This is the season to read Cape Town properly. To turn over her cultural pages slowly, curiously, and rediscover the rare luxury of spending time well.
Upcoming events to look forward to…
- Jive Cape Town Funny Festival – The perfect antidote to the winter blues, the giggle-fest is back with some of South Africa’s favourite comics and top variety acts from around the world. Continuing on from May, until the 21st of June, 2026 at the Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch, Cape Town.
- Encounters – Africa’s leading documentary film festival is returning to Cape Town on the 4th of June, running until the 14th of June, 2026. At various theatres around the city including The Labia Theatre, and Ster Kinekor at the V&A Waterfront. Drawing approximately 10,000 attendees to Cape Town, this 10-day event showcases exceptional documentary films from South Africa and around the world.
- Winter Symphonies at City Hall – Cape Town’s Winter Symphonies series returns to the historic City Hall for four Thursday evenings in June – the 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th of June, 2026. Performed by leading conductors, soloists, and ensembles. Acts include conductor Arjan Tien with pianist Nikola Meeuwsen; conductor Arjan Tien with pianists Nina Schumann and Megan-Geoffrey Prins; conductor Bernhard Gueller with cellist Hayoung Choi; and conductor Bernhard Gueller with violinist Daniel Rowland.
- Makin’ Magic – Family Magic Show – The College of Magic presents a high-energy family spectacular with jaw dropping illusions that keep everyone on the edge of their seat. With audience participation, quick-fire comedy and fearless showmanship, this is a magical adventure that sparks imagination, and leaves the whole family believing anything is possible. At the Artscape Theatre, from the 6th until the 7th of June, 2026.
- African Culinary Cup – For all of the culinary kings and queens of the Cape, The African Culinary Cup (ACC) 2026 is a continental culinary competition and skills development programme, that brings together top chefs, students, and emerging talent from Africa and the Middle East. Hosted in Cape Town as part of the Africa Food Show, the event integrates high-level competition, training workshops, mentorship, and industry exposure to benchmark culinary excellence against international standards. From the 10th until the 12th of June, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
- Orpheus in the Underworld – The Artscape’s Opera House puts on a dazzling display from the 11th until the 21st of June, 2026. A ballet bursting with wit, glamour, and incredible choreography by Veronica Paeper. Loosely inspired by Jacques Offenbach’s comic operetta, this 1920s set production features flapper girls, Mafia henchmen, Can-Can dancers, and even a penthouse swimming pool for the Gods! With music specially arranged by Michael Tuffin.
- Decorex Cape Town – A vibrant tribute to the richness of African design, Decorex serves as a hub where visionary design intersects with practical application, showcasing more than 230 of the most dynamic and creative companies on the continent. At the CTICC from the 25th until the 28th of June, 2026.
Labotessa…A Marvel in the Mother City