In partnership with
Hey {{first_name | Brew}},
Cape Town didn’t ease us into summer.
Firefighters battled 632 blazes in one week, Dricus du Plessis touched down to announce a massive MMA event, two local heroes rode Wines2Whales to raise money for sick kids, and young trail runners from KZN arrived in the Mother City ready to take on the world.
And now, as the smoke clears and the hype builds, the week ahead is fully loaded: action sports festivals, Italian street parties, choral pilgrimages, wine nights, electronic festivals, live jazz, comedy, ballets, rooftop parties, and more.
Cape Town is cooking. Literally and figuratively.
The Lineup:
🗞️ The Headlines – 632 fires in seven days, Dricus brings MMA home, local heroes ride W2W for charity, and two young runners take the spotlight at RMB UTCT.
🧭 What To Do Now – East City Grill & Yakiniku: the dual-restaurant fire temple doing Wagyu right.
💎 Hidden Gems – Our Local’s greenhouse café vibes, Clarke’s legendary all-day breakfasts, and Babylonstoren’s immersive honeybee kingdom.
📅 What’s Happenin’ – From Fri 21 Nov to Thu 27 Nov: Italy in Town, King of the Air, Swatch ULT.X, rooftop parties, choral pilgrimages, live folk, markets, Mahler 5, stand-up comedy, and a marathon of summer events.
🖼 Meme of the Week – Bossa: national treasure or oil-scented fever dream?
First let’s take a look at our latest sponsor 👇
Master ChatGPT for Work Success
ChatGPT is revolutionizing how we work, but most people barely scratch the surface. Subscribe to Mindstream for free and unlock 5 essential resources including templates, workflows, and expert strategies for 2025. Whether you're writing emails, analyzing data, or streamlining tasks, this bundle shows you exactly how to save hours every week.
🗞️ The Headlines
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE 632 FIRES IN A SINGLE WEEK AS SUMMER HEATS UP
Our city’s emergency crews just faced a trial by fire—632 times over. As the southeaster picked up its annoying whistle, so did the fire alarm, with a staggering 632 vegetation fires reported in just one week.
Why our firefighters deserve a parade (and a nap):
Let’s be real, the southeaster is already a personality disorder we all tolerate. But when it teams up with dry heat, it turns a single spark into a raging inferno. Our fire crews weren't just putting out braai mishaps; they were in a full-blown, multi-day battle against a force of nature.
JP Smith didn’t mince words, calling the wind a "major contributing factor." That’s like calling a tax audit a "minor inconvenience." These blazes required "multiple resources, with crews working for hours, under trying circumstances." Read: our people are absolute units.
The takeaway? Be smarter than a dropped cigarette butt. The Wildfire Readiness Plan is activated, but the best defence is a vigilant public. If you see something, say something.. before it becomes a headline for all the wrong reasons.
Click Here: To feel the heat and understand the scale.
DRICUS DU PLESSIS BRINGS THE KNOCKOUT HEAT TO CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is officially on the global MMA map. Former UFC champ Dricus du Plessis stood with the Mayor this week to announce the MMA Knox Legacy Series, hitting the GrandWest Grand Arena in February 2026.
Why this is a body blow to the haters:
This isn’t just another fight night. This is Dricus standing in his hometown and basically telling the UFC, "Look what we can do." It’s a statement. It’s a flex. It’s the energy we need heading into 2026.
The series is the official kick-off for the EFC’s 2026 season, giving homegrown talent like "Troublemaker" Faeez Jacobs a prime stage. This is about building a legacy, not just selling tickets.
Mark your calendars for 26 February 2026. This is our chance to show the world that Cape Town doesn’t just have pretty mountains; we have knockout power.
Click Here: To feel the hype.
LOCAL HEROES TRADE HOSE FOR HANDLEBARS IN EPIC WINES2WHALES MISSION
Regan Bagley and Jermaine Carelse, two municipal employees usually seen saving lives, just completed the gruelling Wines2Whales race. Their mission? To raise funds for the real-life Avengers at St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care.
Why this story will humble you into being a better person:
Jermaine took two crashes on the final day, injuring his elbow, hip, knee, and breaking his glasses. His response? "I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything." Why? Because the hills and the pain were nothing compared to the daily struggles of the kids at St Joseph’s.
Regan, who’s used to putting his life on the line, said the true heroes are the staff who "wipe off tears and create an atmosphere of positivity and healing every day." I’m not welling up, you’re welling up.
This follows a 5km fun run with over 500 Safety and Security staff. It’s a wave of goodwill for a place that provides free, transitional care for children with chronic conditions. This is the Mother City at her most motherly.
Click Here: To meet the heroes and the cause.
YOUNG TRAIL RUNNERS FROM KZN STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT RMB UTCT
As the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (a ‘World Trail Major’, no less) kicks off, the spotlight isn't just on the elite international runners. It’s on Mthobisi Ntanzi (20) and Nolwazi Dlamini (26), two athletes from Ndwedwe whose stories are more inspiring than any finish line.
Why this is the victory lap we all need to see:
These two didn’t come from privileged running clubs. They came from the LIV2Run programme, which pairs trail running with life-skills education in disadvantaged communities. This is sport as a lifeline.
Mthobisi found structure and discipline through running. Nolwazi used it to navigate an unstable home life and now supports her siblings. They’re not just running a race; they’re running towards a future they’re building with their own two feet.
RMB’s partnership here isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a bridge. It’s giving overlooked talent a global stage. This weekend, when you see them on the EX23 route, know you’re watching real-life superheroes.
Click Here: To follow their journey.
🧭 What to Do Now?
This week’s pick from the What To Do Now app is the effortlessly cool East City Grill & Yakiniku.
Two restaurants, one roof, and a shared obsession with fire. On one side, East City Grill is serving up South African flame cooking with a slick Asian twist (the Wagyu boerewors and Katsu sandwich are game-changers). On the other, Yakiniku lets you grill premium Wagyu at your own table with South Africa's first downward-extracting grills. It’s a flavour fusion that’s as stylish as it is delicious.
It’s a taste of Tokyo’s grill houses and SA’s braai culture, without having to choose.
💎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.
💎 Hidden Gems
OUR LOCAL (Gardens & Sea Point)
Part glasshouse nursery, part café, this place is Jamie Oliver-approved and impossibly cosy. It’s a jungle of plants, vintage furniture, and good vibes. The breakfast menu is a classic-with-a-twist affair, think Arnold Bennett omelettes and heavenly anchovy butter on toast. Then, you segue straight into their gooey, in-house bakes. It’s the kind of place where you go for breakfast and end up staying for dinner.
Click Here: To get lost in the greenery and the good food!
CLARKE’S DINING ROOM (Bree Street)
The OG of Cape Town cool is still absolutely nailing it after a decade. Their all-day breakfast is the stuff of legends, with a dozen interesting ways to eat your eggs. Fire eggs baked in a tomato-chickpea stew? Kimchi fried rice? Yes, and yes. Plus, most of what’s on the menu is made in-house, including the croissants. It’s the reliable, consistently brilliant friend of the food scene.
Click Here: To plan your all-day brunch session!
THE BYZANTIUM AT BABYLONSTOREN (Simondium)
As if you needed another reason to visit Babylonstoren, they’ve just opened a stunning, immersive homage to the honeybee. Wander through golden honeycomb displays, peer into real observation hives, and learn how a hive functions as a single, brilliant superorganism. It’s educational, beautiful, and a little bit magical. Plus, you can suit up for a real beekeeping workshop. Talk about a buzz-worthy day out.
Click Here: To explore the hive mind at Babylonstoren!
📅 What’s Happenin’
✨ Want your event featured in Cape Town Brew? Secure a top spot here
FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
Swatch ULT.X — Action Sports Festival
BMX and skate carnage at Battery Park with SA + international riders throwing massive tricks.
Battery Park, V&A Waterfront | 10:00–20:00 (Free)
Rumours by the Lake
A three-day lakeside electronic/techno festival — swim by day, stomp by night. Headliner: Konfusia (DE).
Elgin Grabouw Country Club | 21–23 Nov (Tickets)
RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town
Elite trail runners tear across Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Constantia and beyond. High-energy spectator vibes.
Starts at Gardens Rugby Tech Club | 21–23 Nov (More info)
SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
Italy in Town
De Waterkant becomes a buzzing Italian piazza, food, wine, live music, demos, kids’ activities, and a rugby viewing.
Cape Quarter | From 09:00 (Tickets)
St Cecilia’s Day Choral Pilgrimage
A moving choral journey through four iconic CBD spaces performing Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia.
CBD Route | 10:00–13:00 (Register)
CPO Summer Symphony — Mahler 5
Mahler’s massive, emotional Fifth Symphony performed by the CPO.
Cape Town City Hall | 19:30 (Tickets)
Rondebosch Potters Market
Cape Town’s most iconic ceramics market, hundreds of potters, plus great food stalls.
Rondebosch Park | 08:00–15:00 (Free)
Kai Scott IV (Live)
Modern folk with sharp songwriting and full-band mood.
The Obscene Parrot, Obs | 19:00 (Tickets)
Klein Alto — Summer at the Estate
New summer menu, Alto wine pairings, and Sunset Rouge live music sessions.
Klein Alto, Stellenbosch | All day (Book now)
SUNDAY 22RD NOVEMBER
YOLO Fiesta
Daytime rooftop party with DJs, drinks and summer chaos.
Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel | 13:00 (Tickets)
Invitation to the Dance
A chamber music performance mixing elegance + intimacy.
Erin Hall, Rondebosch | 15:00 (More info)
Red Bull King of the Air (Opening Weekend)
The world's best kiteboarders touch the stratosphere.
Kite Beach, Table View | From 02:00 (Free)
Wind-dependent times
Winehouse – Afro House Sundays
Deep rhythms + wine bar vibes.
Cellar Collective Wine Bar, Foreshore | 16:00 (More info)
Uncle Righteous (Live)
Blues rock Sunday session in Noordhoek.
Café Roux, Noordhoek | 02:00 (Tickets)
Sunday Jazz
Soulful late-night jazz at one of CT’s best lounges.
Asoka, Gardens | 19:30 (Book now)
Phoenix AC 10km League Race
Fast 10K through the Foreshore.
Castle of Good Hope | 07:15 (Enter)
Daniel Arena (Live)
Indie/folk evening at a cosy seaside café.
Folk Café, St James | 20:00 (Tickets)
Dawjee Trio
Smooth live jazz in Langa’s cultural hub.
Guga S’Thebe | 15:00 (More info)
MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
Heritage Cooking Class
Learn SA classics hands-on with a pro chef.
Soute Studio, Food Jams | 18:00 (Book now)
Community Hike
A chilled Newlands Forest walk to ease into the week.
Newlands Forest | 17:30 (Join)
Mama Goema (Film Screening)
Big Sound Festival doc screening + chat.
Bertha House | 18:15 (More info)
Elevate — Spa & Wellness Leadership Forum
Wellness meets leadership at this pro event.
401 Rozendal, Stellenbosch | 15:00 (Register)
Paarl Feesmark
Christmas market energy + festive shopping.
Paarl Town Hall | From 09:30 (More info)
TUESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER
Alfred Adriaan (Live)
One of SA’s best comics with a new theatre run.
Artscape Theatre | 19:30 (Tickets)
Riaad Moosa — What’s the Point?
The Comedy Doctor doing what he does best.
Baxter Theatre | 20:00 (Tickets)
The Corrs
Irish legends performing live in Cape Town.
GrandWest Arena | 20:00 (Tickets)
I Can’t Speak for Freddy
Two-hander theatre piece at Outlore.
The Outlore Base | 20:00 (Tickets)
WEDNESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER
Animal Farm
Orwell’s classic reimagined with a South African edge.
Magnet Theatre | 19:00 (Tickets)
Virgil Prins — Stand-Up
Sharp, high-energy comedy night.
Ground Culture Café, Obs | 19:30 (Tickets)
Canvas @ Craft Club
A guided painting night + wine.
Sunny Side Craft Club | 18:30 (Book now)
Disco Bingo
Exactly what it sounds like: bingo + disco chaos.
Triggerfish Brewing | 02:00 (More info)
The Boxer — The Ring
Hard-hitting performance evening.
The House of Machines | 21:00 (Details)
The Met10K
Midweek running event.
Parc du Cap | From 00:00 (Enter)
THURSDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
Founders Conference 2025
Big brains, bold ideas, breakout sessions — Cape Town’s founder ecosystem meets under one roof.
The Cape Town Club | 17:30 (Register)
Kirstenhof Community Business Network Breakfast
Local businesses, fresh connections, morning energy.
The Table — CHS Life Centre | 07:00 (RSVP)
Museum of Dogs — Entry Tickets
Interactive, family-friendly exhibition celebrating our favourite four-legged chaos goblins.
Museum of Dogs | From 10:00 (Tickets)
Abathwebuli Trio (Live Jazz)
Smooth, soulful late-night jazz at ACS — always a vibe.
The Athletic Club & Social | Evening (Details)
Topic of the Week
“Are Bossa restaurants taking over Cape Town… or are we just noticing them now?”
This week’s favourite from r/capetown:
The comments were peak Mother City energy:
“Great casual spot, solid drinks, and the kids stay entertained — Spur prices without Spur chaos.”
“Nothing beats Spur’s onion rings and pink sauce though.”
“Bossa feels like the new Dros… but let’s be honest, nothing hit like Dros.”
“Brandy specials = amazing and dangerous.”
“Food tastes like oil and basting sauce — your clothes will smell like it for days.”
“They’re opening faster than Hennies… it’s like a baby boom for chain restaurants.”
“One payday loan to drink at Bossa. Hennies? Affordable. Bossa? Pawn your vacuum.”
Between “Best family spot ever” and “I wouldn’t go back if you paid me,” Cape Town is clearly divided.
Your turn:
Are you Team Bossa or Team Overrated-Chain-That-Smells-Like-Basting?
Hit reply with your hottest Bossa take.
📊 How Was the Newsletter This Week?
And that’s a wrap on this week’s brew.
See you next Thursday, same chaos, new stories.
🍷 Team CPT Brew
