August in Cape Town brings a mix of culture, sport and community spirit, from world-class ballet and rugby test matches to stargazing evenings and craft nights by candlelight (well, cinema light). Whether visiting the city or living in it for years, this month's calendar offers something for nearly every interest. Below is a guide to the standout events happening across Cape Town in August 2026, along with practical details on dates, venues and what to expect.
In this blog we cover…
- SA International Ballet Competition:the largest ballet competition on the African continent returns to the Artscape Opera House for its 13th edition.
- SAAO Open Nights : stargazing evenings at the historic Royal Observatory site, featuring the 1894 McClean telescope.
- The Rocky Horror Show: an award winning South African cast brings the cult classic musical to Theatre on the Bay.
- ABFAB Drag Show: Cape Town's leading drag performers take to the Artscape Theatre as part of the Women's Humanity Festival.
- Craft Nights at Labia Theatre :classic films and cosy crafting come together for one relaxed evening.
- DHL Stormers vs All Blacks and Springboks vs All Blacks: two major rugby test fixtures at DHL Stadium.
- The Only Whisky Show: a two night whisky festival with over 150 premium whiskies to taste.
- Cape Town Plant Expo & Market: a marketplace for rare plants and passionate collectors at the CTICC.
Culture and Theatre
SA International Ballet Competition
The South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) returns to the Artscape Opera House for its 13th edition, billed as the largest ballet competition on the African continent. This year's edition brings together competitors from South Africa and abroad across three age categories: Scholar (9 to 12), Junior (13 to 16) and Senior (17 to 22). Disciplines span classical ballet and contemporary solos, duets, trios, group performances and a choreographic division.
Audiences can follow the competition across five sessions over three days, each running approximately 120 minutes with short breaks between categories. Children aged five and older are welcome.
📆 4 - 6 August 2026
📍 Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore
Image: @saiballetcomp on Instagram
The Rocky Horror Show, Return Season
Cape Town welcomes back The Rocky Horror Show, featuring an award winning South African cast led by Craig Urbani as Frank-N-Furter, alongside Léa Blerk, Robert Everson, Schoemann Smit, Jasmine Minter, Anna Olivier, Natasha Sutherland, Micah Stokajovic and Zak Hendrikz, with a stellar supporting ensemble. This production, first staged in Durban, brings a fresh and fearless edge to Richard O'Brien's iconic musical while remaining true to its anarchic spirit.
First performed in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show remains one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, known for its unforgettable songs and its joyful celebration of individuality and self expression.
📆 28 August - 18 October 2026
📍 Theatre on the Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay
Image: @pietertoerienproductions on Instagram
ABFAB Drag Show
ABFAB Drag, the Absolutely Fabulous Drag Show, returns to the Artscape Theatre for its fourth edition as part of the Artscape Women's Humanity Festival. Directed by Basil Appollis with choreography by Nkosinathi Sangweni, the show brings together Cape Town's leading drag performers for a two hour variety showcase with a 30 minute interval.
The 2026 lineup includes Vida Fantabisher, Manila von Teez, Kat Gilardi, Jayde Kay Johnson, Angel Lalamore and Mitchell Darling, with Terence Bridgett as MC. This year's production is dedicated to the memory of Soli Philander and Alfred Rietman.
📆 7 - 8 August 2026
📍 Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore
Image: @manilavonteez on Instagram
Community and Unique Events
Craft Nights at Labia Theatre
Craft Nights at the Labia Theatre combine a love of film with a love of craft. Guests take their seats among fellow creatives to enjoy a run of cosy classics and favourites, with the lights left on to allow for knitting, crochet, embroidery or any other chosen craft. Films usually begin at 6pm, with doors open from 5pm for snacks and time to meet the circle.
The space is designed to be warm and judgement free, welcoming complete beginners and experienced crafters alike. Guests are encouraged to bring their own materials and tools, keeping in mind that supplies should be appropriate for a cinema setting.
📆 2 August 2026
📍 The Labia Theatre, 68 Orange Street, Gardens
Image: @capetowncraftclub on Instagram
SAAO Open Nights
The South African Astronomical Observatory, located at the site of the former Royal Observatory, hosts regular talks and telescope viewings, including access to the historic 1894 McClean telescope on its hydraulic floor. Tours begin at the Visitor Centre before moving through the main observatory building, one of Cape Town's oldest and most significant formal structures, and continuing to the library and its collection of astronomical instruments and exhibits.
Weather permitting, the evening culminates in a stargazing session using both the McClean Telescope and the observatory's modern Dobsonian telescopes, offering views of celestial objects and distant galaxies.
📆 2nd and 4th Saturday of August
📍 1 Observatory Road, Observatory
Image: @saao_astro on Instagram
Sport
DHL Stormers vs All Blacks
The opening fixture of the All Blacks' seven week tour of South Africa takes place at DHL Stadium in Green Point, marking a rare Friday night test that is expected to sell out well ahead of the match. The 25 minute walk from De Waterkant through Green Point Urban Park forms part of the experience, with the harbour and city providing a memorable backdrop before and after the game.
📆 7 August 2026
📍 DHL Stadium, Green Point
Image: @dhlstormers on Instagram
Springboks vs All Blacks
The Rugby Championship test between the Springboks and the All Blacks returns to DHL Stadium, drawing one of the most charged atmospheres in world rugby. Tickets are expected to move quickly given the significance of the fixture.
📆 29 August 2026
📍 DHL Stadium, Green Point
Image: @bokrugby on Instagram
Expos
The Only Whisky Show
Presented by WhiskyBrother, The Only Whisky Show is an independently organised whisky festival held annually in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Cape Town leg runs over two nights and brings together whisky enthusiasts of all experience levels around a shared appreciation for the spirit. Over 150 premium whiskies will be available to taste, including rare and exclusive bottlings.
📆 20 - 21 August 2026
📍 Hall 1B, CTICC, Foreshore
Image: @onlywhiskyshow on Instagram
Cape Town Plant Expo & Market 2026
The Cape Town Plant Expo & Market brings together a curated showcase of rare plants, expert growers and plant enthusiasts. Visitors can browse everything from popular houseplants such as monstera and philodendrons to moss poles and specialised soil mixes, with knowledgeable growers on hand to offer care tips and guidance. Many exhibitors are online-based businesses, making the expo a rare chance to meet them in person.
📆 1 August 2026
📍 CTICC 2, Exhibition Hall 6 and 7, Foreshore
Image: @raysretailnursery_ on Instagram
Your Base for an Eventful August
Whether visiting for the rugby, the culture, or simply to explore what the city has to offer this August, Nox Cape Town is on hand for all holiday rental needs, offering a range of premium properties across the Atlantic Seaboard to make any stay in Cape Town comfortable and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest event happening in Cape Town in August 2026?
The Springboks vs All Blacks test at DHL Stadium on 29 August is among the most anticipated fixtures of the month, alongside the SA International Ballet Competition at the Artscape Opera House.
Are there family friendly events in Cape Town this August?
Yes. The SA International Ballet Competition welcomes children aged five and older, and the SAAO Open Nights offer a stargazing experience suited to older children with an interest in astronomy.
Is the Rose Mandala Breath Experience open to everyone?
No, this event is open to women only and is capped at 100 attendees, with a limited number of public tickets available via a Quicket waitlist closing on 3 August 2026.
Where can I watch the rugby test matches in August?
Both the DHL Stormers vs All Blacks fixture on 7 August and the Springboks vs All Blacks test on 29 August take place at DHL Stadium in Green Point.
Do I need to book in advance for these events?
Given the popularity of fixtures such as the rugby tests and the limited capacity of events like the Rose Mandala Breath Experience, early booking is recommended across most events listed here.