As the half-way point of 2024 approaches and we settle into the winter season, what better way to forget about the cold than with a selection of fantastically diverse events in June to take your pick from? This month has everything from sporting events to interesting expos, food festivals to unique dining experiences, commemorative concerts to musical events in the name of change, and so much more.
Cape Town Funny Festival: Cape Town’s winter comedic talent and a great night out!
South Africa’s oldest comedy festival – which showcases the best local stand-up comedians together with top international variety acts – celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and comedy-lovers are invited to enjoy a large dose of laughter to commemorate the occasion.
This year’s festival features a fantastic variety of MC’s and acts, including Alan Committie, Emo and Loukmaan Adams, Mario Queen of the Circus (US), Kev Orkian (UK), Dalin Olivier, Khanyisa Bunu, Dillan Oliphant, Sifiso Nene, KG Mokgadi, Yasseen Barnes, and the winner of the Jive Funny Championship.
Cost: R130 – R210pp, book via Webtickets
When: 11 June to 7 July | Various showings at 4pm and/or 8pm
Where: Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Delheim Magical Mushroom Days: A weekend of foraging for wild mushrooms
Mushroom lovers and nature enthusiasts can dedicate a day to foraging for wild mushrooms in the forests of the renowned Delheim Wine Estate in Stellenbosch with an expert guide.
Both days follow the same programme, which comprises a practical guide to mushroom identification followed by a foraging session in the Delheim woods. The day ends with a three-course lunch at the Delheim Restaurant, which includes tasty mushroom-related options. There are plenty of opportunities for tasting and enjoying the estate’s range of exceptional wines.
Cost: R1 000pp (per day), book via Quicket
When: Friday 14 & Saturday 15 June, 9am to 3pm daily
Where: Delheim Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
Encounters South African International Documentary Festival
The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival makes a triumphant return with a robust lineup of compelling and artfully created documentaries set to screen in selected cinemas and venues across Cape Town (and Johannesburg) from 20 to 30 June.
This curated selection of African documentaries offers intriguing glimpses into global politics, and a vital platform fostering dialogue, social cohesion, and nurturing documentary filmmakers.
Cost: R80 p/p. Outreach venues provide free entrance. Book here
When: Thu 20 – Sun 30 June | Various times – see full schedule here
Where: Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, Labia Independent Theatre, outreach venue Bertha Movie House Isivivana Community Centre in Khayelitsha
Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’: A 25th anniversary re-staging of Cape Town Opera’s first production
In celebration of Cape Town Opera’s 25th Anniversary, the company is restaging its first production—Lucia di Lammermoor—under the direction of the celebrated founder, Angelo Gobbato.
The performance features Cape Town Opera’s Fleur du Cap-winning stars Brittany Smith (soprano) and Lukhanyo Moyake (tenor) in the lead roles, as well as the Cape Town Opera Chorus, with Kamal Khan returning from the USA to conduct the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Guests for the performance on 16 June can also enjoy a memorable post-performance black tie event.
Cost: R215 – R750pp, book via Webtickets
When: 14 to 23 June, Wed & Fri, from 7pm | Sun, from 3pm
Where: The Artscape Theatre Centre, 1 – 10 DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
The Trophy Wine Show: Toast, taste and deliberate on prize-winning and class vintage wines
The Trophy Wine Show once again welcomes wine-lovers to a public tasting, following the announcement of the 2024 winners on 4 June. No less than 150 wines of distinction – silver, gold and trophy winners – can be tasted and/or purchased on the night.
Highlights are always the Best White and Best Red Wines of Show, the International Judges’ trophy winner, Discovery of the Show (best value wine) and Best Premium Wine with the medallists of the Most Successful Producer claiming the limelight. In addition to the host of category winners, museum class vintages (at least four years old for white wines, eight years for red and sparkling) are also available for tasting. Patrons can enjoy the new releases from many favourites, but can also expect to meet some lesser-known cellars.
Cost: R295pp, book via Webtickets
When: Wednesday 19 Jun, 5pm to 9pm
Where: CTICC 2 (Hall 8), cnr. Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town
Logos Hope Bookfair
The world’s largest floating bookfair, Logos Hope, travels from port to port, remaining in each port for about two weeks and opening the gangways to thousands of visitors each day. This June, the floating fair hits Cape Town’s shores. The book fair offers over 5,000 titles, and 60 different nationalities represent the volunteer crew on board as a genuine expression of international goodwill and understanding.
Teams travel from the ship to surrounding areas to visit hospitals, schools, orphanages, or prisons, supply aid, provide community care, and promote literacy and education, cross-cultural cooperation, and social awareness. The floating fair aims to introduce visitors to literature in a way that they have never experienced before while also serving people in the port communities.
Cost: R10pp (entry) | Free (u/12s)
When: 7 to 25 Jun, Tues to Sat, 11am to 8pm | Sun, 1pm to 8pm
Where: V & A Waterfront, Cape Town
Totalsports Table Mountain 16km: A spectacular run up the Table Mountain
The Table Mountain 16 is a spectacular run from Constantia Nek up the jeep track to the top of Table Mountain and back.
The route follows the historic road up to and around the Woodhead dam. This is a challenging 16km run covering a short distance (200m) of single-track running, and the rest on gravel and cement. The entry includes the SANParks conservation fee and the compulsory shuttle service from registration to the race start. The top finishers receive various merchandise prizes and/or vouchers.
Cost: R440pp, enter via racetraq
When: Sunday 23 June, Starts at 8am
Where: Starts and Finishes at La Parada, Constantia Nek, Cape Town
Africa, My Love: Louis Mhlanga & Friends
Zimbabwean-born Louis Mhlanga is hailed as one of the best African jazz guitarists alive. For this special event, Mhlanga is accompanied by a phenomenal rhythm section consisting of top South African musicians Schalk Joubert (bass) and Kevin Gibson (drums), and a special guest appearance by popular, local songstress Sima Mashazi.
The repertoire includes original compositions by Mhlanga, Joubert, and Mashazi, along with iconic South African jazz standards, performed in a linguistic tapestry of Shona, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and English.
Cost: R180pp, book via Webtickets
When: Monday 24 June, from 7pm
Where: Endler Hall, Victoria St & Neethling St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
The Sex Expo: The sexiest event of the year
A four-day shopping and entertainment experience featuring stage shows, workshops and hundreds of stands showcasing products.
World famous Australian penile artist, Pricasso, will paint unique portraits for visitors throughout the entirety of the expo. There are also shows such as the popular ‘So You Think You Can Strip’ competition, for the chance to win prizes.
Other expo highlights include the Miss Nude SA pageant competition, body painting competitions, and the ‘Vegas Strip’ where attendees can try their luck at Strip Poker or Risqué Roulette. Attendees can also enjoy music from the expo’s resident DJs, pole dancing from the ‘Expo Pole Champs,’ and the Theatre of Erotica which is dedicated to specialised workshops and seminars covering a wide variety of sensual areas of seduction.
Cost: R220 – R300pp | R600 – R750pp (VIP) | Book via Howler
When: Thurs 27 Jun, 5pm to 11pm | 28 & 29 Jun, 11am to 11pm | Sun 30 Jun, 11am to 5pm
Where: CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre), Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
Honest Chocolate Bonbon Workshop: Learn to make and decorate vegan-friendly chocolate
Intrigued by the magic of chocolate making? Ever wondered what the secrets are to making a delightful, vegan-friendly chocolate treat?
This workshop experience includes a full tasting as well as an introduction to how cacao beans are farmed and processed, and a demonstration of how the ethical bean to bar chocolate is made. Once the chocolate has been made, guests are then taught to dip, decorate and wrap their own set of four bonbons to take home. The activity is suitable for chocolate lovers of all ages, including children.
Cost: R450pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday 29 June, 10am to 12pm
Where: Honest Chocolate Factory, 7 Barron St, Woodstock, Cape Town
Decorex: Africa’s premier decor and design platform
Decorex showcases more than 230 of the African continent’s most dynamic and creative companies. The event offers a unique opportunity for design enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and innovations in the world of interior design and decoration.
This much-anticipated annual exhibition showcases dynamic brands alongside themed exhibitions, exciting collaborations, product launches, and insightful talks and workshops led by industry experts.
Cost: R140 – R150pp | R110 – R120pp (pensioners and students) | R30 – R40pp (u/12) | Book via Howler
When: 6 to 9 June
Where: CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre), Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
Cape Town Climate Concert: An afternoon of sounds and solidarity for climate change
A day of celebration, awareness building, and community solidarity. As a way to open Youth Month 2024, the Cape Town Climate Concert offers incredible local music and opportunities to learn about some of the organisations doing the good work – and ways for you to get involved!
The lineup includes young Black improvised jazz group, Kujenga, anti-authoritarian hip-hop collective, Soundz of the South, cultural activist artists, Soulitude and Friends, and dynamic and versatile vocalist and guitar duo, ethnik.
Cost: R100pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday 1 June, 1pm to 7pm
Where: 196 Victoria Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
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