Arts scene in Cape Town

Design fairs, jazz bars, salsa dancing ~ these are just some of the fantastic artsy delights that the World Design Capital of 2014 has in store.

Design fairs

Cape Town's castle hosted its first Kamers Vol Geskenke fair this past weekend and drew crowds of nearly 13000. Against the backdrop of the distinctive castle architecture and the gorgeous Table Mountain, the fair had a lovely bustling atmosphere. The highly successful popup retail event has been held in Stellenbosch in previous years and will be hosted in the Cape Winelands again at the end of the year. 

Kamers 2014

Earlier in the year, the annual Design Indaba, held at the CTICC, was a big affair due to Cape Town's Design Capital status. Hundreds of designers and craftsmen from the full range of the arts were represented. Everything from textiles, ceramics, jewellery, graphics designs and other decor was on display and up for purchase.

Salsa dancing

Cape Town has a lively Salsa dance scene, and 2014 will see our city play host to the second annual Mzansi Salsa Festival in November. There are several dance schools around town, like Just Dancing Salsa and the Salsa Studio. Every weekend the local salsa social scene is bustling and you may even be lucky enough to catch some bachata and kizomba. On Friday nights head to Grand Daddy Hotel, Saturdays to Arriba and Sunday nights Buena Vista.

Live music

The Crypt at St George's

If you enjoy live music, Cape Town is the place for you. The Crypt at St George's Cathedral plays jazz every day (except Sundays) in a cool gothic setting. Another jazz joint with daily performances in various styles is the Piano Bar in De Waterkant. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra hosts several shows throughout the year. During the summer months, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and De Waal park host concerts. While the De Waal Park concerts are free, you can find the Kirstenbosch concert tickets on webtickets.

All things artsy

First Thursdays at Michaelis, Lutge, 1000 drawings and New Heritage Gallery

Every first Thursday of the month, the Cape Town CBD entices large crowds to wander the streets from galleries to vintage clothing markets, from art shows and doodle sessions to antique furniture shops. First Thursdays started in November 2012 and is an initiative to draw locals and tourists into the heart of the Mother City to discover her artistic side. Custom maps can be found at most venues and are updated every few months. Third Thursdays takes place (every third Thursday) in the East city. The best part: almost all venues have free wine! Follow First Thursdays on Facebook to get all the updates.

At the beginning of the year, the annual Cape Town Art Fair takes place at the Waterfront. It draws exhibitors and art lovers from across the country.

Film festivals

The Labia theatre, the oldest independent art-repertory cinema in South Africa, runs various film festivals throughout the year, including a documentary film festival this month and a Halloween Horror film festival in October.

Shows

Rocky Horror

The Artscape and Baxter theaters host several shows throughout the year, including ballet, opera, musicals and drama. The Baxter is owned and run by the University of Cape Town. Rocky Horror Picture Show is set to run again in 2014 at the Fugard theatre in town. The Maynardville open air theatre puts on shows when the weather permits (mostly during summer months). See also Theatre on the Bay for some local talent. A fantastic theatre dinner experience can be found at Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams (in Johannesburg for the autumn/winter months).



Literary things

On the corner of Buitenkant and Roeland Streets you can find the Book Lounge. Curl up with a book on one of the comfy couches nestled between shelves of books and enjoy a cup of good coffee. The Open Book Festival takes place towards the second half of the year and draws some great authors.


Whether you're in town for a few days or you're a local, whether you're into being socially arty or something more refined and dignified, there's something for everyone.

* Note: all photos taken by me and belong to me.

Exploring the Cape Peninsula

Whatever the season, the Cape Peninsula has so much to offer visitors and locals alike. I know that I've barely scratched the surface of things to do and see in this stunning and unique part of the world.

Disclaimer: According to Wikipedia, the peninsula is 52 km long from Mouille point in the north to Cape Point in the south. As a somewhat assimilated Capetonian, to me the Cape Peninsula runs from around Llandudno to Cape Point and to Muizenberg on the other side. I'm probably incorrect in my classification, but for the purpose of this post, those are the areas that will be included!

Aerial view of the Sentinel and Hout Bay

From my self-proclaimed starting point, Llandudno is a lovely secluded beach, visited mostly by surfers and local residents. It's remarkably clean, pet friendly and mostly sheltered from the wind. Parking can sometimes be tricky as the small parking lot often overflows into narrow spaces on residential roads.

Llandudno beach

Follow Victoria Road from Llandudno to the Republic of Hout Bay. I highly recommend the Hout Bay Harbour market which is open every day of the weekend (and Friday nights). Weather permitting, seal island tours depart hourly from Hout Bay harbour, about R60 for an hour trip. Watch seals cavorting in the waves against the stunning backdrop of the Sentinel peak and the bay. From here you can head to World of Birds which is good fun for the whole family. Walk through large enclosures housing many species of birds and other animals and encounter monkeys clambering on branches (and people!) around you.

Harbour Market and World of Birds are great for the whole family

Chapman's Peak drive

The Chapman's Peak drive starting in Hout Bay is fantastic. Just be aware that this is a toll route and it may close to adverse weather conditions. Enjoy the stunning Cape Atlantic archipelago and indigenous fynbos of the area along many of the scenic stops along the way. Chapman's drive will take you through to Noordhoek, which boasts a sizeable beach and shipwreck. The Foodbarn in Noordhoek is a great gourmet bistro restaurant. Thorfynns Restaurant at Monkey Valley Resort is also a great spot for a family outing and has lovely views of the Atlantic ocean. From Noordhoek, your path may split in various directions and each holds a journey of its own. 

Foodbarn and Thorfynns Restaurants in Noordhoek

Kommetjie lies to the south west and is a quaint town in a seemingly remote spot. On the way you'll pass Imhoff farm which offers camel and horse rides and has several eating spots. You can choose to pass through or head directly to Cape Point, which forms part of Table Mountain National Park. Those with Wild cards will not need to pay an entrance fee.

 

Cape Point is a great day or half day trip. There are various hiking trails across the peninsula, but for those on a tight schedule, it is easy to drive directly to the Cape of Good Hope. Stand in line to snap a picture with the sign! Drive up to Cape Point and jump on the Flying Dutchman funicular or brave the brisk walk to the top to see the lighthouse.

It gets pretty windy at Cape Point!

Submarine tour

From Cape Point, head to Simon's Town, home of the endangered African penguin (renamed from Jackass penguin). Boulders Beach boasts a large penguin colony and visitors are able to get close to these adorable birds. Entrance to the beaches are not free, but a boardwalk starting at Boulders parking lot is open to the public. Kayaking from Simon's Town harbour to Boulders and back only takes about 2 hours and is good fun. Simon's Town is home to South Africa's Navy. The barracks and ships are quite visible in the harbour. Go on a submarine tour of the decommissioned SS Assegaai and explore this metal hulk as it sits in the water.

Penguins at Boulders

From Simon's Town you can jump on the train to Muizenberg and hop off at Kalk Bay on the way. Kalk Bay is a bustling community popular with locals and tourists alike and boasts many popular dining spots and shops. Some of these include the Brass Bell and Polana. False Bay is also good for whale spotting, typically between June and November. Muizenberg is a must for those into surfing. The beach front often boasts markets and festivals.

A mere weekend in the peninsula will not be sufficient to discover all its secrets but it surely will be more than enough to capture your heart.

PS. All photos used in this post belong to me.