October kicks off with a jam-packed weekend in Cape Town. From world-class opera to rock festivals, art fairs, wine tastings and family-friendly expos, the city is buzzing with events for every kind of weekend plan. Whether you’re in the mood for a big night out, a quiet gallery stroll, or a foodie adventure, here’s what’s happening.
Rocking The Daisies
South Africa’s biggest music and lifestyle festival returns to Darling. With headliners Summer Walker and Jessie Reyez, plus top local talent, eco-friendly camping, food stalls and lifestyle activations, it’s the ultimate festival weekend.
When: 2 – 5 October
Where: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
Cost: From R1 899 (Quicket)
CPT Opera:Duet Endowment Trust GalaOpera
Duet Endowment Trust GalaOpera meets grandeur at the Artscape Opera House with a gala featuring soprano Golda Schultz, baritone Jacques Imbrailo, and the Cape Town Opera’s finest talents. Conducted by Gaetano Lo Coco, the evening honours Wendy Ackerman’s Duet Endowment Trust, which preserves Cape Town’s operatic legacy.
When: 4 October | 6pm
Where: Artscape Opera House, Foreshore
Cost: R250 – R950 (Webtickets)
Franschhoek Classic Car Festival
Vintage cars, Formula One tributes and a motoring museum make Franschhoek the perfect weekend drive. The festival is paired with an exclusive stay at the new Franschhoek Hotel, built on the site of the old Hey Joe Brewery.
When: 4 – 5 October
Where: Huguenot Memorial Monument, Franschhoek
Cost: R200 – R400 (Webtickets)
Dance Intersect 2025
Artscape Theatre hosts a dance spectacle blending international and local talent. Highlights include Anderson Carvalho’s Fragmented Landscape, a debut from the Greek National Opera Ballet, and Cape Town’s New World Dance Theatre.
When: 2 – 4 October | 7.30pm (Sat matinee 2.30pm)
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre
Cost: R250 – R400 (Webtickets)
Check Out A Weekend Market
Cape Town’s weekend markets remain a staple for foodies and creatives. From artisanal coffee to handmade crafts, our updated market guide helps you keep track of the best stalls, pop-ups and live entertainment happening every weekend.
Cape Winemakers Guild Auction
Wine enthusiasts can bid on rare vintages at Somerset West’s annual auction. Every bottle has been blind-tasted and approved by experts, with chef-curated snacks and tastings available throughout.
When: 3 – 4 October | Fri 12.30pm – 8pm, Sat 9am – 3pm
Where: Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West
Cost: R1000 per day (Quicket)
Cape Pet Convention
From reptiles to rescue dogs, the Cape Pet Convention at Milnerton Sports Club offers two days of exhibitions, expert talks and interactive displays. Families can shop pet products and learn more about animal care.
When: 4 – 5 October | Sat 8am – 4pm, Sun 8am – 3pm
Where: Milnerton Sports Club
Cost: R60 adults | R30 kids
Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly
Meet 17 local artists across four scenic studio routes. Explore painting, ceramics, papermaking and more while enjoying the seaside setting of Fish Hoek and Clovelly.
When: 4 – 5 October | 10am – 4pm
Where: Fish Hoek & Clovelly
Paws-A-While World Animal Day Celebration
Celebrate World Animal Day with adoption drives, pet stalls and expert talks along the Sea Point Promenade. The relaxed seaside setting makes it the perfect day out for pet owners and families.
When: 5 October | 9am – 3pm
Where: Sea Point Promenade
Girl Dinner: Renewal Edition
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Green Point’s How’s Your Oni. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, three-course Japanese dinner, clothing swap and connection with fellow women in the city.
When: 3 October | 6pm – 11pm
Where: How’s Your Oni?, Green Point
Cost: R450pp (Quicket)
Ntsika Presents: A Place Called Ngoma
Ntsika returns to the stage with a deeply spiritual concert inspired by ancestral connections. His music, rooted in healing, is joined by special guests for an uplifting performance in District Six.
When: 3 October | 6pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, District Six
Cost: R250 – R1200 (Webtickets)
Rise, And Rave
Morning rave culture comes to the V&A Waterfront. Swap late-night partying for early morning dancing, coffee and community at Origin Art.
When: 4 October | 9.30am
Where: Origin Art, V&A Waterfront
Cost: R350 (Quicket)
Oysters, Spice And All Things Nice At ROOI Grillroom
The One & Only’s ROOI Grillroom is celebrating Knysna oysters with a limited October menu. Expect oyster specials, Cape-inspired mains like seafood curry, and sweet endings with sago pudding and cinnamon ice cream.
When: 1 – 31 October | 6.30pm – 10pm
Where: ROOI, One & Only, V&A Waterfront
Mommy And Me Expo
Venue D’Aria transforms into a parenting hub this weekend. Expect stalls with baby products, strollers, decor, handmade gifts and giveaways — a must for families and moms-to-be.
When: 4 – 5 October | 9am – 3pm
Where: Venue D’Aria, Durbanville
Cost: R100pp | Kids under 12 free (Webtickets)
Simonsig Pinotage Vertical Tasting
Wine connoisseurs can experience 100 years of South Africa’s signature grape with a guided vertical tasting of Pinotage vintages, paired with a three-course meal.
When: 2 October | 6pm – 9pm
Where: Simonsig, Stellenbosch
Cost: R695pp.
Whether you’re after live music, fine wine, theatre or a pet-friendly outing, Cape Town has your weekend plans covered.
Image Source: Rocking the Daisies on X
