Cape Town has a packed Heritage Day programme on Thursday, 24 September, with several free activities and paid events starting from R180.
From museums and nature reserves to live music and circus performances, here are some options for Capetonians looking to make the most of the public holiday.
Explore Cape Town’s museums for free
Iziko Museums of South Africa is offering free entry to selected museums on Heritage Day as part of its in_herit Festival. Iziko says the 24 September programme forms part of its 2026 theme, “Our Roots, Our Rhythm, Our Future”.
Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront is also opening its doors for free. The museum says visitors can access exhibitions, guided tours, cultural performances and creative workshops throughout the day.
For something different, the South African Astronomical Observatory in Observatory is hosting a free guided Heritage Day tour from 13:00 to 15:00. The programme includes its historic main building, Photoheliograph, McClean Museum and Visitor Centre. Sungazing is planned if the weather allows. Booking is essential because space is limited.
Spend Heritage Day outdoors
The City of Cape Town is giving residents free entry to Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Table Bay and Tygerberg nature reserves from 24 to 27 September.
Visitors can hike, walk, birdwatch or use picnic areas. The City says normal charges still apply to permitted recreational activities such as water sports.
The Spring Fair Celebration at Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch is another free option. Cape Town Tourism says the three-day event starts at 10:00 on Heritage Day and features more than 100 artisan, food and beverage vendors alongside live music.
Paid events start from R180
Those looking for live entertainment can catch Full Tilt at the Homecoming Centre in District Six. Cape Town Tourism lists tickets at R180 for the show, which combines Zip Zap Circus performers with musicians from School of Rock.
In Sea Point, the Mojo Heritage Day Street Fest runs from 14:00 until midnight. Quicket lists early-bird tickets at R200 and general access at R250. The programme includes 16 live bands, DJs and artists, with Bongeziwe Mabandla, Jack Parow, Kujenga and Nomadic Orchestra among the advertised performers.