There are certain events that signal to locals that Cape Town’s summer is officially beginning. One of these is the Halloween kick-off of the Galileo Open-Air Cinema, taking place this weekend.
This outdoor movie theatre screens a premium selection of cult hits, action flicks, rom-coms, classic films and family favourites from November to April each year. If it’s not on your Cape Town to-do list yet, it should be.
Screenings take place at a variety of venues (see below) but the drill is the same wherever you are: gates open at 6 pm so you can stake out a spot and get comfy, then the film begins once the sun has set.
Speaking of getting comfy… You have the option to reserve a blanket and backrest when booking your tickets, and we suggest you do. You can bring your own cushions and blankies if you like, but unfortunately no outside chairs or backrest will be allowed into the venue.
But what’s a night at the movies without munchies? In true Cape Town style, a selection of artisanal cuisine is available in the market section of each venue. They’ve got you covered for anything from good-old-fashioned popcorn to nachos, pizza and even a selection of gourmet meals if you fancy dinner before the show. Warm drinks, craft beer and wine will help keep off any early summer chills too.
Prefer to pack your own picnic? That’s fine by them. But please note that no alcohol will be allowed into the wine estate venues, including Hillcrest on Tuesdays.
Comfy seat, full tummy, glass of something delicious – you’re pretty set for a cinema experience like no other. And when those stars come out overhead… well, we try not to be too cheesy over here at Cape Town Etc, but it’s pure movie magic.
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it:
Tickets
The full season’s tickets are available from Webtickets as of now. Click here for the full season line-up.
Please note, tickets for the Halloween screening of Psycho are sold out.
Online tickets are R79 for entry only, R87 for entry and a blanket, R95 with a backrest, R100 for a blanket and backrest. There’s also a VIP experience for R149, which includes reserved premium seating, popcorn, a Savanna cider and Frey chocolates.
Please note, tickets are available at the door only if the show is not sold out online. Entrance is R90 at the door, and you can hire a blanket for R10 and a backrest for R20.
Venues
Tuesday screenings are at Hillcrest Quarry, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville.
Wednesday screenings are at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands.
Thursday screenings are at the V&A Waterfront croquet lawn (across the road from Mitchell’s).
Friday screenings will take place at rotating venues.
Every second Saturday there will be screenings at a selection of wine farms.
OF NOTE
When See our the full movie line-up here
Where See the list of venues above
Cost R79 – R149
Contact +27 71 471 8728, [email protected], www.thegalileo.co.za
Photography and videography courtesy the Galileo
