Here comes the weekend! What’s on in and around Cape Town (25 September ’09)

Right, late again.  Got rather distracted by the public holiday, and I figure most of y’all are taking a long weekend anyway… But, here goes anyhow – my pick of the best happenings, taken from the Mother City Living What’s On calendar.

Cultivaria and Persia to Paarl Festival

Haven’t quite fathomed exactly what goes on at Cultivaria, as the website is a little lean on accessible detail, but it sounds like a lot of food and wine and everything that goes with it. Part of the festivities include the Persia to Paarl Festival, which sounds rather intriguing. The highlight of Persia to Paarl, apparently, is the Persian tawla (table) where 350 guests will be “treated to a gourmand experience second to none in celebration of 350 years of wine”. That takes place tonight and costs R150.  Other highlights include the Persian matbakh (kitchen) and souq (market).

For more information contact Sandra Lotz at 021 863 4886, info@paarlwine.co.za or visit www.persiatopaarl.co.za.For more information contact Sandra Lotz at 021 863 4886, info@paarlwine.co.za or visit www.persiatopaarl.co.za.

Kirstenbosch Craft Market

After a long winter rest, the Kirstenbosch Craft Market is back in action from this Sunday.  The market consists of approximately 180 crafters who sell original, hand-crafted goods of a very high quality. Snack at the variety of food stalls, and there are pony rides for the kids. Proceeds from stall rentals go to the Development Fund for Kirstenbosch Gardens

Hermanus Whale Festival

The Hermanus Whale Festival is held annually to celebrate the return of the Southern Right whales to the waters of Walker Bay, to appreciate our magnificent environment and herald the arrival of Spring. The festival is an Enviro-Arts festival, with a strong emphasis on environmental issues such as marine life and protection.

Simonstown Penguin Festival

This year, for the first time, penguin-lovers will celebrate African Penguin Day (26 September), a SANCCOB international initiative, to raise awareness of this much loved and ‘vulnerable to extinction’ species.  One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be a beach release of penguins rehabilitated at SANCCOB at 10am Saturday 26 September.

The festivities, for adults and children alike, will be centered around Boulders Beach and the parking area outside the Boulders Beach Lodge and Restaurant. The 2009 programme offers festival-goers a chance to get out there and do something good while at the same time have some fun.

Fynbos Spring Sale

Spring has sprung, and it’s a good plan to be growing indigenous plants if you’ve got a garden.  The Fynbos Sale takes place at the Good Hope Nursery near Scarborough. With fun activities such as the Fynbos Walk, arts and craft market, and the tea garden, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Kirstenbosch Winter Concerts: Southern Gypsy Queens

On Sunday evenings between May and October, Kirstenbosch hosts an indoor winter version of their popular concerts at the Silvertree Restaurant. This Sunday’s performers are old school rock band, Southern Gypsy Queens. The R100 ticket price includes a welcome drink and a starter.

For bookings please call 021 762-9628 or email: info@kirstenboschrestaurant.com or visit www.kirstenboschrestaurant.com

Upcoming events to look out for:

• UCT Green Week including documentary festival (28 Sept-2 Oct)
• Cape Outdoor Adventure and Travel Experience (2-4 Oct)
• Season of Sauvignon (3-4 Oct)
• Earthwave 2009 (3-4 Oct)
• Hout Bay Green Drinks (7 Oct)

Check out the Mother City Living What’s On calendar for more.

DISCLAIMER: Please use any event information as a guide only. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy thereof, things do change – and the best way to make sure something is definitely on is to contact the event organisers themselves. Full bells’n'whistles disclaimer here.