Get ready to explore Cape Town this Heritage Day! We’ve created a list of 10 experiences that capture the Mother City’s diverse heritage from firing up the braai with mates, visiting fascinating museums, and exploring important landmarks, to attending lively events, there’s something for everyone. So, unpack your sense of adventure and join the celebration of this year’s Heritage Day in Cape Town!
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About Heritage Day 🏛
Each year on September 24th, Cape Town throws a massive party for Heritage Day! It’s all about celebrating the city’s mix of cultures from colourful houses in Bo-Kaap, yummy foods from all over, and even some history lessons (but the fun kind!). The roots of Heritage Day lie in acknowledging the struggles of the past, particularly the apartheid era’s forced removals and cultural suppression. Hence, Heritage Day is a way to say “never again” and party together instead. So, come September, expect music, dancing, delicious eats, and a big ol’ celebration of what makes Cape Town so awesome! So get ready to explore, eat, and celebrate everything that makes Cape Town the legendary city it is!
Go on a Cape Town Essentials Food Tour 🍝
This Heritage Day, explore Cape Town’s yummy side with the Essential Food and Drink Tour! It’s a half-day walking adventure that’ll have you exploring two cool neighbourhoods – Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant. Your local guide will dish out the inside scoop on the city’s food scene while you munch on four delicious tastings and swig down three refreshing local drinks. Bo-Kaap is where it’s at for Cape Malay treats. Think spicy bobotie, a kind of savoury meat pie with a sweet twist, and koeksisters, deep-fried dough balls drizzled in syrup.
As you stroll to De Waterkant, your guide will spill the beans on how Cape Town’s food has changed over the years. Here, you might chow down on some fresh seafood or something fancy and new from South Africa’s top chefs. The grand finale? Fireman’s Arms is a historic spot where you can grab a local beer or gin and a bunny chow, which is basically a hollowed-out loaf of bread stuffed with yummy curry. This tour isn’t just about filling your belly (although you will!), it’s about experiencing Cape Town’s heritage through its food. So come hungry, come curious, and get ready to taste your way through Cape Town’s amazing history!
Price: R1785
Address: Dunkley House, 201, 32 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://capetownculinarytours.com/
Contact Number: 087 550 8662
Lucy Barton at The Baxter Theatre 🎙
Between exploring Cape Town’s coolest historical sites this Heritage Day, why not curl up with a story that hits close to home? “My Name Is Lucy Barton” isn’t your typical event. Adapted for the stage from Elizabeth Strout’s bestseller, this play is all about a mother-daughter reunion that’s both awkward and eye-opening. Lucy Barton’s stuck in a hospital bed, miles away from her life in New York. A surprise visitor changes everything: her mom, who she hasn’t spoken to in ages.
As they chat, Lucy starts piecing together her childhood in rural America, learning more about her parents’ struggles and the reasons behind their gruffness. It’s a chance for Lucy to understand her mom better, and maybe even forgive some old hurts. “My Name Is Lucy Barton” is a one-woman show, perfect for a quiet night after a busy day. It’s a heartfelt story about family, letting go of the past, and finding strength – all themes that resonate no matter where you’re from.
Price: R200 to R250
Address: Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
Website: https://baxter.uct.ac.za/
Contact Number: 021 685 7880
Marc Eugene Lottering at Theatre On The Bay 🎤
Heritage Day calls for celebrating all things South African, and what’s more South African than laughing until your sides hurt? Marc Eugene Lottering (CPT), the Cape Town comedy legend, is bringing the funny to the Theatre on the Bay from September 25th to 28th with his brand new show – yep, it’s just called “Marc Eugene Lottering.”
Get ready for hilarious stories about his family history. Remember that time his mom told him they were secretly “blonde German-Caribbeans”? Lottering takes you on a wild ride through his childhood on the Cape Flats, his teenage years, and everything in between, all with his signature wit and sharp observations. This comedy giant has over 20 one-man shows and smash-hit musicals under his belt, plus a shelf full of awards. So ditch the braai tongs for a night, grab your crew, and get ready for a belly-aching laugh fest. Book your tickets for “Marc Eugene Lottering” and celebrate Heritage Day with some side-splitting South African humour!
Price: R150 to R250
Address: Link Street, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005
Website: https://www.pietertoerien.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 438 3301
Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Guided Prison Tour 🚢
This Heritage Day, ditch the braai and dive into South Africa’s history with a trip to Robben Island! Catch a ferry across the stunning Table Bay to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once there, ex-political prisoners will guide you through their experiences of fighting apartheid.
Imagine walking where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years! You’ll see his tiny cell, a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom. The tour’s not all prison walls though. You’ll also learn about the island’s surprising past as a leper colony, military base, and prison. It’s a full-day trip that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s fight for democracy. This is Heritage Day with a powerful punch!
Price: R1250
Address: Century City, 7441 Cape Town, Western Cape
Website: https://www.privatetourscapetown.com/
Contact Number: 061 503 8219
Aweh! Heritage Day Showcase at The V&A Waterfront ⚓
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Heritage Day in Cape Town? Check out the Aweh! Heritage Day Showcase happening on September 24th at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre (it’s free!). This event is all about showcasing Cape Town’s young talent and the rich culture of the Cape Coloured community. Get ready for a vibrant mix of music, dance, and song! You’ll see energetic performances by young singers, dancers, and even a choir. They’ll perform in Afrikaans and English, so everyone can join in the fun.
There’s also a special appearance by some incredible Khoi riel dancers. Their traditional dance style, with its fancy footwork and colourful clothes, is a powerful way to connect with the area’s Indigenous heritage. The Aweh! The showcase is a cool mix of old and new, making it the perfect way to learn about and celebrate Cape Town’s diverse cultures.
Price: Free
Address: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
District Six Museum 🗝
Steeped in history and resilience, the District Six Museum offers a poignant look at a community shattered by apartheid. Established in 1994, the museum occupies a restored Methodist Church, serving as a powerful memorial to the forced removals of over 60,000 residents during the 1970s. Exhibits like a large floor map dotted with handwritten notes from former residents pinpoint their lost homes.
Photographs, historical documents, and everyday objects paint a vivid picture of the vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood that once thrived here. Tours led by ex-residents add a deeply personal touch, allowing visitors to connect with the human stories behind the forced removals. The District Six Museum stands as a testament to a community’s struggle and a powerful reminder of the fight for justice and equality.
Price: R60
Address: 25A Buitenkant St, District Six, Cape Town, 8000
Website: https://www.districtsix.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 466 7200
Dragonfly Tri Heritage Day Trail Run 🏃🏻♂️
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Heritage Day? why not join the Dragonfly Tri Heritage Day Trail Run? Held at the gorgeous De Grendel Wine Estate, this event lets you explore the Cape Winelands on your own two feet. There’s a route for everyone, from a chill 5km stroll with the fam to a lung-busting 18km adventure.
Whichever distance you choose, you’ll be surrounded by stunning vineyards, with epic mountain views on the longer treks. But it’s not just about the run! The finish line is a festive village with yummy local food, cool South African crafts, and even a lucky draw with awesome prizes. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate your heritage, get some exercise, and enjoy the beauty of Cape Town.
Price: R150 to R350
Address: De Grendel Wine Estate, Cape Town
Website: https://dragonflytri.co.za/
Castle of Good Hope 🏯
This Heritage Day, head to the coolest castle in town the Castle of Good Hope! Built way back in the 1600s by the Dutch East India Company (DEIC), it’s the oldest colonial building in South Africa. Imagine, it’s seen it all! The star-shaped fort, with its five cool bastions (like mini-towers), is epic to explore. Think about the ships that would have docked right next to it hundreds of years ago.
Inside, you can check out awesome stuff like the William Fehr Collection, filled with old furniture, paintings, and decorations. There’s even a military museum to learn about the castle’s fighting history. So, this Heritage Day, step back in time and see how Capetonians used to live. The Castle of Good Hope is a must-visit for a dose of history and adventure!
Price: R25 to R50
Address: Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za/
Contact Number: 012 461 4673
Superboss day at Killarny Race Track Cape Town 🏎
Love cars? Crave a blast from the past? Then Killarny Raceway is the place to be on Heritage Day! Gear up for Superboss Day, a celebration of the iconic South African ride, the Opel Superboss. Mark your calendars for September 24th – get ready to hear engines roar and see these sleek machines on the track.
But Superboss Day is more than just racing. It’s a chance to hang with car lovers, check out these amazing vintage vehicles, and hear the stories behind them. Racing heroes from the Group N days and even some Opel folks will be there to chat and share their experiences. Plus, there’ll be prizes and giveaways, making it a fun day for everyone. So shift gears and celebrate Heritage Day with a high-octane adventure at Killarny!
Price: R70 to R150
Address: Western Province Motor Club, Killarney International Raceway, 6 Potsdam Road, Killarney Gardens, Table View 7439
Website:https://wpmc.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 557 1639
The Labia Theatre 🎭
Craving a movie experience beyond the popcorn blockbusters? Look no further than the Labia Theatre! This Cape Town gem isn’t just a cinema, it’s a local legend. Founded in 1949, it’s the oldest independent cinema in South Africa, oozing with history and charm. Forget the Hollywood hype, Labia screens indie flicks, foreign films you won’t find anywhere else, documentaries that make you think, and classic movies that never get old. There’s something for everyone who wants a break from the mainstream.
The Labia isn’t just about the films (although those are awesome). It’s got four cosy cinemas, each named after a famous director. Think comfy seats and an intimate atmosphere, perfect for getting sucked into the story. Plus, their concession stand is a winner. Grab a coffee and a pastry, indulge in some delish popcorn or chocolate, or snag a drink from the bar. There’s even a garden terrace for enjoying the Cape Town sunshine. So this Heritage Day, skip the usual and celebrate something truly South African our love for independent cinema! Head down to the Labia and discover your next favourite movie.
Price: R90
Address: 68 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8000
Website: https://www.thelabia.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 424 5927
So there you have it! From awesome events and museums to exploring historic neighbourhoods and trying some great food, Heritage Day in Cape Town is all about celebrating what makes South Africa awesome. So grab your mates, get out and explore, and have a lekker time this Heritage Day in Cape Town!
