Join a host of events celebrating Youth Day

7 ways to spend your long weekend

Last updated: Friday, 7 June 2024

This year we’ve got a long weekend for Youth Day, and there’s plenty of ways to celebrate it. There’s South Africa’s largest comedy festival, free entry to the largest bronze exhibition in the world, superhero fun run, an amapiano festival and more. Here’s 6 ways you can spend your long weekend this Youth Day in Cape Town.

WALK AMONGST GIANTS 

Across from Canal Walk is an exhibition with 100 life-sized bronze statues, the largest in the world. Long March to Freedom is having free entry for school learners wearing or bringing an item of school clothing on Sunday, 16 and Monday, 17 June. Plus, free guided tours will be available starting every hour on Monday, 17 June from 10am to 3pm. 

Date: Sunday 16 and Monday 17 June, 10am to 3pm

Cost: Free for school learners. From R20 for others. Book via Webtickets
Follow now: On @longmarchtofreedom

Century Boulevard | Century City | Image: Long March to Freedom

LAUGH AT SA’S BIGGEST COMEDY FESTIVAL 

South Africa’s favourite, oldest and largest comedy festival is back. This year, the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary. You can expect popular local acts like Yaaseen Barnes, Dalin Oliver, Alan Committie, Emo & Loukmaan Adams and many more.  

Date: 11 June - 7 July, 4pm and 8pm shows

Cost: From R130, book via Webtickets
Follow now: On @capetownfunnyfestival 

The Pam Golding Theatre at The Baxter | Main Road | Rondebosch | Image: Cape Town Funny Festival

SUPPORT A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 

The German International School Cape Town and youth development group African Grassroot Hoops are pairing up to host the fourth annual Youth Day Classic Basketball tournament. Hosted at the German International School of Cape Town, you can also enjoy refreshments while watching.  

Date: Saturday, 15 June to Sunday, 16 June; 9am to 6pm

Cost: From R50, book via Quicket
Follow now: On @africangrassroothoops

28 Bay View | Tamboerskloof | Image: African Grassroot Hoops

TAKE THE KIDS TO A FESTIVAL

You can sign up your little one for two days of fun things at Mama Africa Kids Festival (yes, it’s hosted by the famous African restaurant on Long Street: They’re renowned for celebrating African culture, traditions, and cuisine). Activities include face painting, marimba lessons, storytelling, a magic show, drum lessons, an art session and puppet show.

Date: Saturday, 15 June to Sunday, 16 June; 10am to 2pm

Cost: From R150, book via Quicket

Follow now: On @mamaafrica_cape_town

Mama Africa | 178 Long Street | City Centre | Image: Mama Africa

JOIN A SUPERHERO FUN RUN 

Along the trails of Groot Constantia Wine Farm is the Feet4Fees Youth Day Fun Run. Runners can choose from either a 5km or 10km, both of which have a superhero dress up theme. Plus, the first 100 entries will receive a pair of customised mohair running socks. 

Date: Sunday, 16 June; 7am to 10am

Cost: From R150, book via Quicket
Follow now: On @spirit_foundation_sa

Groot Constantia Road | Constantia | Image: Groot Constantia

WATCH THEATRE BY YOUNG PERFORMERS 

The Masque Theatre is throwing a Youth Day celebration, Interlace Uplift. This is a music event aimed at uplifting young performers, providing mentorship for them and cultivating their skills in performing arts. The focus group of performers are musicians and spoken word artists, the large majority of whom are under the age of 35. 

Date: Sunday, 16 June; 6pm to 8.30pm

Cost: From R120, book via Quicket
Follow now: On @masquetheatresa

37 Main Road | Muizenberg | Image: ALAS Academy

GO TO A HIP HIP & AMAPIANO FESTIVAL  

ComUnity is back with another festival on Youth Day. Last year there were tons of food stalls, clothing racks with local fashion, the latest RnB, hip hop and amapiano hits, and more. This year you can expect something similar, with a few new surprises. It’s at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. 

Date: Monday, 17 June; 11am to 2am

Cost: From R200, book via Quicket

Follow now: On @comunityza

375 Albert Road | Woodstock | Image: ComUnity

By Sarah Williams 

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DISCOVER MORE OF CAPE TOWN

There’s an art exhibition on until August, from artist Esther Mahlangu. 

From a bike park to hippos, explore free and cheap activities. 

On the same weekend as Youth Day, it’s also Father’s Day. 

Every week(end), there’s 7+ things to do in Cape Town.

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