Top Things To Do On Heritage Day in Cape Town 2024
It’s time to celebrate Heritage Day in true South African style with a touch of Cape Town flair of course!
Heritage Day is a public holiday which takes place on the 24th of September. It is a day where ALL SOUTH AFRICANS are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up our glorious ‘Rainbow Nation’. In a country that boasts a vast and vibrant cultural diversity, eleven official languages, a rich and intricate history and a vivid variety of different traditions, Heritage Day is recognized and celebrated in many different ways in South Africa.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Heritage Day – Celebrating Heritage Day in Cape Town is an absolute MUST! Not to mention the Mother City is jam-packed with an incredible variety of Heritage Day events, braai’s & celebrations – yes, the beautiful, vibrant, and diverse Mother City NEVER disappoints! Here are some of the top events and things to do on Heritage Day in Cape Town this year.
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CAPE TOWN HERITAGE DAY EVENTS!
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#Heritage Day Spit Braai @ Benguela Cove Wine Estate
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: Benguela Cove Wine Estate | Benguela Cove Wine Estate, R43, Western Cape
- Time: 12pm – 6pm
- Cost: R750 per person | R250 per child under 12 | **Includes lunch & live band
- Contact details: 087 357 0637 | [email protected]
- **Booking: Click HERE to book your spot ASAP!
Benguela Cove invites you to celebrate an unforgettable Heritage Day Experience! Conveniently located between Cape Town and Hermanus, the estate offers a variety of world-class attractions & activities for guests of all ages. Benguela Cove is ranked #53 in the World’s Top 100 Vineyards, making it a premier destination for food and wine enthusiasts, family & friends!
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**WHAT TO EXPECT THIS HERITAGE DAY**
- Heritage Day is on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 9:30am – 6pm
- Brunch: Served at Moody Lagoon, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Spit Braai: Served in the courtyard, 11am – 6pm
- Platters served in the Tasting Room: 10am – 4pm
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Heritage Day Braai: Join us for a proudly South African Lunch
Indulge in a one-of-a-kind menu crafted by renowned Chef Annie Badenhorst. Indulge in the bounty of the season with enticing options like whole lamb on the spit, boasting a fragrant coriander and mint chutney. Or savour a succulent whole pig on the spit, served alongside a delicious 3-bean chakalaka. With delicious options for vegans and vegetarians available too. All dishes are prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients, ensuring a truly unforgettable Heritage Day experience.
Compliment your culinary journey with a refreshing South African gin cocktail from our Gin Bar or quench your thirst with locally crafted Folken Good draught you can also explore the selection of Benguela Cove’s award-winning wines
…THERE’S MORE!
Book Your Luxurious Long Weekend Escape At Benguela Cove
Why not complement your Heritage Day long weekend with a stay in one of our fully equipped, self-catering waterfront villas? These architect-designed holiday homes offer the perfect blend of privacy and indulgence. Everyone is welcome; families, friends, work groups, your lovely pets, and couples looking for a romantic escape. Wake up to panoramic views and enjoy all that Benguela Cove has to offer, from world-class attractions to delicious food and award-winning wines!
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Why Not Take Full Advantage of Benguela Cove’s Heritage Day Accommodation Special?
Luxury Villas: Book a three-room villa from only R2500 per person per night. Enjoy the exclusive eco-estate in style, with a minimum of 6 people. When you book accommodation at Benguela Cove, you get a variety of complimentary inclusions, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your guests, including:
- Tutored wine tasting of five estate-produced wines
- A tour of our state-of-the-art winery and cellar (valid for 6 guests)
- A bottle of Estate Syrah when you lunch at Moody Lagoon Restaurant
- A Vineyard Safari and estate tour (valid for 6 guests)
- A bottle of estate wine waiting for you in your villa
Optional braai and wine packs are available for arrival. Let us take the hassle out of catering with our chef’s curated braaipackages, everything you need for a delicious supper. Let us stock up your fridge with our award-winning estate wines. We are ready to assist.
**BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY & MAKE YOUR HERITAGE DAY LONG WEEKEND UNFORGETTABLE**
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#Zeitz MOCAA Silo Centenary Celebrations
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, S Arm road, Silo district, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Time: 10am – 6pm
- Cost: FREE ENTRY TO EVERYONE!
Join us on Tuesday, 24 September 2024 when Zeitz MOCAA will host a day of festivities to celebrate 100 years of the Grain Silo & 7 years of Africa’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary art from the continent and its diaspora. ENTRY IS FREE & limited to walk-ins only on the day.
Coinciding with South Africa’s Heritage Day, this curated public programme will bring together History, Art & Architecture. Various activations will take place throughout the day that will offer local audiences an opportunity to reconnect with the museum as an accessible, social & culturally relevant meeting place within the Silo District, the V&A Waterfront & more significantly, Cape Town.
We look forward to seeing you at this momentous occasion where art, architecture & heritage converge to ignite the imagination & enrich the soul while honouring the past & embracing the future at the largest museum dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
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#Heritage Day Braai @ 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
- When: 22 September 2024
- Where: The Apostles Braai @ 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa | The Apostles Braai @ 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Street, Cape Town
- Time: 1pm – 4pm
- Cost: R725 per person
- **Booking: Be sure to book your spot early by contacting [email protected] or calling 021 437 9000
Celebrate Heritage Day with a spectacular braai at the Apostles Braai! Enjoy a feast of traditional South African dishes expertly prepared by their seasoned chefs while taking in breathtaking ocean views. Join the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa for an unforgettable day of culture, cuisine & community, as you indulge in local flavours & enjoy live music & a vibrant atmosphere perfect for the whole family!
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#Visit the District Six Museum
- Location: District Six Museum, 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town
- Contact details: 021 466 7200 | [email protected]
- Website: www.districtsix.co.za
Few areas are as vivid an example of the Apartheid regime in South Africa and Cape Town as District Six. A once racially diverse and vibrant community, the original residents were forcibly removed from the area when the National Party government declared it a “white group area”. The District Six Museum – formerly a Methodist Mission Church – serves as a stark reminder of what the community once was.
Visiting the District Six Museum is both an enriching and eye-opening experience as it gives you a real and raw perspective into Cape Town’s intricate and often heart-breaking history. It was set up as a visual display to show what people of colour living in this area went through in the 1970s when over 60,000 people were forcibly removed during the Apartheid era.
Besides housing an impressive collection of historical materials including photographs, paintings, artefacts, physical remains and audio-visual recordings, the District Six Museum also became a vehicle for advocating social justice. The Museum is committed to telling the stories of forced removals and assists in the reconstitution of the community of District Six by drawing on a heritage of non-racialism, non-sexism, anti-class discrimination and the encouragement of debate.
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#MOJO HERITAGE DAY!
- When: 24 September 2024
- Event by: Mojo Market and Mojo Hotel
- Where: MOJO Market | MOJO Market, 30 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Time: 1pm – LATE!
- Cost: FREE ENTRY!
Celebrate Heritage Day at Mojo Market with an electrifying fusion of culture, rhythm & pure African soul!
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Expect live African tunes, delicious food & colourful drinks to pair. This isn’t just a celebration; it’s a journey through the heart of South Africa. Whether you’re swaying to the rhythm or stomping your feet, this is where heritage comes alive!
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**AFRICAN MUSIC LINEUP**
- 1PM – 3PM: Justin Zulu
- 3:30PM – 5:30PM: Marimba Vibrations
- 6PM – 8PM: Ashweeta
- 8PM – 10PM: Mmino
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Join us for a day & night filled with energy, spirit & tradition!
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#Robben Island Trip & Guided Prison Tour
Robben Island is a significant part of South Africa’s History & Heritage.
Immerse yourself in an integral part of South Africa’s history & journey to democracy with a trip to Robben Island this Heritage Day! Cape Town is at the heart of a country with one of the most prolific histories in the world & right at the center of it all is Robben Island – Arguably home to one of the most recognizable prisons in the world today.
**INSIGHT: For centuries Robben Island was used as a penal colony, primarily for political prisoners. The most famous political prisoners that spent time on Robben Island include former & late South African President, Activist & world icon, Nelson Mandela, Tokyo Sexwale, Walter Sisulu & Govan Mbeki. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years during the South African apartheid era.
Today Robben Island is regarded as a symbol of hope & testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity – A place that has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s journey to democracy. In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum – The Robben Island Museum – and in 1999 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now locals & tourists alike can visit this South African landmark & historical site by catching a ferry across the stunning Table Bay to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, tour the Robben Island Prison where Nelson Mandela was held, as well as the island’s museum and lighthouse. Visitors to the island will get the opportunity to experience a nostalgic stop at the very cell Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in for over a decade. All Robben Island tours are led & guided by previous political prisoners with first-hand knowledge & experience of what life was truly like during those pivotal years / times – The exact times that would ultimately change the entire course of South African history. Visitors can expect a real & raw perspective & understanding of both the prison’s history & the personal plight of the prisoners themselves during their time spent there.
You’ll also learn about the island’s surprising past as a leper colony, military base & prison. It’s a full-day trip that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s fight for democracy. This is undoubtedly a Heritage Day experience with a powerful punch!
**NOTE: The ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island (Depending on the boat used as they have different travel times).
- Website: www.robben-island.org.za
- Contact details: [email protected] | [email protected] | 021 413 4200
- **Booking: Click HERE to book a Robben Island Tour!
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#Heritage Day Buffet Lunch @ COPA Restaurant Pepperclub Hotel
- When: 22 September 2024
- Event by: Pepperclub Hotel
- Where: COP Restaurant @ Pepperclub Hotel | COPA Restaurant @ Pepperclub Hotel, 167 Loop Street, Cape Town
- Time: 12:30pm
- Cost: R395 p/Adult | Kids half-price (3 -12 years)
- **Contact / Booking details: 021 812 8888 | [email protected] | Seats are limited & bookings are essential!
- **Click HERE for more information about this amazing Heritage Day family buffet celebration!
Treat yourself & your family to an unforgettable traditional lunch buffet at Pepperclub Hotel’s exceptional COPA Restaurant, as we celebrate Heritage Day! This day holds special significance for all South Africans, who traditionally gather with friends & family. This time, let the team at COPA Restaurant take care of all the work for you – allowing you to sit back, relax & enjoy the company of your loved ones!
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#Celebrate Heritage Day at the Werf Restaurant @ Boschendal
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: Werf Restaurant @ Boschendal | Werf Restaurant @ Boschendal, R310 Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
- Time: 12pm – 3pm
- Cost: R685 p/p | **Includes a refreshing welcome drink
- **Tickets: Click HERE to reserve your spot NOW! | **Click here to view the special Heritage Day Menu
Join us on the 24th of September at Boschendal’s Werf Restaurant for a Heritage Day celebration that blends South African flavours in our sharing menu.
There will also be a big puppet show by Ukwanda in the Werf Area from 12pm onwards, which you can see / watch from the Werf Restaurant terrace as they make their exit through the Werf Food Garden.
This unique addition to our Heritage Day celebration offers a delightful fusion of culture, art & entertainment that can be enjoyed by ALL! We look forward to having you on the farm!
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#Heritage Day Breakfast & Lunch @ La Paris Bistro
- When: 24 September 2024 | **Available from 19 September 2024 – 1 October 2024
- Where: La Paris Bistro | La Paris Bistro, La Paris Estate, R301, Franschhoek
- Contact details: 021 867 0171 | [email protected]
- **Click HERE to view La Paris Bistro’s Heritage Day Menu
- **Booking: Click HERE to book online via the La Paris Bistro website | Click HERE to book online via dineplan | Or contact La Paris Bistro on 021 867 0171 / [email protected]
Revisit the tastes of the past with family & friends by indulging in our nostalgic & incredibly delicious South African inspired breakfast & lunch menu this Heritage Day! Our talented Chef has crafted a variety of new dishes to celebrate Heritage Day, bringing back the flavours & memories we, as South Africans, hold so dear. We happily invite you to savour these special dishes & relive these cherished & sentimental moments with us!
We absolutely can’t wait to celebrate Heritage Day with ALL of you!
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#Aweh! Heritage Day Showcase at The V&A Waterfront
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: Amphitheatre @ The V&A Waterfront | V&A Waterfront, Breakwater Boulevard, Cape Town
- Time: 2pm 5pm
- Cost: FREE!
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 vibrant young talent & the rich culture of the Cape Coloured community. Get ready for an exciting mix of music, dance & song! You’ll see energetic performances by young singers, dancers & even a choir. They’ll perform in Afrikaans & English – SO EVERYONE CAN JOIN IN ON THE HERITAGE DAY FUN!
It doesn’t end there – Oh no! You can also expect a very special appearance by some incredible Khoi riel dancers! Their traditional dance style, with its fancy footwork & colourful clothes, is a powerful way to connect with the area’s Indigenous heritage. The Aweh! The showcase is a cool mix of old & new – Making it the perfect way to learn about & celebrate Cape Town’s diverse cultures!
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#Dragonfly Tri Heritage Day Trail Run @ De Grendel Wine & Restaurant
- When: 24 September 2024
- Where: De Grendel Wine Estate | De Grendel Wine Estate, 112 Plattekloof Road, Durbanville, Cape Town
- **Tickets: Click HERE to get your ticket / tickets & for EVERYTHING you need to know about this Heritage Day Trail Run Event!
Celebrate your proudly South African heritage at the Heritage Day Trail Run in partnership with ASICS at the amazing De Grendel Wine Estate! Why not shake things up this Heritage Day & join the Dragonfly Tri Heritage Day Trail Run? Held at the gorgeous De Grendel Wine Estate, this event lets you explore the captivating Cape Winelands on your own two feet. There’s a route for everyone, from a chill 5km stroll with the fam & a cool 10km scenic jog to an EPIC lung-busting 18.5km adventure!
Whichever distance you choose, you’ll be surrounded by stunning vineyards, with INCREDIBLE mountain views on the longer treks. But it’s not just about the run! The finish line is a festive village with a variety of down-right DELICIOUS local food vendors, award-winning De Grendel wines, cool South African crafts & even a lucky draw with awesome prizes!
It’s a fantastic way to celebrate your heritage, get some exercise & enjoy the beauty of Cape Town.
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#Heritage Day @ Radisson Blu Hotel V&A Waterfront
- When: 24 September 2024
- Event by: Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town
- Where: Radisson Blu Hotel V&A Waterfront | Radisson Blu Hotel V&A Waterfront, 100 Beach Road, Granger Bay, Cape Town
- Time: 1pm – 4pm
- Cost: R685 p/p including a welcome drink | Children 5-12 years receive a 50% discount | Children under 5 years eat with our compliments
- **Contact / Booking details: contact on us 021 441 3000 or [email protected] | **Bookings are essential!
Celebrate Heritage Day by soaking up the glorious South African sun & enjoying epic LIVE music, breathtaking ocean views & all the delicious & vibrant flavours of Radisson Blu’s NOT-TO-BE-MISSED Heritage Day Braai Buffet, not to mention all those must have nostalgic dishes that always taste like home!
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#District Six Museum & Koesister.com Market
- When: 28 September 2024
- Where: District Six Museum Homecoming Centre | 15 M59, District Six, Cape Town
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Cost: R45 | Kids U/12: FREE!
- Website: www.homecomingcentre.co.za
- **Tickets: Click HERE to get your ticket / tickets!
The District Six Museum & Koesister.com Market is set to be one of the highlights in Cape Town this September. Happening on the 28th, it’s all about celebrating local culture and community vibes. Held at the District Six Museum Homecoming Centre, this Cape Town market is a fantastic way for local entrepreneurs and artists to show off their talents and goods. You’ll find an exciting mix of stalls offering everything from arts and crafts to delicious local food. It’s a perfect spot to discover some unique finds or just soak in the friendly atmosphere. The market is all about embracing Cape Town’s rich heritage, and it’s a great chance to enjoy some authentic stories and traditions from the area.
Live music is also part of the fun, with local musicians setting the scene and keeping the energy upbeat. Entry is affordable, costing just R45 per person, or you can grab three tickets for R100. Plus, kids under 12 get in for free, making it a great outing for families. The District Six Museum is a special place, with a deep story of resilience and community. It’s a tribute to the people of District Six, emphasizing the importance of human rights and unity in South Africa.
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#CapeNature Access Week 2024
- When: 21 September 2024 – 27 September 2024
- Where: There are 25 Nature Reserves participating in CapeNature Access Week spanning various regions, from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route & Klein Karoo
- Cost: FREE! | **During 21 September 2024 – 27 September 2024
- Contact details: 087 087 8250 | [email protected] | www.capenature.co.za
- **Note: Visit the CapeNature website for more information
- **BONUS: Check out our ‘CapeNature Access Week 2024’ blog for EVERYTHING you need to know about CapeNature’s 2024 Access Week – ensuring that EVERYONE has the opportunity to participate in this unique & beyond exciting event!
CapeNature is set to celebrate its 10th annual Access Week between the 21st and 27th of September 2024 this year! The public is invited to access any one of the 25 selected Provincial Nature Reserves across the Western Cape for FREE during this time.
To encourage local nature lovers, avid explorers, keen adventurers & absolutely EVERYONE in between to visit any one of CapeNature’s pristine reserves or wilderness areas, visitors will be afforded day entry at no cost whatsoever with the added bonus of enjoying an incredible & exciting variety of activities & bucket-list worthy experiences such as hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, whale watching, swimming, bouldering, cycling, and discovering & exploring every glorious inch of each reserve’s wild, untamed & unapologetic natural beauty, vast biodiversity & extraordinary display of endemic flora and fauna – There truly is nothing like it anywhere in the world!
CapeNature will also be facilitating a variety of programmes for various community groups during this period.
Check out our ‘CapeNature Access Week 2024’ blog for EVERYTHING you need to know about CapeNature’s 2024 Access Week – ensuring that EVERYONE has the opportunity to participate in this unique & beyond exciting event!
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