The V&A Waterfront Brings Back Vinyl & Record Fair, Live Music, and More

One of Cape Town’s most iconic destinations, the V&A Waterfront offers visitors the chance to shop, eat and celebrate. Looking towards the second half of 2026, the space is once again a sanctuary for South African music, with artists and performers taking to the stage to entertain audiences between their shopping and dining hours – all of which are completely free to attend.

The events calendar is bolstered by two more Record & Music Fairs before the year is out, and several variety events throughout the rest of the year.

Family Silent Disco

Silent Disco is back in the V&A, and the whole family is invited. With spring weather finally enabling everyone to enjoy the open air and stay out later into the night, kids, grandparents, and everyone else can join in dancing the night away.

An interactive, supervised kids’ activation runs alongside three live DJs who take over the available channels: red for throwback party anthems, green for electronic dance music, and blue for the commercial hits trending right now. Everyone in the family gets to groove to their own rhythm, surrounded by the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre and its busy shoppers wondering what is going on.

Cost: R200 per person. Tickets are available via Fixr.

When: Friday, 18 September 2026 | 6pm – 9pm
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

WOMAD: Heritage Day Finale

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 finale of the WOMAD Heritage Week series sees Spanish percussionist Pepe Zapata lead a fusion of flamenco and South African rhythms alongside Vicente Gelo, Thandi Swartbooi’s Women Unite ensemble, and 30 local drummers from the Cape Flats. Finally, Franco-Iranian musician Arashkha brings her mix of ancestral melodies and electronic grooves to the big stage in a truly mixed-genre, cross-cultural collaboration.

As a celebration of local and world culture, the event is completely free to attend.

When: Thursday, 24 September 2026 | From 2pm
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Zeitz MOCAA: Heritage Day

The largest contemporary museum of African art and one of Cape Town’s premier art destinations, Zeitz MOCAA features permanent and temporary rotating exhibitions that contribute to the preservation and promotion of African artists.

In celebration of Heritage Day, Zeitz MOCAA is offering free entry to the museum for all. Art lovers can engage with South African and pan-African art, themes, and discussions, along with the award-winning, innovative architecture of the museum, all for free.

The space is also hosting guided tours, creative art-making activities, and live performances throughout the day.

Bookings can be purchased on Webtickets or at the door of the museum.

When: Thursday, 24 September 2026 | 10am – 5.30pm
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Red Bull Unlocked

One of the biggest live events to kick-start the spring season, Red Bull Unlocked brings together 70+ of the city’s most sought-after DJs, artists, and producers for one night of dancing, singing, and connecting. Lovers of hip hop, amapiano, house, electronic, and sing-alongs are sure to enjoy this late-night party, featuring multiple mini-stages so everyone can find their spot without having to leave the venue.

The announced lineup includes crowd favourites like Yaadt Paati, Vinyl Digz, Blaqkongo, and resident DJs from the city’s biggest nightclubs. The main stage lineup is yet to be announced.

Rather than go from event to event and have to pay multiple entrance fees just to enjoy the night, Red Bull Unlocked brings the city’s most sought-after DJs to one spot, where one ticket includes access to every set on the night.

Cost: From R250 per person. Tickets available on Airdosh.

When: Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 2pm – 2am
Where: Makers Landing, The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Calling Us Home in Concert

This proudly South African musical comes back to the V&A after a successful tour across the continent. The story follows Grace, an African princess, as she arrives in a grimy American city after being forced to flee her homeland, and her journey to return.

To celebrate Heritage Week, Calling Us Home’s talented singers and musicians perform original songs from the musical, giving audiences a taste of the award-winning production and its themes of love, hope, and home.

The underworld of this city is ruled ruthlessly by the evil gang lord Ivan, who, after an unexpected encounter, has set his sights on Grace. But another has already captured her heart… The street-smart Rafael, a young construction worker with bold ambitions, is determined to win her love.
Forced to adapt to a very different world, Grace becomes friends with Rafael’s feisty and reckless twin sister Isabella. Together they must survive and keep their dreams alive until Grace can find a way to return to her beloved homeland…

When: Friday & Saturday, 25 & 26 September 2026 | 12.45pm – 1.45pm | 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

V&A Record & Music Fair

Back again by popular demand, the V&A Record & Music Fair offers a vibrant celebration of vinyl culture, bringing together collectors, music lovers, and curious browsers for a day of discovery and sound. Set within the lively Watershed space, the event invites visitors to explore a wide selection of records, memorabilia, and music-related finds, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

With dozens of traders showcasing thousands of records, the fair spans genres and eras, from timeless classics to unexpected hidden gems. Alongside vinyl, visitors can browse band merchandise, vintage tees, and other collectables that reflect music’s enduring culture. Live DJs add to the experience, spinning tracks throughout the day and filling the space with an ever-evolving soundtrack.

When: 10 October & 19 December 2026 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Watershed Upper Level, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Busker Festival

Every year the V&A gives a platform to Cape Town’s beloved and talented street performers, musicians, magicians, dancers, and entertainers. With spontaneous shows from many of the city’s rising stars, V&A visitors get to experience live entertainment for completely free, while buskers get to show off their talents and build their platforms.

Further announcements will be made on the website.

When: Friday – Sunday, 30 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Across the V&A Waterfront, Dock Rd, Cape Town

Silo Concerts

Summer at the V&A Waterfront kicks off with the return of the Silo Concert series. Curated by the V&A, the event brings the Silo District to life as the sun sets, spanning many genres and bringing people of all ages together to celebrate community with the sound of music. Held on the first Friday of each month, the Silo Concert series is a completely free showcase of some of South Africa’s most talented up-and-coming musicians – with previous highlights including Ami Faku, giuliette price, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

This summer’s lineup is TBA. Keep an eye on the V&A website for more details as they come out.

When: Friday, 6 November & 4 December 2026 | 7pm – 8pm
Where: Silo District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Take The Stage

The V&A’s very own artist spotlight, the Take The Stage concert series, gives a platform to emerging artists to share their talents with the city. Throughout the summer, the Amphitheatre hosts many up-and-coming performers from Cape Town, serving as their stage for a series of free sunset performances showcasing the best of the local creative scene. Whether it’s a solo singer-songwriter, a big jazz band, or a dance troupe, Take The Stage serves as a platform for the Mother City’s artists and performers to grow their audiences.

Take The Stage has been running for over a decade, with previous shows featuring Daniel Baron, Jonathan Rubain, Lana Crowster, and Kristi Lowe.

This summer’s lineup is TBA. Keep an eye on the V&A website for more details as they come out.

When: 8 & 22 November, 6 December | 6pm – 7pm
Where: V&A Amphitheatre, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town