Live Music in Cape Town

Jazz fans have a few regular haunts to hang around at as they wait for the big one – the annual Cape Town Jazz Fest. Those interested in African beats and rhythms should take a trip down Long Street, popping into any place with a drumbeat and a baseline.

Visitors wanting to experience the quintessential Cape Town nightlife will want to visit some of the bars and clubs. Here local and international bands and DJs play out the night until the sun sends everyone home.

On Long Street, the Waiting Room and Fiction are the edgiest Cape Town venues with line-ups full of local and international bands and DJs. Expect sweaty live and loud rock 'n roll, ska, indie, hip hop and electronica with various nights for various folks.

Green Point has a few sweaty-chic bump and grind clubs. The area was famous for its party hard gay clubs, thumping house music and late morning licences.

The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is fast becoming another irreverent live music venue. Everyone from famous European DJs to iconic American punk bands (read NOFX) has played under the stars in the biscuit mill.

For a more chilled experience pack a picnic basket and head for Kirstenbosch Gardens. The botanical gardens are home to a Sunday summer music festival.

Families relax on a hill, eating and drinking wine as everything from folk bands to African fusion acts play music against the backdrop of Table Mountain.

Another fast growing favourite is the Forest Amphitheatre on the Paul Cluver Wine Estate. An hour from Cape Town, this wine estate hosts open air concerts featuring everyone from famous international acts like Johnny Clegg to up and coming African divas.