Marchelle Abrahams

Here, Down South, we’re spoilt for choice. Our local talent is thriving, but what was once a blank spot on the international entertainment calendar is now part of a global movement. When an artist or group announces their “world tour”, South Africa, and specifically Cape Town, is listed somewhere between Sydney and New York. With 2026 heading for a close, the big productions keep coming. Here’s a taster of what’s in store for the rest of the year and early 2027.

Tokyo has its karaoke bars. Athens has its taverns. Cape Town has First Thursdays. What started as a free monthly initiative to encourage locals to visit art galleries and cultural centres after dark has now morphed into an institution of sorts. Inspired by similar events in London, co-founders Gareth Pearson and Michael Tymbios wanted to put a unique spin on the event. In a 2015 post on Medium, Pearson said that the premise behind the concept was for art galleries and other cultural attractions within a walkable area to stay open late on the first Thursday of every month. The duo explained: “The very first edition in November 2012 included just six spots on the map, one being a little pop-up exhibition we threw together in an empty retail space.” These days, First Thursdays is a whole lot more than walking Bree Street. It’s the infectious spirit of a city that plays hard. How about injecting some early excitement into your Easter Long Weekend with Time Out Cape Town’s ultimate guide to First Thursdays? Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

The rave scene in The Matrix Reloaded (2003) always has me feeling some kinda way. Maybe it’s the way their sweaty bodies move in unison like a single organism, or that they’re dancing because the end of the world is nigh. Fluke’s Zion provides the backing track for the iconic setting. Today, it remains a classic in the progressive house genre. That single take was reflective of music’s power to evoke a frenzy of passion and community. And that, in a nutshell, is indicative of what club culture is. It’s the coming together of people who share a common love for music. Dance. Companionship. Connection. That trend is more evident than ever. Before the pandemic, nightclubs were packed to the rooftops with queues of patrons waiting to get in. Wear the wrong outfit? Gated. Look inappropriate? Gated. Under the influence? Gated. Well, the last one is warranted. But there was a certain aesthetic attached to gaining entry.  Meet some of the creatives behind these events Pulling off any of the suggested experiences we've curated below requires a team of creative minds who are exceptional at their work. Nobody knows this better than Léa Debbah, the founder of Edition Events. Debbah started hosting events at the tail end of the pandemic when people were craving connection. “I saw an opportunity to bring people together through music, creativity, and culture in a more intentional way,” she explains. Debbah wanted to create spaces that were more inclusive and diverse. “From the beginning, i

Welcome, fellow land dwellers. If you’re reading this, you’re almost a week into the Holy Month of Ramadan and have already run out of Iftar ideas. Or, maybe you’re curious about how Muslims observe Ramadan in Cape Town. Either way, you’re in the right place.  A spiritual reset This year, Ramadan began on Wednesday, 18 February, coinciding with the start of the Chinese New Year and the beginning of Christianity’s Lent, and marking a rare overlap of sacred calendars.  For Muslims, Ramadan typically lasts between 29 and 30 days, meaning it’s expected to end on or around Wednesday, 18 March or Thursday, 19 March 2026. As always, the final date is determined by the moon's sighting and marked by the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr.  It is most significantly associated with fasting from sunrise to sunset. Yes, kinda like intermittent fasting, for the wellness crowd. Only, the intention behind it isn’t the physical sacrifice of giving up food and drink. The act of fasting is a spiritual reset and a time for reflection and gratitude. Unfortunately, social media has dimmed the significance of the occasion leading up to Eid al-Fitr. Islam has become more of an aesthetic for influencers during Ramadan. The beauty, the food, and the decor all appear so exotic. But many don’t go into the “why” and the “how” of the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.  A word of advice: Even if you’re curious or have Muslim friends or family, do your research, and I don’t mean TikTok posts or memes. No

When I was 11, the only exercise I got was scaling our back wall, climbing the neighbour’s tree, and attempting to retrieve the juiciest loquats.  The kids these days are built differently. They’re hanging out at coffee shops, playing board games with their chommies. They’re connecting at silent book clubs and joining gyms.  For Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024), fitness centres and sports clubs are becoming the new social spaces. They are less formal and far less intimidating than school extramural activities. Gym culture is the new cool, and private gyms and franchises are locking into that trend. More Gyms Courting the Younger Generation The United States first noticed the uptick in younger memberships in 2024. According to the Health & Fitness Association, the older portion of Gen Alpha (16-year-olds) accounted for 30.8% of total gym memberships. That’s a third of many gym’s annual membership income. And while pre-teens don’t qualify for independent contracts, many are using their parents’ memberships to take advantage of the perks. That soon, too, might come to an end, because Cape Town gyms get it. They’re feeding into the zeitgeist and early adoption of healthy habits. It’s called supply and demand. Check out below which Mother City gyms are game for junior members. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍽️ The best restaurants in Cape Town🍸 The best bars in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town

I read an article the other day about how generations born during the boom of the Internet era will never experience the simple pleasures of childhood. It’s knocking on a friend’s door when wanting to play or waiting for the street lights to turn on, your cue that it’s time to go home. For me, Sundays were the best. My sister and I knew that if we behaved ourselves, our father would take us for a Sunday afternoon drive after lunch. If the planets aligned, and Neptune was in retrograde, we’d all pack into our Nissan Skyline, my dad’s pride and joy.  Yho, the way he loved that car! Most of us grew up looking forward to Sunday drives, whether it was a trip around the Cape Peninsula or through the Huguenot Tunnel. Now you can make your own memories with Time Out’s 10 scenic drives for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

By the time you read this, you’re probably planning your Christmas Day lunch. If not, then you should at least be thinking about it, right? No? Procrastination is not going to get that table booked.  And because Cape Town is tourist-central every festive season, time is not on your side.  Depending on your mood and budget, Time Out has curated a list of spots around the Mother City to enjoy a memorable Christmas lunch, ranging from buffet-style to the very top-notch experiences.   Why go mediocre when you can spend all your money on yourself? Cape Town is home to award-winning restaurants. So take advantage of it!  And of course, we haven’t forgotten about the plant-based fans. Thankfully, restaurants are catering to environmentally conscious tastes.    Time Out Tip: Besides MIKO, other eateries are extending their culinary prowess with vegan dishes. And they’re pretty decent as well. No “swap out this for this” options.  

Many associate high tea with aristocrats and royalty. But here’s a little braai broodjie morsel for you. You’re right to assume it has its roots in 19th-century Britain. What you might not know is that high tea was first thought up by the working class.  The modern version of supper, these hardworking men and women would have a substantial evening meal after a long day’s work. They’d eat at a high dining table, unlike the rich folks who preferred a “low tea,” a social affair served at low chairs and low tables. And here we thought high tea was all about sipping from a porcelain teacup with your right pinky finger pointed out.  If you fancy a cuppa, Time Out is serving the tea (piping hot) on the best high tea spots in Cape Town, high brows and higher dining tables not included.

You know that song ‘Dilemma’ by K.Keed? She raps, “I feel like bad decisions”. This line basically describes what New Year’s Eve should be. Do people still do that? Use one night of the year to throw away their name and their inhibitions for the sake of spontaneity? I get it. I was once young, free, and regretting my life choices, and a New Year’s Eve party gave me carte blanche to do silly things without worrying about the consequences. Now, people think before they act, which is always a good thing. But if you plan on painting the town red, do so responsibly. In the meantime, here’s a list of New Year’s Eve events happening in and around Cape Town. As a country, we’ve gone through the most this year, so let’s show 2025 flames and send her off with a bang. Psst: Keep an eye on this list as we'll add more parties as they become available. 

Like music, art is subjective. Either you like it or you don’t.  I remember once visiting a wine farm in Franschhoek to do a story on hotel galleries, and came across a piece. I don’t recall the artist, but what stuck with me was the look in the woman’s eyes. It was jarring and evocative. The oil painting evoked feelings of longing and melancholy.  If tragic beauty could be immortalised in a painting, this would be the benchmark. The reality is that it was hidden beyond the reach of everyday people, part of a private collection only for the eyes of the wealthy and privileged. Many view the idea of visiting an art gallery as a walkabout at the Zeitz MOCAA or a collection at the South African National Gallery. Yet, there’s another world of independent galleries that spotlight artists and strive to make their work more accessible. Even established creatives are championing the next generation. Award-winning visual artist Blessing Ngobeni is an outspoken advocate for creating platforms and accessibility to art. This is a man who took his lived experience, having spent several years behind bars, and used it as the match to light the spark. His art mirrors society: the light and the dark. For Ngobeni, making art accessible is important, and he adds that even dealers and galleries are open to discussing payment terms. “We don’t mind because if we don’t do that, we don’t participate in changing the narrative of ownership of art.” You don’t need to be an avid art lover to appreciate i

My childhood summers consisted of three drinks: metallic-tasting water straight from the tap, Sparletta, and tea. Yet, nothing beats the cold, refreshing taste of Oros aan-maak (premix) drink as it hits the back of your throat. Sweet and sour intertwined in a marriage of convenience. Throw in a few ice cubes, and you’ve got the mocktail equivalent of the Screwdriver. Nothing compared to it until I made the mango lassi’s acquaintance. The sun was a big, bright, shiny disk in the sky. I was hot, agitated, and heavily pregnant. Not an Oros in sight. My husband returned to our stuffy one-bedroom flat, bearing a gift. One sip and I was a gone girl.  Fresh mango pulp, yogurt, honey, cardamom, and crushed ice. The combination is really the girl she thinks she is. The drink has its origins in the Punjab region of India and dates back to around 1000 BC, according to foodie blog Classic Indian. While most of us enjoy it as a summer drink, mango lassi was initially used as a digestive aid. How’s that for your Chappies installment of “Did you know…” While the rest of the globe raves about matcha this and matcha that, nothing trumps a fresh mango lassi. For those who prefer their drinks without viral hype, we’ve curated a list of lesser-known cafes and food joints that serve the authentic Indian drink as we head into summer.

Can you feel it? That gees in the air? Summer is creeping in, and if you’ve played your cards right, you’ve probably already managed to sneak in a beach day (or two). We try to stay humble, we really do, but let’s be honest: when it comes to enjoying the festive season, is there anywhere better than Cape Town? (Spoiler: there isn’t. And no, we’re not taking feedback at this time.) From sunrise strolls along Muizenberg Beach to golden hour sundowners in Camps Bay, the Mother City really knows how to do summer right. As the days get longer, the vibes get lighter, and everyone collectively remembers what joy feels like, so we’ve rounded up the very best summer festivals happening in and around Cape Town. If enjoying a picnic with a drink in hand while local artists take the stage is more of your vibe, check out the full Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts line-up! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow u

Paarl has long been the home of the Western Cape’s most prestigious public schools. That’s what it’s known for. Oh, and for birthing some of the country’s greatest rugby players (Handré Pollard, we see you, and we salute you). For decades, it’s struggled to keep up with Stellenbosch’s cosmopolitan vibe. Stellies has thrown its marketing budget at its boutique wineries and award-winning restaurants. Paarl has brandy and that massive granite rock.  In recent years, the town has made its mark as a premier wine destination. But the Boland dorp wants more. It wants to claim the tourism crown in the Winelands. SMEUL officially places it in the race for that crown. Tucked in the original cellar of the newly revived Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl, the restaurant signals chef Kevin Grobler’s bold return. A serious glow-up for Boland fine dining. For the Paarl local, SMEUL (Afrikaans for “smoulder”) is more than a restaurant; it’s a statement. The kitchen runs entirely on open flame and wood-fired Dover stoves. No shortcuts. Just fire. Instinct and skill. Chef Kevin’s resume is a testament to his tenacity. A stint at Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN in Nice, Delaire Graff, and SCAPE has cemented his presence on the local and international foodie scene. However, SMEUL is his most confident, most unapologetic expression yet. If the woody aroma drifting from Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl’s main road doesn’t entice you, the contemporary, quirky decor grounded in the hotel’s heritage

Cape Town’s biggest rugby party is about to get a whole lot cheaper. HSBC SVNS Cape Town tickets are returning to pre-pandemic prices, starting at R180 when sales open at 9am on Friday, 2 October.  With the Blitzboks chasing a third consecutive Cape Town title, this is one weekend where your FOMO could be doing more tackling than the players. The action returns to DHL Stadium on Saturday 5 and Sunday, 6 December, bringing two days of fast, furious sevens rugby to the Mother City. The Blitzboks arrive as reigning HSBC SVNS Series and World Champions, having already secured back-to-back Cape Town titles.  Now they have another piece of silverware in their sights. And SA Rugby has clearly decided that fans deserve a little more bang for their buck. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HSBC SVNS Cape Town (@capetown7s) Rugby without the wallet tackle Ticket prices have been cut by between 17% and 28%, depending on the category.  The cheapest option, Category D, comes in at R180 for unreserved seating in the second tier. Want to be closer to the action? Category C is R280, Category B is R380, while Category A costs R500 for lower-tier seats around halfway.  Finally, an option for most budgets. No need to execute a financial Hail Mary to watch a few rugby legends sprint around a pitch. The move comes as SA Rugby looks to pack the stadium once again for what has become one of Cape Town’s unofficial starts to summer. And it’s about more than ru

South Africa is spoiled for choice in the electronic music scene. Our local talent is doing the most, from Oskido to Black Coffee. Thanks to homegrown genres like Amapiano and Gqom, our influence has reached global heights. It’s no wonder the rest of the world wants to play with our MVPs. We’ve got Ultra South Africa, Bazique, and AfrikaBurn. And because last year’s event was such a jol, fabric London will return for another epic party. London clubbing institution fabric needs no introduction to rave and EDM music fans. Since 1999, the outfit has remained at the forefront of club culture and electronic music. Platforming diverse genres, artists and communities, fabric has played a pivotal role in shaping the global dance music landscape for over 27 years. Facts! Because fans were clamouring for more, fabric, in collaboration with Sub Sahara, will bring two shows to Cape Town and Joburg in January 2027. Plus, Desiree (Palesa Desiree Shilabje) marks her return to Jozi for a special homecoming. The fast-rising South African house and techno DJ, producer, and curator is a fixture on London’s house and techno scene, with a genre-spanning approach to the dancefloor and her work through MMINO. fabric London I SuppliedBecause fans were clamouring for more, fabric, in collaboration with Sub Sahara, will bring two shows to Cape Town and Joburg in January 2027. Joburg, you’re up Joburg ravers, start saving. fabric takes over Carfax on Friday, 15 January. Why Carfax? Well, it just felt

A fun fact about October: It comes from the Latin word octo, meaning “eight.” I was today years old when I learnt that October was the eighth month in the early Roman calendar before two extra months were added. Enough trivia for now. You didn’t come here for dinner party small talk. You came here to get your weekend plans sorted. If you’re in Stellenbosch from Saturday, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees will be in full swing. Check it out, but book your tickets early. There’s plenty for the kids to do these school holidays, from making magical mooncakes at Willowbridge to joining the Canal Walk Kids Club for the current squishy craze invading our algorithms. For the grown-ups, Soul Sisters comes to the Grand West Arena, and VarieTease! makes an appearance at Greenhaus in Sunningdale. CBD MOSAIC Webtickets I SuppliedMOSAIC brings three dance companies together in one powerful celebration of movement, identity and imagination. Wednesday, 30 September - Saturday, 3 October, 7pm Venue: Artscape Arena, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore  Cost: R180, bookings via Webtickets South Africa has no shortage of talent on the dance front, and MOSAIC is a testament to that. The show brings three dance companies together in one powerful celebration of movement, identity and imagination. And like a mosaic, each company offers its own piece of the puzzle in one shared experience. Zukiswa View this post on Instagram A post shared by D I A N A | Content Creator | IP Attorney | Influe

Several weeks ago, Le Pickle co-owners Piet Aucamp and Trent Devine stood in what looked like the ruins of a building. It was the construction site of their Bree Street store. Looking around them, bewildered, they said, “We were supposed to be selling burgers out of here from this month.”  But fate has a way of playing tricks on you, and Trent learned that the hard way. The floor was beyond saving. They had to bring in engineers, get council approval and start from scratch.  July went from October. Bree Street was supposed to be the first Le Pickle location. It wasn’t. In the interim, the owners opened their Claremont shop in addition to their De Waterkant shop.  From humble beginnings Le Pickle started in March 2025, born from four friends (Pieter Aucamp, Vincent Viviers, Trenton Devine, and Enrico Ferigolli), a lot of burger experimentation, and what appears to be a fairly serious commitment to the humble pickle.  The brand’s original home is at 8 Jarvis Street in De Waterkant, with a second location that opened in Claremont in July. Now it’s bringing the operation into the heart of the CBD. Finally, the new Le Pickle lands at 215 Bree Street, in time for First Thursdays. with its official launch happening on Friday October 2.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by LE PICKLE (@lepickle_za) The winning formula The formula is straightforward: double smash patties, house-made buns, cheese, pickles and sauces. Everything is prepared fresh dail

Cape Town and Stellenbosch are teaming up to tempt travellers beyond the city limits, with new itineraries and experiences designed to turn two destinations into one irresistible Cape escape. Cape Town Tourism and Visit Stellenbosch have signed a Joint Marketing Agreement (JMA) to encourage visitors to experience both destinations as part of a connected Cape journey. The partnership, announced as South Africa marks Tourism Month, brings together two destinations with distinctly different draws. Cape Town offers its coastline, city energy, cultural attractions and urban experiences. Stellenbosch brings wine, food, heritage, art, nature, shopping and a strong roster of local experiences. The idea is simple: rather than treating the two destinations as separate stops, these are essentially complementary parts of an iconic experience to the Mother City. A bonus for school holidays, long weekends and the festive season The partnership will see Cape Town Tourism and Visit Stellenbosch develop new joint itineraries, share content and run collaborative campaigns across their digital platforms. Domestic tourism will be a particular focus during school holidays, long weekends and the festive season, while year-round campaigns will aim to create fresh reasons to visit and help tackle seasonality. For Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, the partnership is a win-win. “The marketing and management team must go hand in hand. We can’t se

A new Durban-inspired street-food concept, AWÉ, is coming to Time Out Market Cape Town, bringing together spice, memory, music, and plenty of KwaZulu-Natal attitude. The new concept comes from The Wiggle Room and chef Ismail ‘Fish’ Amos, and its name is doing some serious work. AWÉh is that wonderfully elastic South African greeting that can mean hello, yes, good, I see you, or a knowing acknowledgement between people sharing the same moment. For AWÉ, it fits. The food is rooted in a meeting point: Durban. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Market Cape Town (@timeoutmarketcapetown) Distinctly Durban For Chef Ismail, that story is personal. Growing up in Newlands East, he was surrounded by Tamil, Cape Malay and German culinary traditions. These weren’t distant cultural influences to be studied later. They were part of everyday life, absorbed through family kitchens, grandmothers, aromas, stories and the rituals of cooking. Then there is Durban itself, a city shaped by movement, migration and exchange. Its food tells that story, too. Indian culinary traditions met African ingredients, local circumstances, scarcity, ingenuity and the unmistakable heat of KwaZulu-Natal. What emerged was something distinctly Durban. AWÉ isn’t trying to put that history behind glass. Chef Ismail cooks from memory, giving those influences room to move. Street food and family recipes meet the technique and imagination of a chef whose career has taken him t

If you’ve played your annual leave Uno cards properly, you’re probably pretty chuffed with your long weekend. The rest of ya’ll, try again next year. Let’s not forget the significance of Heritage Day. Yes, it’s blue skies and braai vleis. But it’s also a celebration of South Africa’s culture and diversity. And with our nuanced and complicated history, it’s worth taking a moment to ponder how far we’ve come as a nation, and how far we still have to go. No doubt, you’ll be starting up the skottle from Thursday onwards. And as far as braais go, Lamb Champs is going down in the Boland. Bafunny Bafunny goes live on Friday and Saturday at the Grand Arena. The rest of the weekend is lit, as well. Don’t forget to braai responsibly, and leave room for seconds. CBD No Place Like Home Webtickets I SuppliedNo Place Like Home Tuesday, 22 September - Sunday, 27 September, 8pm and 3:30pm Venue: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town CBD Cost: R190 - R225, bookings via Webtickets An original musical that brings together humour, music and compelling storytelling, No Place Like Home explores family and identity through characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. And of course, with notable theatre luminaries like Loukmaan Adams and Jody Abrahams, you’ll have yourself a jolly good time. Unofficial Pink Party The Unofficial Pink Party I FacebookUnofficial Pink Party Saturday, 26 September, 9pm - 3am Venue: Botanik Social House, 54 Queen Victoria St  Cost: From R50, no under-18s, bookings v

Let’s get one thing straight. The idea that vegan markets are all earnest oat milk and lectures about lentils is an insult to vegans. Cape Town’s Vegan Goods Market is the ideal mythbuster to put that hypothesis to bed. Held on the first Sunday of every month at The Range in Tokai, the community-focused market brings together food, drinks, local makers, live music, sustainable shopping and plenty of reasons to linger.  Even better? You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. Radio personality Jamie-Lee Domburg, who describes herself as not vegan, counts it among her favourite Cape Town spots. Still on the fence? I’ll give you five more reasons to make a Sunday date of it. Vegan Goods Market I FacebookThe market is held at The Range on Orpen Road, Tokai. #1. Come hungry. Obviously The market features more than 50 vendors, serving up an impressively broad spread of vegan food and beverages, from sweet treats to savoury bites.  And because everything is plant-based, you can browse without the usual mental gymnastics of asking what contains dairy, eggs or other animal products. #2. Stay for the vibes The clue is in the name, but don’t let “Vegan Goods” fool you into thinking this is strictly a foodie affair. Alongside edible goodies, you’ll find cruelty-free home and body products, clothing, accessories and locally made goods. The market also collaborates with Thrift Fest, adding second-hand, vintage and handmade finds to the mix. #3. Bring the whole gang This is very much a family

Hear ye, hear ye, lend me your ears, and I’ll sing you a song about NE-YO and the Ultimate R&B Experience Tour coming to Cape Town. Not a fan of smooth tunes? How about goblins and ghosts arriving at their haunted house outpost? Stormers fans are in for a double whammy this month as they take on the Sharks and the Scarlets at DHL Stadium. October also ushers in the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon. Entries are still open if you’re keen to write your page in the history books. Don’t worry if you’re not the fitness kind; there’s more in store, from a monthly vegan market in Tokai to flying kites in Ottery, literally. And on that note, hou vas, the kids are back at school from Tuesday, 6 October. Until then, may the force be with you. CBD Loeries Creative Week 2026 Webtickets I SuppliedLoeries Creative Week 2026 Wednesday, 7 October - Sunday, 11 October Venue: Cape Town City Hall and The Homecoming Centre  Cost: From R165, bookings via Webtickets Loeries Creative Week 2026 is the place to be for creatives in the advertising and communications industry. Featuring masterclasses, workshops, networking sessions, and the International Seminar of Creativity, the week closes with prestigious Loeries Awards Nights. Of course, no awards week is complete without an after-party, happening on Friday, 9 October at Cabo Beach Club. Nelson Mandela Marathon Nelson Mandela Marathon I SuppliedOn Sunday, 18 October, thousands of runners will take to the streets for the inaugural Nelson Mande

Beach day? Before you grab the towel and head for the ocean, one more thing: what’s happening in the water? Enter Cape Town Beach Alerts, the City’s new 24/7 online guide to coastal water quality, beach conditions and everything else you need to know before hitting the coast. The new platform puts the latest information for beaches and tidal pools along Cape Town’s Atlantic and False Bay coastlines in one easy-to-use place. A map, colour-coded pins and a search function make it easier to find your favourite swimming spot. The colour coding keeps things simple: Green = the latest result is within national recreational guidelines.  Amber = there’s been one failed result.  Red = two consecutive failures. Want the bigger picture? You can check the latest result or look at the rolling 365-day record.  The platform also shows when samples were taken, where they were collected, how many samples were analysed over the past year, and how many met recreational guidelines. You can scroll through the last eight results. Then there’s the useful stuff beyond water quality. Read: Blue Flag beaches in Cape Town BRUCE SUTHERLANDAlderman Eddie Andrewsand Councillor Izabel Sherry used the webpage to look up the water quality for the St James tidal pool in the Far South, before they enjoyed a plunge. More accessible Cape Town Beach Alerts includes active alerts, testing frequency, long-term beach classifications and information about lifeguard services and Blue Flag status. Today’s weather a

The year is 2031. You’re sitting in the spectator stands somewhere in the Swartland, waiting for the checkered flag to give the go-ahead.  The roar of engines and smell of burning tyres quicken your breath. Right now, you’re feeling pretty impressed with yourself. Because you are watching in the making in real time. This is a F1 Grand Prix race, and you’re cheering from the sidelines. Hopefully, this could become reality. During the annual Swartland Mayoral Breakfast, Blue Mountain Racing (BMR) formally confirmed its intention to bring a world‑class Formula 1 Grand Prix to the Swartland region by 2031. With the backing of the consortium of business leaders and motorsport experts, it puts South Africa and Cape Town in pole position. Securing Formula 1 hosting rights might be closer than initially thought. South African mining magnate and BMR Chair Neal Froneman broke the news at the event hosted by Swartland Mayor Harold Cleophas. “This proposal creates a win-win scenario, given its proximity to Cape Town, one of the most recognised and popular tourist destinations in the world,” states Froneman. He added that Cape Town’s unique position as an international hub gives access to direct connections from around the globe.  “It offers world-class hospitality, has a proven record of delivering major international events and is set against a backdrop of iconic mountains, ocean and winelands that no circuit designer could ever manufacture,” he adds. Swartland Municipality I FacebookS

Whoever said nothing in life is free hasn’t visited South Africa, obviously. Our nation is alive with possibility and freebies, come Heritage Month. We’ve got SANParks Week (7 - 13 September) and now, to sweeten the deal, the City of Cape Town has announced free access to its nature reserves on Heritage Day (Thursday, 24 September). Spring is the opportune time to visit some of the Mother City’s natural heritage sights. We’ve got blooming wildflowers, birdwatching and some of the most awe-inspiring hikes, all within city limits. Well, mostly. “This Heritage Month, we want to celebrate Cape Town’s natural heritage. These reserves protect extraordinary landscapes and biodiversity, and they are also places that residents can experience and enjoy,” commented Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. Options are not in short supply. Living in Cape Town sometimes desensitises us to our surroundings. Which other city lets you hike to a lookout spot, watch the metropolis below shake off its hazy slumber, and go quad biking on dunes before 3pm? CoCT I SuppliedWildflowers in bloom. Pick your fighter  Choose one or more spots and make a full day of it. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve Good for: Fynbos, sandy coastlines and a dip in the frigid Atlantic. Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve Good for: Walking, birdwatching and plant identification (fancy explanation for “Oh, look, a flower with pink and yellow petals.”) Botterblom Nat