Free Things to do in Cape Town 2019 Special Events

FESTIVE SEASON IN FULL SWING: WHAT’S ON AT THE V&A

South Africa, 11 November 2019: This year, the V&A Waterfront’s festive decoration installations are built on its core principles of sustainability, supporting local design and making a positive economic impact. Themed: Joy from Africa to the World, over 130 local designers, crafters, makers and artisans have used recycled and upcycled materials to transform the V&A Waterfront into a wonderland that tells an African festive story of peace and kindness.

The display showcases local talent while demonstrating just what’s possible with ‘waste’. Alongside the installations, there’ll be myriad free activities throughout the holidays, bringing #JoyAtVandA to merrymakers, young and old.

Tinyiko Mageza, Executive Manager of Marketing at the V&A, says she hopes people feel a sense of pride and awe, “From installations made of beautiful weaved baskets to recycled metal welded into golden birds of peace and second-hand baubles papier-mâchéd using paper from our Waste Recovery Plant, I hope we have captured and brought to life a festive showcase that is both magical and meaningful. The aim is to put African creativity and craftsmanship in the spotlight and to tell a positive, authentic narrative about the people of this continent while demonstrating the amazing things you can do with recycled material.”

As a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood in the City of Cape Town, the V&A wants to create and curate a space that looks after the interests of the people who live and visit there, and the environment. Here’s what you can expect in your friendly V&A hood this festive. Immerse yourself in the magic, and make sure these fixtures are firmly diarised. They’re all free!

V&A Motor Show: 16-17 Nov: 09h00 – 16h00
Venue: Silo District
Cost: Free
Petrolheads can anticipate a day packed with passionate automotive conversations, dreamy cars and more.

Meet Mother Earth & The Guardian of Joy at the Summer Palace: 1 – 24 Dec: 10:00 – 18:00
Venue: Centre Court, Victoria Wharf Shopping centre
Cost: free

Kids can explore a magical Summer Palace where they will be welcomed by Mother Earth and the Guardian of Joy – keeper of peace and kindness. The palace is also home to enchanting beaded creatures. They have come from far and wide to visit for the holidays and they can’t wait to meet you!

V&A Waterfront presents Take the Stage: 16 & 23 Nov, 21 & 28 Dec, and 18 Jan: 19h00 – 21h00
Venue: Amphitheatre
Cost: Free
Emerging South African superstars will take to the stage, providing exceptional musical performances that showcase the unprecedented talent in this country.

Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting Ceremony: 29 Nov: 18h30 – 21h30
Venue: Silo District
Cost: free
A towering tree made entirely from 1800 recycled Champagne bottles will inevitably inspire awe. Four-stories tall, it’s a magical spectacle that only gets better once the sun sets and the lights go on.

Silo Concert: This Thing Called Swing: 6 Dec: 19h00
Venue: Silo District
Cost: Free
Jump, jive, jitterbug, swing and hop till you drop at this festive celebration of all things Swing, with Big Band Music to boot. The 20-piece The Swinging All Stars Big Band will bring those 30s and 40s beats no feet will be able to resist. Bring your dancing shoes!

V&A Waterfront Kids Christmas Show: 12-24 Dec: 11h30, 13h30 and 15h30 (3 shows per day)
Venue: Amphitheatre
Cost: Free
Meet Zoemba the rhino and Jelly, his ellie sidekick as they get up to all sorts of mischief that’ll have little ones singing and playing fun festive games! Santa Clause also pays Zoemba and Jelly a visit to spread joy and take pictures with the little ones. Think colouring-in competitions, sing-alongs, face painting, bauble-making with Wola Nani and more!

V&A Waterfront New Year’s Eve: 2020 Will be Luminous! 31 Dec: 18h00 – 00h00
Venue: Throughout the V&A
Cost: Free
The sun will set, and the magic will begin! Expect an immersive wonderland of glowing colours as magical light installations come to life, illuminating the buildings and trees, with an integrated soundtrack to tell a story that celebrates our community. The famous fireworks will follow, of course!

Imagine: College of Magic: 2-8 Jan: 15:30 – 16:15
Venue: Amphitheatre
Cost: Free
Prepare to keep asking ‘how did they do that?’ This show has the wow factor, with lots of tricks up its sleeve…

Silo Concert: Puesta Del Sol Concert: 3 Jan: 19h00
Venue: Silo District
Cost: Free
Salsa and seductive tango tunes will add extra heat to a sultry summer night, as this journey through Latin music takes listeners through traditional Brazilian folk music, Argentinean tango and Cuban salsa. There’ll be a dancefloor… of course.

Jazzathon: 9-11 Jan: 11:00 - 19:00
Venue: Amphitheatre
Cost: Free
A highly anticipated, landmark annual event that features fabulous jazz artists bringing their best to the V&A.