OUT IN FULL FORCE

THIS year's Comic Con Cape Town has gone over to the Dark Side - in a good way.

Star Wars legend Ian McDiarmid will be attending the Cape Town festival in 2025. Fans will best know McDiarmid as evil Emperor Palpatine from the saga. And his appearance coincides with May the Fourth - annual Star Wars Day.

Comic Con is the ultimate celebration of all things comics and pop culture and gaming for Mother City fans and this year it is set to deliver a bigger and more unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

From 1 to 4 May, the Cape Town International Convention Centre will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, fandom, and excitement.

It's a chance to immerse yourself in a world of comics, gaming, anime, movies, cosplay, and so much more.

Visitors can expect celebrity guests, an extensive Artist Alley showcasing the best in local and international talent, a shopping experience filled with the best pop culture merch, toys, collectables and the latest in tech and gaming. Interactive experiences will offer fans and families the chance to engage and have fun.

Comic Con Cape Town strives to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making it a great outing for fans and families to enjoy pop culture together.

The four-day festival focuses on all elements of pop culture and brings international and local comic artists, film and TV celebrities, and Cosplayers to South African shores where they meet fans, sign autographs, and have photo ops.

Comic Con Cape Town is a super fun day out for the whole family, with features and activities for fans of all ages. The KidsCon Zone presented by Toys R Us will be the hub for the whole family. Younger fans and their families will be keen to congregate in this zone on the ground floor of the festival.

Kids can meet some of their favourite characters. Pop culture’s most famous plumbers Mario & Luigi, The Smurfs, Toys R Us’ official mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe, and YouTube sensations

Tickets can be purchased through Howler and starting at R220.

Shorts

Things are about to heat up this weekend as the City of Cape Town commemorates the courageous and dedicated fireman and woman on International Firefighters Day on Sunday at Erica Park in Belhar.

The event is free and mense are encouraged to come out and meet the City of Cape Town’s firefighters and learn more about the work they do and how they do it.

There will be exhibits, food stalls, a firefighter’s fitness challenge and many more on the day, so be sure to come out, bring the whole family and celebrate. The event starts from 10am to 3pm.

If you are more lus for a sing-a-long, then the Grand Arena in GrandWest is the place to be this Saturday.

Whitney Houston lovers are in for a moerse treat as her musical legacy is brought to life in a critically-acclaimed Greatest Love of All tribute concert by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids.

The two-hour international production will fill you with joy and nostalgia as Belinda takes you on a heartfelt journey through all of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I Will Always Love You, Greatest Love of All, How Will I Know, I Have Nothing, Run to You and more.Tickets are available at R495.

Gig guides

Catch Mr Thela and Twinzspin this Friday out at Blues and Groove Lounge. Entry is R50 before 8pm and R80 before 10pm and R100 thereafter. Doors open at 5pm.

Karaoke issie ‘n joke nie. The Matroosfontein Football Club presents Karaoke Night this Saturday with DJ Levels at Matroosfontein Civic Center. Bring your own cooler box and R70 gets you inside.

Hanover Street in Grandwest presents one night with Clint L this Friday featuring DJ Jules, DJ Chello, Chad Julies and many more. Late bird tickets are available at R240 and are available on Quicket and at the door. Dress code is Black and Bling.

Air Lounge presents an All Black Affair this Saturday with headliner DJ Rollstoeel alongside DJ Rea and DJ Gstring. Entry is free before 6pm and R50 after 8pm.