Our Better Nature – ocean and nature-inspired experiences and entertainment across the V&A Waterfront from the end of June to September.
Our Better Nature, is a dynamic sustainability campaign designed to immerse visitors in ocean and nature-inspired experiences. Engage with interactive activities and join the V&A on their journey towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. “Let’s act from our better nature to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.”
Below is a line-up of events and new art installations to keep an eye out for:
OCEAN LIGHT FESTIVAL
Join us for the Ocean Light Festival, a magical evening aglow with mesmerising lights and entertainment for the whole family. Check out the Cape Town Carnival Parade, performances by Pilani Bubu, Mmino Melodies, and more, and the activation of the inaugural Ocean Light Ball. We can’t wait to see you there!
WHEN: Saturday, 29 June 2024 Time: 17h00 – 19h00 | WHERE: Alfred Square | COST: Free entry
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM – AFTER DARK
Following its third straight sold-out run, After Dark returns to the Two Oceans Aquarium and brings with it some of the finest talent around. Coasters and Blue Voware, Metro Villa and Yellow House, Steve McKellar and Tessi, and Mila Smith and Micaela Kleinsmith are the artists lined up to perform this year.
WHEN: 26 June, 31 July, 27 August and 25 September 2024 Time: 18h30 | WHERE: Two Oceans Aquarium TICKETS: R395 and can be purchased HERE
TRASH BASH
Make beach clean-ups a regular part of your schedule! Join the Two Oceans Aquarium at one of their monthly Trash Bhe third Saturday of the month) or at one of their ad hoc cleanups that are added to our calendar throughout the year.
WHEN: 20 July, 17 August, 21 September 2024 Time: 09h00 – 11h00 | WHERE: Various check HERE | COST: Free
VINTAGE WITH LOVE
Vintage with Love is a non-profit organisation incorporating fashion and charity into one stylish venture – reselling gently worn clothes. Join the coolest fashion treasure hunt for the best pre-loved designer clothing and accessories.
WHEN : 1 – 4 August 2024 Thursday, 16h00 – 20h00 | Friday, 10h00 – 18h00 | Saturday, 10h00 – 17h00 | Sunday, 10h00 – 14h00 | WHERE: Cape Town Cruise Terminal
COST: Free entry
AFRICAN TEXTILES TALK
Imagine a full day of connecting and learning about textiles, slow fashion, and design. The programme celebrates and supports the growing African textile ecosystem that cares for people and the planet. This year, the focus is on inspiring new practices rooted in the past, informed by the present, and looking to the future. There will be insightful talks, presentations, exhibits and demonstrations.
WHEN: 15 August 2024 | WHERE: Watershed, Workshop 17 | TICKETS: Book HERE.
SLOW FASHION FESTIVAL
V&A will be hosting the first Watershed Slow Fashion Festival, dedicated to showcasing sustainable and ethical fashion practices. The festival will feature the TWYG swap and mend pop, where participants can exchange and repair clothing items, enjoy panel discussions, take part in the MADE Creative workshops where participants can learn to create items with the guidance of Watershed creators, and much more.
WHEN: 17 August 2024 | WHERE: Watershed, Workshop 1 | COST: Free entry
V&A MAKERS LANDING SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
The V&A Makers Landing Seafood Festival is not just an opportunity to celebrate seafood. Along with a fresh fish market, demo classes, various food vendors, and live music throughout the day, it aims to keep the conversation going about sustainable fishing and our consumption habits’ impact on the ocean.
Date: August 23 – August 25 Time: 10h00 – 18h00 | Venue: Makers Landing | COST: Free entry
ART INSTALLATIONS:
Immerse yourself in inspiring art that explores litter and waste. We’ve put together an interactive map where you can learn more about each art installation, click here to view it.
IMMERSIVE, OCEAN-INSPIRED ART
In collaboration with the Two Oceans Aquarium, Dylan Mcarry, and the Woodstock Art Reef Project (WARP), this ocean-themed immersive display brings together sculpture, printed art, a magnificent crocheted coral reef, and talks by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
WHEN: 25 June – 25 September 2024 WHERE: Throughout the neighbourhood | COST: Free entry
FISH IN FLIGHT
Look up and marvel at an installation of fish crafted from post-industrial acrylic waste at Alfred Plaza. These handcrafted creatures create an animation that showcases the wonder of the ocean day and night.
WHEN: June – 30 September | WHERE: UCB Plaza, Alfred Plaza and Golden Mile | COST: Free entry
BRING ART TO LIFE!
These static 2D-printed artworks are activated using the Artivive app, which brings them to life in 3D animation and audio on your mobile device. Think nature-themed art, dipping into dystopian and wonder-filled worlds to remind us that there is only one world for us all.
WHEN: June – 30 September | WHERE: Wall adjacent to Mozambik and steps at Vic Wharf Entrance 5 | COST: Free entry
THE TRAVELING HERMIT
This thought-provoking sculpture of a hermit crab bearing the world on its shoulders symbolises the response to environmental pressures. This permanent exhibit challenges viewers to reflect on their own reactions to environmental change.
WHERE: Clock Tower Centre and Nedbank
WATER WARS
Artist William Sweetlove’s sculpture is set on a bed of plastic bags, highlighting the growing awareness and action against plastic pollution in our oceans. The permanent exhibit ultimately inspires viewers to embrace positive change and contribute to preserving marine life.
WHERE: Swing Bridge and African Trading Port side
And look out for the helix-shaped wind turbines which form part of the V&A’s sustainability strategy!Â
WHAT: Our Better Nature
WHERE: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: June – September 2024
INFO: VISITÂ |Â See also Cape Town Green Map
