This weekend in Cape Town promises a variety of events, from shows by many of the city’s best performers to Africa’s premier documentary film festival and much more. This guide is continually updated throughout the week, so make sure to check back to see everything going on this weekend, and our May guide for events throughout the month.
Encounters Documentary Festival
Now in its 28th year, the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is Africa’s premier documentary festival, highlighting some of the world’s most pressing issues and celebrating local and international visionaries in the film industry.
This weekend, some of the most in-demand Cape Town screenings include: Elon Musk Unveiled, Notes from the Underground, American Doctor, Tutu, and the Unlearning The Script shorts block.
Tickets for each screening at the festival are available to book on the Encounters website via the schedule. Feature films are sold separately, while each shorts block requires only one ticket to view all shorts in that category.
When: 4 – 14 June 2026 | Various screening times
Where: Labia Cinema, 68 Orange Street, Gardens | Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, Dock Road | Bertha Movie House, 8 Mzala Street, Ekuphumleni, Khayelitsha | Bertha House, 69 Main Rd, Mowbray, Cape Town
Constellations
The 2026 season of How Now Brown Cow kicks off with Constellations, directed by acclaimed industry veteran and choreographer Jay Pather. The play, which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre before moving to the West End, follows a physicist and a beekeeper in a relationship that evolves, twists, and rewrites itself before the audience’s eyes.
Theatre lovers looking for something that pushes the art form and plays with expectations can look to Constellations, which uses the language of quantum physics to tell a simple story about the complexity of love, for a unique and moving experience. The show opens this weekend.
Cost: R250 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 2 – 20 June 2026 | From 8pm | Saturday matinee from 3pm
Where: Baxter Studio (Baxter Theatre Centre), cnr Burg & Main Rds, Rondebosch, Cape Town
CPO Variety Gala
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual Variety Gala is one of the organisation’s longest-running community programmes, designed to provide performance opportunities to local artists, many of whom appear with a full symphony orchestra for the first time this weekend. Conductor Brandon Phillips, a recurring presence at the Variety Gala podium, leads the 2026 edition.
The 2026 programme brings together an unusually broad cross-section of Cape Town’s performing arts community in a single evening. Cape Town Opera and Cape Town City Ballet represent the classical disciplines, joined by Jazzart Dance Theatre, whose work combines contemporary African dance with community engagement. Zip Zap Circus contributes stellar acrobatic performances alongside the acrobatic duo Oleksii and Michele, and the comedian and entertainer Tollie Parton.
In recognition of Artscape Theatre Centre’s 55th anniversary in 2026, a limited number of tickets are available at R55 exclusively through Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.
Cost: R100 – R200 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 6 June 2026 | From 7.30pm
Where: Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Your New Favourite Band – Debut Show
A secret, new girl band is being revealed for the very first time at Clarke’s this Friday. There are very few clues so far: their style is described as “nostalgic girl rock” with a “2000s style”, and they are from the creators of local indie darlings Jade Olivia, Coasters Coasters, and Honeymoan. Intrigued? Experience their debut performance (and help give the band a name) for free this weekend. A little more information is available online.
Cost: Free
When: Friday, 5 June 2026 | From 7pm
Where: Clarke’s, 133 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town Funny Festival
Then, Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is South Africa’s oldest and foremost comedy festival, showcasing the best local stand-up comedians alongside top international variety acts at the Baxter Theatre.
Alan Committee is the Master of Ceremonies for the festival, which features acts like shadow artist Matteo Fraziano, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Mike Woodhams, local comedians Jason Goliath and Robby Collins, and much more.
Cost: R200 – R250. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: 28 May – 21 June 2026 | From 8pm | Weekend matinees from 4pm
Where: Pam Golding Theatre, Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch
Gentleman’s Recovery Ritual at Cape Grace
To celebrate the dads across Cape Town, Bascule Bar and Cape Grace are hosting a “Gentleman’s Recovery Ritual”. The experience combines a premium wellness treatment with a luxury tasting experience for the ultimate restoration retreat.
To start, guests receive a 60-minute back, neck, shoulder, and scalp massage from Fairmont’s professional masseuses, while they are simultaneously treated to compression boot therapy, which reduces muscle soreness, promotes blood circulation, and restores lightness to the body.
This restorative ritual is followed by a curated whiskey tasting, where fathers can celebrate their hard work by savouring some of Bascule Bar’s most sought-after malts. Finally, guests receive a luxury Muscle Release Gel that cools and soothes muscle pain, helping them return home rested and refreshed.
Cost: R1830 per gentleman. To book, guests should contact the hotel via [email protected] or 021 410 7069.
When: 1 – 30 June 2026 | Times vary based on booking
Red Bull Brunch Club
The iconic energy drink brand is kicking off the weekend with a special brunch celebration in the heart of Cape Town. Hosted at Blondies, one of the Mother City’s trendiest hotspots on the Kloof Street strip, guests can expect a social occasion with food, drinks, and lots of Red Bull.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 11am – 3pm
Where: Blondie, 69 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
Community Paddle Out to Celebrate World Oceans Day
A free community paddle out takes place at Three Anchor Bay in Sea Point on Saturday, two days ahead of the United Nations’ annual World Oceans Day on 8 June. The event is open to anyone with a kayak, surfboard, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe, or any other non-motorised watercraft, and is centred on ocean awareness, conservation, and community gathering rather than competition or performance.
Cost: Free
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 9.30am – 12pm
Where: Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point, Cape Town (slipway at Three Anchor Bay car park, off Beach Road)
Stay, Sip & Settle In
With winter well and truly here, the Rockefeller has a dedicated package for the wine lovers in the city. Guests can upgrade to a city-facing room with a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability) before spending their evenings dining on a specially curated dinner and a glass of Franschhoek Cellars’ award-winning wine.
Cost: From R2300 per night (double occupancy). Book now on the website.
When: Available until 31 August 2026
Where: The Rockefeller Hotel, 12 Christiaan Barnard St, Foreshore, Cape Town
Killer Queen: LAMTA Dance Production
LAMTA’s annual dance productions have become a regular feature on the local performance calendar, with previous productions including Come Together, Hollywood, Vintage Jukebox, and Beyond: A Cirque Fantasy drawing strong audience attendance.
This year’s production, Killer Queen, pays tribute to the British rock band Queen through a dance-focused interpretation of the group’s music and stage legacy. Inspired by frontman Freddie Mercury and the band’s rise to international success, the production examines the story of four musicians who became one of the most influential acts in popular music.
Cost: R200 – R320 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 4 – 20 June 2026 | From 8pm | Saturday matinee from 3pm
Where: Theatre on the Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Pilates at the Norval Foundation
In this guided pilates class that focuses equally on movement and mindfulness, participants take part in a morning session in a calm gallery setting, surrounded by contemporary African art to start the weekend. The experience is open to both experienced enthusiasts and beginners who want to get out of the cold and warm up in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Cost: R100 per person. Book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 9am – 10am
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Hermanus Fynarts Festival
Visit the Fynarts Festival in Hermanus for an exuberant celebration of creativity in all its forms – visual, musical, literary, culinary, and performance. The programme is bursting with delights, from theatre and live music in every genre to art exhibitions, talks, workshops, and food and wine experiences throughout the weekend.
Each event must be booked separately, and a full list of events can be found on the website
Cost: From R130 | Prices vary based on event. Tickets can be booked on Webtickets.
When: 6 – 14 June 2026
Where: Various venues around Hermanus
Karou x Rombo
A musical odyssey through the Global South alongside a spice journey through contemporary Indian cuisine, this evening is self-described as “by the diaspora, for the diaspora”. The DJ lineup features underground favourites like Chalo, Demera(Ra), and Texx and the City’s Dragmother, while Not Sad Food’s menu includes butter chicken tacos, patha jaffles, and vada pav.
Guests can expect to dance to everything from salsa to Bollywood edits, while enjoying fresh food, all night long.
Cost: From R60 (online). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 7pm – 1am
Where: The Electric, 48 Canterbury St, District Six, Cape Town
V&A Record & Music Fair
Back for the first time this winter, 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 to start the weekend, 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 weekend and filling the space with an ever-evolving soundtrack.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Watershed Upper Level, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Makin’ Magic Family Show
Presented by the College of Magic in partnership with the City of Cape Town, Makin’ Magic is a family stage production performed by more than 50 students and graduates of the Claremont-based institution. The cast performs a mix of close-up illusions shown on live video, large-scale stage magic, and comedy sequences, with audience participation woven throughout the weekend.
Cost: R165 – R180 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 6 & 7 June 2026 | From 3pm & 7pm (Sat) | From 12pm & 3.30pm (Sun)
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
CPO Winter Symphony
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its Winter Symphony season with Dutch conductor Arjan Tien and pianist Nikola Meeuwsen.
Meeuwsen, a gold medalist at the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2025, is known for his powerful, colourful playing style. Tien, the CPO’s principal guest conductor, directs the orchestra for this tribute to Beethoven. The programme features three compositions from the legendary German musician: Coriolan Overture, Op. 62; Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37; and Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55, “Eroica”.
Cost: R190 – R450 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 7.30pm – 10pm
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St, Cape Town City Centre
Durbanville Wine Safari
Durbanville Wine Safari, the hop-on hop-off wine tour service launched in the Durbanville Wine Valley in October 2024, is hosting a special one-day couples event at the Royal Burgundy Mashie Golf Course on 6 June 2026. The format runs both experiences simultaneously: one partner plays 9 holes of mashie golf with two complimentary beers, while the other follows a separate wine-and-food programme comprising a welcome glass of Cap Classique, a six-wine tasting, and a charcuterie cup.
Cost: R495 per couple. Book now on the website.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 12pm – 4pm
Where: Royal Burgundy Mashie Golf Course, Burgundy Estate, Durbanville Hills, Cape Town
Murder Mystery: Back to Black
Set against a backdrop of rock ‘n roll excess, Back to Black is an immersive murder mystery experience in which guests become active participants in a theatrical investigation. Live actors perform dramatic scenes throughout the evening, staging confrontations, planting clues, and drawing guests into a web of shifting alliances and concealed motives. Guests are invited to interrogate characters, uncover evidence, and piece together a timeline of events before the evening closes.
Cost: From R450 per person (Phase 1). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 7pm – 10.30pm
Where: Roxy Woodstock, 354 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Baddie Burlesque Show at Armchair (Springbok Arms)
Baddie Burlesque is an anything-goes, NSFW, no-theme, no-style-restrictions, no-rules Burlesque experience. This intimate, regular show is where burlesque boundaries are tested, envelopes are pushed, and glass ceilings are shattered.
Guests can expect to see a variety of burlesque styles, including classic, comedic and political from a variety of performers of different skill levels. Individuals of all genders and orientations over the age of 18 are welcome. This weekend’s show is the first Baddie’s Burlesque in the newly renovated Armchair Theatre (now Springbok Arms).
Cost: R200pp (standing) | R240pp (seated). Book through Quicket
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 7pm – 9pm
Where: Armchair Theatre (Springbok Arms), 135 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Whispers of Winter at One&Only Hotel
As mornings become slower, days become shorter and evenings draw longer, One&Only is offering two distinct packages featuring fine dining and relaxing treatments.
Solair starts the morning with a sunlit breakfast at ROOI, the hotel’s sophisticated dining space, easing into the day before enjoying a calming spa ritual. Lunar is the evening offering, beginning with the spa treatment, and ending with a candlelit, three-course dinner at ROOI.
Cost: R2600 per person (Solair) | R3200 per person (Lunar). Book using the website.
When: Daily, available until 31 August 2026 | 8am – 8pm
Visiting Mavericks Revue Bar – Late-night Dining, Drinks, and Entertainment
Long established as the city’s most iconic adult entertainment experience, Mavericks Revue Bar delivers exciting, world-class performances, great food and a lively buzz for locals and visitors alike. Mavericks serves a full, restaurant-quality menu long after most kitchens in Cape Town have closed.
Guests can enjoy steaks, Wagyu burgers, sushi, and sharing platters—far beyond the usual late-night fast-food options. Top DJs play every night, keeping the energy high from open to close. From cocktails and champagne to whiskey and shooters, the bar menu fits right in with the city’s top nightlife venues. A fully stocked humidor with premium Cuban cigars adds a luxurious touch.
Cost: R100 (general access entry) | R400 (additional for VIP) | R1000 (VVIP entry). Booking ahead of time is recommended, especially for weekends and special events. Reserve via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Saturday | 7pm – 4am
Where: 68 Barrack Street, Cape Town City Centre
Please, don’t call me moffie
Written and directed by Cape Town’s very own Zubayr Charles, this acclaimed one-man show follows five South African men coming to terms with their identity after watching an online video of a brutal homophobic attack. With performer Anzio September portraying all five men, the play serves as a platform for queer individuals to see themselves on stage and raise awareness of the ongoing issue of homophobia in South Africa.
After premiering in 2023, the show returns to the Artscape for one week only, with this weekend the final chance to see it this season.
Cost: R150 per person. Book now on Webtickets.
When: 2 – 6 June 2026 | 7pm | 3pm (Fri matinee) | 2pm (Sat matinee)
Where: Artscape Arena Theatre, 32 Rua Vasco Da Gama Plain, Cape Town City Centre
Waterfront Heritage Walking Tour
Renowned storyteller Cameron Peters leads participants on a journey through the iconic locations and unique history of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Along the way, participants will learn about the area’s history of shipwrecks and old Portuguese watering holes, as well as the legacy of the Victorian era in the aptly named location. Starting at the Ferryman’s Tavern and ending at the Intercontinental Table Bay Hotel, this is a slow walking tour through one of Cape Town’s biggest commercial and cultural districts.
R10 from each ticket goes to SANCCOB to help reverse the decline of seabird populations in and around the Mother City.
Cost: R150 per person (standard) | R100 (students & pensioners). Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 2pm – 4pm
Where: Ferryman’s Irish Tavern, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium provides a safe home for a variety of sharks, penguins, turtles, and several species of octopuses, moray eels, crabs and jellyfish. There are plenty of ways to see, meet, and interact with all these creatures across a myriad of exhibits, alongside educational shows, interactive feeding times, and the opportunity to dive with sharks.
Cost: General entry allows you to see the animals. R280 (adults), R210 (pensioners, students, and children age 14-18), R130 (children 4 – 13 years). Free for children aged 3 and under. Book general entry here.
When: Daily | 9.30am to 6pm
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Everything to do at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Sip & Paint – Project HER
In this collaboration between Project HER and Neighbourgood, guests enjoy a guided sip-and-paint session (all materials provided). The event promises sweet treats, curated drinks, and intentional conversations on menstrual health education and dignity in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Every ticket purchased directly helps provide reusable menstrual pads to primary school girls, ensuring that no girl has to miss school because of her period.
Cost: R200 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 3pm – 6pm
Where: Neighbourgood East City, 60 Corporation St, Cape Town City Centre
Super Disko
27 floors high with panoramic views of the Mother City, this Friday party features three Cape Town DJ crews in a scenic location and one big dancefloor for everyone to get down to the disco all night long. With headliners including Pierre-Estienne, Terrence Pearce, and special guest Broaden A New Sound System, the event promises an inviting atmosphere that’s all about the music.
Cost: From R100 (pre-sale). Book now on Quicket.
When: Friday, 5 June 2026 | 6.30pm – 2am
Where: Hotel Sky, 9 Lower Long St, Foreshore, Cape Town
