Three times a week, the Galileo Open Air Cinema can be found in three scenic locations around Cape Town, with additional monthly shows in the Cape Winelands. Until April 2015, the romantic pop-up big screen shows the classics, from Moulin Rouge to Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of Oz.
Also read: seven tips for going to the drive-in
Regular shows are held at the Hillcrest Quarry in Durbanville on Tuesdays, the Kirstenbosch Gardens on Wednesdays and the V&A Waterfront on a Thursday, but the Galileo will also hold special events, like a secret Valentine’s day movie at Groot Constantia and a number of themed evenings where you can vote via Facebook. (Have a look and download the programme here.) The themed evenings will have audiences choose their favourite black and white flick, a shoot ‘em up and a Quentin Tarantino spectacular.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema has also added the Cape Winelands to its list of venues in 2014/2015. Once a month shows will be screened at one of these beautiful wine estates: Lourensford, Rustenberg, Knorhoek, Warwick, Vergenoegd and Webersburg. See the Galileo website for dates and venue details.
If it’s rainy or too windy, the night’s event will be cancelled – patrons will be notified by email, and can either choose to change their tickets for a different movie or get a refund. The venues open at 18:00, so arrive there early to get a good spot and enjoy the occasion before the film starts (around 19:30 / 20:00, or at sunset).
Food truck-style Mexican nachos and chilli poppers, Argentinian sandwiches, paella and pizza are made fresh and are sold alongside beers and wines (you can bring your own food and drinks, but the food vendors serve up some pretty delicious dishes). There’s also plenty of popcorn for the more traditional cinephiles.
Audiences are treated to silver screen classics with breath-taking backdrops.
Tickets
Tickets for the shows are cheaper online and start from R79. A ticket with a blanket and low backed chair can be had for R100 a person, or there are options for just a blanket or just a chair. Feel free to bring your own blankets too, but stick with the low, backrest-style chairs that are available so that the people behind you can enjoy the film too.
Ticket prices
Standard: R79
Warm: R87 (plus blanket)
Comfy: R95 (plus backrest)
Warm & comfy: R100 (plus blanket and backrest)
VIP: R149 (Reserved premium seating, Savanna, box of Chocolat Frey, popcorn & sweets, blanket, backrest)
