Keep up to date with the latest local social happenings. From public art and markets to free fitness and concerts at the V&A, we’ve got you covered.
1 November
City Hall, Cape Town
Until 10 December 2014. Curated by Tau Tavengwa and Edgar Pieterse, City Desired will offer Cape Town’s residents and visitors a penetrating insight into the challenges and possibilities facing the unique city. The exhibition will explore the dynamics that echo in cities across the world as they contemplate their purpose in this urban century.
GoetheonMain, 245 Main St, Maboneng Precinct
Until 12 November 2014. Bianca Baldi’s project begins with a particular design object, The Louis Vuitton Explorator. Commissioned by Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza for his expedition to Congo, the highly stylised form of this explorer’s day bed is capable of containing and unfolding not only physically but also conceptually, the trappings and projections accompanying the aesthetic of colonial ambition at Zero Latitude.
My Family and Other Cameras by St.John Fuller
David Krut Bookstore, 151 Jan Smuts Avenue.
Until 30 November 2014. St.John will be sharing some of his experiments with cameras and photography. A camera obscura will be built, the projection surfaces will be cut staggered thus allowing the viewer to interfere and play with the projected images. Visitors to the gallery will form part of the inverted, projected images, and thus will become part of the installation itself. Hanging on the walls, and available for sale, will be printouts of images the images that St.John has created using the pin hole cameras that he has built.
5 November
Webersburg Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Until 9 November. One of SA’s most exciting pop-up events is back in the Winelands this month. Expect the best in local design and crafts, delicious artisanal food and toe-tapping live music at KAMERS from 4 – 9 November 2014 at Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. All days run from 9am – 5pm, except on Friday, which will close at 7pm and on Sunday, which will close at 3pm. Entrance is R75 at the gate.
Sculpture and Ceramics Exhibition
Kalk Bay Modern, 1st floor Olympia Building, 136 Main Road, Kalk Bay 021 788 6571
Until 30 November 2014. Exhibitors include Alexia Klopje, Andrew Walford, Catherine Brennon, Ceramics Matters, Chantel Woodman, Charles Haupt, Christo Giles, Clementina Van Der Walt, Helen Vaughan, Ian Garret, John Bauer, Lisa Firer, Louise Gelderblom and many more.
6 November
70 Juta Street, Braamfontein
Following the great success of the pop-up wine bar in Cape Town, the Spier Secret team is bringing Spier wines to Johannesburg. In November 2014, the Spier Secret Courtyard in Juta Street will present a collision of great art, food and wine – the perfect spot to chill out and feel the city’s creative pulse.
The Spier Secret Courtyard has an extensive range of Spier wines to enjoy, accompanied with tasty snacks. The Spier Secret Courtyard’s calendar is with live music and Secret Dinners hosted by the Cape’s most inspiring creatives. Thursdays – Saturdays, 5pm – 11pm.
Speke Photographic Gallery, Circa on Jelliecoe, Rosebank, Johannesburg 011 788 4805
Until 6 December. “Teeming” features a cross section of Lace’s studio practice over the last 4 years. Examples of her “Collapse”, “Found Bodies” and “Reliquary” series are on show, as well as a first electronic and interactive installation titled “Labour/Labor” and the a second in her new series of outdoor sculptures “From Orient to Occident”.
Subject Matter, Columbia Road Pop Up Gallery and Shop
136 Columbia Road, London, E27RG
Until 26 November. Photographic artists from around the world on exhibition.
Ashraf Jamal speaks on Enigmatic Black: The Body-in-love
GoetheonMain, 245 Main St, Maboneng Precinct
Ashraf Jamal is a teacher, writer and editor, currently based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he lectures on film and visual culture. He is the author of “Predicaments of Culture in South Africa” (2006).
7 November
Sanlam Handmade Contemporary (FoodWineDesign) Fair
Rooftop of Hyde Park Corner
Until 9 November. From leather workers, to jewellers, ice cream makers and hand pulled noodle experts, artisans will take turns to temporarily showcase their craft in a dedicated space at the Fair. Visitors will be able to view these producers at work and interact with them, thus gaining an exclusive glimpse into the studio life of artisans. On the food side, look out for new exhibitors such as Gwefey Asian Cuisine, Chef Susan Greig and Coobs, while the Fair is excited to welcome many first-time wine exhibitors, including Cavalli Estate, Oneiric, Painted Wolf Wines and Marianne Wine Estate.
Tickets are available at the door for R100 (kids 12 and under enter free) and online via webtickets.co.za for R90.
8 November
V&A Waterfront and Mercedes Benz Summer Sessions: Tucan Tucan
V&A Amphitheatre, Cape Town
Argentinian vocalist and pianist Muriel Marco brings Latin American flair and beat to the African rhythm of Mozambican vocalist and drummer Frank Paco and South African guitarist Angelo Syster, tenor, soprano, saxophonist and flutist Buddy Wells, vocalists Lana Crowster and Lee-Ann Fortuin and bass guitarist Andre Webb.
Art in the Forest Presents Charmaine Haines
Until December 2014. “Fishtales Women & Birds” – A contemporary ceramics exhibtion.
Rhodes Drive, Constantia Nek Circle, Cape Town.
11 November
Plascon Auditorium, 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town. 3pm -5pm.
Erdmann Contemporary Opening of Sasol New Signatures
84 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Until 5 December 2014. Artists include Lucienne Bestall, Paris Brummer, Anwar Davids, Daniel Joubert, Alexandra Karakashian, Bronwyn Katz, Lorienne Lotz, Bert Pauw, Juanette Smuts, Evan Wigdorowitz, Adriaan Diedericks, Brett Ashley Gendall, Christel Liebenberg, Marguerite Roux, Jessica Lee Staple, Shona van der Merwe and Anika van der Westhiujzen.
16 November
V&A Waterfront and Mercedes Benz Summer Sessions: Natasha Meister
V&A Amphitheatre, Cape Town. 6pm.
Although she hails from a “blues-country-soul” background, Meister’s newly launched EP What Goes Around takes a new pop-rock direction. She lists the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Paramore as having a significant influence in her decision to switch from blues to rock, which she sees as just a heavier and edgier version of the blues.
Corobrik National Ceramics Exhibition
Great Cellar, Alphen Estate, Alphen Drive, Constantia
Until 6 December 2014. Runs weekdays from 9am until 5pm and Saturdays 9am until 1pm.
20 November
Wembley Square, Cape Town
Until 22 November 2014. This three-day free event will see the likes of Jeremy Loops, Dan Patlansky and Derek Gripper perform. Expect Craft Beer tasting, coffee and chocolate pairings and a variety of creative workshops.
27 November
Chroma 2014 Summer Exhibition at the Stevenson Gallery
Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock
Unitl 17 January 2014. The gallery is open throughout the holiday season, except on public holidays; hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 1pm.
28 November
Observatory / Salt River / Woodstock
Until 29 November 2014. OPEN STUDIOS forms part of ART WEEK CAPE TOWN, in which the public are invited to meet artists in their studios and in some cases buy work commission free.
Ruth Prowse Gratuate Show 2014
The Ruth Prowse School of Art Graduate Show of 2014 opens on 28 November at 6:00 pm and showcases the work of the Fine Art, Graphic Design, Jewellery Design and Photography students.
29 November
The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
Huguenot Monument, Main Road, Franschhoek
The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival (aka The Magic of Bubbles®), in association with Mastercard, is coming to the Winelands.
You’ll be able to sample some of South Africa’s best MCC’s including Pierre Jourdan, Morena, Môreson, La Motte, Boschendal, Leopard’s Leap, Noble Hill, Plaisir de Merle, Antonij Rupert Wines, JC le Roux, Krone, Pongracz, Steenberg and Villiera. You’ll also be able to taste French champagne brands, including Piper Heidsieck, Guy Charbaut and Veuve Clicquot.
V&A and Mercedes Benz Mini Folk Fest
V&A Amphitheatre Cape Town 2:30pm -7:30pm
Expect a great medley of free non-stop local talent.
Bottelary Hills Pop-Up Winemakers Lunch
Beyerskloof Estate, R304 outside of Stellenbosch
The Bottelary Hills Winemakers Lunch at Beyerskloof starts at 12h30 (for the wine tasting, followed by lunch at 13h00) and costs R280 per person for the interactive tasting and lunch which includes a glass of wine per course. Pre bookings are essential as seating is limited.
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Ongoing Events
Free Outdoor Active Fitness Programme returns to the V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 021 408 7600
Until March/April 2015. Having partnered with top experts to develop the programme, the V&A will host a series of free physical activities ranging from yoga to running clubs, bringing the gym outdoors, and to you.
Nobel Square, between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Hotel, Cape Town
The V&A Market on The Wharf is quickly entrenching its position as Cape Town’s ultimate gastronomic destination. An array of artisanal foods, on-site demo kitchens and a kids’ entertainment area are just a few of its features. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday.
The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, come rain or shine, the Old Biscuit Mill becomes the hotspot for locavores. Expect over 100 specialty traders including local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs and micro enterprises – not to mention the designers. Get there early for parking.
73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
This is the younger cousin of the Cape Town event. It runs every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. It may not be quite as big and epic, but it’s steadily growing alongside the exciting Braamies rejuvenation.
Groote Post, Darling Hills Road, Darling, 022 492 2825
Until April 2015. Indulge in the best of local Darling gourmet produce, arts and crafts, décor, gifts, homeware stalls and more, while the children are entertained by tractor rides, guided horse riding and sheep-shearing demonstrations. Relax in the shade on the lawns and tables, enjoying the live music while sipping on Groote Post’s Rosé, specially produced for the markets (and for sale at the monthly markets only). Held on the last Sunday of every month, until April 2015, between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free.
14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Every Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, this food and wine market offers easy access to fresh produce and tasty fare. Thursdays in particular have become quite a social affair and Saturdays sometimes includes a fashion component.
107 Corobay Avenue, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria
Capital Urban Market is a Pretoria inner-city market forming part of the Cool Capital 2014 citizen-driven initiative to revitalise and restore the inner-city, as well as give local designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and expand their brand.
Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks and Freedom XX
The University Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch (Sasol Art Museum), 021 808 3691
Until 31 December 2014, Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks is inspired by the late human rights activist Rosa Parks, as well as the hundreds of children around the world who wrote letters to Nelson Mandela. The staff of the university museum crowd-curated Freedom XX, with each member selecting an artwork and writing a short curatorial statement. Both form part the university-wide celebrations of 20 years of freedom.
La Motte Helgaard Steyn Awards Exhibition
R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, 021 876 8000
Until June 2015. The exhibition will showcase the works of the winners of the Helgaard Steyn Award since its inception in 1987 until 2013. It will focus on three main areas: visual art works, musical compositions and literature.
Save The Date
4 December 2014 – 30 January 2015: Karoo Farmscapes, solo exhibtion by Mark De Wet
18 – 21 March 2015: Made Expo Milano
Presented by Milano Architettura Design Edilizia.

