Thankfully, after years of uncertainty, the fine-arts scene in Cape Town has been revived. With a calendar packed with fun festivals and top-notch theatrical and musical events, there is plenty for all to enjoy. The Cape Minstrels Carnival in January is Cape Town's most unique gathering—a raucous combination of costumes and music. The area's geography lends itself to a wide variety of sporting events for both spectators and participants. Other popular events include The Cape Town Festival, the city's official arts, culture and heritage showpiece, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Both are held in March. Also check out the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour in March. This is a world-class sporting event that draws international entrants. There's also the North Sea Jazz Festival in April, the International Design Indaba in February and the wildly flamboyant carnival-like Mother City Queer Project in early December.
For detailed information about upcoming events in the Cape Town area, contact Cape Town Tourism (phone 021-426-5639; http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za). For information on upcoming events at the Convention Center, contact the Cape Town International Convention Center (phone 021-410-5001). In Cape Town, contact the Cape Town Tourism Information Center. Phone 021-487-6800. http://www.cape-town.org.
Also visit http://www.capeetc.com for a list of the city's events.
To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside South Africa, you must first dial your country's international access code, then South Africa's country code, 27, and the city code, 021, followed by the number.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
August, 2008
9 Aug—National Women's Day. Public holiday.
Early August—Encounters: South African International Documentary Festival. Explore South Africa with documentaries on such subjects as propaganda films and historical narratives. Screenings of more than 50 world-premiere, South African and international documentaries. Documentary filmmakers hold workshops and events for festivalgoers. Various cinemas. For information, call 426-0405 or 465-4686. http://www.encounters.co.za. Concludes early August
Late August—Red Bull Big Wave Africa. For 20 days, top South African and international surfers compete at the Dungeons in Hout Bay, one of the best big-wave surfing spots in the world and one of the few locations in Africa that produces surfable waves. For information, call 082-123-1234 or 082-423-1964. http://www.redbullbwa.com.
Late August—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June 2009
Throughout August—Rugby. Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa's premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 629-4600. http://www.wprugby.com. Continues through late October
Throughout August—Performance. Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880 or 380-3989. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout August—Opera. For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9800. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November
Throughout August—Performance. Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 421-7839 or 421-7695. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December
September, 2008
24 Sep—Heritage Day. Public holiday.
24-28 Sep—Hermanus Whale Festival. Cape Town greets the annual pilgrimage of whales to its shores with the crowning of the Prince and Princess of Whales. Arts, theater, music and drama celebrate the town's famous oceangoing visitors. Street parties with live bands take place each weekend. Hermanus (75 mi/120 km southeast of Cape Town). For information, call 313-0928. http://www.whalefestival.co.za.
Throughout September—Performance. Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880 or 380-3989. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout September—Opera. For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9800. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November
Throughout September—Performance. Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 421-7839 or 421-7695. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout September—Rugby. Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa's premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 629-4600. http://www.wprugby.com. Continues through late October
Throughout September—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June 2009
October, 2008
20, 21 Oct—Cape Town International Kite Festival. Kite-making workshops, Rokkakau kite battles, giant inflatables, a craft market and food stalls. Zandvlei, Muizenberg beach. For information, call 447-9040.
30, 31 Oct—Cape Town Flower Show. Drink in the intense beauty of South African flora at this event, which features displays of South African blooms from more than 50 exhibitors in four themed areas. Also, a market showcasing the latest gardening accessories, supplies and books, a bee garden, local cuisine and music created by instruments made from plants. Cape Town International Convention Centre, 1 Lower Long St. For information, call 412-9999 or 422-0390. For tickets, call 083-915-8000. http://www.capetownflower.com. Continues through 2 Nov
Early October—Artscape National Youth Music Competition. The Artscape competition allows young pianists and orchestra instrumentalists between 14 and 19 years old to hone their skills in a competitive atmosphere. Artscape Theatre, D F Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town. For tickets, call 421-7839. http://www.artscape.co.za.
Mid-Late October—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Continues through early April 2009
Throughout October—Performance. Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 421-7839 or 421-7695. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout October—Opera. For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9800. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November
Throughout October—Performance. Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880 or 380-3989. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout October—Rugby. Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa's premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 629-4600. http://www.wprugby.com. Concludes late October
Throughout October—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June 2009
November, 2008
1, 2 Nov—Cape Town Flower Show. Drink in the intense beauty of South African flora at this event, which features displays of South African blooms from more than 50 exhibitors in four themed areas. Also, a market showcasing the latest gardening accessories, supplies and books, a bee garden, local cuisine and music created by instruments made from plants. Cape Town International Convention Centre, 1 Lower Long St. For information, call 412-9999 or 422-0390. For tickets, call 083-915-8000. http://www.capetownflower.com. Concludes 2 Nov
15 Nov—Volvo Ocean Race. The around-the-world sailing race makes its first stop in Cape Town. Live entertainment, a sailboat parade and other activities take place at the Race Village, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. For information, call 41-489-564-555. http://www.volvooceanrace.org.
Mid-Late November—Cape Town International Music Festival. The music festival features world-famous conductors, musicians and vocalists in concert with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. Various venues. For tickets, call 421-7839. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through early December
Mid November—Cape Town World Cinema Festival. South African films, especially those focusing on indigenous peoples, take center stage at this film festival. South American, Asian and African films also light up the big screen. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and other venues. For information, call 430-8160. For tickets, call 083-915-8000. http://www.sithengi.co.za.
Mid November—Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Around 15,000 visitors view screenings of approximately 50 films at one of South Africa's most successful film festivals. Panel discussions, parties and other special events. Cinema Nouveau, Cavendish Square, and other venues. For information, call 461-4027. http://www.oia.co.za.
Throughout November—Performance. Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 421-7839 or 421-7695. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout November—Opera. For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9800. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Concludes late November
Throughout November—Performance. Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880 or 380-3989. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December
Throughout November—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June 2009
Throughout November—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Continues through early April 2009
December, 2008
16 Dec—Day of Reconciliation. Public holiday.
25 Dec-Christmas. Public holiday.
26 Dec—Day of Goodwill. Public holiday.
31 Dec—Synergy. International DJs spin tunes and bands jam for more than 12 hours at this huge New Year's Eve party. For more information and tickets, call 021-140-0500.
Early December—Cape Town International Music Festival. The music festival features world-famous conductors, musicians and vocalists in concert with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. Various venues. For tickets, call 421-7839. http://www.artscape.co.za. Concludes early December
Early December—Obs Festival. A suburban street festival showcasing the collective creative talents of the neighborhood. The impromptu open-air mall for informal traders eventually leads to a spirited street party. Lower Main Road. For more information, call 021-447-2576.
Mid December—MCQP Annual Queer Costume Party. A celebration of gay culture, the annual Queer Costume Party boasts eight dance floors booming hits from the 1950s to today. Popular with people of all sexual orientations. For venue, theme and other information, visit http://www.mcqp.co.za.
Throughout December—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Continues through early April 2009
Throughout December—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June 2009
Throughout December—Performance. Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 421-7839 or 421-7695. http://www.artscape.co.za. Concludes late December
Throughout December—Performance. Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880 or 380-3989. http://www.baxter.co.za. Concludes late December
January, 2009
1 Jan-New Year's Day. Public holiday.
Mid January—Cape Town Jazzathon. More than 750,000 jazz aficionados gather for this free, four-day public festival, South Africa's largest jazz event. Visitors bop to 40 performances by at least 200 renowned and emerging national and international artists. Venues include Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Amphitheatre. For information, call 408-7600 or 083-910-9015. For tickets, call 083-915-8000. http://www.jazzathon.co.za or http://www.waterfront.co.za.
Throughout January—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June
Throughout January—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Continues through early April
February, 2009
Throughout February—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Continues through early April
Throughout February—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June
March, 2009
21 Mar—Human Rights Day. Public holiday.
Throughout March—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June
Throughout March—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Continues through early April
April, 2009
27 Apr—Constitution Day or Freedom Day. Public holiday.
Early April—Cricket. The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3300. For tickets, call 674-4420. http://www.wpcc.co/za. Concludes early April
Throughout April—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June
May, 2009
1 May—Workers' Day. Public holiday.
Throughout May—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season continues through early June
June, 2009
16 Jun—Youth Day. Public holiday.
Early June—Soccer. Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Fedsure Park Newlands Stadium, phone 930-6001, http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People's Team (Athlone Stadium, phone 685-7172, http://www.psl.co.za). Season concludes early June
