As the final stretch of May settles over South Africa, the weekend calendar is packed with reasons to get out and explore.
axxter99/Wikimedia Commons
Whether you are looking for a cultural escape in Cape Town, live music in Gauteng or family-friendly markets along the coast, here is a regional guide to some of the standout events happening across the country from 22 to 24 May.
Western Cape
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Weekend
Date: 23 to 24 May 2026
Location: Various routes across Cape Town CBD and Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town’s streets will come alive this weekend as runners from around the country gather for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon events. While the main marathon has become one of the city’s biggest annual sporting highlights, the weekend also includes shorter races, community runs and trail experiences that make it accessible for both serious athletes and casual participants.
For visitors, it is also a chance to experience the city’s energy at its liveliest. Coffee shops, markets and restaurants around the CBD and Atlantic Seaboard are expected to buzz throughout the weekend as spectators line the routes.
BeerEx Africa
Date: 21 to 23 May 2026
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town
Craft beer lovers can raise a glass at BeerEx Africa, the continent’s largest beer-focused expo and festival. The event brings together brewers, industry experts and beer enthusiasts for tastings, workshops and live demonstrations.
Alongside local breweries, visitors can expect food pairings, brewing discussions and plenty of opportunities to sample new flavours. It is one of the more niche events on the calendar, but also one of the most social.
Cape Town Opera presents Carmen
Date: 22 to 24 May 2026
Location: Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town
For those looking for a slower-paced cultural outing, Cape Town Opera’s production of Carmen continues this weekend. The timeless opera remains one of the most recognisable works in the classical repertoire, blending drama, romance and iconic music in a production that appeals to both longtime opera fans and first-time attendees.
Shakespeare Shorts: The Comedies
Date: 21 to 23 May 2026
Location: Baxter Theatre Centre, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Shakespeare gets a contemporary twist in this fast-moving theatre production that condenses several classic comedies into an energetic performance. It is an accessible way to experience Shakespeare without the commitment of a full-length production, making it especially appealing to younger audiences and casual theatre-goers.
Art on the Mountain
Date: 22 to 24 May 2026
Location: Table Mountain and surrounding gallery spaces, Cape Town
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, this exhibition celebrates local art inspired by Cape Town’s landscapes and natural heritage. Expect paintings, mixed media installations and works that reflect the city’s relationship with nature and conservation.
Teknotribe Takeover at Halo
Date: 22 May 2026
Location: Halo Nightclub, Cape Town CBD
Cape Town’s nightlife scene also gets a boost this weekend with a techno-focused takeover at Halo nightclub. Electronic music events continue to grow in popularity across the city, drawing both international acts and local DJs into intimate club spaces that keep the dance floor going long into the night.
Lucky Clover Market
Date: 23 to 24 May 2026
Location: Claremont and surrounding pop-up venues, Cape Town
If your ideal weekend includes browsing local crafts and sampling street food, Lucky Clover Market offers a relaxed community atmosphere with thrift finds, artisanal products, live music and family-friendly entertainment.
Gauteng
Mawhoo In The Park
Date: 24 May 2026
Location: Fourways Farmers Market, Modderfontein, Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s live music scene heads outdoors this weekend with Mawhoo In The Park. Combining music, food vendors and open-air entertainment, the event offers a relaxed day out for groups of friends and families alike.
Pretoria East Car Show
Date: 23 May 2026
Location: Pretoria East, Tshwane
Petrolheads can head to Pretoria East for a showcase of custom vehicles, classic cars and modified builds. The event promises live entertainment, food stalls and displays that range from vintage restorations to high-performance modern machines.
Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa
Date: 22 to 24 May 2026
Location: Various theatres across Johannesburg and Pretoria
Young performers take centre stage at the Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa, where school groups from around the country perform adapted Shakespeare productions. The festival celebrates youth creativity and storytelling while introducing audiences to fresh interpretations of classic works.
Garden Route and Eastern Cape
The Prince of Egypt musical
Date: 22 to 24 May 2026
Location: George Arts Theatre, George
George welcomes audiences this weekend with stage performances of The Prince of Egypt. Adapted from the animated film, the musical blends large-scale production design with memorable music and dramatic storytelling.
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