Things to Do This Weekend in Cape Town: International Beer Day Open Day at Solera

Looking for something to do in Cape Town this weekend that isn't the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine? Solera in Woodstock is opening its doors this Friday afternoon for a free, walk-in-friendly celebration of International Beer Day, with a genuine spread of styles in the glass rather than just one.

In short: Solera by Mothercity Liquor is hosting a free open day this Friday, 7 August, from 2pm until late, to mark International Beer Day. Expect a huge range of beer styles to taste and buy at normal retail prices, from pale ales and hazy IPAs to sours, pastry stouts, Trappist beers and high ABV brews, in a relaxed, walk-in-welcome setting at the Woodstock Exchange.

Why this Cape Town open day is worth the trip to Woodstock

Most of what's being poured on the day usually lives on the Mothercity Liquor website, ordered a bottle or a case at a time without ever tasting it first. This open day flips that around: the online catalogue comes to life for an afternoon in Woodstock, poured by the people who chose it, so Cape Town beer lovers get a genuine chance to taste something new before deciding what's worth taking home.

If you'd rather keep discovering new beers between open days, the Mothercity Beer Box delivers a fresh, curated selection to your door every month.

What's happening on the day

This isn't a formal tasting with a set menu. It's an open house: browse, taste, chat, and buy at your own pace.

• A large range of beers from the Mothercity Liquor warehouse, available to browse and buy on the day
• A genuine spread of styles to taste, including American and English pale ales, hazy IPAs and classic IPAs, sour beers, pastry stouts and oatmeal stouts, pilsners, experimental brews, and a few serious high ABV beers
• Trappist beers across the full range, from blond and dubbel through to tripel and quad, including a cherry nitro chocolate quad
• A number of genuinely rare imports you won't often come across on a regular shelf
• The Mothercity Liquor and Solera team on hand to talk through what you're tasting
• A relaxed Friday afternoon into evening, with no set programme to follow

Event details

• What: International Beer Day Open Day at Solera
• Date: Friday, 7 August
• Time: 2pm until late
• Venue: Solera by Mothercity Liquor, Unit AG08, The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
• Entry: Free
• Age restriction: 18+, cashless bar

Reserving a free ticket in advance helps the team plan how much beer to have chilled and ready, but it isn't required. Walk-ins are genuinely welcome, though seating is limited and handled first come, first served. This is one of several experiences hosted at Solera throughout the year, so it's worth keeping an eye on what's next if this one isn't for you.

Is this a good beer tasting for beginners in Cape Town?

Yes. There's no expectation that you already know your West Coast IPA from your hazy New England style. The team is there specifically to help newer beer drinkers navigate the range, and because it's an open browse-and-buy format rather than a structured flight, you can taste as much or as little as you like before deciding what to take home.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a ticket?
No, walk-ins are welcome. Reserving a free ticket in advance simply helps the team estimate numbers and prepare enough beer, but it isn't a requirement to attend.

Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is completely free.

What's the age restriction?
Solera operates an 18+, cashless bar, in line with standard South African liquor licensing.

Can I buy beer on the day?
Yes, all the beers featured at the open day are available to buy at retail pricing. If you'd also like to try something from the Solera bar, such as a spirit, that's available too, just at normal bar pricing.

Is this only about IPAs?
No. IPAs are well represented, but the day covers a genuine spread of styles, from pale ales and sours to pastry stouts, pilsners, Trappist beers and a few high ABV options.

Join us this Friday

If you're after something genuinely different to do in Cape Town this weekend, an afternoon spent tasting your way through pale ales, sours, stouts, Trappist beers and more at Solera is a solid way to spend a Friday. No booking required, no pressure to know what you're drinking already, just good beer and good company in Woodstock.