This weekend, the Mother City is serving up a mix of action, art, and adventure. You can cheer on marathon runners, groove at a Shrek-themed rave, sip bubbly in the mountains, or take a mindful stroll through blooming spring gardens. Here’s your full guide to what’s happening across Cape Town from 17 to 19 October 2025.
Cheer On The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town’s streets will be alive with energy as thousands of runners tackle Africa’s only Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate race. From elite athletes to everyday joggers, this world-class event embodies the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re participating or spectating, there’s no better excuse to spend the day outdoors.
When: 18–19 October | Where: Starts at Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point Stadium
Cape Town Adventure Film Festival
Adventure lovers, this one’s for you. The Cape Town Adventure Film Festival celebrates stories of the wild — from surfing and climbing to conservation and biking. Expect breathtaking visuals, meaningful conversations, and a chance to win from a prize pool worth R70 000.
When: 17 October – 1 November | Where: Various venues including Ster-Kinekor V&A, Labia Theatre, Jack Black’s Taproom, and ORMS School of Photography | Cost: R180–R200 (Quicket)
Guided Spring Garden Walks At Vergelegen
Escape the city for a serene morning in Vergelegen’s spectacular spring gardens. Led by expert horticulturalists, these guided walks include tea, scones, and tips for your own green space — plus access to the annual plant sale at Café Fleur.
When: 16–18 October | Where: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West | Cost: R295 (includes refreshments)
Bubbles & Botanicals At 12 Apostles Hotel
Celebrate spring with a sophisticated evening at the 12 Apostles Hotel, where Cape bubbly meets floral-inspired cuisine. Enjoy live music, mountain views, and the magic of the fynbos garden setting — the ultimate romantic night out.
When: 18 October | Where: 12 Apostles Hotel | Cost: R1295 per couple
Visit The Galileo Open Air Cinema
There’s something special about movies under the stars. This weekend, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory screens at Kirstenbosch on Friday, followed by My Best Friend’s Wedding at Diemersfontein Wine Estate on Saturday. Pack a picnic and settle in.
When: 17–18 October | Where: Various venues | Cost: Check full schedule online
Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2025
The historic town of Stellenbosch bursts into life with Woordfees, South Africa’s premier celebration of arts, music, and theatre. Expect performances from Marc Lottering and Pieter-Dirk Uys, alongside powerful visual art from Xhanti Zwelendaba and Benjamin Stanwix. It’s cultural immersion at its finest.
When: Until 19 October | Where: Various venues, Stellenbosch
Cape Town City Ballet Presents Coppelia
Step into the enchanting world of Coppelia, a whimsical ballet filled with love, laughter, and magic. After sold-out shows in Durban, Cape Town audiences can now enjoy this delightful story, accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
When: 17–18 October | Where: Artscape Theatre Centre | Cost: R200–R550 (Webtickets)
Gwala Ka Jan At Pollsmoor Prison
Inside Pollsmoor Prison, inmates take to the stage in Gwala Ka Jan — a raw and emotional production written and performed by prisoners themselves. Their story of identity, gang life, and redemption offers a deeply human perspective rarely seen beyond the walls.
When: 16–18 October | Where: Pollsmoor Correctional Facility | Cost: Free (Quicket registration)
To Life, With Love
Beloved broadcaster John Maytham returns to the theatre with To Life, With Love, a poetic and poignant reflection on love, loss, and ageing. Written by acclaimed playwright Mike van Graan, this one-man performance is a meditation on what it means to live fully.
When: 14–25 October | Where: Golden Arrow Theatre, Baxter Theatre Centre | Cost: R120–R265 (Webtickets)
Shrek Rave
Get your green on for the viral Shrek Rave! Expect nostalgic tracks, booming techno, and outrageous costumes inspired by the world’s favourite ogre. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and guaranteed to be a highlight of your weekend.
When: 17 October | Where: District, 61C Harrington St | Cost: From R400
Bed By 10
Tired of late-night chaos? Bed by 10 is the daytime party you didn’t know you needed. Aimed at the 30-plus crowd, it features all your 90s and 2000s favourites so you can dance your heart out and still be in bed before midnight.
When: 18 October | Where: District, Harrington St | Cost: From R485
Sinful III: Halloween Party
Get spooky early with Sinful III, a dark, immersive Halloween event that combines house and techno music with theatrical performance art and haunting visuals. Costumes are strongly encouraged — this one’s for the bold.
When: 18 October | Where: Cape Town CBD (venue revealed closer to time) | Cost: From R250 (Quicket)
Cape Town City Ballet: Centre Stage
Over 300 young dancers come together for Centre Stage, a vibrant showcase of ballet, jazz, musical theatre, and African contemporary dance — all to raise funds for the Cape Town City Ballet.
When: 19 October | Where: Artscape Theatre Centre | Cost: R180–R300 (Webtickets)
Flavours Of India At The V&A Waterfront
With Diwali just around the corner, Makers Landing transforms into a feast of colour and spice for Flavours of India. Explore aromatic curries, crispy snacks, and traditional sweets while browsing for festive gifts.
When: 18 October | Where: Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront | Cost: R55–R95 (Webtickets)
Processing Change: Music And Storytelling With Magé Troskie & Tanika Paschke-Moloi
Two singer-songwriters share stories of transformation and resilience through music and spoken word. Processing Change invites you into an intimate evening of reflection, exploring personal and collective renewal.
When: 17 October | Where: 6 Spin Street Restaurant Gallery | Cost: R220 (Quicket)
Voorkamerfest In Darling
A theatre festival like no other, Voorkamerfest brings performances right into people’s homes. Take a curated route through Darling and enjoy three surprise shows in local living rooms. It’s small-town hospitality and world-class artistry combined.
When: 18 & 19 October | Where: Darling Brew, 48 Caledon St, Darling | Cost: R350 per route (Quicket)
Pink Room Games Night Extravaganza
Game lovers, this one’s for you. The Gorgeous George Hotel hosts Pink Room Games Night, complete with cocktails, board games, and a playful dress-up element. There’s even a prize for best dressed, voted by fellow guests.
When: 17 October | Where: Gorgeous George Hotel, St Georges Mall | Cost: R80 online, R100 at the door (Quicket)
Two Oceans Aquarium Trash Bash
Join the Two Oceans Aquarium team for their monthly beach cleanup at Sunset Beach. Trash Bash is a family-friendly way to give back to the planet while enjoying Cape Town’s coast.
When: 18 October | Where: Sunset Beach, Milnerton
Visit Tears Now But Heaven Tomorrow At Norval Foundation
Norval Foundation honours the late artist Githan Coopoo with Tears Now But Heaven Tomorrow, a poignant exhibition celebrating his queer, South African heritage through sculptural art. Expect beauty, vulnerability, and power.
When: Ongoing | Where: Norval Foundation, Tokai | Cost: R100–R300 (Webtickets)
Check Out A Weekend Market
Whether it’s food, fashion, or crafts, Cape Town’s weekend markets are always worth a wander. From the Oranjezicht City Farm Market to Mojo Market in Sea Point, there’s a new favourite waiting every weekend.
What Will You do This Weekend?
Cape Town never runs out of ways to celebrate life. From marathons to midnight raves, soulful theatre to seaside cleanups, this weekend is packed with moments that capture the city’s heart and rhythm.
Source: Whats on in Cape Town
Image Source: Sanlam Marathon
