20 Oct 2025 Design Week South Africa, an annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and design excellence, kicked off earlier this month in Johannesburg, where the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed highlighted Cape Town’s design story through insightful talks and exhibitions. The celebration now returns to Cape Town, showcasing the city’s vibrant creative culture. To mark the occasion the Watershed, our vibrant hub for local art and design, will bring a curated programme of free events across our neighbourhood. From now until Sunday, 26 October, visitors can take part in public art walks, creative workshops, interactive experiences, exhibitions, talks, and panel discussions led by acclaimed local and global designers. As a key hub in the city-wide Design Week Cape Town programme, here are the events you can experience at the V&A Waterfront: Workshops & Tours Accessible Art Walk at the V&A Waterfront Experience our neighbourhood in a whole new way with Winston Fani, Africa’s first blind tour guide. On this Accessible Art Walk, Winston will lead visitors through nine thoughtfully curated art installations, creating an immersive experience that highlights the power of art and the importance of accessibility for everyone. Location: Starting at The Watershed Time: 11h00 Date(s): Saturday, 25 October. Book your spot, here. Sunday, 26 October. Book your spot, here. Secret Snapshots Guided Photography Walk Explore hidden photo spots across the V&A Waterfront in a fun, treasure-hunt style experience that uncovers our neighbourhood’s hidden gems. In collaboration with Urban Aperture Walks, this walk aims to inspire creativity and reveal lesser-known corners of the Waterfront. Location: Starting at Makers Landing Time: 06h00 – 09h00 Date(s): Saturday, 25 October. Book your spot, here. Craft & Conversation Corner Join the 8th cosy crochet session at the Watershed. Bring your own wool and hook or use limited supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. Sharing is encouraged, and limited kits will be available for R30 (please bring cash). Location: The Watershed, Mezzanine level Time: 12h00 Date(s): Saturday, 25 October. Book your spot, here. Panel Discussions: The Business of Design: Building Rad Brands Hosted by Youth Capital and Harambee, this panel explores what it takes to build a creative brand in South Africa. The session offers practical insights, real talk, and inspiration for turning ideas into sustainable ventures. Featured panelists include Emma Strydom (theeemmashow), Claudia & Yoraya (Not Sad Food Club), Johannes Le Roux (Dope Drink), Nicole Norman (Hype Social), Lolo Ndlovu (The Sneaker Shack), Alex Grotes (innovation consultant, former IDEO), and Mbali Motsoeneng (Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator). Location: Workshop 17, The Watershed Time: 17h00 Date(s): Friday, 24 October. Book your spot, here. Designing with community in Mind Hosted by Fuata Moya, this cross-disciplinary conversation brings together creative voices from music, ceramics, visual arts, fashion, and social entrepreneurship. The session explores how community shapes creative practice, covering: • Collaboration and collective authorship • Influence of community on creative identity • Balancing artistic independence with social responsibility • Impact of community engagement on creative work Moderated by Ashanti Kunene, the panel features Petit Noir, Zizipho Poswa, Ras Silas Motse, Robyn Agulhas, and Sindile Mavundla. Location: Workshop 17, The Watershed Time: 18h00 to 21h00 Date(s): Friday, 24 Book your spot, here. To find out more about this collaboration celebrating local design and creativity, click here for the full press release. A NEW WAVE OF INNOVATION: HARBOUR-BASED NET RECYCLING FACILITY LAUNCHED South Africa’s first harbour-based net recycling facility was officially launched on 10 October by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. Located at Collier Jetty in our neighbourhood and housed within a converted shipping container, the micro-recycling facility can shred, wash, dry, and densify up to 100 kg of used nets per hour — transforming end-of-life fishing nets into high-value raw materials for reuse in plastic manufacturing. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George / Photo Credit: Chelsey Wilken – Office of the Minister DFFE. Now fully operational, the recycling pod, a pilot project led by OCEAN Action Network and Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT), offers a glimpse of a sustainable future while making a positive contribution to South Africa’s blue economy.Photo Credit: Chelsey Wilken – Office of the Minister DFFE. V&A WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS AMONG 2025 WORLD CULINARY AWARD WINNERS Photo Credit: World Culinary Awards Last night, the annual World Culinary Awards celebrated culinary excellence at a ceremony in Sardinia, Italy. The awards recognise the best in the global food industry, highlighting exceptional talent, creativity, and outstanding culinary experiences. At the awards, South Africa was crowned Africa’s Best Culinary Destination for the sixth consecutive year, while Cape Town was named Africa’s Best Culinary City Destination for the third year running. These awards reflect our country’s rich culinary heritage, diverse dining experiences, and world-class chefs. The 2025 World Culinary Awards recognised two V&A Waterfront restaurants among this year’s winners. Congratulations to Life Grand Café Waterfront, named Africa’s Best Landmark Restaurant, and Nobu Cape Town, awarded Africa’s Best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant. NEW AND REVAMPED STORES: Quay Four has reopened after a successful revamp, welcoming guests with a refreshed look while continuing to serve their signature seafood and iconic harbour views. Swatch, the Swiss watch brand known for precision craftsmanship and distinctive designs, has reopened at Victoria Wharf on level two, next to ARC. Located at Victoria Wharf, Old Khaki offers casual, stylish clothing and accessories for everyday adventures. Find them in their new space on Level two, next to Trenery. New to our neighbourhood, Psycho Bunny brings its signature collection that blends classic style with bold design. Visit their new store at Victoria Wharf on Level 2, next to Sealand. EVENTS AT THE WATERFRONT School Of Rock Claremont House Band and Team Rock Performance Get ready for an unforgettable live music experience with School of Rock Claremont! Watch talented teen performers from The House Band showcase their skills alongside world-class instructors from Team Rock. This high-energy concert is a celebration of creativity, music, and community. Date: Saturday, 25 October Time: 18h00 – 20h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free Sunset Tango at the V&A Waterfront Enjoy a free outdoor Social Argentine Tango with DJ Sylvia Westcott! Dance along or simply watch as participants glide through Tango, Tango Waltz, and Milonga. Everyone is welcome to join in — a fun, lively, and welcoming way to spend the evening. Date: Sunday, 26 October Time: 16h30 – 19h00 Location: Pierhead Deck Cost: Free Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival 2025 Experience the beauty and artistry of Oriental dance at the Cape Town Oriental Dance Festival! Enjoy stunning performances by dancers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, brought together by Stephanie Singh and Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio in collaboration with The BellaDonnas. Date: Sunday, 26 October Time: 09h00 – 18h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free Pop Voices meets Ingoma Choir UK – South Africa Choir Collaboration Experience a unique musical collaboration as two very different choirs come together at the V&A Waterfront. Hear Pop Voices’ contemporary harmonies blend with the powerful traditional African choral sounds of the Hout Bay Ingoma Choir. This cultural exchange brings together singers from the UK and South Africa in a one-of-a-kind performance celebrating music, community, and connection. A must-see event for music lovers of all ages! Date: Thursday, 30 October Time: 16h00 – 17h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free
