In partnership with
Hey {{first_name | Brew}},
Cape Town didn’t just turn the volume up this week it ripped the knob clean off.
Strandfontein Pavilion is getting a full-blown glow-up after decades of decay, scammers are sliding into WhatsApps pretending to cut your electricity, firefighters are wrestling a wildfire that refuses to take a hint, and the city is preparing for another weekend of pure festive-season chaos with 50+ events scattered from the Waterfront to Obs.
It’s that time of year where Cape Town is exhausted, excited, sunburnt, overstimulated, and somehow still vibing.
The Lineup:
🗞️ The Headlines – Strandfontein’s big revamp, festival-fuelled mayhem, De Kelders wildfire drama, and electricity scams doing the rounds.
🧭 What To Do Now – The cult-favourite New York Bagels serving boiled-and-baked greatness since before breakfast was cool.
💎 Hidden Gems – Between Us’ artful brunch sanctuary, Kloof Street House’s Gatsby brunch magic, and the brand-new tashas in Cavendish.
📅 What’s Happenin’ – From Fri 28 Nov to Thu 4 Dec: disco nights, wild-food feasts, rooftop chaos, Christmas concerts, First Thursdays, beach raves, and more.
🖼 Picture of the Week – Camps Bay trams: the early 1900s flex we desperately wish still existed.
First let’s take a look at our latest sponsor 👇
Don't wait until New Years to take control of your health.
Every year it’s the same - November comes, the days get dark and cold, you start skipping your morning workout, and you start to lose control of your health habits.
It’s easy to think “I’ll worry about getting back on track next year” - but there’s no reason you can’t get a head start now.
You just need a daily health habit that’s ACTUALLY easy to stick with.
That’s where AG1 comes in. With just one quick scoop every morning, you’ll get over 75 ingredients that help support your immune health, gut health, energy, and close nutrient gaps in your diet.
Right now is the best time to get started - with every new subscription, they are giving away $126 in free gifts for the holidays.
Give AG1 a try today and take back control of your health this holiday season.
🗞️ The Headlines
STRANDFONTEIN PAVILION GETTING A MUCH-NEEDED GLOW-UP
The grand dame of Strandfontein, that iconic 80s pavilion, is finally getting a facelift. The City has unveiled the designs, and it’s more than just a paint job, it’s a full-blown transformation for the home of the largest tidal pool in the southern hemisphere.
They’re not just slapping on a new coat of paint. They’re surgically removing the unsafe bits, refurbishing the salvageable, and giving the whole place a new lease on life. We’re talking a renovated amphitheatre, better parking, and refreshed landscaping. It’s about turning a crumbling relic back into the bustling day resort it was meant to be.
The best part? They actually listened. The City did the whole public participation song and dance a year ago, and those community insights are being woven into the design. They even did a "cultural mapping" to capture personal stories, which is a fancy way of saying they want the soul of the place to survive the construction. Groundbreaking is set for February 2026. Let the countdown begin.
Click Here: To see the future of seaside lounging.
CAPE TOWN BRACES FOR FESTIVAL-FUELLED CHAOS
Clear your calendars and charge your social batteries. This weekend, Cape Town is hosting a ridiculous 50-plus events, expecting a tidal wave of nearly 160,000 people. It’s the official, unapologetic start of the festive season.
From the continent’s first Surf Expo to the Torpedo SwimRun (a special kind of madness involving 16km of swimming and running), the city is a smorgasbord of choice. Obs’s Lower Main Road is going car-free for Streetopia, Athlone Stadium is hosting the Cape Malay Board competition, and oh yeah.. a Red Bull F1 car will be screaming through the Green Point Precinct. No big deal.
JP Smith, our man for Safety and Security, is practically beaming about the economic injection. More events mean more jobs, more cash for small businesses, and a serious boost for our rep as a world-class events city. So get out there and be part of the beautiful, chaotic, economic stimulus.
Click Here: To plan your survival strategy.
DE KELDERS WILDFIRE REFUSES TO TAKE A HINT
While we’re planning our weekend fun, firefighters in De Kelders are in a stubborn standoff with a wildfire that’s already chewed through over 2,100 hectares. The blaze is currently doing a dangerous tango with the boundary of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
The situation is described as "precarious." The fire’s left flank is loitering menacingly near the R43, and the dense vegetation above Bella Vista is making it a nightmare for ground crews to access. Yet, these legends are holding the line, diverting flames from homes and structures with sheer grit.
The R43 is still open, but motorists are warned: expect smoke, fire, and a serious dose of drama. Eskom is still assessing the damage to their infrastructure, so power restoration is a "we'll get there when we get there" situation. Send snacks, good vibes, and rain dances their way.
Click Here: For the latest on the frontline.
DON'T LET ELECTRICITY SCAMS LEAVE YOU IN THE DARK
The festive season isn't just about sun and fun, it’s also prime time for scammers. The City is sounding the alarm on a surge in cons where fraudsters, posing as officials, send threatening WhatsApps about disconnecting your electricity.
These clowns are slick. They’ll message you directly, demanding urgent payment to keep the lights on. Here’s the truth: the City does not notify you about disconnections via WhatsApp. Ever. No City official will ever request a direct payment from you.
If someone shows up at your door, demand to see their official City ID card. If you’re unsure, call the City’s call centre. If it smells like a scam, it probably is. Report it. Let’s not let the Grinches win this season.
Click Here: To learn how to spot a scam from a mile away.
🧭 What to Do Now?
This week’s pick from the What To Do Now app is the legendary New York Bagels.
Forget what you think you know about bagels. This family-run deli in the East City is Africa’s only dedicated bagelry, and they take their boiled-and-baked craft seriously. We’re talking 13 different kinds of fresh-out-the-oven glory, stuffed with everything from smoked salmon trout and pastrami to scrambled eggs and bacon. The queue out the door on weekends is a testament to its cult status. Grab a Deluxe coffee, perch on a pavement stool, and thank us later.
It’s a little taste of New York deli magic, right in the heart of the Mother City.
💎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
BETWEEN US (Bree Street)
Tucked away at the top of a bustling Bree Street, this stylish sanctuary is the inspired creation of twin sisters Jamie and Jesse Friedberg. Aesthetically immaculate with art-adorned walls and rustic-chic vibes, it’s the perfect peaceful spot for a working breakfast or a catch-up with friends. The menu is a masterclass in elegant simplicity, from creative porridge iterations and polenta pancakes to egg dishes you can pimp with Frankie Fenner sausage or prosciutto. Grab a two-seater on the verandah for a Table Mountain view with your excellent coffee.
Click Here: To escape the Bree Street chaos in style!
KLOOF STREET HOUSE (Gardens)
Tucked away in a Victorian villa, this place is less a restaurant and more a fantastical brunch experience. Step inside for Gatsby-esque opulence, or snag a table in the enchanting garden courtyard. The menu is a masterclass in brunch—think eggs Benedict with smoked Norwegian salmon or a steak and eggs combo elevated with Chalmar sirloin. On Sundays, live jazz provides the soundtrack. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel fancy without even trying.
Click Here: To book your table in a fairytale!
TASHAS (Cavendish Square, Claremont)
Just in time for the festive shopping madness, the beloved tashas brand has planted its flag in Cavendish Square. This isn’t your average mall café. We’re talking mosaic floors, rich timber, brass accents, and a stunning hand-embossed paper installation floating in the centre. The menu is a hit of nostalgic, healthy-leaning favourites, from Protein Pancakes in the morning to a killer Prawn Curry in the evening. It’s the perfect sanctuary from the retail chaos.
Click Here: To see the new southern suburbs hotspot!
📅 What’s Happenin’
✨ Want your event featured in Cape Town Brew? Secure a top spot here
FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER
WILD Feast at the Waterfront
Immersive wild-food dining experience inside Makers Landing.
Makers Landing | 19:00 (Tickets)
Robby Collins LIVE
National favourite bringing big laughs in an intimate venue.
Homecoming Centre | 20:00 (Tickets)
As Above So Below presents: Unglued
High-energy drum-and-bass takeover for the late-night crew.
Club Paradise | 21:00 (More info)
80’s Karaoke / Dance Showdown
Big hair, neon lights, and chaotic vocals, the full 80s energy.
Edgemead Bowling Club | 18:00 (More info)
SATURDAY 29th NOVEMBER
Crimson House – Streetopia
A wild band performance as part of Obs’ iconic street festival.
The Armchair Theatre | 19:00 (More info)
Kuier @ The Castle
Family-friendly market, food, music and history inside the Castle walls.
Castle of Good Hope | 10:00 (More info)
Rise, and rave.
A morning rave inside an art space — coffee + beats + sunshine.
Origin Art | 09:00 (Tickets)
Silent Sunsets at Camps Bay Beach
Golden-hour headphones session with curated playlists.
Camps Bay Beach | 18:00 (Tickets)
SUNDAY 30th NOVEMBER
FRNDS OF JAZZ CPT Mini Fest
Open-air jazz festival with a strong local line-up.
Maynardville Open Air Theatre | 12:00 (Tickets)
Festive Lights Switch-On
The city’s biggest annual street party and official start of summer.
Grand Parade | From 16:00 (Free)
Wild Ocean: Speaker Evening
Photographers Peter & Beverly Pickford share ocean stories.
Two Oceans Aquarium | 18:30 (Tickets)
Kirstenbosch: Prime Circle & Jesse Clegg
Rock + pop against the most iconic sunset lawn in CT.
Kirstenbosch Gardens | 17:00 (Tickets)
MONDAY 1st DECEMBER
Sexy Groovy Love – New Year’s Day (Presale Launch)
Secure your NYD beach party tickets early.
Grand Africa Café & Beach | From 14:00 (Tickets)
Lighthouse to Big Bay Swim
Open-water swim from the lighthouse along the Table View coastline.
Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club | 08:00 (More info)
Ashton Nyte (Live)
Alt-rock meets folk in an intimate Noordhoek setup.
Café Roux | Evening (Tickets)
TUESDAY 2nd DECEMBER
Comedy on Kloof – Tuesday Night Comedy Show
Long-running weekly comedy night with new acts every week.
Vortex Shisha Lounge | 19:30 (Tickets)
AfricArena 2025 Grand Summit
Africa’s leading startup + investor summit.
CTICC 2 | From 09:00 (Tickets)
Cape Town Village Choir – Festive Concert
Choir Christmas concert in a lush cocktail-bar setting.
Harringtons | 19:00 (Tickets)
WEDNESDAY 3rd DECEMBER
Uncle Willy’s Christmas Party
Cape Town festive institution with carols, sweets, Santa, and chaos.
St Joseph’s Marist College | From 18:00 (Tickets)
The Next Act (Theatre Showcase)
Waterfront Theatre School’s standout end-of-year showcase.
Lane Theatre | 18:30 (Tickets)
Paint ’n Sip @ Woodstock Brewery
Canvas + beer + creativity for your midweek reset.
Woodstock Brewery | 18:00 (Tickets)
Christmas Cooking
Hands-on festive menu session in a dreamy hotel setting.
Dorp Hotel | 09:30 (Book now)
THURSDAY 4th DECEMBER
ARTBEAT – First Thursdays
Gallery night featuring openings, wine, and people-watching.
Red The Gallery | From 17:00 (More info)
James Hype
Massive DJ bringing an explosive beach-night set.
Cabo Beach | 18:00 (Tickets)
Nik Rabinowitz
Razor-sharp stand-up by one of SA’s most iconic comics.
Baxter Theatre | 19:00 (Tickets)
🖼 Picture of the Week
“When Camps Bay Had Trams”
This gem from r/capetown shows a Camps Bay tram in the early 1900s back when you could ride from the city centre all the way to the Atlantic Seaboard for a breezy seaside day trip.
The trams ran from 1901 to the late 1930s.
Two routes existed: one via Sea Point & Kloof Road, and another added a year later over Kloof Nek.
The old Camps Bay tram stop? It sat exactly where Theatre on the Bay stands today.
The theatre itself originally started life as a power station serving the area and the tramline.
Some early Camps Bay Scouts even used the tram colours for their scarf design.
The general consensus? Cape Town would absolutely benefit from these again, aesthetically, logistically, and maybe even spiritually.
📊 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
