Women’s Day is more than just a public holiday. It marks the legacy of the 1956 Women’s March, when thousands of women united in protest against pass laws, and it continues to serve as a reminder of the contributions women have made to South Africa’s democracy.
This weekend, that legacy is being honoured across the Mother City through a mix of community gatherings, cultural experiences, and celebrations designed to bring people together.
But this year, the vibe is also a bit different, as it’s less about performative celebration and more about genuine restoration, meaningful connection, and vibrant joy.
Whether you need a soul-resetting breathwork session, a glamorous high tea, or a space to dance like nobody’s watching, here is your properly curated, traceable, and reliable guide to the best women-centric events happening this weekend.
Saturday: Empowerment, dialogue & high tea sass
Kick off your long weekend with a dose of inspiration and a whole lot of style.
1. Izi-Women 2026: Honouring Legacy, Empowering the Future
If you’re looking for depth and dialogue, this is it. Iziko Museums is hosting a full-day programme that starts with a wellness session in the Company’s Garden, moves into a high-powered ‘Women’s Long Table Dialogue’ featuring legal powerhouse Prof Thuli Madonsela, and ends with a celebration concert. It’s a chance to be inspired by the women shaping our nation’s future.
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Date: Saturday, 8 August
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Time: From 9am
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Location: Company’s Garden, Iziko SA Museum & Old Town House, CBD
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Cost: Free (wellness session) | R350 per experience | R700 for a full-day pass.
2. ‘Still Becoming’ Women’s Day Brunch
A morning of authentic storytelling and connection. The ‘Still Becoming’ brunch invites women from all walks of life to gather for a hope-filled event focused on resilience, healing, and purpose. Expect inspiring guest speakers, prize giveaways, and that stunning Blouberg ocean view.
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Date: Saturday, 8 August
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Time: 9am to 12pm
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Location: Blaauwberg Beach Hotel, Bloubergstrand
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Cost: R395 per person
3. Fabulous Faux Fur: Champagne Breakfast
Calling all fashionistas. Lord Charles Hotel is hosting a champagne breakfast with a twist; dress in your best faux fur for a morning of bubbly and live music by Luna & Me. It’s glam, it’s extra, and it’s exactly how you should start the weekend.
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Date: Saturday, 8 August
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Time: From 8am
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Location: La Vigna Restaurant, Lord Charles Hotel
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Cost: R295 per person.
Sunday: Restoration, rosé & the sound of women
On the actual public holiday, the focus shifts to wellness, indulgence, and the arts.
4. The Rose Mandala Breath Experience (Free & Freely Given)
This is the ultimate act of self-care. Imagine lying on a rooftop with Table Mountain watching over you, breathing in sync with 99 other women inside a living mandala made of roses.
Talitha Kotzé facilitates this free Conscious Connected Breathwork session designed not to celebrate how much you do, but to restore who you are. It is by invitation and free of charge, so book your spot immediately.
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Date: Sunday, 9 August
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Time: 10:30am to 1:30pm
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Location: Rooftop on Bree, 170 Bree Street, CBD
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Cost: FREE (Complimentary ticket required).
5. A Rose & A High Tea: The Bento Cake Masterclass
For a creative, hands-on afternoon, head to The President Hotel in Bantry Bay. You’ll sip a mimosa before learning to decorate a gorgeous bento cake with Chef Chante Rabie.
The ticket also includes a massive harvest table spread: Think oysters, salmon, and sweet treats. It’s a multi-generational experience, so bring your mom, daughter and/or bestie.
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Date: Sunday, 9 August
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Time: 12:30pm to 4pm
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Location: The President Hotel, Bantry Bay
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Cost: R595 per adult | R325 per child.
6. HEAT Winter Arts Festival: Concert of the Birds
End your Sunday with culture, as the HEAT Winter Arts Festival is running strong in the city centre. On Sunday, the programme closes with the Concert of the Birds performed by Opera UCT at the Iziko Old Town House Museum.
Inspired by a 16th-century painting, this performance mixes opera with visual art, led by young, talented female singers.
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Date: Sunday, 9 August
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Time: Programme closes on Sunday
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Location: Iziko Old Town House Museum, CBD
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Cost: Check the full HEAT festival programme here for ticket prices
7. Floral Crown Workshop & High Tea
If high tea and crafts are your love language, Bunches for Africa is hosting a flower crown workshop. You get all the tools, the flowers, and a ‘demure’ high tea with coffee. It’s for the grans, the moms, friends, sisters and the cousins, because every woman deserves to feel like a queen on her day.
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Date: Sunday, 9 August
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Time: 10am to 12pm
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Location: Bunches for Africa, Brackenfell South
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Cost: From R375
8. Love Food? Book a table at these spots
If you prefer to celebrate over a long, slow lunch, the city’s restaurants have curated special menus just for you:
- The Azure at the Twelve Apostles is offering an ocean-view High Tea for R695
- Reverie Social Table is hosting a premium wine-paired Sunday Lunch with top female chefs for R1 500.
For a more casual vibe, Copa’s Women’s Day celebration includes bubbles and a wine tasting by SA’s first Black female winemaker, Carmen Stevens.
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Also read:
Urzila Carlson announces first-ever South African comedy tour
Picture: 12apostleshotel/Instagram
