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 even a pre-loved vintage clothing sale to prepare the wardrobe for the summer months.

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 the enduring culture surrounding music. Live DJs add to the experience, spinning tracks throughout the day and filling the space with an ever-evolving soundtrack.

When: 8 August, 10 October & 19 December 2026 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Watershed Upper Level, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Paradisco

Disco fever is back, as some of Cape Town’s most in-demand DJs take to Grand Africa Cafe for a night of funky grooves by the beach. Guests can expect disco, house, and everything in between, with the lineup featuring Housewife B2B Miss P, Claudia Lovisa, Kat Luz, Lila Gouws, and the party hosts themselves, The Disco Pirates.

The theme for the night is Moulin Rouge, with the sets, DJs, and guests all dressing as if going to the iconic nightclub. Grand Africa’s usual menu of fresh seafood, classic cocktails, and fine wine is on sale, alongside tables for those who want a space to chill in between sets. No under-23s are allowed.

Cost: From R500 per person. Book now on Howler.

When: Saturday, 8 August 2026 | 6pm – 2am
Where: Grand Africa Cafe & Beach, 1 Haul Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Zeitz Women’s Day Workshop

Inspired by the work of Cauleen Smith, creator of the Afflict the Comfortable, Comfort the Afflicted exhibition, Zeitz MOCAA invites women to join for an afternoon of art, tea, and bubbles. The main attraction is an ikebana experience, a Japanese technique of flower arranging that focuses on minimalism, asymmetry, and calming the artist.

More details are soon to follow.

When: Saturday, 8 August 2026 | 10am – 6pm
Where: Zeitz MOCAA, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals

Bringing together some of the best young talent in South African squash, this free-to-watch tournament offers visitors the chance to watch elite skill and athleticism in an under-discussed sport. With games across age groups and genders, Cape Town’s premier squash event offers a diverse range of play, played in an all-glass court that keeps the viewing tense and entertaining.

Winners of each bracket go on to represent South Africa at international tournaments, making it a high-stakes competition to crown the best local squash talent.

When: 13 – 22 August 2026
Where: Makers Landing, Pierhead District (The Cruise Terminal), Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Aquarium After Dark: Freddy L & Petrol Station Pies

As we near the end of the winter weather, alternative rock trio Freddy L and noisy rock outfit Petrol Station Pies take over the Aquarium.

Freddy L find a sweet spot between loud-and-proud instrumentation and soulful vocal stylings, with lead singer Ntuthuko (Freddy) Lalendle’s signature raspy voice effortlessly mixing Xhosa and English in their work. Stacey and Hold On are the two most popular tracks on their recent album, Roadside Assistance, and definitely the ones the crowd is most likely to sing along to. The group was recently featured on Apple Music’s Up Next South Africa list.

Petrol Station Pies are “Cape Town’s favourite noise punk band”, headlined by high-pitched singing, crashing drums, guitars that sound straight out of Guitar Hero. Their recent release, Bela Lugosi, debuted alongside a stylish and chaotic music video.

Cost: R445 per person. Book tickets on the website.

When: Wednesday, 26 August 2026 | Doors open at 6.30pm | Music starts from 8pm
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

Vintage with Love Big Sale

Vintage with Love is an organisation that sells pre-loved designer clothing and donates the profits to various literacy and education charities across South Africa. Each year, they host a big sale, with items and accessories sometimes going for as cheap as R50.

As winter draws to a close and warmer weather returns to the Mother City, the Vintage with Love Big Sale 2026 is a great opportunity for everyone to freshen up their wardrobe while supporting underprivileged children across the country.

When: 27 – 30 August 2026
Where: Pierhead District (Cruise Terminal), Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, 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