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The Galileo Cinema, an annual tradition in Cape Town, is a simple concept: a drive through movie meets picnic setup underneath the stars. The after-dark cinema experience first started on the lawns of Kirstenbosch gardens, but with each passing year the schedule has expanded to include venues all over the Western Cape – from the city centre, the South Peninsula and even all the way to Franschhoek.
The schedule for 2018/2019 is bigger than ever, with over 100 screenings between October 2018 and April 2019. There are screenings up to 5 times a week, but the ones we’re most excited about are the Saturday evening shows.
Where you can find them
Every Saturday, the Galileo team set up on the grounds of a different wine estate across the Western Cape including Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The venue changes every week, with this year’s schedule including some of our favourite wine estate destinations – Warwick, Leopard’s Leap, De Meye, Boschendal and Blaauwklippen.
They rig up the screens and speakers, and lay out the areas where you and your sweetheart can set up your spot. Chairs, blankets and cushions are available for hire – they are clean, and very comfortable indeed.
Huddling under your blanket, watching Grease or Mamma Mia under the warm summer skies is such a great way to spend an evening – the only thing missing is some delicious food. Vendors and food trucks will be set up before the main show, offering a range of tasty fast casual meal options – from Mexican, to hot pizza including Halaal and vegan options. Coffee and beer is also on offer, and of course there is a popcorn and candy cart!
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, we have some great picnic recipes that you can easily prepare at home. Sandwiches are a great picnic meal – but we’re not talking about the boring kind of sarmie!
The more dips the better! Pack some crackers, cucumber sticks and carrot sticks and these fab dips:
Green chilli and avocado dip
Sweet potato bites with tahini dip
Beetroot dip with salt and pepper seed crackers
Bunless boeries are crisp, tasty and also LCHF! Yum!
And if you’re looking for a meat free option, try these Pea and feta burger with curried mayo.
Curried chicken Scotch eggs wrapped in bacon
Dessert is an essential – especially at the movies. You can try a fun twist on traditional popcorn with Caramel popcorn with coffee salt, or for a real treat quickly whip up a batch of this Extra Rocky road.
And as for the wine, you’ll have to leave your bottles at home – at least for the Winelands screenings. At all estates, wine and other beverages will be available for sale.
Tickets for all Galileo shows are available online, and remember to pre-book your chairs and blankets too. You can see the full schedule in and around Cape Town on the Galileo website.
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