Hey {{first_name | Brew}} ,
Cape Town’s been buzzing this week, from trolleys that boss you around in Constantia, to a blood moon on the horizon.
And because this is the Mother City, we also found secret riverside rambles, matcha that actually slaps, and padel courts that look like they belong on Instagram more than in a sports club.
Here’s the lineup:
🗞️ News – Smart trolleys, cosmic portals, a coming blood moon, and Bok traffic nightmares
💎 Hidden Gems – Secret river rambles, matcha that actually slaps, and glam padel courts
🎉 What’s Happenin’ – Aug 22–28 – orchestras, jazz in Langa, and Clifton padel flexes
Here’s what made us laugh, rage, and go "woahh, this place is wild" 👇
🗞️ The Headlines
🛒 CHECKERS TROLLEYS GET A BRAIN (AND AN ATTITUDE)
Forget scanning your own avocado. Now your trolley judges your life choices.
Why we’re obsessed:
These Xpress Trolleys in Brackenfell and Constantia let you scan, pay, and bail without ever making eye contact with a cashier. Introvert heaven.
Built-in touchscreen that navigates you to the wine aisle. Finally, technology with its priorities straight.
Chief Strategy guy Neil Schreuder says it’s “not about the novelty.” Sir, it’s a trolley with a screen. It’s 100% about the novelty and we are HERE for it.
🔭 OBSERVATORY OPENS A PORTAL TO THE COSMOS
New SAAO Visitor Centre is here, and it’s blending science with ancient star stories.
The stellar tea ☕:
They turned an old Victorian pumphouse into a interactive space hub. Talk about a glow-up.
You can operate a heliostat (fancy sun mirror) and peer through a historic telescope with a hydraulic rising floor. It’s like a sci-fi elevator for your curiosity.
The ceiling art recreates indigenous Kora constellations. Because our African skies have stories older than any textbook.
This isn’t just a museum; it’s a bridge between cultures and cosmos. Get your nerd on.
🌕 BLOOD MOON IS COMING FOR OUR SKIES
Mark your calendars for a celestial showdown on September 7th.
Why you need to look up:
A total lunar eclipse is painting the moon a deep, dramatic red for over an hour. Peak drama around 8:11 PM.
It’s the longest one since 2022. No special equipment needed—just a blanket and someone to “ooh” and “aah” with.
George Herald says it’s “rare.” So, you know, don’t miss it and then have to lie to your friends about how amazing it was.
🚧 ALL ROADS LEAD TO DHL STADIUM (LITERALLY, THERE ARE CLOSURES)
Wallabies vs. Springboks. Traffic vs. Your Patience.
The game plan:
Roads around Green Point are shutting down from 6 AM. Fritz Sonnenberg Rd is closed for 24 HOURS. You’ve been warned.
The city’s MMC, JP Smith, basically said: “Don't be a hero. Take the free shuttle.”
Free MyCiTi rides from Bellville, Century City, CTICC, and more. Metrorail is also running extra trains for a twenty-buck return. No excuses.
Kick-off is 5:10 PM. Gates open at 12. Plan like a pro or perish in traffic.
💎 Hidden Gems
🚶♂️ SOUTHERN SUBURBS RIVER RAMBLES (NO MOUNTAIN CLIMBING REQUIRED)
For when you want nature without the cardiovascular event.
Alphen Trail: The popular kid. Follows the Diep River, past horses and forests. It’s basically Constantia’s version of a social network.
Klaasenbosch Trail: The shady, mysterious cousin. Covered by a forest canopy and full of horses. Keep your dog on a leash unless you want a starring role in a spooky story.
🍵 CAPE TOWN'S MATCHA MATRIX
We sipped so you don’t waste your money on grassy nonsense.
NicetoMatcha (Sea Point): The OG. Queues out the door for a reason. Their Vanilla Bean & Sea Salt matcha is a religious experience. They also have a Basque Matcha Cheesecake that will ruin all other cheesecakes for you. You're welcome.
Love Matcha (Everywhere): For the strawberry matcha latte lovers. They’ve got stores popping up faster than potholes.
Mochi Mochi (CBD): A Japanese café that takes its matcha seriously. Pair it with a matcha mochi cookie. Thank us later.
🎾 PADEL, BUT MAKE IT GLAM
Where to play the sport that’s like tennis’ cooler, shorter cousin.
Racket+Ball Club (Bree Street): Four indoor courts in the heart of the city. Perfect for when you want to play a sport and then immediately get a cocktail.
Africa Padel (V&A): Five outdoor courts with Waterfront views. Because everything is better with a harbour backdrop.
The Glen (Clifton): One stunning outdoor court metres from the Atlantic Ocean. Probably the most Instagrammable paddle game you’ll ever play.
✨ Looking for somewhere to go right now?
Try our What To Do Now app for instant suggestions based on your mood. (Free)
🌬️ What’s Happenin’
FRIDAY 22th AUGUST
MANA at Everard Read
A vibrant exhibition opening with bold contemporary works that celebrate culture and identity.
→ Everard Read CIRCA Gallery | 17:30 | Free Entry
Montagu Trail Festival 2025
Three days of scenic runs, hikes, and outdoor adventures in the heart of Montagu.
Leigh Hondy Live
Acoustic soul with a glass of wine in hand — perfect Friday vibes.
SATURDAY 2RD AUGUST
The Grab After A Doll’s House
A bold reinterpretation of Ibsen’s classic that questions identity, freedom, and power.
28th Annual Concerto Festival
Young virtuosos perform alongside orchestra in this beloved Cape Town tradition.
Indie Authors Rise Up
An afternoon with emerging writers sharing stories, signing books, and raising a glass.
SUNDAY 24TH AUGUST
Some Friends – Songs of WW2 feat Daniele Pascal
A nostalgic journey through wartime classics with Pascal’s captivating vocals.
Tefo Mahola Live
Jazz drummer Tefo Mahola brings his dynamic sound to the township stage.
Masakhe Benefit Concert
A community-driven concert raising funds with powerful performances.
Sunset Sundaze
Golden-hour cocktails, DJs, and rooftop vibes.
MONDAY 25TH AUGUST
SALOME – UNSCRIPTED
An experimental retelling of the Salome story through bold improvisation and movement.
Elevated Sips
Cocktail culture meets rooftop vibes — curated pours in the city centre.
Black Live at Kapstadt Brauhaus
A night of rock energy right on the Blouberg beachfront.
TUESDAY 26TH AUGUST
Lipton Challenge Cup
The 71st edition of SA’s top keelboat regatta, now with J22 class racing for more clubs and schools.
The Womxn’s Month Fundraiser Comedy Show
Local comics bring the laughs in support of women’s month initiatives.
#TEDTuesdays Watch Party: Screens & Scenes
A special TEDx screening exploring the revival of township cinema culture.
WEDNESDAY 27TH AUGUST
Chicago ‘The Musical’
All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and scandal galore — Broadway’s longest-running American musical lands at Artscape.
Blues at Boys
Live blues night to get your midweek grooving.
After Dark: Mars Baby & Giuliette Price
Cape Town’s coolest aquarium turns into a moody gig venue after hours.
Kila G
Hip-hop and R&B vibes in the intimate AC&S setting.
THURSDAY 28TH AUGUST
SA Squash Nationals
The country’s best senior and junior players battle it out at the Waterfront.
Renaissance – Where Art Meets Flowers
A creative showcase blending floral design and fine art.
Steenberg Women’s Month Dinner
An inspiring evening with Prof Blanche Cupido paired with gourmet dining.
🖼️Picture of the Week
Strand in the Swinging Sixties
Strand shows off its retro shoreline vibes — and if you squint, Gordon’s Bay is right there too.
This throwback snap captures a simpler time with wide beaches and boxy apartments.
That’s your week, fully brewed.
Go chase sunsets, sip something green, and try not to fight a trolley this weekend.
Catch you in the next issue,
☕🍵Team CPT Brew
