The Galileo Open Air Cinema, Cape Town’s beloved outdoor experience

A-list movies, food trucks, blankets + starlight = perfect summer evening out

Last updated: 18 October 2022

The Galileo Open Air Cinema movie schedule is live. Now in its 11th year The Galileo has  become synonymous with magical experiences. It's where parents treat and bond with their kids, lovers propose, and friends celebrate unforgettable special days.

The Galileo Summer 2022/23 schedule kicks off with a special screening, the original A Nightmare On Elm Street on 31 October (scroll down for full schedule). Make the most of it: Dress up and arrive early to enjoy the sunset, pre-movie meal and drinks before cozying up with popcorn.

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is about magical experiences. Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective). 

WHAT'S NEW TO WATCH AT THE GALILEO

There are new movies like House of Gucci and Death on the Nile, and, of course, lots of cult classics and family favourites like School of Rock, The Goonies, Mamma Mia!, Home Alone and Grease. All hosted at magnificent venues, from Kirstenbosch Garden to a rotation at 15 wine farms (almost) every day of the week. Vibey music, roaming photo booths, food vendors and games are all part of this bucket list experience.

Enjoy a classic favourite or a new movie with the sun setting in the background. Image supplied by The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective).

ENJOY A MOVIE AT KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS

Gather the gang  to watch your favourite movie at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town’s largest and most popular garden, with impressive views from any vantage point. This is where A Nightmare On Elm Street will screen from. Or, for the musical and romance lovers, West Side Story or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and more. Plus see some action and superhero favorites.

The Galileo Open Air Cinema also hosts birthday parties and end-of-year parties. Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective).

WEEKEND WINELANDS EVERY SATURDAY

Every Saturday The Galileo screens at a different wine farm. Experience some of the Western Cape’s oldest and most renowned wine-producing farms: Laborie Estate, Vredenheim and Neethlingshof Estate. Explore the lush gardens of Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, Lourensford Wine Estate, Nooitgedacht Estate, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and Knorhoek Wine Farm before settling down for a sunset movie. Or watch a movie with the backdrop of breathtaking mountain views at Stellenbosch Vineyards, Plaisir Wine Estate, Nederburg Wine Farm and L’Avenir Estate.

There’s a total of 15 wine farms that host The Galileo Open Air Cinema. Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective)

ARRIVE HUNGRY OR PACK A PICNIC

What’s a move without popcorn and a snack? That and other dinner options will be on sale from Sugar & Pop. Arrive hungry and enjoy a pre-movie picnic from the mini-market; mouth-watering pizza from Butlers Pizza, juicy burgers from Truck Norris and wraps. Ice-cold lagers, wine or bubbly by the glass and non-alcoholic beverages will be on sale from Typsy Gypsy. Lion Coffee has a large variety of hot drinks, and iced-coffee.

You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into all venues except Blaauwlippen Wine Estate and Plaisir Wine Estate. More info on the food offering here.

There’s vegetarian and halal options available at the stalls. Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by@retroyspective)

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW

There’s a variety of ticket options depending on the type of experience you want to have. The Galileo Picnic cost ranges from R129 per person standard and R175 to R275 for special day screenings (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Chistmas Eve and Christmas Day). Pensioners (60+ years old) can book a Warm & Comfy ticket online for only R120 (a R30 discount)

Standard tickets: Includes picnic movie entry, R129 per person.

Comfy tickets: Includes picnic movie entry and backrest, R145 per person.

Warm & Comfy: Includes picnic movie entry, backrest and blanket, R150 per person.

Pensioner Special: Includes picnic movie entry, backrest and blanket, R120 per person. A valid ID needs to be displayed upon entry with your ticket you bought online.

Double Delight Ticket: Includes picnic movie entry, reserved front-row seating, backrest, blanket. Plus a snack combo – 2 x popcorn, 2 x Smarties & 2 x fruit pastilles, R380 for two people.

VIP: Includes picnic movie entry, premium reserved seating, backrest, blanket. Plus a snack combo – drink, chocolate and popcorn, R220 per person.

VVIP NEW OFFER: An exclusive ticket option will be available for two couples on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Includes entry, premium seating with plush décor, blankets, hot water bottle, snack combo – 2x popcorn, 2x smarties and  2x fruit pastilles. Complemented with a platter for two and a bottle of wine. R1750 for two people.

Tickets and information at www.thegalileo.co.za
All ticketing is handled by Webtickets. As soon as you purchase your ticket online, you will receive an email. Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective)

CELEBRATE SPECIAL DAYS AT THE GALILEO

There are five special screenings this summer, which all feature a themed movie. Note: There is no pensioners’ special on the special screenings on special days.

Halloween: 31 October 2022 at Kirstenbosch Garden. R200 per person. Includes themed Halloween movie entry, backrest, blanket and popcorn.

Christmas Eve: 24 December 2022 at Stellenbosch Vineyards. R250 per person. Includes themed Christmas movie entry, backrest, blanket, candy cane and Christmas hat.

Christmas Day: 25 December 2022 at Kirstenbosch Garden. R250 per person. Includes themed Christmas movie entry, backrest, blanket, candy cane and Christmas hat. 

Valentine's Day: 14 February 2023 at Nooitgedacht Wine Estate. R275 per person. Includes themed Valentine’s picnic movie entry, backrest, blanket, chocolate and welcome drink.                             

Easter: 09 April 2023 at Six Gun Grill Newlands Cricket Stadium (a new venue for selected shows). R175 per person. Includes themed picnic movie experience, an Easter egg and activities.

Book early for these events, as they sell out quickly. Image: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective).

GETTING ENGAGED AT THE GALILEO 

Birthdays and proposals get special treatment at The Galileo. You get free entry, a backrest, and a blanket when it’s your birthday week. Just arrive at the door with your ID and if it’s your birthday week (birthday week starts on a Monday and ends on a Sunday), you get in free.

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is also the ideal romantic setting to ask the once-in-a-lifetime question in the most memorable way. Follow the steps and fill in the form to arrange your proposal with The Galileo.

Get a special message projected on the big screen: The Galileo Open Air Cinema (Photo by @retroyspective).

SEE THE GALILEO SCHEDULE BELOW