GREAT NEWS REGARDING CAPE TOWN DAM LEVELS
The current Cape Town dam levels are at 72% and current usage is at 550 million litres a day. Two years ago, the dams were only 25% full and usage was over one billion litres a day. Find out more »
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CAPE TOWN THIS AUGUST:
If you are going to be in Cape Town next month and wondering what to do, take a look at our list of noteworthy events in and around the city:
1-31 AUGUST: KINKY BOOTS
Location: Fugard Theatre
The South African debut of this award-winning musical is running in Cape Town until 27 October. Fans of 80’s icon Cyndi Lauper can’t miss it as she penned the score and the lyrics. We recommend a pre-show dinner at local Portuguese favourite, Dias Tavern! Find out more »
2 AUGUST: VINTAGE DAY 2019
Location: Simonsig
Wine-lovers and collectors will once again be given a rare chance to taste and buy older vintages of wines made on the farm. During the Vintage Day, visitors will have a rare opportunity to taste and purchase vintage Kaapse Vonkel MCC wines, as well as super vintages of the award-winning Redhill Pinotage. Other vintage wines that can be tasted include the Merindol Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Frans Malan Cape Blend. Find out more »
3 AUGUST: SHORTMARKET SHINDING 2: THE COMMISIONARY CONNECTION
Location: Shortmarket Club
The Shortmarket Club and The Commissary hosts an exclusive wine-tasting event with Ex Animo Wine Co. Winemakers from some of the Cape’s best boutique wine producers will be showcasing their wines and guests are invited to taste, mingle and share their passion for the fruits of the vine along with The Commissary’s food as culinary accompaniment. Find out more »
4 & 11 AUGUST: CALICO CERAMICS POTTERY WORKSHOP
Location: Food Jams, Salt River
Hands-on and intimate, these small, two-part classes will teach the basics of simple, refined ceramic building with a focus on handmade and hand-painted ring bowls, plates and planters, as well as the much-loved Mini Blobs! Find out more »
8-11 AUGUST: INTIMATE ART ENCOUNTERS
Location: Riebeek Valley
Solo Studios was conceptualised to be an intimate, personal and exclusive art encounter that allows people the rare opportunity to meet acclaimed artists in their, otherwise, very private spaces. Find out more »
8-17 AUGUST: BURN THE FLOOR – THE REBEL TOUR
Location: Baxter Theatre
The world’s premier dance production, Burn The Floor, returns to South Africa this August and September for another sizzling ballroom extravaganza. Burn the Floor is a global production that has revolutionized the image of ballroom dance across the world and has the reputation of being the toughest dance show on earth. The international cast of dance champions are handpicked for their rebellious spirit and pure skill. Find out more »
WOMEN’S DAY ACTIVITIES:
9 AUGUST: WOMEN’S DAY VINEYARD WALK
Location: Benguela Cove
Celebrate Women’s Day at Benguela Cove with a 5km walk through picturesque vineyards and enjoy four delightful wine tastings en route. Juices & entertainment available for kids. Find out more »
9 AUGUST: FAIRY HOUSE BUILDING
Location: Battery Museum, V&A Waterfront
A Make it Magical workshop is an opportunity to express your creativity and give life to your imagination; a nostalgic memory for parents and a wonderful new experience for children. Find out more »
9 AUGUST: BIANCA DEL RIO: IT’S JESTER JOKE
Location: CTICC
Drag queen Bianca Del Rio returns to the CTICC with her ambitious comedy show ‘It’s Jester Joke’. The self-proclaimed ‘Clown in a Gown’ tells tales of her world travels and the outrageous circus that is her life.She tells it like it is, whether that’s in regards to politics and travel or family and social media. Her acerbic wit and hilarious views promise to shock and delight audiences. Find out more »
11 AUGUST: WOMEN’S DAY PAINT & SIP
Location: Venue D’Aria
This Paint & Sip will feature the extremely talented Kim Mobey, a South African portrait artist, activist, sculptor and storyteller. All proceeds raised will help NPOs Call 2 Care and The iGardi Project. Find out more »
9-11 AUGUST: ROBERTSON SLOW FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Location: Robertson
The Robertson Wine Valley’s wildly popular Slow Food and Wine Festival is back and, despite being bigger than ever, its slow, intimate and cosy vibe is a given. Like previous years, there’s loads to keep you busy – slow-style, of course – with meals hosted by winemaking families, cooking lessons, wine-tastings, horse-riding, and a whole lot more. Find out more »
23-25 AUGUST: McGREGOR POETRY FESTIVAL
Location: McGregor
Poetry in McGregor, now in its seventh year, has become one of the most popular poetry festivals on the continent. Last year over two hundred poets arrived in the picturesque village to once again celebrate their art and to enjoy a remarkably happy gathering for lovers of the written word. Poetry in McGregor is now renowned for its warm-hearted and intimate atmosphere and for the unique way in which the picturesque village lends itself to a relaxed and memorable experience. Find out more »
24-25 AUGUST: WILLIAM KENTRIDGE EXHIBITION
Location: Norval Foundation & Zeitz MOCAA
Norval Foundation and Zeitz MOCAA host the largest-ever exhibitions of William Kentridge on the African continent. Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture, will focus, for the first time, solely on William Kentridge’s sculptural work. Large-scale, never-before-seen bronze sculptures will populate the gallery spaces, and these are coupled with an upcoming concert in collaboration with Kentridge and pianist Kyle Shepherd on September 19th.The show opens with a series of public events on the weekend of the 24th and 25th of August 2019. Find out more »
25 AUGUST: AYAMA ARTICHOKES FESTIVAL
Location: Ayameteca, Paarl
Following a sell-out launch last year, this gastronomic event is back, giving you a chance to sample artichoke dishes prepared by Italian chefs, enjoy the live band and browse the market selling locally made salamis, cheeses, wines, gins and craft beers. Hikers are able to tackle the trail that traces the edge of the farm, while tractors and trailers are on hand for those who want to sit back and enjoy the views. Pre-booking is essential as no tickets will be sold at the gate on the day. Find out more »
30 AUGUST: CREATIVITY WAKE UP WORKSHOP
Location: Norval Foundation
Norval Foundation teams up with Creativity Wake-Up to host a creative learning experience to stimulate idle, ailing or dormant creativity. Nina Pearse, an inspiring facilitator, learning ‘imagineer’ and Agile People consultant, and Celia Falkenberg, an architect, entrepreneur and fine artist are running the workshop. Find out more »
31 AUGUST: THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Location: Stellenbosch
The two-day Chocolate Festival is perfect for any sweet tooth fanatic. Expect to find a wide array of chocolates plus a handful of artisanal gems. Oodles of chocolate, macaroons, chocolate brownies, donuts, ice-cream, liquorice, marshmallows, candyfloss and so much more. Balancing out the sweetness is a selection of non-chocolate offerings. These range from burgers, pizzas, artisanal cheeses and breads and more. Kids entertainment includes with a movie lounge, face painting and popcorn. Find out more »
MONTHLY & WEEKLY EVENTS
FIRST THURSDAY
The first Thursday of every month sees the city come alive with all things art and design. Museums, shops and bars are open till late with thousands of people ambling along the streets exploring the vast array of art, design, live music and performance that has come to define Cape Town as a cultural African mecca. This month it takes place on Thursday 1 August. Find out more »
RETRO STYLE THEATRE
The Pepperclub Hotel has upped the ante when it comes to cool experiences in the Mother City with its fun and fabulously retro-inspired dinner-and-movie nights that take place throughout winter on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. And a little something for the younger generation – Kid’s Movie Mornings happen Saturdays and Sundays at 12h00. Find out more »
LUNCH AT THE SPICE GARDEN
Join Babylonstoren for an experience crafted on the influence of the spice trade. They’ll serve a fragrant meal with spirited treats, telling the story of how spices made its way to their shores and onto their plates. The menu features a filling three-course lunch served in a private setting. It costs R290 per person for groups of between 13 and 24 guests and a 50% deposit is required. Find out more »
CAPE TOWN FYNBOS TASTING
Discover the medicinal properties and aromatic flavours of South Africa’s Fynbos botanicals at this unique tasting experience in the Company Gardens . Fragrant tea infusions, edible naturals, infused oils, zesty cordials and old-fashioned tinctures provide an entertaining insight into the culinary wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s vegetation. Find out more »
VISIT THE V&A WATERFRONT
Spot the Timeless Africa Safaris’ Lalela Rhino at the V&A Waterfront and snap a selfie. Find out more »
OUR RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH
GiGi Rooftop at Gorgeous George
This Euro-chic café is situated on the roof of Gorgeous George, Cape Town’s newest design-led hotel. Expect boundary-pushing decor and design in a relaxed atmosphere that is best summed up in the hotel’s philosophy: “Come for breakfast, stay all day”. Executive chef Guy Bennett, who honed his craft at Buitenverwachting, Reuben’s and Delaire Graff, has created a menu that combines classical French, Asian-fusion and South African flavours and influences.