What is up in Cape Town 16–18 May 2025?! Get ready to party

Overview

| Date | Event Name | Venue | Price | Target Group | |------|------------|-------|-------|--------------| | **16 May** (Fri) | Bay Harbour “Friday Nite LIVE!” – Market & Music | Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay | Free entry | All Ages | | **17 May** (Sat) | Neighbourgoods Market – Food & Crafts | Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock | Free entry | All Ages | | **17 May** (Sat) | Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Farmers’ Market | Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront | Free entry | All Ages | | **17 May** (Sat) | Cape Town Steelband Festival – Live Music | Baxter Theatre Concert Hall | R100–R160 | All Ages | | **17 May** (Sat) | Long Street Drum Circle – Interactive Drumming | 134 Long Street | R50 | All Ages | | **17 May** (Sat) | Alex Cruz & Friends – DJ Night | Botanik Social House | ~R250 | Adults (18+) | | **17 May** (Sat) | World Whisky Day @ Bascule Bar – Tastings | Cape Grace Hotel, Waterfront | R200–R1000 | Adults (21+) | | **17 May** (Sat) | Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre | R565 | All Ages (8+) | | **18 May** (Sun) | Neighbourgoods Market – Food & Vintage | Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock | Free entry | All Ages | | **18 May** (Sun) | Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Farmers’ Market | Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront | Free entry | All Ages | | **18 May** (Sun) | Bay Harbour Market – Shopping & Music | Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay | Free entry | All Ages | | **18 May** (Sun) | International Museum Day @ Zeitz MOCAA – Exhibitions | V&A Waterfront | R250 | All Ages | | **18May** (Sun)** | Long Street Nightlife – Bars & Clubs | Long Street, CBD | Mostly free entry | Adults (18+) | *(*Candlelight: under‑16s must be accompanied by an adult.)* Cape Town is buzzing with energy this weekend, offering a **vibrant mix of markets, music, and nightlife** that will thrill both tourists and locals. Whether you’re in the mood for **family-friendly daytime fun** or **after-dark adventures** on Long Street, the Mother City has you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to the coolest events from **Friday 16 May to Sunday 18 May 2025**, with something for every age and budget.

Family-Friendly & All-Ages Events

**Kick off your mornings at Cape Town’s famous markets.** There are several lively markets this weekend where you can stroll, shop, and snack with the whole family: - **Neighbourgoods Market (Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock)** – **Saturday 9:00–18:00 & Sunday 10:00–17:00**. This pioneering market turns a former factory into a foodie paradise every weekend. Browse dozens of stalls serving global street foods (think ostrich burgers, paella, dim sum and more) and local farm produce. Live musicians add to the festive vibe as you explore artisan jams, cheeses, fashion and crafts. Recently, the market **expanded to Sunday** with a focus on vintage and collectibles, so you now have two days to enjoy it. **Free entry** for all ages – bring the kids (and even the dog on a leash) for a sensory feast! - **Oranjezicht City Farm Market (Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront)** – **Saturday & Sunday 8:15–14:00**. A family-friendly farmers’ market by the sea, featuring fresh produce from over 40 local farmers and dozens of artisanal food vendors. Pick up organic veggies, baked goods, dairy, free‑range eggs, or enjoy ready‑to‑eat treats from gourmet stalls. It’s a bustling community hub that attracts thousands of visitors each weekend. Kids will love the open‑air setting and parents will love that **entry is free**. Grab a healthy breakfast smoothie or a barista coffee and soak up the **relaxed farm‑style atmosphere** by the waterfront. - **Bay Harbour Market (Hout Bay)** – **Friday 17:00–21:00, Saturday & Sunday 9:30–16:00**. Head to the picturesque fishing harbor in Hout Bay for one of Cape Town’s most **vibrant markets**, complete with live music and an electric atmosphere. This indoor market **kicks off on Friday night** with “Friday Nite LIVE!” – food stalls and bars open up, and a live band takes the stage around 7 pm to get the weekend started. The fun continues through Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with over 100 traders selling art, craft, fashion, jewelry, and of course mouth‑watering food ranging from seafood to African BBQ. It’s **family‑friendly** – you’ll see locals, tourists, and plenty of kids dancing and sampling treats (the nutella crêpes are a hit!). **No entry fee**; just bring some spending money for artisan goodies. *Insider tip:* Check the market’s schedule for the live music lineup – for example, you might catch the **Brandon Lee Hunt** acoustic set on Saturday at 1 pm or a lively band on Sunday. As one travel reviewer put it, “You don’t just come here to eat but to shop, too,” and even if the weather’s dreary, *Bay Harbour* will be in full swing. - **Cape Town Steelband Festival (Baxter Theatre)** – **Saturday 17 May, 15:00**. Introduce the family to the energetic sounds of steel drums at this annual festival featuring youth and community steel bands from across the city. The concert takes place at the Baxter Theatre’s Concert Hall, and you can expect infectious Caribbean and African rhythms that will have everyone’s toes tapping. It’s a wonderful cultural experience suitable for all ages. **Tickets cost** R100–R160 (available via Webtickets) – a great mid‑afternoon outing if you’re looking for something different and musical. - **Long Street Drum Circle (134 Long Street)** – **Saturday 17 May, 15:00–18:00**. Join an **open‑for‑all drumming circle** right on Long Street! Every Saturday afternoon, local djembe master Manan Ajimah leads a casual drum jam on the sidewalk in front of his shop. **Everyone is welcome** – from absolute beginners (they’ll even lend you a drum) to experienced percussionists. **Cost:** R50 per person for an afternoon of communal music‑making. Even if you just watch, it’s a fun, culturally rich experience on bustling Long Street. - **International Museum Day at Zeitz MOCAA (V&A Waterfront)** – **Sunday 18 May, 10:00–18:00**. Celebrate art and culture at Africa’s leading contemporary art museum. Explore cutting‑edge African art – from Rita Mawuena Benissan’s regal *One Must Be Seated* installation to Nolan Dennis’s thought‑provoking **UNDERSTUDIES** exhibit. **Entry is R250** (children under 18 usually enter free). Pair your visit with an ice cream at the V&A Food Market afterward. - **Candlelight Concert: Music of Coldplay & Imagine Dragons (Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium)** – **Saturday 17 May, evening**. A magical **multi‑sensory experience**: classical musicians perform hits by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons amid hundreds of candles. **Tickets:** R565 per person. All ages 8+ (under 16s with an adult). Expect favourites like *Fix You*, *Paradise*, and *Radioactive* arranged for piano and strings.

Nightlife

When night falls, Cape Town turns up the heat! From the **thumping clubs of Long Street** to chic cocktail bars by the waterfront, there’s no shortage of after‑dark entertainment this weekend. Here are the top picks for adults seeking music, dancing, and good vibes: - **Long Street Party Scene (City Centre)** – Long Street is the **undisputed nightlife hub** of Cape Town, famed for its bar‑hopping fun and eclectic crowds. This Friday and Saturday night, **every venue on Long will be alive** with music and revelry. - *Beerhouse on Long* (223 Long Street) → **99 beers on offer**; live bands or DJs on weekends. - *The Waiting Room* (273 Long Street) → rooftop dance floor under the stars. - *Mama Africa* (178 Long Street) → live marimba/drum band and African cuisine. **No cover charge** at most bars; some clubs may ask a small fee after 22:00. **Adults (18+).** *Tip:* Use Uber instead of driving. - **Alex Cruz & Friends – Live DJ Set (Botanik Social House)** – **Saturday 17 May, 20:00–late**. Dutch DJ **Alex Cruz** brings melodic deep house to Botanik (54 Queen Victoria Street). Supporting DJs and live instrumentalists add to the vibe. **Tickets ~R250** (Quicket). **Adults 18+** – dress casual‑cool for hours of dancing. - **World Whisky Day at Bascule Bar (Cape Grace Hotel)** – **Saturday 17 May, from 18:00**. Celebrate at Cape Town’s premier whisky bar with tasting flights and live jazz. **Prices:** R200–R1000 depending on the flight. Bookings essential. **Adults 21+ recommended.** - **Bonus Nightlife Highlights** - *Mercury Live* / *Cafe Roux*: local rock bands (cover ± R100). - *Funny Side Up* comedy show with Kurt Schoonraad, Baxter Theatre – final show 17 May, R180. - Clubs: *Coco*, *ERA*, *District* → house & techno (cover R100‑R200). No matter your taste, the city’s after‑dark scene will ensure your weekend nights are just as exciting as your days. With this lineup of markets by day and music by night, your weekend in Cape Town is set to be **unforgettable**. Start your mornings with artisanal coffee and crafts, spend your afternoons dancing to drum beats or exploring art, and cap off the nights grooving on Long Street or sipping whisky by the harbour. From **free family outings** to **premium VIP experiences**, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the **Mother City’s weekend magic**, and don’t forget to share your good vibes – **#CapeTownWeekend**! Have a fantastic weekend in Cape Town! 🎉 ## Sources ### Market & Family‑Friendly Events - **Neighbourgoods Market** — event details and opening times - **Oranjezicht City Farm Market** — vendor count, schedule, family focus - **Bay Harbour Market (Hout Bay)** — trading hours, live‑music lineup, reviewer quote - **Cape Town Steelband Festival (Baxter Theatre)** — ticket pricing & showtime - **Long Street Drum Circle** — time, cost, “just turn up” note - **International Museum Day @ Zeitz MOCAA** — special exhibitions, entry fees - **Candlelight Concert (Coldplay / Imagine Dragons)** — concept, age policy, ticket cost, set list ### Nightlife & Adult‑Oriented Events - **Long Street Nightlife Guide** — overview, bar highlights, party atmosphere quote - **Mama Africa Restaurant & Marimba Band** - **Alex Cruz & Friends (Botanik Social House)** — event listing & artist profile - **World Whisky Day @ Bascule Bar (Cape Grace Hotel)** — tasting flights, pricing, booking note - **Bonus: Comedy & Live‑Music Venues** — Kurt Schoonraad show info > *All sources retrieved on 13 May 2025.*