Cape Town’s top African drumming ...
A layered story of South Africa’s musical traditions












| Where waterways, canals and protected wetlands meet a buzzing urban hub. | |
![]() | 1 Park Lane Grand Central Precinct |
![]() | https://centurycity.co.za/ |
![]() | centurycity_za |
Last updated: Tuesday, 10 March 2026
Along the waterways, canals and protected wetlands of this bustling eco-hub are some of Cape Town’s most curious and exciting events: full moon hikes to see the hidden nocturnal life of a diverse wildlife sanctuary, school holiday clubs where kids play bird bingo, nighttime markets that glow under fairy lights, and so much more. These are all the events you can expect at Century City.

There are full moon hikes, dragon boating and markets happening at Century City. Image: Century City
On the last Sunday of the summer months Central Park transforms into a family market. Think vintage clothing, handmade jewellery and candles, body scrubs, and food stalls selling everything from stonebaked pizzas, shawarmas, and sushi to bao buns and empanadas. There are also kids' activities like pot plant painting, reptile shows, and tram rides.
Date: Last Sunday of September, October, November, January, March, April
Venue: Central Park, Century City
Time: 9am to 2pm
Cost: Free
More info: Century City Slow Sunday Market

There are vintage finds, handmade jewellery, and locally crafted trinkets at the Slow Sunday Market. Image: Century City
Intaka Island, the wetland sanctuary with seven different habitats and over 120 bird species, hosts monthly full moon hikes that explore the reserve at night. Each walk is guided and has a theme like indigenous vegetation, bats, frogs or conservation. It’s an opportunity to learn about the hidden nocturnal life of the island and the biodiversity that shapes it.
Date: Monthly
Venue: Intaka Island
Time: 6.30pm to 9pm
Cost: R140 per person
More info: Intaka Island event calendar

Intaka Island hosts monthly full moon hikes that explore the reserve at night. Image: Century City
While the full moon hike happens monthly, this hike marks Earth Hour once a year. The evening starts with snacks and hot chocolate, before heading out along the seasonal salt pans and wetland areas. Along the hike, there are stops where you can view beautiful constellations through a telescope.
Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Venue: Intaka Island, Century City
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Cost: R140 per person
More info: Intaka Island event calendar

Along the hike, you’ll spot beautiful constellations through a telescope. Image: Century City
Kids aged 5 to 12 get 60 minutes to follow a map through the wildlife sanctuary, searching for eggs along the way. Kids will also paint and take photos with the Easter Bunny. Parents are welcome to join or walk alongside (children aged 5 to 6 must be accompanied).
Date: Sunday, 5 April 2026
Venue: Intaka Island, Century City
Time: 11am to 3pm (four 60-minute slots at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm)
Cost: R70 per child and R35 per adult
More info: Intaka Island event calendar

Every year, Intaka Island hosts a family friendly Easter egg hunt. Image: Century City
Every Saturday morning, amateurs, families, and serious runners take on the 5km parkrun starting at Ratanga Park, the green oasis in the middle of the precinct with canals, open lawns and tree-lined paths. The route continues past Canal Walk, Intaka Island, artworks, and through scenic paths. Post run, the group grabs coffee and breakfast at one of the surrounding coffee shops or restaurants.
Date: Every Saturday
Venue: Start and finishes at Ratanga Park
Time: From 8am
Cost: Free
More info: Century City event calendar

Century City parkruns happen every Saturday. Image: Century City
In winter, Intaka Island transforms into a cosy market with food stalls, locally made artisanal products, live music and heaters. It’s ideal for a unique dinner after work, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner along the canals.
Date: 29 May, 26 June, 31 July and 28 August 2026
Venue: Intaka Island, Century City
Time: 4pm to 9pm
Cost: Free
More info: Intaka Island event calendar

The Winter Night Market is hosted at Intaka Island. Image: Century City
Intaka Island runs a themed school holiday programme every term over three days. Each term has a different focus, with themes like Master Chef, Spring, Adventure Time and Ranger. Kids get stuck into baking, arts and crafts, boat rides and even bird bingo, where they search for specific species across the sanctuary.
Date: 31 March - 2 April (Master Chef), 7 - 9 July (Ranger for a Day), 29 September - 1 October (Spring Has Sprung), 15 - 17 December 2026 (Adventure Time)
Venue: Intaka Island, Century City
Time: 9am to 12pm
Cost: R165 per day per child
More info: Intaka Island event calendar

Intaka Island runs a themed school holiday programme every term, spread over three days. Image: Century City
Ever heard of dragon boating? Over 2 000 years old, it’s a unique sport where 20 paddlers move to a drummer’s beat in a narrow boat decorated with a dragon head and tail. They offer weekly practices, as does the canoe club.
Date: Weekly
Venue: Century City canals and Intaka Island waterways
Cost: Varies depending on club
More info: Century City sports clubs

Dragon boating is a sport where paddlers move to a drummer’s beat in a boat decorated with a dragon head and tail. Image: Century City
Century City’s sports clubs also include touch rugby at Central Park and tennis at the local courts. In-2-Touch Rugby hosts seasonal leagues on Thursday evenings, catering to corporate teams, groups and families. The Century City tennis and athletics clubs also welcome players of all levels for weekly sessions.
Date: Weekly
Venue: Various depending on club
Cost: Varies depending on club
More info: Century City sports clubs

There’s touch rugby at Central Park and tennis at the local courts. Image: Century City
Carols in the Park is one of Century City’s most beloved festive traditions. Santa arrives at 6pm, followed by carol singing from 7.30pm with classic Christmas tunes, kids activities and live performances. Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic and food stalls are available. It’s best to arrive early to grab a good spot in the park.
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Venue: Ratanga Park, Century City
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Cost: Free
More info: Century City event calendar

Carols in the Park is one of Century City’s most beloved festive traditions. Image: Century City
Century City Sports Festival is four days packed with over 10 kinds of sports leagues. Two of the most popular events on the programme are the 10km Express Race and 5km Fun Run, which families love to join. You can also expect touch rugby, padel, pilates, table tennis, and more.
Date: February 2027 (date TBC)
Venue: Various across Century City
Time: From 7am to 10.30pm
Cost: Some participation is free. Others vary depending on event
More info: Century City Sports Festival

Century City Sports Festival is four days of sport, community and outdoor thrills. Image: Century City
The Chinese New Year Festival marks the Lunar New Year with tai chi, Zumba, and dragon and lion dances, a traditional performance where dancers manipulate a segmented figure on poles to bring prosperity. Food stalls serve stir-fries, noodles, moon cakes, bubble tea and a selection of Chinese tea for tasting or takeaways.
Date: February 2027 (date TBC)
Venue: Central Park, Century City
Time: 9am to 4pm
Cost: Free
More info: Century City event calendar

Expect dragon and lion dances, tai chi, live music and Zumba sessions at the Chinese New Year Festival. Image: Century City
Century City is always buzzing with activities and events. There’s something everyone can appreciate, whether it’s joining a parkrun, trying a new market, or strolling through the tranquility of Ratanga Park.
More information: Century City’s website, @centurycity_za
By Saarah Gierdien
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