There is no shortage of incredible experiences in store for you this weekend in Joburg and Pretoria! From dinner and a show to a once-in-a-lifetime cooking class, a coffee expo to unique and enlightening art exhibition events, musical experiences to get you moving and grooving to a sophisticated evening of classical music, there is something for everyone, and every mood, this weekend.
Stop by the Specialty Coffee Expo, South Africa’s biggest coffee show
The Specialty Coffee Expo invites the top coffee roasters from all over SA to showcase their beans and roasting skills, and all coffee-lovers and connoisseurs to come and taste them. Attendees can visit the Roasters Village where 16 premier roasters bring their personality, flare and experience to Specialty Coffee, grab some free tasters at the Brew Bars and around the floor, sip some top coffees at the Cupping table, and watch some of SA’s top baristas go head-to-head at the Crush The Rush Barista competition.
Cost: R90 – R110pp (day pass) | R210 – R250pp (weekend pass), book via iTickets
When: 24 to 26 May, doors open at 9am daily
Where: Fourways Mall, Fourways Blvd, Sandton, Johannesburg
Explore the streets of Johannesburg and view some of the city’s popular public artworks
The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has partnered with the City of Johannesburg’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Directorate to celebrate their vibrant Public Art Programme, which embodies the city’s diverse heritage and daring spirit. Join Eric Itzkin, Palesa Mnyaka and Clare van Zwieten as they explore the streets of Johannesburg to view some of the city’s popular public artworks, including a bronze Brenda Fassie, the amazing Mosaic Compass, the Impala Stampede, the Nzundza Portrait, the Homeless Jesus, the Shadow Boxer, jazz legend Kippie Moeketsi and much more.
Cost: R440 – R550pp, book via Quicket
When: 25 May, 9am to 12pm
Where: Meet at Sunnyside Park Hotel, Princess of Wales Terrace Cnr Carse O Gowrie, Sunnyside Dr, &, Johannesburg
Gain an appreciation for African art at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2024
RMB Latitudes Art Fair returns to Johannesburg for its second edition. The fair offers visitors a unique art experience that brings together the art community from across the continent and diaspora. Over the course of the Fair, galleries and artists showcase their art throughout Shepstone Gardens, a magnificent three-acre property, and visitors are invited to discover and explore all corners of the indoor-outdoor venue, as they wander through marble halls, secret gardens and rooftop pavilions, enjoying a diverse programme of exhibitions, talks and more.
Cost: R300pp (single-day pass) | R50pp (Kids 3 to 12) | Free (kids u/3) | Book via Quicket
When: 24 May, 12pm to 7pm | 25 May, 10am to 7pm | 26 May, 10am to 5pm
Where: Shepstone Gardens, 12 Hope Rd, Mountain View, Johannesburg
An adrenaline-filled couples kart racing competition
Get your partner or bestie to join for this fun race, win, and reign supreme. Jozi Kart is running a couple’s speeding challenge at their tracks in Randburg and Roodepoort.
Warm up for 4 mins, qualify for 26, then hit the track for the thrilling 10-minute finale. The adrenaline-fueled race is inspired by the F1 teams, where love and speed collide. After the race, celebrate with free pizza and cold drinks.
Cost: R900 per couple, including a 40-minute racing experience, pizza to share, and coke. Book via email [email protected] or call 079 032 6899
When: Friday, 24 May from 5:30pm
Where: Cresta Shopping Centre – Cnr Beyers Naude Drive & Weltevreden Road, Cresta, Randburg. Northgate Shopping Centre – Cnr Northumberland Ave, Olievenhout Ave, Northgate, Roodepoort
Enter a world of relaxation with the Nuru sound bath experience
Journey into a world of relaxation this month with a Nuru sound bath experience. Experience benefits of nuru sound bath meditation such as improved sleep, better focus and energy, lowering stress and anxiety, improved mood and better well-being, and activation of the body’s natural healing system. Guests are requested to bring along a mat/yoga mat to lay on and a light throw and cushion. Don’t forget to dress comfortably, preferably in loose-fitting clothes.
Cost: R295pp, book via Webtickets
When: 25 May, from 10am
Where: Fynn Studio, 235A Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg
Explore the Joburg art scene with a gallery hopping bus tour
If you’re looking to take the temperature of Joburg’s amazing art scene, City Sightseeing Johannesburg is planning a 1-day art gallery hopping tour that coincides with the annual RMB Latitudes Art Fair on Saturday, 25 May. This guided art tour leads you to Johannesburg Central for a studio hopping experience with the Red Bus. Your host is Thabo the Tourist, who is regarded as one of Joburg’s leading art guides and runs regular walking tours in Rosebank. The experience departs from Rosebank at 10am and leads into a loop route back at 5:30pm.
Cost: R550pp, book via city sightseeing
When: Saturday, 25 May from 10am to 5:30pm
Where: Meet at The Zone @Rosebank, 77 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Read more about the tour here
Catch all the craft distilleries at this 1-day fest in Midrand
The Aqua-Vitae Festival brings some of the most unique craft spirit distilleries into one space on Saturday, 25 May. This drinks event caters for everyone from avid gin connoisseurs to whiskey aficionados and beer lovers. Join our distilleries as they share their knowledge and love for their craft, while you discover your new favourite brew. There will also be various food vendors and live entertainment throughout the day. Kids are welcome to join.
Cost: From R80pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 25 May from 12pm to 8pm
Where: San Quentin Events Venue, 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH, Midrand
Get the best of Joburg’s heritage, culture, and tourism at the Aluta Nova Museum Festival
James Hall Museum of Transport and Joburg Culture offers another rendition of the popular Aluta Nova Museum Festival during International Museum Week. Look forward to an exciting museum programme packed with museum tours, vintage bus rides, delectable food and a number of creative SMMEs at the market. This year’s event also features a thrilling line-up of live performances and DJs, with talented producer and DJ, Jullian Gomez as the event’s headlining act.
Cost: Free, reserve a spot via Quicket
When: 25 May, 12pm to 10pm
Where: James Hall Museum of Transport, 193 Rosettenville Rd, Glenesk, Johannesburg
Music, food & wine at the Groves + Vineyards Festival
The Groves + Vineyards music, food and wine festival is set in the beautiful countryside surrounds of Casalinga Farm in Muldersdrift and promises a chilled day out for the entire family. Visitors are treated to a curated selection of fine wines and artisanal foods, as well as live music from some of South Africa’s beloved bands. This festival series is the perfect opportunity for families to come together, support local wineries and enjoy some quality time out in nature.
Cost: R350pp | R1000pp (VIP), book via Quicket
When: 25 May, 12pm to 11.45pm | 26 May, 10am to 6pm
Where: Casalinga Farm, Plot 328, Rocky Ridge Rd, Muldersdrift
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Mandla Mlangeni & Friends Live at The Untitled Basement
Mandla Mlangeni is set to reacquaint with the Joburg jazz scene’s assortment of highly energetic and vibrant musicians for an unforgettable performance at The Untitled Basement. The acclaimed trumpeter, composer and bandleader bring together a cutting-edge combo of Jozi’s finest musicians for the performance, featuring Siphiwe Shiburi on drums, Amaeshi Ikechi on bass, Sanele Phakathi on piano and special guest Khaya Mahlangu on the saxophone.
Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket
When: 25 May, 8pm to 11.30pm
Where: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Paint your own Vermeer masterpiece in Randburg
The paint night on Friday, 24 May is fully beginner-friendly and you’ll learn how to paint a colourful artwork under the guidance of an experienced art teacher. Sip on a glass of wine or soft drink of your choice and discover new techniques that you never knew before. Take the time in this class to uncover your unique artistic style and make your masterpiece one-of-a-kind.
The team have everything set out for you, paints, palettes, brushes, aprons and something sweet to nibble on, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy.
Lillian Gray Art School boasts a relaxed and intimate atmosphere for the couples. They generally start with a welcome drink before guests settle in with their easel, paints, canvas, and brushes.
Cost: R550pp, including soft drinks or wine served at the session. Book online here
When: Friday, 9 February 2024 from 6pm
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Randburg
The art of growing Shiitake mushrooms at this 1-day workshop
Keen on finding out more about the wonderful world of fungi and the art of growing mushrooms at home? Afrifungi is hosting a captivating learning experience that will unveil the secrets of mycelium and its profound impact on our planet.
In this intimate mushroom workshop in Johannesburg, you’ll learn how fungi offer ingenious solutions to the challenges we face in our environment, and how to start Shiitake log cultivation from scratch, every step of the way.
Guests will take their own mushroom log home with you and watch the magic of mushrooms unfold in their own space.
Cost: R850pp, includes snacks and drinks. Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 25 May from 89am to 2pm
Where: Afrifungi, The Mushroom Garden, 5a Pine Rd, Orchards, Johannesburg
A sophisticated evening of classical music with Themes & Variations, A Piano Recital by Pieter Jacobs
The Gauteng Chamber of Music Collective presents ‘Themes and Variations’ – A Piano Recital by Pieter Jacobs. Jacobs, who is an acclaimed piano soloist and chamber musician, returns to the Northwards House stage with a performance of timeless masterpieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, and Robert Schumann. The concert offers a unique and close-knit experience, allowing the audience to connect intimately with the pianist.
Cost: R250pp | R200pp (pensioners & students), book via Quicket
When: 26 May, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Northwards House, 21 Rockridge Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
A chilled Sunday market in Kempton Park
The monthly Sunshine Market at Serengeti Estates in Kempton Park is one of the best markets in the area. On the First Friday of every month, visitors can kick back on the lawn with live music for chilled vibes, handmade local goodies from crafters, and indulge in delicious rolled Ice cream, chip n dip and delicious baked goods with family and friends. The market brings some cute and charming keepsakes for the little ones, friends, family and colleagues. Well-behaved furry friends are welcome at the market.
Cost: Free entry
When: Sunday, 26 May from 10am to 3pm
Where: Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate, Kempton Park
Source fun fashions at The Bam Collective’s intimate pop-up
The Bam Collective invites fashion lovers to explore and shop their collection at an intimate pop-up in Pretoria. The experience runs at Milner Fashion House on 24 and 25 May, and a small group of local designers join for a day featuring a mini fashion show, a chance to fit some great looks, and a fun quiz where you can put your fashion knowledge to the test. Curated snacks and drinks can also be ordered at the venue.
Cost: Free entry
When: 24 May, 11am to 6pm | 25 May, 11am to 5pm
Where: Milner Fashion House, 161 Milner Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria
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Learn to cook an authentic Moroccan dish with a top local chef
Join the Milk and Honey Cooking Studio and Chef Willie Cloete for a fun day of exploring and cooking the flavours and food of Morocco. During the session, guests can enjoy a mint infused welcome drink and dunk chunks of flatbread in Zaalouk, while exploring the flavours of Moroccan cuisine in cooking various Moroccan dishes, including some vegetarian options. After creating the dishes, guests can taste their creations as they sit together around a shared dining table in a beautiful setting.
Cost: R950pp, book via Quicket
When: 25 May, from 9.30am
Where: Milk and Honey Cooking Studio, Atterbury Rd & Ambrosia St, Pretoria
