Top 5 Pop Culture Things to Do in Cape Town (That Every Fan Should Try!)

Cape Town isn’t just beaches, mountains, and wine farms — it’s also a low-key paradise for pop culture fans. Whether you're into Marvel, anime, gaming, collectibles, live trivia, or retro cinema vibes, the city has more geek-friendly experiences than most people realise.

If you're googling things like “fun things to do in Cape Town,” “pop culture activities Cape Town,” “geek events Cape Town,” “Marvel trivia Cape Town,” or “anime things to do this week,” this guide is for you.

Here are five must-try pop culture activities — plus one bonus weekend experience you didn’t know you needed.

1️⃣ FactRot Nights – Cape Town’s Home of Pop Culture Trivia

If you're a fan of Marvel, anime, Disney, film trivia, or music throwbacks, this is the number-one pop culture night in the city.

Hosted by the creators of the YouTube channel FactRot, these trivia nights blend fandom, chaos, humour, and competition into one unforgettable experience. Players can even “study” by watching curated FactRot playlists a month before each themed quiz.

📍 Formats currently running:

🎬 TV & Movie Trivia – Villa 47

Select Thursdays • 6:30 PM for 7 PM. Teams of 2–6 playersR50 per person

Expect rotating themes — Anime in January, Disney & Pixar in February, Film Trivia in March, plus cult classics, superheroes, and more. You can buy your tickets here.

🎶 Music Trivia – Tiki Tomb

Select Thursdays • 6:30 PM for 7 PM. Teams of 2–4 playersR50 per person

Each month features a different musical era or genre — from 80’s synth nostalgia to 2000’s bangers. You can buy your tickets here.

Great prizes, massive laughs, and bragging rights included.

2️⃣ Barcadia – Cape Town’s Retro Gaming Bar

Arcade machines, craft drinks, neon lights, and an atmosphere straight out of the 80s. Barcadia is the perfect after-work or weekend spot for gamers.

Expect:

• Classic arcade cabinets

• Pinball

• Street Fighter showdowns

• Themed nights

It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves gaming culture.

🔗 https://www.barcadia.co.za/

3️⃣ Comic Con Cape Town – The Annual Fan Mega-Event

If you love comics, cosplay, anime, gaming, manga, or celebrity guests, Comic Con Cape Town is your mothership.

Happening every year, it brings:

• Massive artist alleys

• Cosplay competitions

• Panels & workshops

• Merch stalls

• Gaming tournaments

If you call yourself a geek, you can’t skip it.

🔗 https://comicconafrica.co.za/

4️⃣ The Labia Theatre – Retro Films & Cult Classics

South Africa’s oldest independent cinema is a pop culture landmark.

Not only do they screen international film festivals, indie flicks, and cult classics — they offer the best movie-and-drink combo in Cape Town.

Perfect for:

• Date nights

• Throwback screenings

• Film buffs

• Those who want something different from mainstream cinema

🔗 https://labia.co.za/

5️⃣ Fanaticus Collectibles – Cape Town’s Home for Serious Fans

If you’re after a properly curated geek store and a social place to play, Fanaticus is the one-stop spot. They run regular board-game nights and tournaments (weekly game days), provide access to a large cabinet of games, and operate an online store for board games, RPGs, trading cards and collectibles. There’s a modest entry fee (around R50) that covers access to the games cabinet and can be partly converted to store credit — which makes it feel more like a community hub than just a shop. The venue also offers game demos, an exchange program for second-hand games, and space for casual meetups and tournaments. Address: The Clubhouse, 3 Sonneblom St, Parow North, Cape Town.

🔗 https://www.fanaticus.co.za/

🌟 Bonus Pick: Weapons On Wheels (WOW) — The Most Unique Mobile Activity in Cape Town & Joburg

If you’re looking for something wildly different after your pop-culture adventures, Weapons on Wheels brings the action straight to you. South Africa’s first mobile axe-throwing experience turns any venue into a mini festival of adrenaline — complete with professional instructors, multiple targets, and all-round chaos (the fun kind). Whether it’s a braai, corporate event, birthday, or team-building night, this is one of the most unforgettable activities you can book in Cape Town. You are already on our website, you might as well see what we offer!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re watching anime, playing retro games, battling it out in a trivia showdown, or casting throwing axes — Cape Town is secretly a pop culture dream city.

Bookmark this list. Try a few. Bring your geekiest friends. And above all — don’t miss FactRot Nights. It’s where the city’s fans unite.