Hey {{first_name | Brew}},
Cape Town’s week feels like the calm before the spooky storm 🎃
Between the city prepping for Halloween madness, world records, roaring engines and sky-high kites, it’s been pure Cape Town chaos meets main character energy.
Tomorrow night the masks go on from Bree Street’s haunted bashes to family trick-or-treat trails, this weekend’s forecast is 100% costumes, cocktails, and questionable decisions.
Here’s what’s been brewing 👇
The Lineup:
🗞️ The Headlines – Proteas Women crush England, Scribante dominates Speed Classic, kites return to Ottery skies, and Sbu Kubheka runs 100 km in under six hours.
🗓 What To Do Now – Cape Town classic Scratch Patch & Cave Golf, part treasure hunt, part therapy, and still the ultimate family staple.
💎 Hidden Gems – Indonesian Folk Market + three fresh inner-city openings shaking up the food scene.
🎃 What’s Happenin’ – Halloween hits tomorrow: trails, block parties, and a zombie walk that’s so Cape Town it hurts.
🌆 Topic of the Week – Is Cape Town losing its edge or just leveling up? Locals are split and spicy about it.
Here’s what had us buzzing this week 👇
🗞️ The Headlines
🏏 PROTEAS WOMEN TELL ENGLAND: "NOT TODAY"
South Africa’s Proteas Women produced a cricketing masterclass to shock defending champions England and storm into their first-ever Cricket World Cup final with a commanding 125-run victory.

Why this was pure, unadulterated glory:
Captain Laura Wolvaardt didn't just play an innings, she painted a masterpiece. An unbeaten 169. She basically took a cricket bat to England’s title defence and asked, "Is this yours?"
Then Marizanne Kapp decided the chase shouldn't last long. She opened the bowling with a double-wicket maiden. England were 0 for 2 after six balls. It was the sporting equivalent of showing up to a knife fight with a gun.
This wasn't just a win, it was a statement. Years of "nearly" and "almost" were vaporized in one glorious afternoon. The nation is behind you, ladies. Now go win the whole damn thing.
🏎️ SCRIBANTE BECOMES KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
Franco Scribante was crowned King of the Mountain at the first-ever Speed Classic Cape Town, claiming the top spot with an impressive time of 35.260 seconds in his Nissan GTR R35.
Why this event was an instant classic:
They shut down a road with Table Mountain on one side and the Atlantic on the other and let 80-odd high-performance machines loose. It's the kind of gloriously unhinged idea that makes this city great.
The Race Director called it "one of the most scenic tracks in the world." Trying to focus on your racing line with that view is a level of self-control I do not possess.
Scribante himself admitted they were "nowhere" before the finals and called the win a "miracle." We call it sheer, beautiful, petrol-headed will. This event is here to stay.
🪁 KITES, COURAGE AND A SKY FULL OF COLOUR
The Cape Town International Kite Festival made its triumphant return after a five-year hiatus, transforming the sky above Ottery into a swirling canvas of colour and joy.
Why this story gives you the warm fuzzies:
The theme was #CourageToFly, which is just perfect. It honoured both the kites and the bravery it takes to face personal challenges. A metaphor that actually lands.
Over 7,300 people showed up, proving that what we really need is more whimsy, more community, and more giant floating dragons.
Organiser Cape Mental Health said it "exceeded our expectations and will live on in our memory and hearts." Ours too. It's a powerful reminder that community events can have real soul.
🏃 SBU KUBHEKA RUNS 100KM IN UNDER SIX HOURS
Sibusiso "Sbu" Kubheka became the first person ever to run 100km in under six hours, clocking a mind-bending 5:59:20 at an event in Italy.
Why this is a masterclass in quiet excellence:
His average pace was 3 minutes 35 seconds per km. For 100 km. My legs cramped up just typing that.
His story starts in a small village, with a coach who spotted his talent at a YMCA camp. This isn't a story of privilege; it's a story of pure, unadulterated grit.
The run won't be an official world record due to some high-tech shoes, but who cares? He proved the human body is capable of the extraordinary.
🗓 What to Do Now?
This week’s pick from the What To Do Now app is a Cape Town classic, Scratch Patch & Cave Golf.
Still one of the most popular family spots in the city, it’s the kind of place where both kids and adults end up smiling like they found treasure.

You can visit the V&A Waterfront play a round of Cave Golf, or browse the Mineral World shop for crystals, fossils, and unique gifts.
It’s one of those classic “rain or shine” activities that feels wholesome every time part treasure hunt, part therapy.
💎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
🍜 GET A TASTE OF INDONESIA WITHOUT THE AIRFARE
The Indonesian Consulate in Kenilworth is throwing its doors open for a Folk Market this Saturday. We’re talking authentic food, handmade crafts, and traditional dances. It’s a free, full-sensory trip to Southeast Asia, and the only jet lag you’ll get is from the sugar rush of trying all the desserts.
🍽️ THREE NEW INNER-CITY SPOTS TO SHAKE UP YOUR ROUTINE
Ongetem: Bertus Basson’s new baby in the Longkloof precinct. The name means ‘untamed’ and it’s a raw, fearless mix of butcher, baker, and cocktail maker. Think wood-fired flatbreads, steaks sizzling over open flames, and motorcycle paraphernalia. It’s approachable, real, and has heart. Basically, it’s Bertus in restaurant form.
Café Sofi: From the family behind Tasha’s, this gorgeous new café is a tribute to their fabulous mother. It’s all lively stripes, soft yellows, and a menu that swings from lavish breakfasts to generous dinner dishes. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to order a second coffee and stay for three hours.
Ganesh: An Obs institution just got a new lease on life, and thank the food gods for that. The Bodega Ramen crew have taken over, given it a facelift that keeps its soul, and brought back a banger of a menu from a trip to Thailand. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and a much-needed kick in the taste buds. Plus, happy hour and vinyl nights? Obs, you’ve done it again.
🎃 What’s Happenin’ — Halloween Edition
✨ Want your event featured in Cape Town Brew? Secure a top spot here
FRIDAY 31st OCTOBER
🎬 Halloween at The Galileo
Scream under the stars with Halloween (2018) at Kirstenbosch Gardens, snacks, costumes, and jump scares included.
🧛 Ninja-Ween at Total Ninja
Fog machines, candy showers, and obstacle chaos for every age group from tiny terrors to full-grown Ninjas.
🍷 Culture Wine Bar – House of Phobias
Sip your fears away at Bree Street’s creepiest bash, snakes, spiders, flickering lights, and a Best Dressed prize.
🏃 Halloween Forest Night Trail Run
Dare to race Muratie’s haunted single-tracks, costumes encouraged, prizes (and cobwebs) guaranteed.
🤘 Ramfest x Halloween
Cape Town’s loudest night: The Devil Wears Prada (USA), Fokofpolisiekar, and more. Heavy riffs meet horror vibes.
SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER
🎶 Liefde by die Dam
Massive Afrikaans music fest with Die Heuwels Fantasties, Francois van Coke & co. Bring sunscreen and a sense of rhythm.
🎬 Monsters, Inc. @ The Galileo
Family-friendly fright night, games, snacks, and laughter under the stars.
🧟 Cape Town Zombie Walk + Afterparty
The undead take over the city streets once more, free to walk, optional afterparty that supports Lucky Lucy Foundation.
🍭 Halloween Fest 2025 (Vredehoek + Devil’s Peak)
Neighbourhood trick-or-treat trail turned full-blown block party. Bring the kids, pets, or both.
🎞️ Horrorfest 2025 @ The Labia
South Africa’s OG Halloween festival - Bugonia, Shelby Oaks, live music, and Rocky Horror audience madness.
SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER
🛩️ Red Bull Flugtag
Watch brave (and slightly unhinged) teams launch homemade flying machines into the Waterfront. Big crowds, bad physics, great vibes.
🍷 A.R.T. Wine Exhibition
Wellington’s most stylish wine event, art, gourmet plates, and curated tastings under the vines.
🖼️ Norval Curator Walkabout
A guided tour through Githan Coopoo’s final exhibition, intimate, raw, and beautifully told.
🌊 U&i – Beach Day Party
Cabo Beach hosts another sun-drenched groove session with cocktails, deep house, and a ridiculously photogenic crowd. Wear white, pack SPF, and don’t plan an early Monday.
🎬 Shadow Realm Vol. 2 – Short Film Collection
Local and international filmmakers bring nightmares to life, eerie shorts, psychological twists, and a crowd that loves a good scream. A must for the horror-curious.
MONDAY 3RD NOVEMBER
🎞️ Dilemma (1962) – Big Sound Film Festival
A rarely screened SA classic meets modern sound restoration. Vintage cinematography, eerie storytelling, the kind of slow-burn cinema that’s perfect for a moody Monday.
😂 Uncorked Minds Comedy Night w/ Mum-z
A local comedy gem blending sharp stand-up and spontaneous crowd work. Add a boutique wine list and you’ve got a dangerously fun Monday.
🎬 Thy Kingdom Come
A darker, late-night screening that leans more gothic than gory. Faith, power, and shadowy cinematography, very “Monday but make it moody.”
TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER
🧠 TUNL Talks: The Tariff Era
If you’ve ever wondered how tariffs shape the creative economy, this one’s for you. Expect sharp insights, startup chatter, and a surprisingly fun night of smart conversation.
🎸 Frank Freeman & Laudo Liebenberg – Live
Two of SA’s finest singer-songwriters, stripped back and raw. Think guitars, harmonies, and candlelit bar energy that’ll make you forget it’s a Tuesday.
🌌 The Cosmic Web & The Structure of the Universe
An astronomy talk for curious minds galaxies, dark matter, and how we fit into the universe’s massive web. Dinner, drinks, and a bit of existential awe.
WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER
🥃 Whisky Tasting & Social
Guided tastings meet good conversation at one of the city’s most atmospheric lounges. Expect rare drams, stories behind the bottles, and smooth jazz in the background.
🎸 The Dog’s — New Album Reveal
Local alt-rock outfit drops their third album live, an intimate night for long-time fans and anyone craving proper guitar-driven sound again.
🎭 Die Dood van die Founmannetjie
A gripping Weskus-inspired stage piece mixing dark humour, folklore, and poetic dialogue. Beautifully acted, locally rooted, and completely unique.
🩸 Theatre of Horrors: The Sordid Story of Paris’ Grand Guignol
An immersive film + talk hybrid uncovering the twisted origins of Paris’ original horror theatre. The perfect Halloween hangover event.
THURSDAY 6TH NOVEMBER
🎸 Unplugged in Cape Town
The Armchair’s iconic acoustic night returns with stripped-back sets from the city’s best emerging artists. Expect candlelight, cold beers, and that unmistakable Obs energy.
🎨 Yap, Doodle, Swap, Repeat! – by Swappery
An art jam with no rules. Doodle, paint, or scribble whatever you want, then swap it with a stranger. Leave with someone else’s chaos (in the best way).
🍷 Good For You Fin Co. × Colombo Wines
A pop-up collab blending surf culture, natural wines, and slow living. Picture longboards, low-intervention vino, and a crowd that probably owns at least one linen shirt.
😂 Khanyisile Ngwenya: A Tall Story (Work in Progress)
Rising star Khanyi tests new material in an intimate, offbeat comedy night. Think sharp wit, awkward truths, and audience giggles that turn into full-blown laughs.
🎧 HARDER: First Thursday at EVOL
Cape Town’s favourite basement goes wild again, pounding beats, flashing lights, and a dance floor that never dies. Leave the office shoes at home.
🌆 Is Cape Town Losing Its Edge?
A debate that’s been lighting up local Reddit and dinner tables lately:
Is Cape Town slowly losing the magic that made it special or just evolving into its next chapter?
As more lifelong locals move further out and Airbnbs pop up in every street, the city’s identity feels like it’s shifting. The quirky hole-in-the-wall cafés, family-run shops, and familiar faces are being replaced by short-term rentals, influencer brunch spots, and R90 cappuccinos. Some say it’s progress, others call it gentrification in slow motion.
Locals argue the culture’s fading: prices are up, community’s down, and the city’s becoming a holiday postcard for tourists instead of a home for residents. Others think it’s just the natural rhythm of a city that’s too beautiful not to attract the world’s attention.
📊 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

