First Thursdays - V&A Waterfront Edition

Join the NSRI at the V&A Waterfront for World Drowning Prevention Day.

On 25 July 2026, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) invites the public to an interactive presentation at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre in celebration of World Drowning Prevention Day. Three free, hour-long sessions will run throughout the day, each combining live presentations with music and public interaction between sessions.

Each session brings NSRI's lifesaving work to life. Learn about rescue stations around South Africa, meet the volunteer rescue crew, coxswains and shore crew who respond to emergencies, and see the equipment and personal protective equipment used on the water. Short videos showcase real rescue operations, rescue boats and helicopter rescues, showing how ordinary people become highly trained volunteers who save lives.

The programme also covers water safety education, including hazards on beaches, rivers and dams, and what to do if caught in a rip current. There will be a live Pink Rescue Buoy demonstration, showing how these buoys are used and how to call 112 in an emergency, with an audience volunteer invited to take part.

A hands-only CPR demonstration follows, covering the "Triple H's" (hazards, hello, help), with children and adults invited to practice on a CPR manikin in a fun, interactive setting.

Each session closes with a quiz, an NSRI prize for the correct answer, and a reminder of the four water safety rules: learn to swim, never swim alone, wear a lifejacket when appropriate, and call for help immediately in an emergency.

Come along to learn practical, lifesaving skills, meet NSRI volunteers, and help spread the message: together, we can prevent drowning and save lives.

The V&A Music & Record Fair brings together vinyl enthusiasts, collectors, and vendors for a day of browsing, buying, and celebrating music culture.

Watch the country’s top squash players compete at the Growthpoint SA Nationals Squash tournament.

After Dark is back at the Two Oceans Aquarium, bringing some of South Africa’s most exciting live music talent into one of Cape Town’s most atmospheric after-hours spaces.

Presented in partnership with Texx and the City, the 2026 After Dark series invites guests to experience the Aquarium in a completely different light. Over three winter evenings in July, August, and September, the viewing area in front of the I&J Ocean Exhibit will be transformed into an intimate, living room-style concert setting, where two acts will perform stripped-down sets each night.

August’s After Dark brings together Freddy L and Petrol Station Pies for a night with a little more grit, groove, and heart.

Freddy L is a South African alternative three-piece based between Durban and Cape Town, blending indie influences with homegrown singer-songwriter energy. Their live sound is heartfelt and dynamic, making them a strong fit for the intimacy of the After Dark format.

Petrol Station Pies bring their own character to the lineup, adding an offbeat alternative edge to the evening. Expect a performance that contrasts beautifully with the calm of the Aquarium setting: Raw, memorable, and full of personality.

This mid-series show is ideal for anyone who loves discovering local acts in unusual spaces, especially when that space happens to be one of Cape Town’s most iconic marine attractions.

Get your tickets here (https://shop.aquarium.co.za/events)

The Vintage With Love Big Sale returns with an incredible selection of pre-loved fashion, accessories, and designer pieces.

The Time Out Market Winter Wine Series returns for another unforgettable season - bringing together exceptional wines, world-class chefs, and a vibrant community of wine lovers.

This year, we refine the experience. In partnership with Time Out Market’s top chefs, guests will enjoy a curated journey of food and wine pairings, designed to highlight the depth, flavour, and creativity of South Africa’s culinary scene.

What you can look forward to: Premium wine tastings Signature dishes from leading chefs Live music and warm winter ambience A social, immersive indoor experience Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for the perfect winter outing, this is your invitation to sip, taste, and connect.

Buy tickets: https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-cape-town/time-out-market/winter-wine-series