Cape Town is ready for an action-packed long weekend of rugby at the Mother City’s iconic stadiums and a running event to commemorate Women’s Day. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour has arrived in the Mother City and will be observed on Friday, August 07, 2026 when the DHL Stormers will host the All Blacks at DHL Stadium for an international friendly match.
The clash is a prelude to the test match between the Springboks and New Zealand which will be observed at the same venue on Saturday, August 29, 2026. A rematch of the Freedom Cup was held at DHL Stadium in 2024. Around 45,000 spectators are expected to be present on Friday’s game, which is set for a 07:10 p.m. kick-off.
Gates at DHL Stadium will open at 03:00 p.m. To assist supporters travelling to the stadium, free MyCiTi event shuttle services will be operated before and after the match for all valid ticket holders. The free shuttle services will operate between the Civic Centre, Thibault Square and Stadium stations.
As per the schedule, the first bus will leave the Civic Centre station to the stadium at 03:00 p.m. and the last return bus from the stadium will leave at 10:30 p.m. post-game. For those driving into the city centre for the match, the City of Cape Town will open its parking areas to ticket holders from 05:30 p.m.
The parking bays, accessible from Hertzog Boulevard incoming and on Civic Avenue, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid parking is also available at the Parkalot on Jack Craig Street and at Harbour Arch on Harbour Arch Boulevard.
Women’s Race on Women’s Day
The Totalsports Women’s Race will take over the streets of the city centre as one of the biggest events that will be commemorated on National Women’s Day. On Sunday, August 09, 2026 approximately 10,000 runners will line up in front of City Hall in the famous Sea of Pink to take on the 10km and 5km routes.
Starting in Darling Street, the runners will follow routes through District Six, Gardens and the CBD before finishing on the Grand Parade. The 10km race sets off at 08:00 a.m. while the 5km gets under way at 08:30 a.m.
Residents and motorists are advised that temporary road closures will be implemented along the race route between 04:00 a.m. and 01:00 p.m. on Sunday.
These routes include; Darling Street, Castle Street, Hanover Street, Corporation Street, Sir Lowry Road, Buitenkant Street, Wale Street, Plein Street, Long Street, and Orange Street.
Currie Cup action
On the same day, the DHL Stormers XXIII will close out its home fixtures in the Carling Currie Cup against the Toyota Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium. The gates will open at 01:30 p.m. ahead of the 03:00 p.m. kick-off.
Parking will be made available for spectators at P3, P4 and P5 on Hickory Road. Tickets for the game are available online through Ticketmaster. A ticket office will also be available on site on game day, near P3, for sales and enquiries.
Heat Winter Arts Festival
This winter, Cape Town turns up the heat as the Heat Winter Arts Festival transforms the city centre into a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.
Taking place from August 09 to 15, 2026, the nine-day festival invites residents and visitors to experience the Mother City in a whole new light. Spanning over 16 venues across Cape Town’s CBD. The programme showcases an exciting mix of art exhibitions, theatre productions, digital art experiences, opera performances, live music and special museum programming.
From historic landmarks and galleries to intimate performance spaces, the festival offers countless opportunities to explore the Cape Town’s rich cultural landscape while discovering new creative voices and experiences. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking for a unique way to embrace the winter season, the Heat Winter Arts Festival promises something to inspire every visitor.
As Cape Town continues to cement its reputation as a leading destination for arts, culture, and events, the festival highlights the power of creativity to bring people together, energise public spaces and showcase the city’s vibrant spirit throughout the winter months.