Forget the plastic tinsel and tired red-and-green combo. The V&A Waterfront is in its seventh year of the Joy from Africa initiative, and this year, it’s all about the ocean. They’ve teamed up with local artists to create an installation called Rockpoolers.

Artist Lucie De Moyencourt (known for her beautiful ceramic shells) collaborated with several design groups to scale up her delicate work into giant, hand-painted papier-mâché sculptures, some up to 70cm. They’re all blues, greens, and oceanic tones, crafted from sustainable materials. Over 1,000 crafters and 190 small businesses have been involved in the initiative since the start, turning the Waterfront into a public gallery for African design. Basically, go see it. It’s beautiful, it's local, and it smells like a win for sustainable festive décor.

Click Here: To see the artistry of the Rockpoolers

One of the Cape’s biggest animal welfare heroes, Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, is hanging up his SPCA uniform at the end of the year after 20 monumental years. But before you shed a tear, the mission is definitely not over. Jaco, the man who saved dogs buried alive (like Courage) and prosecuted cruelty cases involving frogs (and won), is moving on to complete his legal articles in 2026.

He graduated with his LLB last year and is now shifting his fight for the voiceless into the courtroom, policy, and beyond. Jaco knows the system, the gaps, and where the law needs to grow teeth. He’s taking everything he’s learned from two decades of rescues and turning it into legal firepower. This isn’t a sad ending; it's a massive, powerful new chapter for animal protection in South Africa. We’re rooting for him, but we definitely wouldn't want to be on the opposing side of his first case.

Click Here: To follow the start of Jaco’s legal journey

You know what’s better than winning the HSBC SVNS in Cape Town? Winning it two years in a row. The Blitzboks delivered a phenomenal, heart-stopping performance to defend their title, narrowly beating Argentina 21-19 in the final. After a lacklustre performance in Dubai, the team came home and turned the city's energy into their 'Twelfth Man.'

The final was a thriller. Trailing 19-7 in the second half, the game looked lost, but a spectacular solo try from debutant Sonwabo Sakoyi (it was his debut and he scored against Great Britain on Saturday—what a week!) and the final cross-over from Christie Grobbelaar sealed the deal. It was a gritty, never-say-die victory that proves you never give up when the home crowd is roaring. The 68,000+ spectators, the DJ battles, Siya Kolisi dancing—it was a full-on Capetonian spectacle, and the boys brought the trophy home.

Click Here: For the full rundown of the epic final plays

The Cape Cormorant is now listed as Endangered, and that status was nearly made worse when hundreds of chicks were abandoned on Robben Island. Thankfully, the seabird heroes at SANCCOB moved fast. Driven by declining forage fish and changing ocean conditions, parent birds are increasingly failing to return, leaving their vulnerable young alone.

SANCCOB and their partners are now in the thick of a massive operation: boxing, transporting, and hand-rearing these chicks until they are strong enough to fend for themselves. This kind of work is critical for a species in crisis, reminding us that the natural world on our doorstep is constantly fighting for survival. It's a tough but essential job, and it’s a powerful call to support the local organisations that keep Cape Town’s coastal wildlife alive.

Click Here: To see the Cape Cormorant chicks

This week’s pick from the What To Do Now app is The Strangers Club.

Just off Green Point’s main drag, this spot is pure magic. It’s set in a heritage farmstead that dates back to 1828, and stepping inside feels like walking into a time capsule inspired by a 1940s explorers’ club. It’s a retail space, a storytelling hub, and a restaurant, all wrapped into one. Wander the rooms, then find your spot in the lush courtyard for a recharge.

The menu is a celebration of seasonal, local goodness. You can get hearty classics like a full English, or go for the summer rosti or Turkish eggs—which I personally can’t wait to try. They’ve even got plenty of options for your vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free friends. If you need an oasis of calm that’s also dripping in Cape Town history, this is your weekend mission.

It’s where historic charm meets a lush, hidden courtyard. A true escape.

💎Stop wondering what to do this week, we already found it for you.
Tap below to get your own free custom itinerary in 20 seconds.

PS: Want to join our What To Do Now app as we expand worldwide? Secure your spot in the database here.

Originally from Joburg, Naked brought their seriously good coffee game to Sea Point in 2019, and we're better for it. The vibe is easygoing, the staff are friendly, and the interior is what I’d call 'effortlessly good' I can confirm the flat white is a perfect sip, creamy and expertly made. They’ve also got flavoured lattes if you’re feeling adventurous. This is a must-stop for a morning pick-me-up or a future brunch mission.

Click Here: For the chicest coffee spot in Sea Point!

Jarryds is the brunch institution of Sea Point, and for good reason: the coffee is perfectly extracted and balanced (we grabbed a takeaway cappuccino), and the portions are unapologetically generous. The menu is a dream for morning foodies: think giant pancake stacks, gyro bowls, and eggs done every single way. This is the spot you pencil in for a full-on weekend feast.

Click Here: To plan your next epic brunch!

The 'meltingly sleek sister' of the original Loop Street spot, Butter is an oasis right off Main Road. They’ve got a gorgeous open-air, light-bedecked courtyard that is the perfect hideaway. Inspired by the New York brunch and cocktails scene, butter features everywhere (obviously!). I highly recommend the "bun with everything" (yes, it has a hashbrown!) or, for full decadence, the French Banana: home-baked nutty banana bread turned into French toast with all the fixings. Go for the all-day breakfast; stay for the mimosas.

Click Here: To experience total blissful decadence!

✨ Want your event featured in Cape Town Brew? Secure a top spot here

Fitchella ‘25

High-intensity fitness fest meets club night. Starts at midnight, ends when your soul taps out.

ERF3055, Lower Kloof Rd | 00:00 (Tickets)

A Philharmonia Christmas

Cape Town City Hall dressed in full festive orchestra magic.

City Hall | 19:30 (Tickets)

Fantasia – Warehouse Rave (The Bunker)

A full-immersion rave experience inside Cape Town’s favourite underground bunker.

41A Mansell Rd | 20:00 (Tickets)

Lucy Kruger (SOLO)

Atmospheric, intimate solo set from an SA favourite.

Cafe Roux | 18:00 (Tickets)

Misery and then Sum (Paramore & Sum 41 Tribute Night)

Pop-punk anthems performed loud and unashamed.

Barcadia | 20:00 (Tickets)

BLOUBERG Beer & Gin Festival 2025

Craft beer, local gin bars and DJs — the annual jol by the sea.

Sunningdale Sports Complex | 11:00 (Tickets)

Rooftop Sunsets Pool Party

Skyline views, DJs and golden-hour swims in the CBD.

Pullman Cape Town City Centre | 14:00 (Tickets)

Silent Disco Blouberg: Shoreline Serenity

Sunset headphones party with ocean breeze and Blouberg colours.

Blouberg Beachfront | 18:00 (Tickets)

DANCE AND GO HOME: Lost in Paradise

A high-energy night at Club Paradise — pure Cape Town nightlife.

Club Paradise | 17:00 (Tickets)

Stargate: Helios Rising

Psytrance, immersive visuals and cosmic energy.

Urban Brewing Company | 18:00 (Tickets)

Mark Haze – Masters of Rock

A rock showcase featuring Cape Town’s powerhouse vocalist.

Cafe Roux | 18:00 (Tickets)

FUZZNIGHTS x Barcadia

MOSKITOS, SISTERS and Dynasty House take over Barcadia for a heavy underground set.

Barcadia | 19:00 (Tickets)

Red Cup CookOut

Street food, DJs, and backyard vibes — just supersized.

TH Transports | 12:00 (More info)

CAPE TOWN CHILLI FESTIVAL

A festival for people who say “I like spicy food” then instantly regret it.

Sunningdale Sports Complex | 11:00 (Tickets)

Clifton ZERO: Ecstatic Dance (Sunday Edition)

Barefoot dance session on Clifton 1st at golden hour. Zero booze, 100% bliss.

Clifton 1st | 16:00 (Tickets)

BIG BLUES FEST – Derek Harper Benefit Concert

A huge blues lineup supporting a local music legend.

Woodstock Brewery | 15:00 (More info)

Jenny & James – Golden Circle Show

Sunday sunset set in Noordhoek — warm, easy listening.

Cafe Roux | 16:30 (Tickets)

Pretty Little Sesh

A chilled cannabis-friendly gathering with music and stalls.

CannaGirl Smoke | 11:00 (More info)

DANTE’S PREMIERE LOUNGE: Comedy Night

Stand-up session to kick off the week with chaos and cheap laughs.

Dante’s Premiere Lounge | 18:00 (Tickets)

Rhythm & Roots Fundraiser

Community-driven music night supporting local talent.

Muizenberg Civic Centre | 19:00 (More info)

RHPS Audience Participation Pack

Rocky Horror fans assemble — props, vibes, and full audience chaos.

The Outlore Base | 19:00 (Info)

Rhythms of Love

Afternoon chill session with live music and Woodstock warmth.

Casa Woodstock Bar | 13:00 (More info)

Whiskies of the World

A guided tasting featuring rare bottles and global favourites at Time Out Market.

Time Out Market Cape Town | 18:00 (Tickets)

Cooler Box Music Fest – Fest’ive Edition

Bring a cooler box, bring your people — full-day festive jol.

Oom Daan se Plaas (Oude Molen Eco Village) | 12:00 (Tickets)

Back to the Old House 2 – Sunflower Sessions

Deep grooves and daytime energy in Maroon’s courtyard.

Maroon | 12:00 (More info)

BISHOPS Carols

A quiet, classic Christmas carol evening in a historic chapel.

Memorial Chapel, Bishops | 18:00 (Info)

Silent Hike – Jonkersdam

Guided silent walk through nature — reset button fully pressed.

Jonkersdam Trail | 08:00 (Tickets)

Christmas Wreath Workshop

Make-your-own festive wreaths at a local fave.

Bunches for Africa | 09:30 (Tickets)

Christmas Messy Play

Holiday sensory chaos for tiny humans.

Giggles & Grow, Table Bay Mall | 12:00 (More info)

R&B After Dark ft. Clint L

Slow jams, nightlife aesthetic, and smooth midweek energy.

Destiny Cape Town | 21:00 (Tickets)

Touché – Cirque Dinner Experience

A theatrical, multi-course dining show with circus flair.

Simon’s Restaurant | 18:30 (Tickets)

The Morning After – Rock Around the Clock

A tribute to the 50s–70s — golden oldies done right.

Cafe Roux | 18:00 (Tickets)

Zenzele Mthembu-Salter: Future Kwela Listening Party

Exclusive album preview blending jazz & kwela futurism.

Axminster House | 18:30 (More info)

A Very Merry Craft Night

Festive craft workshop for DIY lovers.

Bree Street Community Hall | 18:00 (Tickets)

ROUGE (Extended Run)

Kalk Bay Theatre’s cheeky, bold cabaret continues.

The Brass Bell | 20:30 (Tickets)

Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch

Cape Town’s most iconic festive tradition under the mountain.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden | 18:00 (Tickets)

RockSteady – Live at Harringtons

Groovy, high-energy live set inside one of the city’s slickest lounges.

Harringtons Cocktail Lounge | 18:00 (More info)

Why does Cape Town have smash burgers, matcha bars, gourmet donuts… but almost no proper fried chicken?

And no not KFC or Chicken Licken. OP banned those immediately.

Locals jumped in with the few spots that might be carrying the city on their crispy shoulders:

Plus a shocking number of people admitted:
“Checkers / Shoprite fried chicken actually slaps.”