October 6, 07:00IOL

Cape Town Event Calendar for October: Shows, Festivals, and Other Activities

October promises to be a busy month in Cape Town, offering entertainment for a wide range of visitors. The city has scheduled major live music concerts, ballet performances, independent film screenings, and families can enjoy giant kite flights or participate in one of Halloween's most recognizable traditions.

Many events are planned as part of the activities that are worth adding to your calendar.

Cape Town Zombie Walk

The annual 'Zombie Walk' will take place on All Saints' Day. This unique annual city parade allows thousands of people in costume to take to the streets of the city. The event is suitable for all ages and pets, and participation is free. Collected funds go to the Lucky Lucy Foundation, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned animals. The procession starts at 109 Government Avenue, Cape Town City Centre, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 17:00 to 18:00.

Elysium

Cape Ballet Africa opens its spring season with the production 'Elysium'. This quadruple program combines works by George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, Kenneth Tindall, and Michelle Reed. The piece explores themes of joy, resilience, love, and transformation through contrasting choreographic styles. The performance will run for a week at The Baxter Theatre, Pam Golding Theatre, Rondebosch. Tickets are available from R320. Dates: October 3 to 10, 2026, with evening shows and selected daytime sessions.

The South African Pride Ball

'The South African Pride Ball' brings ballroom dance culture to the Woodstock area to celebrate the history and culture of the South African queer community. Organized by Edition Events and Royal House of La’Beija RSA, the event features several categories inspired by queer culture activists and icons. Attendees can participate, support contestants, or simply enjoy the music and atmosphere at Hearty, located in The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock. Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 20:30 to 2:00, entry from R150.

Ne-Yo Live in South Africa

R&B musician Ne-Yo will perform in Cape Town as part of his 2026 international tour. A three-time Grammy winner, he is known for songs such as 'So Sick' and 'Miss Independent', making this evening nostalgic for fans of 2000s and 2010s R&B. The concert will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 18:00. Ticket prices start from R990.

Cape Orchid Spring Show

For flower lovers who prefer quiet strolls over bright lights, the 'Spring Show' by the Cape Orchid Society offers a peaceful outing. Guests can view orchids exhibited by society members and private breeders, chat with experienced specialists, and purchase orchids, plant companions, and gardening equipment. Entry to the event is free, making it accessible to anyone interested in gardening or looking for an alternative activity. The show will take place on October 17 and 18, 2026, from 9:00 to 16:00 on Saturday and from 9:00 to 15:00 on Sunday, at 6th Rondebosch Scout Group Hall, Chess Road.

Nelson Mandela Marathon

The first 'Nelson Mandela Marathon' will gather thousands of runners and walkers on the streets of Cape Town, dedicated to Mandela's legacy. The 42 km route passes through city areas such as District Six, Parliament, Company's Garden, and Bo-Kaap before continuing towards the Atlantic coast. Shorter distances are also available: 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km. The race will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 5:30 AM on Strand Street, with the finish line at Grand Parade. Participation fees start from R80.

Observatory Film Festival

The fourth 'Observatory Film Festival' focuses on independent and student filmmakers. Previously known as Obs-cene Film Festival, this community-oriented festival gives emerging directors a chance to showcase their work to a live audience. Screenings are accompanied by local vendors selling art and crafts, turning the event into a public gathering rather than just a film viewing. The festival will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 18:00 to 22:00, at the Observatory Community Recreation Centre on Rawson Street. Entry is from R65.

Cape Town International Kite Festival

The thirty-second 'Cape Town International Kite Festival' returns under the theme #ColourTheSky. This two-day event, organized by Cape Mental Health, combines giant kite demonstrations with family entertainment while raising awareness about mental health. Visitors can expect colorful skies, various activities, food courts, and many children's entertainments at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery. The festival will take place on October 24 and 25, 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00, at Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery, entry from R50.

Dracula

Cape Town City Ballet presents David Nixon's 'Dracula' again at Artscape during the Halloween holidays following its previous showing this year. The production, inspired by Bram Stoker's gothic story, uses choreography, music, and theatrical design to bring the tale of Count Dracula and Jonathan Harker to the stage. It offers a darker alternative to typical Halloween entertainment. The performance will run from October 28 to November 1, 2026, starting at 19:30, with select daytime sessions, at the Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town. Tickets start from R250.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 30, 15:50

Johannesburg Events Guide for October: Concerts and Festivals

October promises to be a busy month for live music lovers in Johannesburg and the surrounding Gauteng region, offering diverse events—from international rapper performances and hip-hop festivals to jazz and chamber concerts.

This cultural calendar features numerous events, including a tour by British rapper Dave and the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Back to the City festival.

Dave's Tour Performance as Part of The Boy Who Played the Harp

British rapper Dave will hold his 'The Boy Who Played the Harp' tour stop in South Africa on October 3rd. The concert will take place at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, which is convenient for Joburg residents in the Gauteng region. The artist is expected to present his acclaimed repertoire, including tracks from his latest album, 'The Boy Who Played the Harp.' Tickets for this event are available from R855.

Spring Fiesta 2026 Festival

The Spring Fiesta festival will return, offering a massive day of dance music on October 3rd at Wild Waters Complex. The event will run from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM and will unite various genres such as house, deep house, hip-hop, and electronic music. On stage at Stay True Sounds, British producer Atjazz and South African deep house pioneer Jullian Gomes will perform. Other announced participants include Dwson, Kid Fonque, KUDbEU, Aquatone, and Vinny Da Vinci with DJ Christos. It is important to note that this event is for persons aged 18 and over, and organizers advise using Uber. Ticket prices start from R400.

Isaiah Rashad as Part of In The City JHB

Immediately following the October 3rd concert, American rapper Isaiah Rashad will come to Johannesburg to participate in In The City JHB on October 4th. His performance will be held at the Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena, where he will be accompanied by Sinead Harnett and rum.gold. This makes the beginning of October particularly packed for hip-hop fans.

Miriam Altman and The Butterfly Project Live in Concert

For a more intimate format, jazz vocalist, songwriter, and producer Miriam Altman will present her project The Butterfly at Wits Theatre. The project blends contemporary vocal jazz with soul, poetry, African rhythmic influences, and a classical vocal foundation, exploring themes of resilience, renewal, and darkness. Altman will perform with an impressive ensemble of South African jazz musicians, including Tlale Makhene, Tendai Shoko, Dalisu Ndlazi, Sunnyboy Mthimune, Lungile Kunene, and Kuki Mokubetsi. The album was co-produced with award-winning pianist and producer Luyanda Madope. The Johannesburg concert is dedicated to the release of the album The Butterfly Project and will be built around storytelling, contemporary jazz, and musical transformation. The date in Johannesburg is set for October 10th, and tickets can be purchased via Quicket starting from R200.

Back to the City Festival — 20th Anniversary

Johannesburg hip-hop fans can celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Back to the City festival on October 10th. The festival will gather both international stars, such as Ab-Soul, Slum Village, and Blu & Exile, and South African artists, including Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Touchline, and Trompies. In addition to music, visitors can expect street art, fashion, skateboarding, esports, food courts, DJ and MC battles, and a broad celebration of hip-hop culture. The event is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM in Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, and tickets start from R200.

Giuseppe Ottaviani — Chapter IV: South Africa

Electronic music lovers can attend The Soundroom, where Giuseppe Ottaviani will perform as he returns to South Africa for another We Are Trance experience. The international trance DJ will be accompanied by Dirkie Coetzee, Pierre Pienaar, Corrie Theron, Eggsta, and That Girl. The concert is scheduled for October 17th, and tickets start from R500.

Mthunzi — Night with Mthunzi and Friends

Mthunzi will hold his live show at Carnival City, which will focus on collaborations. The singer will perform alongside special guests and musical friends, covering songs from his catalog as well as presenting joint compositions and popular hits. This will take place on October 24th, and tickets are available from R250.

Zawadi Yamungu — Live Performance at Basement

For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, Zawadi Yamungu will perform at Untitled Basement with a presentation of her evolving sound. The performance is based on her album 'NGIMUHLE' and showcases her ongoing musical journey, utilizing local instruments, modern African sounds, and addressing themes of identity and transformation. The concert is scheduled for October 24th. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets can be bought through Quicket for R300 or purchased at the door for R350.