23 October 2025
Hello, Cape Town!
What a weekend we have lined up. There’s a palpable charge in the air, a thrilling duality of energy that only our corner of the world can produce. On one hand, the slopes of Table Mountain are set to echo with the high-octane roar of supercars as motorsport makes a historic return to the city. On the other, the tranquil Swartland is calling, ready to unfold its creative soul as artists open their private studios for a weekend of intimate connection.
It’s a weekend of exhilarating contrasts and incredible choice. Whether you’re craving the smell of petrol and the thrill of the race, a soul-stirring journey through art, a taste of the freshest flavours on the culinary scene, or a quiet discovery down a hidden path, we’ve got you covered. Consider this your indispensable guide to navigating it all. But before we dive in, subscribe below to receive next week’s edition of The Local Digest in your inbox!
The Main Event: Adrenaline on the Mountain
For the first time in nearly 60 years, the iconic Philip Kgosana Drive is being transformed into a world-class racetrack for the inaugural Speed Classic Cape Town. This isn’t just another race; it’s an ambitious revival of hillclimb racing in the Mother City, a two-day festival of speed, style, and engineering set against one of the most beautiful backdrops on earth. The event’s vision is to create an international, iconic hillclimb on the slopes of Table Mountain, and to do so, organizers are bringing in top-tier infrastructure, including concrete barriers and catch fencing similar to that used for Formula E, to build the 1.8km track.
The weekend is split into two distinct celebrations of automotive power:
- Saturday, 25 October: The festivities kick off with the Classic Car race, where rare vintage masterpieces will roar up the hill, a beautiful tribute to the golden age of motorsport.
- Sunday, 26 October: The pace quickens for the King of the Mountain showdown, as modern supercars and high-octane machines battle the clock in a thrilling display of contemporary speed and power.
Ready to witness history? Secure your spot for this pulse-raising celebration of speed and style.
Know Before You Go: Navigating the Speed Classic Road Closures
An event of this scale requires a significant setup, and it’s having a major impact on one of the city’s key arteries. These road closures are extensive, but with a little planning, you can navigate the city smoothly. Here’s your essential guide.
Full Road Closure (Both Directions):
Philip Kgosana Drive, along with Christiaan Street and Service Road, will be fully closed to all inbound and outbound traffic from 5 am on Thursday, 23 October, until 5 am on Monday, 27 October.3
Post-Event Closures:
To allow for the track to be dismantled, Philip Kgosana Drive’s outbound lanes will remain closed for all of Monday, 27 October, and will then be closed nightly from 7 pm to 5 am from Tuesday, 28 October, until Thursday, 30 October.3
Upcoming Events: Your Weekend, Sorted
From world-class art immersions to soul-stirring concerts and family festivals, here’s our curated guide to the best of the rest.
For the Art Aficionado
A Journey into the Artist’s World: Solo Studios
Prepare for an arts experience unlike any other. From 24-26 October, the picturesque towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West transform into a living gallery for Solo Studios. This is not a typical art fair; it’s an intimate and immersive event where over 60 artists—from acclaimed names like Louis Jansen van Vuuren and Emma Willemse to emerging talents—open their private homes and studios to the public. The unique “Art on Exhibition, Artists at Work” concept allows you to connect directly with creators in the very spaces where their ideas are born.
This year’s event is bolstered by a major new partnership with FNB, which is sponsoring the Women in Art and Wine event, a celebration of the region’s incredible female talent, including winemakers like Gynore Hendricks of Great Heart Wines. Look out for fantastic collaborative exhibitions that stretch across the region, including LANDscape[s], featuring art from the Northern Cape; FEAST, with artists from Porterville; and Red Hot, Pink Spot, an exhibition of female artists from Kommetjie.
- How to Experience It: Plan your self-guided tour using the four distinct “Art Loops,” and start your journey at The Hub on the Riebeek Kasteel village square to collect maps and tickets.
Gallery Opening: ‘Contours Unveiled’
The V&A Waterfront’s vibrant Silo District welcomes a new group exhibition, ‘Contours Unveiled’, at Berman Contemporary. This is a fantastic opportunity to see a curated collection of works from various contemporary artists in one of the city’s most stylish gallery spaces.
- Opening Reception: Saturday, 25 October, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
- Exhibition Dates: Runs until 15 November 2025.
- Find It: Shop 5A2, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
For the Music & Culture Lover
An Evening with a Legend: Jonathan Butler, “A Life in Song”
South African jazz and R&B icon Jonathan Butler returns home for a deeply personal and retrospective performance at the Artscape Opera House. This one-night-only show on Friday, 24 October, promises an unforgettable journey through his Grammy-nominated career, blending his signature guitar artistry and warm vocals with stories of his path from the Cape Flats to global stardom.
- Time: 7:30 pm.
- Tickets: R320.
High-Energy Beats: Nomadic Orchestra at Cafe Roux
Get ready to dance! The Nomadic Orchestra, a five-piece instrumental brass band, is bringing its infectious energy to the legendary Cafe Roux in Noordhoek on Sunday, 26 October. Fondly known as “The Nomads,” this motley crew of music nerds blends hip hop, afrobeat, ghoema, samba, and ska into a high-energy performance guaranteed to get you on your feet. It’s the perfect way to close out the weekend with a vibrant, feel-good vibe.
- Time: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm.
- Tickets: R200.
Free Cultural Celebration: Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival
Experience the grace and beauty of oriental dance at this free, family-friendly festival at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on Sunday, 26 October. Presented by Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio in collaboration with The BellaDonnas, the festival will feature stunning performances by dancers of all levels from across the Western Cape. It’s a wonderful, no-cost opportunity to enjoy a vibrant cultural display in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Time: All day event. Check V&A Waterfront schedule for specific times.
- Tickets: Free entry.
For the Sports Fan
World-Class Action: Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour
The world’s best beach volleyball players are descending on Camps Bay Beach from 22-26 October for the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. This is an “Elite 16” event, the highest tier on the professional circuit, where top international teams will battle it out on the sand for crucial prize money and world ranking points. Expect incredible athleticism, a fantastic beach vibe, and world-class sport right on our doorstep.
- Schedule: Matches start daily at 10:00 am from Wednesday, culminating in the finals on Sunday.
- Tickets: Available now.
For the Whole Family
Festival Fun: Boland Summer Festival
Paarl’s Daljosaphat Stadium is the place to be from 24-26 October for the Boland Summer Festival, one of the biggest community celebrations in the Western Cape. With over 160 stalls, live music until midnight, a funfair, food markets, and sports, this three-day event draws more than 30,000 people. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly outing filled with culture and celebration.
- Getting There: Shuttle buses will be running from Cape Town, making it an easy and accessible day trip.
Artisanal Treasures: Stellenberg Feesmark
Get a head start on your festive shopping at Cape Town’s premier community market. The Stellenberg Feesmark in Bellville opens on 22 October and runs until 8 November.26 This beloved market is a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, including seasonal décor, gifts, jewellery, toys, and delicious deli items. Entry is free, and it’s the perfect place to find something special while supporting local crafters and community fundraising projects.
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm (Closed Sundays).
- Location: Cnr. Edelweis Rd & Mountain View Drive, Eversdal, Bellville.
The Inside Scoop: Uncovering the Cape’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the big events, the real magic of the Cape often lies just off the beaten path. Here are a few of our favourite insider tips for a truly unique weekend.
A Secret Sip: The Durbanville Wine Safari
Think you need to drive all the way to Stellenbosch for a great wine-tasting day? Think again. The Durbanville Wine Safari is a brilliant and underrated way to explore the fantastic wineries right on the city’s doorstep. This convenient hop-on-hop-off service provides the transport, while you choose your adventure. It’s a game-changer for exploring the Durbanville Wine Route without needing a designated driver.
- How it Works: Meet your guides at the Protea Hotel in Durbanville, choose your route (we recommend the Southern Line for more options), and the safari bus will ferry you between three wineries of your choice, with about 1.5 hours at each stop.
- Insider Tip: Book the 9:30 am safari departure to give yourself the best chance of securing a 10 am tasting in one of Klein Roosboom’s famous and highly sought-after wine caves. You must book the cave tasting separately and in advance!.
- Cost & Booking: The safari costs R330 per person for transport.
A Fairytale Treat: The Scone Shack
Take a scenic drive towards Cape Point and you’ll find a true hidden gem. The Scone Shack is a crooked little fairytale-esque spot on Lalaphanzi Farm, built almost entirely from recycled windows and wood. Here, you’ll find what are arguably the best scones in the Cape, baked fresh in a wood-fired oven and served with delicious homemade jam and cream. The setting is pure magic, with a succulent nursery, a rustic river with rowboats, and a menagerie of farm animals. It’s the perfect stop after a day at Buffels Bay Beach.
- Where to Find It: Lalaphanzi Farm, Plateau Road (M65), near Cape Point.
- Crucial Tip: This charmingly rustic spot is cash only, so come prepared!.
An Off-the-Grid Glass: Thistle & Weed
For those seeking a more personal and authentic wine experience, skip the sprawling commercial estates and head to a boutique gem like Thistle & Weed. Tucked away in a renovated barn with panoramic views of the Simonsberg mountains, this small, family-run winery offers a glimpse into the true soul of South African winemaking. Instead of a crowded tasting room, you’ll get to sample limited-edition wines while chatting directly with the winemakers, gaining insights into the passion behind each bottle. It’s an experience often overlooked by guidebooks and is all the more special for it.
- Location: Stellenbosch.
New on the Scene: Fresh Flavours to Discover
The Cape’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with exciting new restaurants opening across the region. Here are three new spots to add to your must-try list.
Winelands Welcome: Toevlug, Stellenbosch
A powerhouse collaboration has arrived at the historic Annandale Wines. Toevlug (Afrikaans for “sanctuary”) is the new venture from celebrated chef Bertus Basson and Chef Drikus Brink (formerly of Clara’s Barn). Expect a family-friendly menu driven by simplicity and seasonal, produce-focused cooking that perfectly complements the farm’s rustic heritage. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxed breakfast or lunch in the Winelands.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8 am – 3:30 pm.
City Bistro Buzz: Farro, Gardens
A beloved Cape Town favourite is back! Farro has reopened its doors in a new location on Wandel Street, ready to reclaim its status as a top spot for the perfect “Farro Date Night”. Expect simply delicious bistro-style fare, a spritz of cocktail culture, and an intimate, inviting atmosphere that feels both special and relaxed.
- Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 6 pm – 10:30 pm.
Suburban Star: Mezza Luna, Durbanville
Durbanville welcomes a fantastic new family-run restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine. At Mezza Luna in the Cobble Walk Shopping Centre, everything is made from scratch, from the fresh pasta and classic lasagna to the delicious wood-fired pizzas. It’s a wonderful, welcoming spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, proving you don’t need to head to the city for a true taste of Italy.
- Location: Verdi Blvd, Sonstraal Heights, Durbanville.
Mark Your Calendars: A Peek into November
The energy doesn’t stop this weekend. November is kicking off the summer season with some massive outdoor events. Here’s a quick look at what’s to come.
- Bubbles & Bliss: Simonsig Cap Classique Affair (1 November): The lawns of Simonsig in Stellenbosch will come alive for the 5th anniversary of South Africa’s most glamorous celebration of bubbles. The event starts at 11 am.
- High-Flying Fun: Red Bull Flugtag (2 November): Head to the V&A Waterfront for a day of spectacular creativity and hilarious crashes as teams launch their homemade flying machines off a runway and into the harbour.
- A Feast in Paarl: Die Paarl Langtafel (6 November): A truly magical evening where hundreds of people gather at a beautifully decorated long table down Paarl’s historic Main Road for an unforgettable food, wine, and music extravaganza.
Your Weekend Weather Outlook
It looks like a mild and pleasant weekend ahead, perfect for getting out and about. Saturday might bring a few showers, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket if you’re heading to an outdoor event.
Friday, 24 October, will be partly cloudy with a high of 18°C and a low of 12°C, with only a low (5%) chance of rain.
On Saturday, 25 October, expect partly cloudy skies with showers possible. The high will be around 16°C, dropping to a low of 11°C, and there’s a medium (40%) chance of rain.
The weekend closes out on Sunday, 26 October, with partly cloudy conditions, a high of 16°C, a low of 12°C, and a low (10%) chance of rain.
What an incredible line-up! From the roar of engines to the quiet contemplation of art, there truly is something for everyone this weekend.
Whatever you choose, travel safely (especially with those road closures!), make some wonderful memories, and don’t forget to subscribe below.
Here’s to a great weekend,
The Team at Local Digest
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