First Thursdays
On the first Thursday of every month, arts and culture in Cape Town has a late night, with dozens of art galleries and cultural events showcasing the wealth of talent that the Mother City has on offer – hence the name First Thursdays. The event is completely free, with no structured tour, and no schedule to follow, you are free to absorb it all at your own leisure. For the First Thursday of Tourism Month, the office of MEC Alan Winde will be hosting an event to showcase both the artistic and cultural offerings of the Western Cape.
Venue: 142 Long Street, CBD
Website: http://www.first-thursdays.co.za/
walk knysna, 9-30 september
Knysna wants locals to discover their town from a different angle and is hosting 9 walks around Knysna and Sedgfield, focusing on different aspects of the area. The walks will vary in distance, lasting between one-to-three hours and will include a beach walk, forest walk and more. Booking is essential.
Website: www.visitknysna.co.za
Tulbagh Spring Arts Festival, 9-10 September
What to expect: One of the oldest towns in the country, Tulbagh’s annual Spring Arts Festival coincides with the blooming of the area’s wild flowers every spring. The three-day festival is a showcase of music, literature and art, with five patron farms hosting various functions aimed at celebrating the country’s top talent.
Website: http://www.tulbaghartsfestival.co.za/
Darling Wild Flower Show, 14-17 September
What to expect: Celebrating its 100th year, the Darling Wildflower Show is a celebration of the local biome of flora that form an integral part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The Flower Show offers something for the whole family with a craft and gourmet food market, a tractor and car display, a free tractor ride to the wetland at Oude Post, live entertainment and much more.
Website: www.darlingwildflowers.co.za
Franschhoek Uncorked, 16-17 September
What to expect: A celebration of one of the country’s most well-loved valleys, Franschhoek Uncorked, is a fantastic showcase of local wine and food. Enjoy fabulous wine, specifically chosen by winemakers in the valley, paired with glorious food. Be sure to make a weekend of it, with your Uncorked Weekend Pass giving you access to participating farms, as well as a complimentary tasting glass and free tastings. Loads of special festival offerings, giving you the perfect excuse to stock up on wine for the upcoming festive season!
Website: http://www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za/
Cape Town Marathon, 17 September
What to expect: Flat, fast and ideal for both elite and amateur runners, the Cape Town Marathon takes over the Mother City’s streets on the morning of 17 September. Whether you are looking to take part or just support, this fantastic race is worth getting up early for. Apart from the 42.2km race, the event includes the 10km Peace Run/Walk, the Cape Town Peace Trail Runs (12km and 22km) and a community fun run.
Website: http://www.capetownmarathon.com/
Cape Town Fringe Festival, 21 September – 08 October
What to expect: Celebrating South Africa's freshest theatre, music, dance, performance art, comedy, family fare and magic, the Cape Town Fringe Festival runs over two weeks, showcasing over 80 spectacular acts across a number of genres. One of the biggest events in the Mother City, the festival is geared towards celebrating local talent.
Website: https://capetownfringe.co.za/
Hermanus Whale Festival, 29 September – 01 October
What to expect: Hermanus, known as the best land-based whale watching destination in the world, plays host to thousands of visitors annually who flock to the seaside resort to catch the whales in action. The Whales are, of course, always the stars of the show, but while they play in the sea, on land you can enjoy great food, quality crafters, sports events, a 3-day coaching clinic, kids entertainment, live music and much more.
Website: http://hermanuswhalefestival.co.za/
McGregor Food and Wine Festival, 30 September
What to expect: This annual event is hosted in the magical village of McGregor, and serves as a showcase of the local wines as well as delicious country fare and produce from the valley. Plenty of entertainment, including live music, as well as a dedicated kids area to keep the little ones entertained.
Website: http://www.tourismmcgregor.co.za/McGregorFoodAndWine
