Another public holiday means there’s loads to do this weekend. Read on to find out everything going on in Cape Town on the first weekend in May, including pop culture festivals, theatre events, and celebrations of music and art around the city.
Comic Con Cape Town
Comic Con International, held alongside the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), is a four-day celebration of pop culture and gaming.
Packed with workshops, competitions, and the chance to meet international celebrities, the event is perfect for families and fans alike. Expect everything from eSports tournaments and cosplay competitions to game development sessions and celebrity photo ops.
Visit Artist Alley to meet talented artists, explore their work, and even commission pieces. Enjoy tabletop games at the Unplug Yourself zone or bring the kids along to KidsCon—South Africa’s only festival just for young fans.
Cost: R220pp (day pass). Tickets available on Howler.
When: 1 – 4 May 2025 | Thurs and Fri: 10am – 7pm | Sat: 9am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 6pm
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2, Corner of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Heerengracht St, Foreshore
Fork and Comedy
Fork and Comedy is a monthly comedy showcase that combines great food with big laughs, creating a relaxed and entertaining evening for the whole community. Set against the scenic backdrop of Lourensford Wine Estate, the May edition promises a memorable night out featuring top local comedians Mel Jones, Phil de Lange, and Charles Tertiens.
Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious food options available on the night while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere and top-notch comedy performances. It’s a great way to unwind, share a few laughs, and support South Africa’s vibrant local comedy scene.
Cost: R80pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 3 May 2025 | 6pm – 9pm
Where: Abru Motors Studio, Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Cape Town International Animation Festival
The bi-annual Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) celebrates all things to do with animation, bringing together animation professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the world.
In collaboration with Comic Con Cape Town, the festival offers attendees an unparalleled experience featuring practical workshops, networking opportunities, project launches, and industry-leading speakers and vendors.
Cost: R220pp (included in a ticket to Comic Con Cape Town). Tickets available on Howler.
When: 1 – 4 May 2025 | Thurs and Fri: 10am – 7pm | Sat: 9am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 6pm
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2, Corner of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Heerengracht St, Foreshore
Willowbridge Slow Markets: Mother’s Day Edition
Get ready for Mother’s Day and treat your mom to a variety of gifts, flowers and treats from the Willowbridge Slow Market. The first of two Mother’s Day markets, this event is sure to provide all the gifts you need to celebrate Mom.
This edition of the market also hosts a soap-making workshop, to give you the skills to create a delicate, freshly scented gift.
The Willowbridge Slow Market are held on certain weekends throughout the year, and each market has a different exciting theme to celebrate. Bring the family together and spend a day browsing all that Willowbridge has to offer.
When: 4 – 5 May 2025
Where: Wilowbridge Shopping Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Dr, Tyger Valley
Prince Albert Journey to Jazz
The Journey to Jazz festival, held by the Prince Albert Community Trust, is a yearly celebration of music and community upliftment. The celebration features live performances, music masterclasses, local cuisine, stargazing, sunrise yoga and more.
The 2025 edition of Journey to Jazz hosts multiple exciting performers, with the festival being opened by the Zolani Youth Choir, who won the Grand Prix at the 2024 A Cappella Moscow Music Competition. The choir aims to elevate South African choral music, empowering youth and promoting community upliftment
Other performing artists include the Kyle Shepherd Trio, Ernie Smith, the Outeniqua High School Jazz Band, and the Paolo Damiani Last Land Band, who are based in Italy.
Cost: Each event is priced differently, and all events can be booked through Quicket.
When: 30 April – 4 May 2025
Where: Various venues across Prince Albert
Create Your Story: Jewelry Workshop
Join Morgane, a French jewelry artist based in Cape Town, for an unforgettable hands-on Medal Customization Workshop. Perfect for beginners and creatives alike, this workshop allows you to craft a personalized jewelry piece while exploring engraving techniques and textures.
With only 1-6 participants, the workshop is intimate and hands-on. Tickets include two medals to customise, all tools and materials, and expert advice from Morgane.
Cost: R1200pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 1 and 3 May 2025 | 10am – 12.30pm
Where: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
Galileo Open Air Cinema
Catch the last few screenings of the Galileo Open Air cinema before winter sets in.
Get your laughs for the day at Hitch on 1 May. The film features Will Smith as Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a professional “date doctor” who makes a living teaching men how to woo women. Unfortunately, while helping his latest client woo the woman of his dreams, he finds out that his game does not work on the gossip columnist with whom he is smitten.
For Harry Potter fans, make sure to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on 2 May. The fifth installment in the Harry Potter franchise, the film follows Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the Ministry of Magic is in denial of Lord Voldemort’s return.
Finally, musical fans can catch the showing of Grease on 3 May at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. A classic musical rom-com, the film unfolds the 1958 summer romance of T-Bird greaser Danny and good girl Australian transfer student Sandy.
Cost: from R140. Tickets can be purchased on the Galileo website.
When: 1 – 3 May 2025 | 1 and 2 May: doors open 6pm | 3 May: doors open 5pm | movie starts 7.30pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens (1 and 2 May) | Blaauwklippen Wine Estate (3 May)
Suidoosterfees 2025
The popular arts festival Suidoosterfees is back for its 22nd edition. The 2025 edition has the theme “Art is Everything”, highlighting the important role that art plays in every facet of our lives.
The festival hosts a variety of theatre, dance, music, comedy and art events, as well as workshops and discussions. Meanwhile, the youth-centric version of the festival is hosted from 5-8 May.
The full lineup of the festival is available on the Suidoosterfees website, and tickets for each event can be booked on Webtickets.
When: 30 April – 4 May 2025 | Junior festival: 5-8 May 2025
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore
Arno Carstens at Cafe Roux
Arno Carstens is an award-winning singer-songwriter and fine-artist based in Cape Town. During his career as the lead singer of The Springbok Nude Girls, and subsequently as a solo artist, Arno has released multiple albums in both English and Afrikaans, with a string of successful singles & awards including Best Rock Album, Best Alternative Album & Song of the Year.
He’s been called “The Godfather of South African Rock” by Mail & Guardian & Sunday Times have hailed him as “One of the most prolific songwriters & performers of our time”!
Enjoy this rock legend in the intimate setting of café Roux. Arno will be performing alongside David Watkyns on keys & trumpet.
Cost: R250pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 2 May 2025 | 6pm – 9.30pm
Where: Cafe Roux, Chapmans Peak Dr, Noordhoek
Grounded Comedy Night
Every week, Ground Culture hosts some of the best up-and-coming Cape Town comedians for a night of laughs. Hosted by established comedians Jaryd Pillay, prepare for an unforgettable comedy experience paired with fantastic Happy Hour specials on drinks from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Delicious food is also on offer at the event. Bring your friends, arrive early, and warm up for the Comedy Night festivities!
Cost: R80pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 2 May 2025 | 7pm – 10pm
Where: Ground Culture Cafe, 170 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
Master the Art of Croissant
Ever wanted to perfect the French delicacy? Guided by Chef Serena, a French pastry expert passionate about sharing her secrets, you’ll learn the art of crafting authentic Parisian croissants while discovering how to adapt them to South African ingredients for a unique local twist.
Learn to master laminated dough, gain the baking skills, and adapt the recipe to South African flavours. With all ingredients, recipes, your baked creations and beverages all included, bring a piece of Paris to your table.
Cost: R700pp. Tickets available on Quicket.
When: 3 May 2025 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Creme and Croissant, Anson St, Observatory
A Doll’s House pt. 2
Get ready for an evocative night at the theatre – The Quickening Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath, a clever, witty, and contemporary twist on Ibsen’s classic. With 8 Tony nominations and a win for Best Actress, this explosive dramedy dives into the complexities of marriage with humor and heart, challenging societal norms of love and family.
No need to have seen the original – this play stands on its own. Starring Bianca Amato (Isidingo, Binnelanders) as Nora and Zane Meas (7de Laan, The Storyteller of Riverlea) as Torvald, alongside acclaimed NY-based director Barbara Rubin, this is one theatrical experience you don’t want to miss.
Cost: R180 – R250pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 16 April – 10 May 2025 | 8pm | Saturday matinee at 2.30pm
Where: Baxter Studio, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
Between Two Worlds at Hazendal Wine Estate
Hazendal Wine Estate is hosting Between Two Worlds, a multi-sensory garden experience curated by the award-winning landscape designer Leon Kluge. The exhibition transports visitors into an evocative state between wake and sleep through the use of tropical fantasy design and imagery.
Leon Kluge is an internationally acclaimed landscape artist and botanist known for his bold and thought-provoking creations. This exhibition is sure to be one to amaze and to ignite the senses.
Cost: R170pp | Children under 5 free. Tickets available on Quicket
When: 22 April – 3 May 2025 | 8am – 9pm
Where: Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
More about Between Two Worlds
Hedda Gabbler
Hedda and her successful yet uncomplicated husband, Jurg, have just returned from their honeymoon. She’s already bored with marriage, so when her former flame Lovborg arrives, she sets her life alight. Why? Because she can. In this modern adaptation of “Ibsen’s Hamlet”, Hedda shows one fat middle finger to being nice. She is horrible, and proud of it. Do not miss this.
A talented cast includes Rolanda Marais, Albert Pretorius, Martelize Kolver, Ashley de Lange, Ludwig Binge and Stian Bam, with the production being directed and translated by Christiaan Olwagen.
Cost: R150 – R250pp. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 1 – 10 May 2025 (Afrikaans season) | 12 – 24 May 2025 (English season) | 7.30pm | Saturday matinee at 3.30pm
Where: Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
Visit Norval’s New Artwork at the Cape Grace
Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, has announced the expansion of its already imposing African art collection through a new collaboration with the Norval Foundation. This partnership expands on the hotel’s commitment to create an innovative and comprehensive collection that reflects the richness of contemporary South African art.
New to Cape Grace’s art collection are captivating works by the acclaimed artists Nicholas Hlobo, Dada Khanyisa, and Zanele Muholi, which builds on the expansive art collection currently at the hotel.
To see the new art pieces, make your way to Cape Grace – whether it’s for a leisurely stroll through the property, a delightful meal, or the full experience of an overnight stay.
All About the New Artwork
Visit Rush: 50% off additional hours
The kid’s holiday is still in full swing, and Rush has you covered for those busy days. Pay full price for your first hour, and get every additional hour at 50% off. It’s the perfect way to burn off energy, stay active, and let the kids have a blast for less.
Available to book online or in-store – don’t miss the Bonus Break fun!
When: 28 April – 2 May 2025
Where: 25 Stegman Road, Claremont
