SALM TEAM 
Now that the cooler months are settling in, you may think it’s time to stay indoors at home where it’s cosy. And while there are days when it’s certainly better to do just that, South Africa’s enviable climate means that even in the autumn and winter months, most days are still mild enough for us to head outdoors and get some physical exercise, socialise, be entertained, or just generally have fun with our family and friends.
Being in the great outdoors is not only great for us physically – it’s also excellent for our mental health and improves our wellbeing overall, which has a positive knock-on effect on things like our monthly medical aid costs. Depending on the medical aid plan you’re on, you could even save money each month if you need less cover – for example with Fedhealth’s FlexiFED range of plans.
There are also lots of holidays over this upcoming period, which gives us ample opportunity to take advantage of all that’s on offer in our beautiful city. With that in mind, here are some outdoor events in Cape Town and surrounds to consider over the coming months:
Monster Jam
‘I like big trucks and I cannot lie’. If you’re a fan of watching custom-made five-ton pieces of metal soaring up into the night sky, with Table Mountain silhouetted in the background, then Monster Jam should be firmly on your radar. This international act is only in Cape Town for one night, where you can watch incredible stunts performed (according to strict health and safety protocols of course). Diehard fans can head to the Pit Party before the show where you can have loads of family fun including meeting the drivers, getting up close and personal with the trucks, and taking loads of pictures.
Date: Apr 22, 2023
Start time: 16:00
Venue: DHL Cape Town Stadium
Price: R150 – R1656
Details: https://www.ticketmaster.co.za/event/monster-jam-cape-town-tickets/437
Woodstock Jazz
Sit under the stars, sip on a refreshing beverage, snack on a charcuterie board and listen to talented jazz musicians from South Africa and around the world as you while away the autumn evening. You can also pop your head into the gallery and soak up some art being exhibited, plus you can make a donation to Woodstock Arts if you’re so inclined (entrance to the jazz evening is free). Woodstock Jazz is held on the last Friday of every month so if you’re a fan, you can return again and again.
Date: 28 April 2023
Start time: 18:00-21:00
Venue: Woodstock Arts
Price: Free
Details: https://woodstockarts.org/events/jazz-night-april-2023/
Galileo Open Air Film Festival
April is the last month you can catch your favourite stars, moments, music and memories in this popular open air film festival set in stunning Western Cape natural environments. Whether you go on a quest and watch Lord of the Rings, sing along with the Grease soundtrack, or enjoy family time together seeing Toy Story – the Galileo offers something for everyone. Choose to enjoy the open air cinema from different venues around Cape Town including Kirstenbosch, various wine estates and Century City. You won’t go hungry either – assemble your picnic when you get there by visiting the various artisanal stalls selling everything from pizzas to wraps, popcorn to snacks, along with gourmet coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Date: various dates in April
Start time: 17:00/18:00
Venue: Various
Price: R129 -R150
Details: https://thegalileo.co.za/
Cableway Charity Challenge
This unique fundraising event is held on the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and aims to raise R1 million for various children’s and women’s charities each year. You can run, you can walk, you can jog, but the aim is to climb Platteklip Gorge as many times as possible, raising money for vulnerable people with every step. You can enter as an individual, or as a corporate or school team, and there are great prizes and goodie bags up for grabs. All participants can go down the mountain for free on the Cableway, giving you a much-needed breather in between ‘laps’.
Date: 6-14 May 2023
Start time: Variable
Venue: Table Mountain
Price: Free to enter, but you must commit to raising a minimum amount
Details: https://charitychallenge.co.za/
And if you’re thinking of hibernating this Autumn and Winter, that’s also perfectly fine! The Fedhealth MTB Challenge happening at Blaauwklippen Estate in Stellenbosch at the beginning of September is perfectly timed for when you emerge from under the duvet, and features outdoor fun for the whole family.
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