There are many organized events in Cape Town throughout the year. An official calendar of events is available from Cape Town Tourism.
- Cape Argus Cycle Tour, ☏ +27 21 685-6551, info@cycletour.co.za. March every year. Total distance is 109 km (68 mi). Start in downtown, cycle down the eastern side of the peninsula, past Simon's Town and back up the western side of the peninsula. Entrance fee is R250 for entrants on the African continent or the equivalent of €50 everyone else. If you are not involved in or interested in cycling, avoid Cape Town on this weekend, as it is almost impossible to go anywhere as so many roads are closed.
- Two Oceans Marathon, ☏ +27 21 671-9407, entries@twooceansmarathon.org.za. On Easter Saturday each year. An Ultra marathon (56 km), a half marathon (21 km) and a number of fun runs ranging from a 56m Nappy Dash to a 8 km walk or run. Maximum 10 000 entrance accepted per year per race distance (fun runs excluded). There is a pricing scale for each of the runs. The Ultra Marathon, R190 for South African residents, R300 for the rest of Africa and R555 for the rest of the world. The Half Marathon, R125 of South African residents, R215 for the rest of Africa and R335 for the rest of the world. The Fun Runs are priced from R10 to R20.
- Cape Town Jazz Festival, Cape Town International Convention Centre, ☏ +27 21 422-5651. Normally held during late March.
- Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, Marches throughout the city ending at Green Point Stadium. Usually New Years day and a couple of days later during January. Also known as the Kaapse Klopse, these brightly dressed singers and dancers spend months preparing for this annual event.
- Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts (Kirstenbosch Gardens Concert Stage), Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Concert Stage, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, ☏ +27 21 7998783. late Nov to early April: Su 17:30-18:30. A picnic style concert, so bring a blanket and a picnic basket. Children under 6 years do not require a ticket. All concerts take place irrespective of rain. Regret no refunds are issued. The Kirstenbosch concerts are completely non-smoking events. There will be no designated smoking areas. Gates to the concert area open at 16h00 (On New Year’s Eve, gates open at 19h00). R170 - R220.
- Mother City Queer Project, info@mcqp.co.za. Sometime during December each year. Biggest gay and lesbian party of the year. R100 to R350. The earlier you buy a ticket the cheaper it is.
- First Thursdays (First Thursdays Projects), City of Cape Town, info@thursdaysprojects.co.za. 6PM - 8PM or late. On the first Thursday of every month, walk between the galleries, restaurants and shops of Cape Town and Johannesburg until late. Discover the best things to see and places to go on First Thursdays. First Thursdays was started in Cape Town in 2012, and in Johannesburg in 2015. Inspired by similar initiatives in other cities around the world, the monthly event, taking place on the first Thursday of every month, is centred around a primary programme of art galleries and cultural attractions that are open to the public until late. The initiative is equally about access to the arts as it is about injecting life into our urban spaces after hours. Walk around the streets of Cape Town and visit galleries and restaurants who all have specials on the night. free. (updated Aug 2022)
