Romance shouldn’t just be reserved for Valentine’s Day, it should be year-round! We’ve composed a list of fun and unique date ideas that won’t break the bank. Whether you are looking for an activity to do on a first date to break the ice or just want to be spontaneous and impress your partner with something different, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
Events running for a limited time only
Sankayi Saturday Sessions
Sankayi Saturday Sessions is a brand-new recurring live music series in Morningside, showcasing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary musicians and bands.
Each Sankayi Saturday Session is carefully curated to present exceptional artists across a range of contemporary genres while maintaining the high musical standard that has become synonymous with Sankayi.
An exciting feature of the sessions is The Afrikan Rekord, a recurring vinyl experience curated by DJ Bob and friends, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Africa and its diaspora.
Blending jazz, funk, soul, Afrobeat, disco, Latin grooves and Outernational sounds, each session takes guests on a carefully curated musical journey played entirely on vinyl.
Cost: Free
When: Saturdays from 6pm to 10.30pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Discover more about these easygoing live sets
Two small pieces of Glass – The Amazing Telescope
“Two small pieces of Glass – The Amazing Telescope” follows interactions of two students with an astronomer at a local star party. The students learn the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass, using two small pieces of glass, to the launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy.
Aiming to engage and appeal to audiences of all ages, the show explores the wonder and discoveries made in the last 400 years.
Cost: R45pp for kids and pensioners, R75pp for adults. Book via Webtickets
When: Select Saturdays at 10am
Where: Digital Dome, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Yale Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The 13th European Film Festival
The 13th European Film Festival in South Africa sees select cinemas showing contemporary films from across the continent that paint intimate, human portraits of family in all its different forms as vital to personal, psychological and social survival.
This year’s programme boasts 12 films from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The schedule includes new work from Oscar-winning directors Pawel Pawlikowski and Paolo Sorrentino; social realist legends, the Dardenne Brothers; BAFTA-winning feature debutant Akinola Davies Jr.; and intriguing, entertaining, always engaging work from both veteran and emerging European cinematic storytellers.
Cost: From R90pp, book online.
When: From Thursday, 17 September to Sunday, 27 September 2026
Where: Ster-Kinekor Brooklyn, Fehrsen St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria | The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg | Ster-Kinekor Nouveau Rosebank, Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
The Linden Market Spring Edition
The Linden Market Spring Edition is the third market of the year.
Guests can enjoy live music that sets the perfect vibe for the weekend, indulge in delectable street food to tantalise the taste buds, refresh with craft beverages, and participate in creative workshops for both adults and kids.
Cost: R70pp | U12 free. Book online.
When: Saturday, 26 September and Sunday, 27 September from 8am to 4.30pm
Where: The Botanical Gardens, 45 Thomas Bowler St, Franklin Roosevelt Park, Emmarentia
Pink Day ODI
One of cricket’s fiercest rivalries returns to South African shores as the nation’s cricket team, the Proteas, take on Australia in the Dafabet Pink Day ODI as part of their Dafabet Test series.
The Pink Day ODI is a special annual cricket match where the Proteas wear pink kits instead of their traditional green and yellow to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, with proceeds and donations going directly to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Breast Care Clinic, funding critical equipment, treatment, and research.
The Pink Day ODI is a one-off one-day international, and fans, players, and survivors fill up the dressed in pink.
Cost: From R150pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Sunday, 27 September from 10am
Where: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton
Italian Sporting Club Presents: Sagra
Bring the whole family and enjoy an unforgettable day filled with authentic Italian food, drink, culture, and entertainment. Expect delicious Italian food stalls featuring top Italian restaurants from Johannesburg and Pretoria, and a variety of vendors offering Italian fashion, leather goods, shoes, toys, and artisanal gifts.
Cost: From R90pp | From R60pp for u/12s. Book via Quicket.
When: Sunday, 27 September from 9am to 6pm
Where: Italian Sporting Club, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston
Ongoing experiences
Visit the Wits Sterkfontein Caves
The world-renowned Wits Sterkfontein Caves reopened to the public on 15 April 2025, marking a new chapter for one of humanity’s most important palaeontological sites as it transitions to full management under Wits University.
Tourists and curious minds alike can book a tour of this important Heritage Site and explore ancient fossils, delve into the mysteries of human evolution, and more!
Cost: R150pp for adult. R100pp for pensioners (60+ years). R125pp for kids aged 6 to 18 years. Free entry for kids u/6 + on birthdays. R80pp for Museum and prep lab tour only | Book via Webtickets
When: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed Mondays). Tours depart hourly from 9am to 4pm (Last tour departs at 4pm)
Where: Wits Sterkfontein Caves, Kromdraai Rd, Johannesburg
What to see at the Wits Sterkfontein Caves
Picnic Experiences at Imbabali Retreat & Venue
Savour the beauty of Imbabali Retreat & Venue with a picnic for two, perfectly prepared for relaxation and indulgence. Enjoy your basket at your accommodation, beside one of our tranquil dams, near the swimming pool at The Venue, or on a peaceful walk down to the river.
Each Imbabali Picnic Basket comes complete with a blanket and two pillows, and features a delightful selection of cheeses, biscuits, and accompaniments. The venue can also prepare a children’s picnic pack with a sandwich, juice, crisps, and a sweet treat (available at an additional charge).
And for the four-legged guests, you’re welcome to add a special pup’s meal so they can share in the fun. Picnic baskets must be booked and paid for in advance.
Cost: Platters start from R180pp
Where: Imbabali Retreat & Venue, Plot RH27, R560 Hekpoort Road, Hekpoort, Magaliesburg
NIROX Sculpture Park
Take the entire family along to NIROX Sculpture Park, a 30-hectare green lung that is situated along the Blaauwbankspruit River at the Cradle of Humankind. The park hosts over fifty unique art installations.
And then there was fire… is a restaurant housed in the park that showcases modern rustic cuisine with a creative twist for their small plate menu. There’s also the Lawn Pavilion Café that offers vegetarian and serrano ham baguettes, salad bowls, and sweet treats along with a selection of soft drinks, beers, wines and gin cocktails to enjoy in the park.
Cost: Entry fees are R150pp for adults, R80pp for kids under 12. Book via Howler
When: Saturday & Sunday, from 10am to 5pm
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
The Sky Tonight
In this hour-long traditional live planetarium show, attendees explore what is visible in the evening skyr; from bright planets and seasonal constellations to the Moon and deep-sky wonders, and discover how the sky helps mark time, including the lunar connection to Easter.
Designed for teens and adults, but curious younger children above 5 years with good attention spans are welcome.
Cost: R45pp for kids, students and pensioners, R75pp for adults. Book via Webtickets
When: Select Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm; Select Saturdays at 10am
Where: Digital Dome, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Yale Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Lunch at Zuney Wagyu Burger Bar
Grab a bite with your date at Zuney Wagyu Burger Bar at Nine Yards, bringing their trendy smashburger concept to Johannesburg.
If you’re not familiar with these guys, they’ve long been a Cape Town favourite for munchworthy smashburgers and effortless cool.
What elevates Zuney beyond a typical burger stop is the intentional layering of texture and aroma. The menu is laser-focused on perfecting the art of American-style smash burgers crafted with farm-to-table Wagyu beef, pickles, Wagyu-infused onions and a secret house sauce on a light brioche bun. A vegan burger option rounds out the line-up.
Cost: Burgers start from around R130pp, see the menu
When: Daily, from 12pm to 11pm
Where: Nine Yards, Corner of Rosebank and Chester Road and Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown-North, Johannesburg
The Bioscope
The Bioscope has proudly been Johannesburg’s independent cinema for the last 10 years and is a great alternative to your traditional movie night date.
With only 47 seats in the cinema making it more cozy and intimate and the majority of what they screen being different from what you would find at a big commercial cinema, it’s a unique night out. You can even grab a pizza to enjoy as you watch!
And sometimes they don’t even show movies, you could enjoy some stand-up comedy, live music or improv comedy on your next date night. You can even take part in one of their unique signature events like DumplingBox Cinema, Ugly Cry Night, Sing-Alongs, anniversary screenings, and more.
The Bioscope Café specialises in pizza and toasted panini sandwiches, slush puppies and coffee. All of their food and drink can be enjoyed inside the cinema.
Cost: R100pp per ticket. Book online
When: Various times
Where: The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark, Johannesburg
Hop, skate and climb at RollEgoli Roller Rink
A safe and energetic setting for roller skating, climbing, and family fun. RollEgoli provides a welcoming alternative to skating in public spaces, open to visitors aged four and older. Entry includes unlimited skating time, access to the garden area, and use of the park’s many outdoor features.
The rink offers both roller skates and inline skates for hire, with sizes ranging from junior to adult. Balancing aids known as Skate Mates are available for beginners. Visitors are also encouraged to take on the on-site 300 m² bouldering wall or combine both activities with a skate-and-climb package.
The entire facility is covered, ensuring the rink remains open in all weather. Beyond skating and climbing, the garden area includes a jungle gym, trampoline, scooter track, mini putt-putt course, slackline, and other play equipment. Visitors can eat at the in-house restaurant, which serves wood-fired pizza, snacks, drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Group sessions for parties and team-building events must be booked ahead of time, but no pre-booking is required for day visits, and spectators enter free of charge.
Cost: Entry fee R110pp, skate rental R50. No booking is required, pay at entrance
When: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm. Friday & Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Where: RollEgoli, 296 Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton
Putt-Putt at Adventure Golf
Experience the challenge of Adventure Golf in tranquil surroundings with caves, water features, magnificent greens as well as professionally laid out putting courses. This family-run activity in Johannesburg brings the ultimate putt-putt experience at each of their four venues in Stoneridge, Randburg, Hillfox and Fourways.
Each of the venues boasts well-maintained courses and friendly, hands-on staff to make sure the experience is memorable and fun. All venues form the ideal places to entertain family, do team-building activities or arrange kids’ birthday parties.
Cost: R150pp for Adults | R120pp for Students and kids | R80pp for Under 7s & Pensioners
When: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 9pm. Friday and Saturday from 9am to 10pm. Sunday from 9am to 7pm
Where: Randburg, Fourways, Stoneridge and Hillfox. Refer here for addresses
Ster Kinekor Throwback Cinema
There’s no better way to enjoy a movie than by appreciating the classics.
Ster Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema features classic films returning to the big screen for just R50 a ticket. Each film screens for a week, Friday to Thursday, giving movie lovers the chance to relive timeless favourites at an unbeatable price.
Cost: R50pp, book online.
When: Various times
Where: Sandton, Mall of Africa, Eastgate, Cresta and Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg; Irene and The Grove in Tshwane; Vaal in Vanderbijlpark; Mooirivier in Potchefstroom
Enjoy what else is on at Ster-Kinekor
