If February had a heartbeat in Cape Town, it would sound like this weekend.
World-class art. Open-air jazz. Sand dunes. Street takeovers. Mindful escapes. Theatre that confronts history. Cultural markets that bring the globe to our doorstep.
Here’s everything happening in the Mother City from 20 to 22 February 2026.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair returns to the CTICC
The continent’s largest international contemporary art fair is back for its 13th edition.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair has become a defining cultural moment on the city calendar. It is where Africa’s rapidly expanding art market meets the international art world in one of the most visually stimulating spaces in the country.
Collectors, curators, first-time buyers and curious wanderers will move through hundreds of artists, galleries and special projects, all supported by a dynamic cultural programme.
Cost: R230 to R320 day pass | Weekend and VIP options available (Book via Webtickets)
When: 20 to 22 February 2026 | 11am to 7pm
Where: CTICC
Gregory Maqoma’s Genesis confronts history
Cape Town theatre is not playing it safe this season.
Gregory Maqoma’s Genesis is a powerful allegorical journey through colonial history, liberation and resistance. Inspired by Aimé Césaire, Frantz Fanon and Steve Biko, the dance opera blends live music, movement and spoken word into an intense theatrical experience.
It is bold, poetic and deeply relevant in a country still wrestling with memory.
Cost: R200 to R250 (Book via Webtickets)
When: 18 to 21 February 2026
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre
The Lady Aoi makes a rare return
At the Artscape, this award-winning modern Noh drama returns for just six performances before heading to Milan. Haunting, elegant and emotionally intense, it offers Cape Town audiences a rare opportunity to see a globally celebrated production before it travels again.
Cost: R150 to R230 (Book via Webtickets)
When: Selected dates until 21 February
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre
A Cappella Music Festival celebrates the power of voice
Rooted in Cape Town’s taxi rank harmonies and street performance culture, the A Cappella Music Festival gives vocal groups, beatboxers and harmony collectives a professional stage.
Inspired by the everyday singers who perform for commuters, this festival highlights the city’s grassroots musical DNA.
Cost: R150 to R350 (Book via Webtickets)
When: 21 February 2026 | 1pm
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre
Kirstenbosch hosts Vusi Mahlasela and Jabulile Majola
Sunday evenings at Kirstenbosch are sacred in Cape Town.
Vusi Mahlasela joins rising talent Jabulile Majola for a performance that blends activism, heritage and contemporary sound. Expect soaring vocals, golden light and a crowd that feels every lyric.
Cost: R255 to R360
When: 22 February 2026 | 5.15pm
Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Cultural markets bring the world to Cape Town
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Chinese New Year Market in Century City with dragon dances, acupuncture and family-friendly fun.
Or head to the Colombia Market in Mouille Point for Latin food, coffee and dance demonstrations.
Both are free and full of energy.
Colombia Market:
Cost: Free entry. Reserve on Quicket.
When: 21 February 2026 | 10am – 2pm
Where: Hellenic Community Centre, 24 Bay Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town
Chinese Market:
Cost: Free entry
When: 21 February 2026 | 9am – 5pm
Where: Central Park, Century City, Cape Town
Nights at Norval invites you into the Sculpture Garden
Unwind in the Sculpture Garden with food trucks, drinks and art under the sky.
Cost: R50 (Book via Webtickets)
When: 21 February 2026 | 3pm
Where: Norval Foundation
Galileo keeps summer cinema alive
The Galileo Open Air Cinema
This weekend features The Wild Robot at Kirstenbosch and Dirty Dancing at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate.
Outdoor cinema in Cape Town remains one of summer’s simple pleasures.
Book via Webtickets
Bree Street Sundays gives the road back to the people
Cafés spill onto pavements. Thrifting stalls line the street. Cars step aside.
Bree Street Sundays continues its open-street experiment this weekend, encouraging Capetonians to explore the city on foot.
Cost: Free
When: 22 February 2026 | 10am to 5pm
Do not forget the weekend markets
Cape Town’s regular weekend markets continue across the city, offering everything from food and drinks to crafts and fashion. Our dedicated market guide is updated weekly so you are always in the know.
Cape Town in February does not whisper. It performs.
Featured Image Source: Investec Cape Town Art Fair on Instagram
