
Norval Foundation hosts a flower arranging workshop led by Cape Town studio Foraged, set within the gallery’s Irma Stern: A Life of Displacement exhibition. Participants work with seasonal blooms to build their own arrangement to take home, guided by the Foraged team through composition and technique.
The session is framed around the connection between art and nature, using the surrounding exhibition of archival material and paintings as a backdrop for the workshop. The ticket price covers all flowers and materials needed for the session.
Cost: R700 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: Saturday, 12 September 2026 | 10am – 12pm
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Cirque du Rave
Step up to the Cirque du Rave for an electrifying fusion of circus spectacle and rave chaos. Back in Cape Town after touring around the world, guests can expect a night packed with hypnotising production, dynamic circus performances, world-class DJs and high-energy dance music to carry dancers through the night.
For a truly unique clubbing experience that goes beyond having a couple of DJs and a simple dress code, Cirque du Rave presents an immersive, high-production night out where everyone is encouraged to dress up and get lost in the crowd.
Cost: From R250 per person. Tickets available on Fixr.
When: Saturday, 12 September 2026 | 9pm – 2am
Where: District, 61c Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town
Form & Flow Pilates
This three-part Sculpt class focuses on movement, endurance, and light strength training – ensuring a comprehensive workout that targets most parts of the body.
Tickets include a Pilates mat, a curated goodie bag, and a post-flow coffee or matcha. Hosted at Cabo Beach, the scenery offers views of Cape Town’s ocean and waterfront, providing relaxation and calm.
The session is run by Hannah Habits, a Cape Town-based model, actress, and yoga instructor who has gained a sizeable social media following by hosting and encouraging others to build healthy habits that resonate with both mind and body.
Cost: R450 per person. Book now on Howler.
When: Saturday, 12 September 2026 | Class 1 from 8am | Class 2 from 9.30am | Class 3 from 11am
Where: Cabo Beach Club, 12 S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Umuthiomkhulu Ensemble
The rising jazz group, Umuthiomkhulu Ensemble, are debuting their brand-new album live at Novel Wine Bar, a hotspot for performances from up-and-coming artists. Their 2025 single, Sivuleleni, features an all-star cast of South African jazz stars like Internet Athi & Kujenga.
Cost: R100 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 12 September 2026 | 6pm – 12am
Where: Novel Wine Bar (Unit C3), 45 Yew St, Salt River, Cape Town
Strauss & Co: The Evening Sale
The leading art auction house in Africa, Strauss & Co., is hosting their flagship live-virtual Evening Sale in September, headlined by works from some of South Africa’s leading women artists, including Maggie Laubser, Penny Siopis, and Irma Stern.
The works from Laubser and Stern are undoubtedly two of the main attractions at the Evening Sale, with highly sought-after paintings from the 1930s, estimated in the millions of Rands, being presented.
From highly-valued works from some of South Africa’s women art pioneers to contemporary pieces from newer artists and physical fragments by beloved local sculptors, The Evening Sale presents fine art lovers the opportunity to acquire flagship pieces that could headline any enthusiast’s collection.
When: 15 September 2026, from 7pm (Live Virtual Auction) | 19 August – 15 September 2026 (Timed Online Auction)
Where: Strauss & Co, 2nd Floor Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock
Experience Cape Town Differently with Future Found Sanctuary
Luxury travel isn’t about doing more. It’s about experiencing more of what matters.
Set on a private mountainside estate in the Constantia Winelands, Future Found Sanctuary brings together beautifully designed accommodation, personalised hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences. Spend your days exploring nearby hiking trails, discovering the Constantia wine route, enjoying seasonal dining, or simply settling into the slower rhythm of the estate.
For a Cape Town stay that feels considered, meaningful and memorable, Future Found Sanctuary offers a different way to experience the city.
Cost: From R4950 for two. More information on staying at Future Found Sanctuary is available on the website.
Where: 10 Hunters Way, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Norval Foundation’s new exhibition: Unsteady Realms
Starting 15 September 2026, Norval Foundation is debuting the first solo exhibition by renowned Cape Town artist, Kate Gottgens, featuring her signature use of bright colours, abstract ideas, and ambiguous forms.
Gottgens’ style, most often using oil on canvas, is inspired by found imagery, personal photos, and fragments of everyday life. Her images often evoke a feeling of unstable dreams and blurry imagination, with works that distort reality like a fading photograph. Rather than present a clear answer to a question, her art asks the reader to reflect on the imagery and fill in the gaps, making uncertainty feel as unsettling as it is tender.
As Gottgens herself explains, “My figures are muti-faceted and embedded with paradox. More like shards of a personality than bodily, visceral or specific. They are holograms of potential: negative/positive or life-giving/life destroying.”
Unsteady Realms invites audiences to experience the breadth of a significant South African artist’s work, engaging with warped memory and embracing ambiguity both within and outside of the exhibition. The featured paintings include recent additions like 2026’s Ferrying Souls and older works like 2015’s Milk Teeth, alongside highlights from the past few years including Hexing the Air, Sensing the Trap, and Her Fine Blades. More information is available on the website.
When: Exhibition opens 15 September 2026
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Learn more about the new Kate Gottgens exhibition at Norval
Strauss & Co: Mid-Century Modern Sale
Continuing their busy spring season, Strauss & Co. are hosting one live and two online sales exploring the evolution of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, from the dynamism of Art Nouveau to the eclectic and colourful Postmodernist movement and everything in between.
With around 160 items auctioned across three sessions, Mid-Century Modern spans furniture, jewellery, silver, ceramics, and glass in a historic sale. An important era in the development of design, Mid-Century Modern attempts to capture how architecture, fashion, and society incorporated both modern technology and a sense of playfulness into homes throughout the 20th century to today.
To give potential buyers and bidders a more in-depth look at these coveted furnishings, Strauss & Co gallery’s September exhibition includes furniture and design objects from the Mid-Century Modern auction, curated by Marc-Anthony Hewson of LIM.
From the foundational aspects of modern design to the influence of Postmodern & Pop Art aesthetics in today’s interior design trends, this selection of auction items highlights the strength of modern design and its staying power in homes in South Africa and across the world.
Currently, there are two timed online auctions, encompassing Glass, Ceramics, Silver, Steel & Jewellery and Furniture & Interiors, with a Live Virtual Auction taking place on 16 September. Interested parties can learn more about the various Mid-Century Modern sales on the website.
When: Wednesday, 16 September 2026, from 7pm (Live Virtual Auction) | 18 August – 16 September 2026 (Timed Online Auctions)
Where: Strauss & Co, 2nd Floor Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock
Energy Activation Sessions with Irena Kovaljukova
This September, international transformational facilitator Irena Kovaljukova comes to South Africa for her first national tour, offering group Safe Energy Activation sessions and private one-on-one experiences across the country.
Safe Energy Activation, or SEA, is Kovaljukova’s approach to Life Force Activation, a guided energetic and body-based practice that brings attention to the body, breath, sensation and the responses that may arise when a person has space to slow down. Participants do not need to know how to meditate, practise yoga or have previous experience of energy work.
In a group SEA session, participants lie down while music forms part of the experience and Kovaljukova facilitates the room, working with individuals throughout the session. Rather than being taken through a sequence of poses or exercises, participants are encouraged to relax and notice what happens in the body. More information about Irena’s method is available online.
Cost: R1,350 per person (Group Sessions) | Private one-on-one sessions available by advance booking. Book now on the website.
When: 14 – 23 September 2026 | Various times
Where: Lighthouse Holistic, The Barracks, 50 Bree Street, Cape Town | Alila Yoga, 1 Westerford Way, Hout Bay | Lotus Studio, 1st Floor, Knysna Mall, 53 Main Road, Knysna | George (TBC)
Safe Energy Activation facilitated wellbeing practices and are not substitutes for medical or psychological treatment. Individual experiences vary.
Learn more about Kovaljukova and her Energy Activation Classes
Table Talk
This brand-new social hangout brings together people from across Cape Town to connect, play some board games, and make new friends. Every ticket includes access to the wide variety of party games that anyone can join in, with food and drink on sale, and even the ability to create & print a custom T-shirt (at an additional cost).
The atmosphere is welcoming to groups of friends wanting to challenge one another and individuals looking to make some new board game buddies.
Cost: R50 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 18 September 2026 | 6pm – 12am
Where: Shackleton Brewing Company, 23 Transvaal Street, Paarden Eiland
Madame JoJo’s at Mavericks
Over the course of six weeks, Mavericks plays host to drag kings, queens, and in-betweens in a variety show where anything goes.
The night starts with half-priced cocktails from 7pm, followed by a mix of cabaret noir, sensual burlesque, surprise acts, and, of course, shows from many of the Mother City’s drag performers. After-dark is where the night kicks into gear, with DJs, go-go dancers, and a whole host of antics and mystery performances throughout the rest of the show – all hosted by Madame JoJo herself.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Thursdays, 3 – 24 September 2026 | 8pm – 10.30pm (show starts) | From 10.30pm (After Dark)
Where: Mavericks Revue Bar, 72 Barrack St, Cape Town City Centre
Damsel in Distress
The latest production from the award-winning Wela Kapela Productions, Damsel in Distress is an entirely original solo cabaret playing for two shows only this September.
Following the story of an avid bookworm who has traded seeing the world for reading about it in her favourite books, Damsel in Distress’ Griselda has her world shaken by the introduction of the Mr Darcy-like Edward Pamment. Slowly diving deeper into her difficult past and the realities of gender-based violence, the show proves to be a hopeful adventure in learning how to cope and move on after troubled times.
Damsel in Distress features many beloved songs, including I Love Paris (famously sung by Frank Sinatra for 1960’s Can-Can), Mein Herr from Cabaret, Cher’s Bang-Bang, The Windmills of Your Mind, and the 60s feminist anthem You Don’t Own Me.
Cost: R220 per person. Book now on the website.
When: Friday & Saturday, 18 & 19 September 2026 | 7.30pm (Fri) | 3pm (Sat)
Where: The Drama Factory, 10 Comprop Square, Henry Vos Close & Asla Cres, Somerset West Business Park
Night Run To Honour Nurses 2026
The Exceptional Nurse Campaign was founded by Sister Teresa Basson to raise awareness of the critical shortage of professional nurses in South Africa and promote public recognition of the nursing profession.
The Night Run to Honour Nurses is a 7km evening fun run along the Mouille Point promenade, starting at the Mouille Point Lighthouse. The event is organised by The Exceptional Nurse Campaign and raises funds for nursing bursaries, with proceeds used to train exceptional nurses and support student nurses in specialising in nursing education.
The 7km route symbolises the 7-to-7 shifts worked by nurses. The event is family-friendly and open to all, welcoming runners, walkers, and joggers of all fitness levels. Partners for the 2026 edition include Bramley, Run/Walk for Life, and Denosa (Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa). All runners are required to wear bright colours and headlamps for the night run, with the cut-off at 7.45pm.
Cost: R180 per person (adults) | R80 per person (nurses or children under 12). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 19 September 2026 | 6pm – 8pm
Where: Starts at Mouille Point Lighthouse, 100 Beach Rd, Granger Bay
Shortstraw
Beloved Joburg indie rock band Shortstraw comes to Cape Town as part of a four-city launch tour marking the band’s first new material in nearly five years.
The show follows the release of new single Rubber Arm, the opening track from an upcoming EP called Everything In Between, the first instalment of a planned three-part project produced with Jacques du Plessis at High Sea Studios. Frontman Alastair Thomas has described the return as an unplanned decision among friends who realised too much time had passed since their last release. The new material draws on changes in the band members’ personal lives over the past five years, including marriages and children.
Cost: R150 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 18 September 2026 | 8pm – 1am
Where: District, 61c Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town
Chester’s Got Talent
South Africa’s most in-demand puppet show is back, this time with a competitive twist. With Chester’s Got Talent, award-winning political ventriloquist Conrad Koch and his ever-present sidekick Chester Missing return alongside other fan favourite puppet characters, with the ultimate goal of winning over the audience.
While most Conrad Koch shows feature him and Chester poking fun at South African society, Chester’s Got Talent is different. Here, all of Koch’s creations are competing for the ultimate prize: the audience vote.
Along the way, each puppet does their best to prove they are the best puppet performer of the bunch. Unfortunately, each puppet has a mind of their own, and most of them are almost certain to go off script to impress the audience. The fun is for the whole family, as each viewer gets to have their say on each performance and who wins the night, making each show a little different.
There are various shows across Cape Town & surrounds in September. Viewers can find out more about the programme here.
Cost: From R200 per person (first show). Book now via Quicket.
When: 11, 18 & 24 September 2026 | Show starts 7pm
Where: First show at Café Roux, Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoek | Other shows in Stellenbosch, Durbanville, and Strand
European Film Festival
The 13th European Film Festival in South Africa is a cinematic journey unfolding at select cinemas in Cape Town. Running from 17 to 27 September 2026, the festival screens 12 contemporary European films that reflect on Europe’s realities and its place in the world today.
This year’s selection focuses on family dynamics, parental relationships, and the difficulties of reconnecting with loved ones, with a mix of drama, comedy, and documentary films that are sure to keep cinephiles engaged throughout the festival. Highlights include the black-and-white Cold War film Fatherland (starring Sandra Hüller), the award-winning family drama set during the 1993 Nigerian elections My Father’s Shadow, and The Beloved featuring Javier Bardem stuck in a difficult father-daughter relationship.
With a diverse lineup of dramas, comedies, and documentaries, the European Film Festival continues to bring some of the most thoughtful and cinema-defining films to South African audiences. More information is available on the festival website.
When: 17 – 27 September 2026
Where: The Labia Theatre, 68 Orange Street, Gardens
Learn more about the 2026 Euro Film Fest programme
Trash Bash
Run by the Two Oceans Aquarium, 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 their sleeves and picking up wasteful trash, participants make a real difference for the environment while enjoying a morning at the beach.
September’s edition sees volunteers enjoy the springtime sunshine on Muizenberg’s Sunrise Beach, making for a warm morning wake-up for individuals, friends, family, and the whole conservation community.
When: Saturday, 19 September 2026 | 9am – 11am
Where: Sunrise Beach, Baden Powell Dr, Muizenberg
New Generations Concert by WOMAD
A dynamic live show featuring some of the biggest rising stars in Cape Town’s music scene alongside international acts, the New Generations Concert is all about giving a platform to the artists who are up next in the industry.
The variety show starts with fifty young Cape Flats drummers joining flamenco dancers for the Spanish Cajoneada Drumming Experience, led by veteran Pepe Zapata. Then come the exciting headliners: soul & hip-hop artist Luukhanyo, alternative rock trio Freddy L, punk-pop star Mila Smith, and Kimyan, a versatile Congolese-Austrian dance producer and singer.
Kwena Music’s signed artists have their own section, with performances from Keely Crocker, Tristan Kruger, Dean de Jongh, and Efact.
Cost: R100 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 19 September 2026 | 1.30pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Coppelia: Cape Town City Ballet Youth Production
The Cape Town City Ballet is bringing the iconic comic ballet Coppelia to the stage once again, 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 fairy tale about young love, a curious inventor, and a lifelike doll that causes quite a stir.
After being performed by the company in October 2025, this latest youth production gives the next generation of dancers an opportunity to showcase their talents, while audiences can see a beloved ballet at a heavily discounted price.
Cost: R50 per person. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 19 September 2026 | 12pm & 3pm
Where: Joseph Stone Auditorium, Protea St & Klipfontein Rd, Athlone
Earthdance
Earthdance is a globe-spanning event that has taken place annually since 1997 in more than 50 countries. Over three immersive days, the event uses music and dance as a connecting point to foster awareness of humankind’s interconnectedness and spread love for the planet.
The festival brings together a vibrant mix of local DJs, musicians, visual artists, performers, workshops, and a curated market space featuring healthy food stalls, sustainable vendors, and artisan makers. This year features two stages: the ‘Sonic Horizon’ main stage, which keeps the party going deep into the night, and the ‘Mellow Meadow’ floor, which plays deeper, slower grooves throughout the daytime. Earthdance’s soundscape features a blend of psytrance, techno, and drum & bass.
On Sunday morning at 1am, those at Earthdance Cape Town come together to perform a global prayer alongside attendees worldwide, connecting those from the Mother City with people as far away as Tokyo and São Paulo to pray for peace.
Cost: R1400 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: 18 – 20 September 2026 | 12pm (Fri) – 4pm (Sun)
Where: Kromrivier Farm, Riviersonderend. Located on the R406 between Greyton and Riviersonderend
Kenny Lattimore
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kenny Lattimore returns to Cape Town for a one-night concert, his first major performance in the city in more than ten years. The show is presented by Vertex Events and marks a chapter in a South African touring relationship that spans over two decades.
Lattimore, born in Washington D.C., rose to prominence with his 1996 self-titled debut album, which produced the Grammy-nominated single For You, widely used as a wedding anthem, as well as Never Too Busy and Forever. He has since released eight solo studio albums and two collaborative albums recorded with singer Chanté Moore.
His catalogue spans contemporary R&B, classic soul, gospel, and jazz-influenced material, and he has recorded contributions to film soundtracks including Love Jones and Simba’s Pride (The Lion King II). He was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame and received an NAACP Image Award for Best New Artist.
The programme is expected to include For You, Never Too Busy, All My Tomorrows, When I Said I Do, Weekend and Stay On Your Mind. Tickets are also available at Pick n Pay stores nationwide.
Cost: R990 – R1490 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: Sunday, 20 September 2026 | Gates open from 5pm | Show starts at 8pm
Where: Grand Arena, GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Acacia Park, Goodwood, Cape Town
The Rocky Horror Show
The legendary cult musical The Rocky Horror Show, presented by Pieter Toerien Productions in association with the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA), is back in Cape Town after its successful run earlier this year. This electrifying staging by director Steven Stead promises to unleash all the wild energy, wicked humour and rock ’n’ roll rebellion that has made the show a global phenomenon for over 50 years.
The show stars an award-winning South African cast led by Craig Urbani (We Will Rock You), who reprises his role as Frank-N-Furter, with Léa Blerk (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Janet, and Robert Everson (Noises Off) as Brad.
Cost: R295 – R495. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 28 August – 18 October 2026 | 8pm | 4pm & 8pm (Saturdays) | 2pm (Sundays)
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link St, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Aquarium After Dark: The Dirty Skirts & Lost//Youth
The final of the three After Dark concerts showcases up-and-coming duo Lost//Youth alongside scene veterans The Dirty Skirts.
Lost//Youth are the most eclectic of all the After Dark-featured artists, pairing an alt-rock guitarist with an ethereal folk singer. The result is a unique musical experience, with their 2026 single, howl, mixing indie guitar riffs with spoken-word poetry into a track that’s difficult to comprehend and even more difficult to put down.
After being forced to cancel their show last year, they’re back. The Dirty Skirts are no mystery to Cape Town’s indie-rock fans, best known during their run between 2004 and 2012. Their career highlights include being nominated for Best Rock Album at the SAMAs for their album Daddy Don’t Disco (2008) and winning Best Alternative Album at the SAMAs (2011) for their album Lost in the Fall.
Cost: Tickets SOLD OUT via the website.
When: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 | Doors open at 6.30pm | Music starts from 8pm
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront
SAFRA Heritage Gala
The inaugural SAFRA Heritage Gala, presented by the South African Free Reed Association, is a Heritage Day concert celebrating the accordion, concertina, and harmonica traditions of Southern Africa.
The programme marks a host of centenary milestones: the first boeremusiek recordings of the 1920s, the birth year of legendary accordionist Nico Carstens (1926–2016), composer of the internationally recorded “Zambezi” and more than 2,000 songs across South African musical traditions, and the founding of the Kruger National Park in 1926. The gala also marks 40 years of the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, established in 1986.
The performance draws together leading South African free reed musicians, including accordionists, concertina players, and harmonica artists across traditional, world music, and classical idioms. Featured performers include Carl Julius, Desmond Goliath, Hano Krige, and Leon Oosthuizen, among many others. Alongside the musical performances, there will be dance contributions from ballet, Scottish country dancing, tango, and volkspele.
Cost: R175 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Thursday, 24 September 2026 | 3pm – 5.30pm
Where: Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium, 20 Picton St, Parow, Cape Town
The Loft
Proudly calling itself a “deep house love affair”, The Loft is one of the premier parties for house music enjoyers to groove the night away while connecting with their community. This month celebrates the eve of Heritage Day in South Africa, with the exact DJ lineup set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Guests can expect immersive lighting, The Loft’s signature homely decor, a fully stocked bar, and a vibrant dance floor filled with fellow house enthusiasts. There is even a dedicated braai section selling meat and sandwiches for anyone who gets hungry in between all the grooving.
Even better, all September babies can get a free ticket by emailing [email protected] with proof of their birthday.
Cost: Free for those born in September | R120 per person (first phase) | R300 per person (international visitors). Book now on Quicket.
When: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 | 6pm – 1am
Where: Hearty Collective (The Old Biscuit Mill), 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
WOMAD Kidz 4 Kulture
Celebrating the diversity of world music, art, and dance, WOMAD brings a lineup of global sounds, performers, and culture to the V&A. With this special Kidz 4 Kulture show, viewers can expect the best of up-and-coming artists and rising talent from various international backgrounds, celebrating South Africa’s special heritage month as part of the broader WOMAD calendar.
The exact programme and lineup are set to be released soon.
When: Thursday, 24 September 2026 | TBD
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Silent Disco (Camps Bay)
A family-friendly silent disco held on Camps Bay Beach, timed to ensure everyone can enjoy an evening on the beach as the sun sets, with the spring weather allowing for some late dips in the ocean. The event is presented by Silent Music, a Cape Town-based events company specialising in outdoor silent disco experiences.
Participants receive wireless headphones offering three music channels: Techno (green), Amapiano & Gqom (blue), and Pop & RnB (red), giving everyone freedom to choose which rhythms they want to move to. Since it is a public beach, alcohol is not allowed.
Cost: From R100 per person. Book now on Howler.
When: Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Camps Bay Beach, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Bafunny Bafunny: Festival of Comedy
South Africa’s most iconic comedian, Trevor Noah, is teaming up with the Bafunny Bafunny squad for the debut edition of the South African Festival of Comedy. Billed as a national tour with numerous shows in some of the country’s biggest arenas, viewers can expect a festival that positions stand-up comedy with the same energy, pride and collective spirit typically reserved for big sporting events.
At the centre of South Africa’s Festival of Comedy is Trevor Noah, stepping in as Lead Curator and Captain of the SA National Team of Comedy (or Bafunny Bafunny). He is joined by Vice Captain Eugene “Today is Tuesday” Khoza, a 15-year veteran of the local and international comedy scene, to lead the fully South African team of up-and-coming and established comics who are performing at this inaugural festival.
Cost: From R475. Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday & Saturday, 25 & 26 September 2026 | 6pm – 11pm
Where: Grand Arena at GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park, Cape Town
Unofficial Pink Party
Dedicated to the LGBTQI+ community and all who love them, this all-inclusive party celebrates Cape Town’s queer scene, creating a safe and unapologetic space to meet, dance, and enjoy themselves. As always, the lineup is diverse, featuring DJs and producers from all over the Mother City, as well as an aerial artist performance.
Over the years, the Unofficial Pink Party has hosted over 70+ parties and is unfortunately ending its run of creating inclusive spaces later this year. September’s edition is one of the last ever pink parties, making it one of the final chances for those interested to make memories at this very important event.
Cost: From R100 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 9pm – 3am
Where: Botanik Social House, 54 Queen Victoria 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. The event is vegan and child-friendly.
Cost: R450 per person. Spots can be booked on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 10am – 12pm
Where: 7 Barron St, Woodstock, Cape Town
Velvet Feathers
Cape Town City Ballet presents a special one-weekend show at the Norval Foundation. Inspired by iconic numbers from Swan Lake and other beloved ballet classics, Velvet Feathers brings some of the company’s most talented dancers to perform captivating sequences from across the ballet canon.
The show starts with Swan Lake’s iconic second act, featuring the defining white tutus and Queen Odette’s captivating transformation, before diving further into famous ballet pieces, with the exact lineup remaining a mystery to audiences – making it an engaging performance for ballet enthusiasts to recognise each dance number throughout the production.
Every guest is treated to a welcome glass of exquisite Boschendal bubbly and canapés, photo moments captured by the on-site professional photographer, and access to the Norval Foundation’s Museum and Sculpture Garden. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy self-guided tours of the acclaimed exhibitions on show, including Brett Murray’s Wild Life and Githan Coopoo: Tears Now But Heaven Tomorrow. The Sculpture Garden is home to various striking artworks surrounded by indigenous Cape flora, making for a peaceful setting for a quiet stroll.
Cost: R925 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 26 & 27 September 2026 | 12.30pm & 6pm (Sat) | 2.30pm (Sun)
Where: Norval Foundation, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
