Cape Town never really slows down in summer. The sun hangs around well into the evening, the breeze settles just enough, and every neighbourhood seems to have its own thing going on. This weekend is a mix of live sport, theatre, art, outdoor cinema, music and food experiences, offering something for every kind of mood.
Stormers vs Sharks at DHL Stadium
The weekend kicks off with one of South Africa’s fiercest rugby rivalries. The DHL Stormers face the Hollywoodbets Sharks in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter that already has fans buzzing online with score predictions and pre-match banter. Expect a packed stadium, a lively fan park, and that unmistakable Cape Town rugby atmosphere where families, superfans and casual supporters all blend into one electric crowd.
Cost: From R85
When: 24 January 2026 at 7.30pm
Where: DHL Stadium, Green Point
Marvel at the life-size LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 car
The V&A Waterfront is drawing big crowds with South Africa’s largest ever life-size LEGO installation: a full-scale Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance made from nearly 200 000 bricks. The engineering spectacle has become a social media favourite, with locals praising the detail, taking selfies and letting kids race at the reflex and building stations. It’s a free, family-friendly stop that’s just as fun for adults.
Cost: Free
When: Until 25 January 2026
Where: V&A Waterfront
Enjoy desert blues with Bombino at Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch is built for summer concerts, and this weekend’s headliner is globally acclaimed guitarist Bombino, known for his soulful Tuareg desert blues. His set blends raw emotion with rock-like energy, turning the garden into a warm, rhythmic escape as the sun dips behind the mountain. Capetonians love these laid-back picnics, and this one promises to be a standout show.
Cost: R255 – R360
When: 25 January 2026 | 5.15pm to 7pm
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Drumstruck at Silvermist: Drumming meets storytelling
If you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, Drumstruck delivers. Each guest gets a drum, joins the cast in rhythmic play, and enjoys a South African braai served with mountain views. It’s equal parts entertainment, heritage celebration and warm hospitality. Locals and tourists rave about how quickly the experience turns strangers into one big, happy drumming family.
Cost: From R380 to R930 (discounts for locals)
When: Weekends and select weekdays
Where: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, Constantia Nek
Swingtime by Cape Town City Ballet at Maynardville
Maynardville’s open-air theatre brings back its magical summer nights with Swingtime, a love letter to the Big Band Era. The ballet theatre fusion follows Bojangles through romances, memories and mischief from his days at the Swing Club. With fairy lights, fresh evening air and lush surroundings, the setting adds to the nostalgia.
Cost: From R254
When: 23 and 24 January 2026 | 8.15pm
Where: Maynardville Open-Air Theatre
The Opera Singer at the Baxter Theatre
Following acclaimed runs in Vienna and Salzburg, The Opera Singer arrives in Cape Town to explore the emotional cost of artistic perfection. Featuring Fiona Ramsey and Owain Rhys Davie, the production dives into fame, vulnerability and the internal battles behind the spotlight. Theatre lovers have already marked it as a must-see.
Cost: R160 – R230
When: 19 January – 7 February 2026
Where: Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch
Thrift and Alt Fest in the city centre
For something a little more alternative, the Thrift and Alt Fest brings curated vintage finds, handmade pieces, art, on-site tattooing and a DJ soundscape to Hout Street. It’s a celebration of Cape Town’s creative subcultures and the perfect place to hunt for unique fashion or collectibles.
When: 25 January 2026 | 12pm to 5pm
Where: Biblio, Cape Town CBD
Sunset Rouge and summer dining at Klein Alto Wine Estate
Klein Alto’s new summer menu, wine pairings and Sunset Rouge music sessions make the Stellenbosch estate an ideal escape from city crowds. Expect seasonal dishes, relaxed vineyard views and live performances by local musicians. It’s a peaceful way to wrap up the weekend.
Where: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
The Galileo Open Air Cinema returns
The Galileo continues its summer screenings with romantic films set under the stars. Guests can expect food trucks, a relaxed picnic atmosphere and one of Cape Town’s most loved outdoor traditions.
UCT Summer School for curious minds
For lifelong learners, UCT Summer School offers lectures by world-class academics across various fields. It’s ideal if you’re craving intellectual stimulation between beach days and braais.
When: 19 – 31 January 2026
Where: UCT, Rondebosch
What will you do this weekend?
Whether you’re cheering on the Stormers, hunting for thrift gems, listening to desert blues, or exploring Cape Town’s art and food scene, the city is overflowing with things to do this weekend. Keep an eye on updates as new events are added throughout the week, and let the Mother City set the pace for your summer plans.
Source: What’s On in Cape Town
Featured Image Source: DHL Stormers on X
