Design Week South Africa, is set to take over Cape Town from tomorrow with a jam-packed lineup of events celebrating the best in local design. Following a successful run in Johannesburg, where design enthusiasts explored everything from pop-ups to factory tours, the festival moves to the Mother City from Thursday, 24 October to Sunday, 27 October, promising an even more vibrant showcase of creativity.
After drawing crowds across Johannesburg’s creative hotspots, including Braamfontein and Rosebank, the buzz around Design Week South Africa is only growing. Now, Cape Town will host more than 40 events ranging from exhibitions and workshops to studio tours and discussions.
Here’s a preview of what to expect…
Dynamic Discussions
Cape Town will feature 13 thought-provoking conversations. Highlights include Chommies’ “The Future Of Regenerative Design,” a look at upcycling with Duck Duck Goose, and Youth Capital’s “The Business Of Small Business.” There’s also a session on the future of South Africa’s public transport, hosted by Young Urbanists in partnership with Eris at the new Cape Town Train Station.
Open Studios and Factory Tours
Designers and brands will open their doors, inviting visitors to see how they create everything from furniture to fashion. Expect exclusive peeks into Wunders’ sustainable factory, an upcycling walkabout by Together MFG, and a chance to see Skinny laMinx founder Heather Moore’s playful design process at her Making Friday studio.
Parties and Social Events
Get ready to connect with Cape Town’s creative community at lively social events. Highlights include live performances, birthday celebrations at Nosso, and dance parties at Gorgeous George and One Park. Whether you’re looking to network or just enjoy some good music, there’s something for everyone.
Exhibitions and Launches
There will be plenty of visual inspiration, from the “African Chair” exhibit by House and Leisure and Marlon James to product showcases at 43 Bree by Klûk CGDT. Brands like Cape Cobra, Hoi P’loy, and N I S H will also be unveiling their latest collections.
Urban Tours
Join free guided tours that celebrate Cape Town’s design heritage and urban landscape. From exploring inner-city architecture with dhk Architects to hopping on a MyCiti bus to Dunoon, there are plenty of ways to discover the city from a design perspective. Yoco’s own curated walking tour, featuring local businesses and an archival exhibition, is another must-see.
Modular Parklet Installation
A standout feature of Design Week South Africa will be the city’s first modular parklet at Cape Town Train Station. Designed by Flatrock Studios and commissioned by Young Urbanists, this communal space aims to redefine how we see public spaces, transforming them into accessible areas for everyone.
Every Sunday: Bree Street Open Streets
In a major step towards more pedestrian-friendly spaces, Design Week South Africa will support the city’s first “Car-free Open Street Day” on Sunday, 27 October. The experiment will run every Sunday throughout summer, creating a safe, social space in the heart of Cape Town. Supported by the city’s Mayor and local councillors, this initiative will turn Bree Street into a vibrant area for entertainment, business, and community engagement.
Design Week South Africa, powered by Yoco, celebrates local creativity while building connections between designers, brands, and the public. It’s not just about showcasing products—it’s about sparking new conversations, collaborations, and ideas. To book your spot or find out more, visit the Design Week South Africa website.
Design Week South Africa Details
🗓 Cape Town: Thursday, 24 October – Sunday, 27 October 2024
🔗 Tickets & Info: Visit the official website
Stay updated on social media: Follow @designafricasouthafrica on Instagram.
