Have you noticed? The days are getting shorter, and the air is slightly cold and crispy in the mornings. Autumn is coming and with it the rainy season! Here are the Top Events at the Cape Town Big 6 this March: Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, City Walk and Groot Constantia.
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V&A Waterfront
Outdoor Silo District Concert | Symphony Choir of Cape Town
Get the weekend off to a perfect start and come check out the Symphony Choir of Cape Town live at a free concert in the Silo District at the V&A Waterfront (near the Zeitz MOCAA).
The concert starts at 7 pm but from 5 pm some of the retailers in the district will be serving complimentary drinks for all visitors to enjoy. You don’t want to miss out!
There are also some great restaurants and bars to check out, including the Yard, Si Cantina Sociale and the Radisson Red.
Date: 2 March | Time: 19:00 – 20:00 | Venue: Silo District | Cost: Free
The Galileo Open-Air Cinema
At The Galileo, when the sun sets the stars really come out, with a glittering line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, musicals, adventure sports and documentaries that let you cuddle up and be entertained.
So don’t delay, book today to reserve your seat among the stars.
Doors open at 6 pm, the movie starts 8 pm. | Cost: R89 – R175 | Tickets: http://thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets/
1 March – Wedding Crashers
8 March – The Age Of Adaline
15 March – Suicide Squad
22 March – The Great Gatsby
29 March – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Pigcasso
PIGCASSO is the first non-human being in the world to headline her own exhibition.
Visit! OINK -the pop-up pink exhibition at the V&A waterfront as she aims to highlight the effect of animal agriculture on the Plant and inspire change!
Date: Until 5 March | Time: N/A | Venue: Clock Tower Square | Cost: Free
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Summer Attraction
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Comes To The V&A Waterfront The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!’s Summer Attraction is the hottest ticket in Cape Town this season and opens to the public on 1 October 2016 at the V&A Waterfront.
Date: Until 31 March 2018 | Time: 09:00 – 21:00 | Venue: Clock Tower | Cost: R150 – R175
Free Astronomy Outreach
Astronomy is not only about star gazing, one can also view the sun, with sunspots, if any, through special telescope filters and can discuss our nearest star with any of the Cape Centre members. One can also calculate the distance from the earth to the sun by measuring the length of certain shadows. The moon (First Quarter) is also visible in the afternoons of our outreach days and becomes increasingly spectacular through a telescope as the night becomes darker. Approximately four billion years of astronomical history are etched on its battered surface which raises the question of why the earth does not appear to be so pitted with craters and dark volcanic ‘seas’. Lastly, there is usually at least one planet visible in the night sky, the most exciting being Jupiter with its four Galilean moons and Saturn with its rings.
Date: 25 February – 15 December | Time: 15:00 – 21:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Pierhead, between wooden deck & chess board | Cost: Free
High School Band Slam
Start off your week with the sounds of drums, pianos, guitars and saxophones as the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre comes alive with harmonious music for the annual High School Band Slam competition. Twelve high school bands from around the Peninsula will compete to win music equipment. Bands will be performing every evening from 6pm and everyone is welcome to come show their support.
| Date | Group/Schools | Performance |
| 5th – March | Bridge Town | 18h45 – 19h15 |
| 5th – March | Paral Vallei | 19h30 – 20h00 |
| 6th – March | Parklands College | 18h00 – 18h30 |
| 6th – March | Settlers High | 18h45 – 19h15 |
| 6th – March | Bishops | 19h30 – 20h00 |
| 7th – March | Elsies River | 18h00 – 18h30 |
| 7th – March | Wynberg Girls | 18h45 – 19h15 |
| 8th – March | Alexander Stinton | 18h00 – 18h30 |
| 8th – March | Rustenburg Girls |
18h45 – 19h15
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| 8th – March | Bergvliet | 19h30 – 20h00 |
Suidoosterfees Talent Search Semi Final
The Suidoosterfees wishes to initiate continuous development through the arts by creating a platform for artists with no or little exposure to the arts industry in a professional context. It is important for us to create a development initiative by providing resources to participants of the Talent Search as well as to implement alternative solutions and empowering them as well communities to assist in the development and growth of their art form within the arts industry.The Talent Search hosts a mentorship programme for participants through workshops and other art inspired services.
Date: 12 March | Time: 12:00 – 16:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Danea De Beer
After composing her first three songs, Danea de Beer signed as a songwriter with renowned publisher., John Fishlock (Active Music Publishing). She recently released her first single, 1000 Rivers, that aired on various music stations. Danea will be releasing her latest single this year alongside a music video.
Date: 17 March | Time: 18:00 – 19:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Earth Hour
Be part of Earth Hour – a global challenge that raises awareness about climate change and encourages individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive action by turning off their lights for a designated 60-minute period.
Date: 24 March | Time: 20:30 – 21:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
smart car presents: V&A Summer Sessions – THE KIFFNESS
The Kiffness makes jazzy, groovy & uplifting house music and is fast becoming one of South Africa’s favourite live electronic acts. From the beginning of 2013, founder & brainchild David Scott has had great success in the South African music industry, racking up a total of 3 SAMA nominations and 10 singles playlisted across national radio stations – all of which have reached top 10 status in the top 40 charts
Date: 25 March | Time: 18:30 – 19:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run
On Good Friday morning, over 1 000 international participants will gather at the V&A Waterfront for a 5km run/walk through Cape Town past some of the City’s famous landmarks, which include the Cape Town Stadium, Sea Point Promenade, Green Point Park and Mouille Point Lighthouse. Runners from all over the world get into the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon spirit with their family and friends, running with the flags from their various countries.
Date: 30 March | Time: 09:30 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Winston Siljeur Project
The band’s repertoire is well diverse stretching from well – known covers in the different genres of Pop, R&B, House music and the different styles of jazz.
Date: 31 March | Time: 18:00 – 19:00 | Venue: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre | Cost: Free
Easter time at the V&A Waterfront
It’s Easter time at the V&A Waterfront. Bring the family and follow the white rabbit to the V&A Amphitheatre as he gets hearts hopping and Bunny tails bopping over the Easter holidays. There will be Hip Hop, Eggsersize, Bunny tails and many more wonderful activities for the little ones to enjoy. There are also some great Easter give-aways and eggcellent prizes to be won. So moms and dads get cracking and eggspand your horizons, only at the V&A.
| Time: | 11pm – 11:45pm | 12pm – 12:45pm | 1pm –1:45pm | 2pm – 2:45pm | 3pm – 3:45pm | 4pm – 4:45pm |
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31-Mar
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Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 1-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 2-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 3-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 4-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 5-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | J Bird Band | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 6-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 7-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
| 8-Apr | Eggsersize with Bunny Bop | Pin the tail on the Bunny | Face painting | Coloring in time | Hip Hop with Bboy Bunny | Story time with Bunny |
Table Mountain Cableway
Seniors Special
South African senior citizens over the age of 60 years qualify for discounted rates on return tickets every Friday, upon producing a valid South African ID. They also have a meal special for pensioners at the Table Mountain Café on Fridays. Chat to a cashier about redeeming your meal special.
Date: Every Friday | Time: 08:30 – 17:30 | Venue: Lower Cable Station Ticket Office | Cost: R100 return or R53 one way on Fridays only | Weather Permitting
Guided Walks
Thirty-minute guided tours happen on the hour from 09:00 to 15:00 daily, departing from the Twelve Apostles Terrace (below the Café). These are free, family-friendly walks conducted by our staff, who will share the story of Table Mountain and the Cableway, and provide any assistance you may require.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Twelve Apostles Terrace | Cost: Free
Audio Tour
Learn about the flora and fauna of the summit, at your own pace, with our free Audio Tour. Download the free application to your mobile device – using out free Wi-Fi – plug in your earphones and begin your self-guided tour at the Lower Cable Station. For a step-by-step guide on how to download the VoiceMap application to your mobile device, click here.
Robben Island
Explore South Africa’s political past with an informative tour at the maximum security prison. But Robben Island isn’t just about the political past of our country, keep an eye out for the African penguins that are on the island.
The ferry ride to Robben Island is an adventure in itself, enjoy spectacular views of Table Mountain from the upper deck of the ferry if you are lucky, you may even spot some dolphins or seals frolicking in the waves.
Tour the Robben Island surrounds in a guided bus tour and view the Robben Island shipwrecks, 19th-century Lighthouse; the only lighthouse in South Africa to use a flashing light instead of a revolving light.
A former Robben Island inmate will guide you while on the island, and you’ll receive unparalleled insight into the significant role that each of the Robben Island’s inmates collectively played throughout apartheid. You will be guided to the maximum security prison, various Robben Island exhibition displays and a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell.
You will also be able to visit the World War 2 canons and a limestone quarry where Madiba, and so many others, crushed limestone.
To conclude the day buy a souvenir at the Robben Island Curio shop.
The Robben Island Museum App was developed to offer users around the globe an opportunity to experience and explore the Island’s multi-layered history and sites. Download it from the Google Play Store here.Ferries depart 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm – weather permitting. You can buy tickets online or in-person at the Robben Island Museum.
Groot Constantia
ViniChoral II: VOX at Groot Constantia
Join VOX Cape Town, the city’s most innovative choral collective, for another exclusive pairing of wine and song at Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa.
This time, savour the new summer vintages and the host of fresh choral music on offer in combination with the estate’s unique chocolate selection. Rodney Trudgeon of Fine Music Radio Inc., in conversation with one of the estate’s wine specialists, will again lead guests through this multisensory experience.
Date: 16 March | Time: 19:00 | Venue: The Tasting Cellar at Groot Constantia | Tickets: R350 per person. Places are limited so booking via hello@voxcapetown.com is essential.
Panamas’ & Pastels
Come and enjoy the beautiful selection of Methode Cap Classique, White wines and our delicious summer Rose wines. Relax on the rolling lawns at Groot Constantia Wine Estate and enjoy our local live musicians.
Tickets: R350pp (regrettably no Under 18’s). Ticket includes all wine for the afternoon. Food to be purchased separately from food stalls. Dress Code: Pastels and Panama’s
*Limited Tickets Available
Date: 17 & 18 March | Time: 14:00 | Venue: Groot Constantia | Tickets: R350
Visitors Route Experience
Enjoy the new Visitor Route Experience where one ticket gives you entrance to the Manor House Museum, original Cloete Cellar, a cellar tour, wine tasting and Spiegelau Crystal wine glass.
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R95 per person or Visitors Route Experience Ticket + Chocolate & Wine Pairing: R140 per person.
Wine Tasting
Visit one of two tasting rooms to sample and purchase a selection of Groot Constantia’s award-winning wines
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: 5 wines for R80
4 delectable chocolates paired with 4 of their award-winning wines.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Tasting Hall | Cost: R125
Manor House Museum
Take a journey back in time and explore the grand Manor House Museum, which houses displays portraying early years on the estate.
Date: Daily | Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Manor House | Cost: R30 for adults, R15 for students and pensioners
Fine Dining
Groot Constantia offers fine dining at Jonkershuis & Simon’s Restaurant and gourmet picnics from Simon’s Deli. Pair great meals with their amazing wines while enjoying the spectacular views of the Constantia Valley.
Jonkershuis: Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00, Fridays and Saturdays: 09:00 – 21:00 and Breakfast: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 11:30
Simon’s Restaurant: Open 7 days a week: 09:00 – 21:00 (except Wednesdays and Sundays – close at 17:00) and Breakfast – Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 12:00
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
It’s that time of the year again where we look forward to ending off the weekends with music that satisfies the most diverse tastes in the spectacularly beautiful Kirstenbosch Garden. Meet with friends and family, gather your picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy the floral heritage and the mountain and let the music end your weekend on a high note.
PLEASE NOTE WHEN BOOKING TICKETS ONLINE: Only Tickets via WebTickets are legitimate tickets, please do not purchase tickets from any other websites as it may be a scam.
4 March: GOODLUCK / The Kiffness
11 March: The Christians (UK)
18 March: Jeremy Loops
21 March: Petite Noir (BEL) / Slow Jack
25 March: Dan Patlansky/ Albert Frost
The Galileo Open-Air Cinema
At The Galileo, when the sun sets the stars really come out, with a glittering line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, musicals, adventure sports and documentaries that let you cuddle up and be entertained.
So don’t delay, book today to reserve your seat among the stars.
Doors open at 6 pm, the movie starts 8 pm. | Cost: R89 – R175 | Tickets: http://thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets/
7 March – The Count of Monte Christo
12 March – Reel Rock 12
14 March – Why Him?
21 March – Split
28 March – City of Angels
Garden Walks
The Botanical Society’s volunteer Garden guides, who are brimming with amazing knowledge and insights into the Garden, lead-FREE guided walks around the Garden. They are guaranteed to fascinate you and enhance your appreciation of Kirstenbosch. Walks are approximately 50 or 90 minutes in duration and are all slightly different as they are tailored to meet the need and interests of each group and highlight seasonal interest in the Garden. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Date: Weekdays & Saturdays | Time: 10:00 | Venue: Kirstenbosch Garden ( gate 1 and gate 2 ) | Cost: Walks are free but garden entrance fee applies if you do not have a South African Botanical Society Membership card
Wednesday talk with Rosalind Spears
Rosalind will tell us about this Medieval hall and farm bought in 1925 by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst. and show us parts of it’s 11 acres of gardens.
Date: 7 March | Time: 10:30 – 11:30 | Venue: Richard Crowie Hall (Gate 2) | Cost: Walks are free but garden entrance fee applies if you do not have a South African Botanical Society Membership card
Bird Walks
A leisurely walk through the various habitats of Kirstenbosch will take us to areas where we hope to see some of the common and less common birds in these magnificent gardens. Some of the specials we hope to see are Lemon Dove, Cape Batis, Swee Waxbill, Forest Canaries and many more.
Date: 12 March | Time: 16:00 – 18:00 | Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Cost: Walks are free but garden entrance fee applies if you do not have a South African Botanical Society Membership card
Kirstenbosch Craft Market
Nestled below Castle Rock and the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the Kirstenbosch Craft and Food Market is arguably the most scenic market in Cape Town.
The market hosts 230 crafters selling a diverse range of crafts from unique jewellery, kids and adults clothing, knitwear, linen, leather goods, pottery, handmade soaps, candles, aromatherapy products, beadwork, sculpture, art and handmade cards to garden furniture and plants. You are sure to find something you’ve always wanted.
The wide range of food on offer includes waffles, pizza, designer hotdogs, falafels, pancakes, nachos, hamburgers, vegetarian food, boerewors rolls and a spit braai, pitas and salad, steak rolls, Portuguese, Spanish, Indonesian and Indian cuisine, farm cheese and honey, freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies, homemade lemonade and ginger beer, freshly brewed coffee, homemade jams and pickles, olives, nuts, ice cream, Turkish delight and much more.
Bring the kids to feed the animals at the petting farm, meet Vera the market pig and enjoy a pony ride.
Date: 25 March | Time: 09:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Stone Cottages cnr Kirstenbosch & Rhodes Drive | Cost: Entrance is free and there is plenty of safe parking.
City Walk
First Thursday
First Thursdays Cape Town is a free cultural experience where art galleries and other cultural attractions in the central and East city districts stay open late on the first Thursday of every month. The night is as much about experiencing art and culture as it is about exploring the city on foot. We suggest browsing the highlights right here and choosing a few exhibitions and attractions that you’d like to see, but be open to letting the night take its own course. Print maps are available at most listed venues.
Date: 1 March | Time: 17:00 – 21:00 | Venue: Church Square | Cost: Free
Good Company Sunday Market
Bring the family to this weekly contemporary outdoor market in the heart of the Cape Town CBD.
Date: Every Sunday | Time: 10:00 – 15:00 | Venue: Paddock Avenue, Company’s Garden | Cost: Free Entry
Cape Town Carnival
The Cape Town Carnival is a glamorous celebration of the transformative power of creativity and our African identity with its diverse array of communities and cultures.
Every year, this festive occasion inspires our city and her people to create, build and play together – thousands of spectators converge annually on Green Point’s famous Fan Walk to join the extravagant parade of costumed performers, musicians and moving floats.
The Cape Town Carnival is operated by a non-profit trust with the purpose of staging this world-class event, simultaneously creating jobs and benefiting our local economy.
Date: 17 March | Time: 19:00 – 23:00 | Venue: The Fan Walk, Somerset Road, Green Point | Cost: Tickets: www.capetowncarnival.com
19th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2018
The 19th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place on 23 & 24 March 2018 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Date: 23 – 25 March | Time: 18:00 – 01:00 | Venue: Convention Square | Cost: Weekend Pass: SOLD OUT, Day Pass: http://bit.ly/2ziapOM
Cape Point
The Flying Dutchman Funicular
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the viewing point below the old lighthouse.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 17:30 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: R30 return Child ticket, R70 return Adult ticket
Two Oceans Restaurant
The Two Oceans Restaurant occupies an enviable position above False Bay at the southwestern tip of Africa. The restaurant is as famous for its seafood cuisine as it is for a superb wooden deck that looks out onto one of the most stunning ocean views in South Africa.
Date: Daily | Time: 09:00 – 17:00 | Venue: Cape Point | Cost: varies
My Green Card
The TMNP My Green Card is available exclusively to residents of Cape Town and provides the holder with 12 free entries into any of the Table Mountain National Park’s pay points: Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point), Boulders Penguin Colony, Oudekraal and Silvermine, as well as to the braai and picnic areas at Tokai, Newlands and Perdekloof.
When buying a card – you will need R135 for the card; a South African ID document; 2 ID photographs and proof of residence. Learn more here
Share your top Cape Town Big 6 events with us!
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One Destination, 6 Unbelievable Experiences
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.
Buy tickets online