This 2024, there is no shortage of May events set to entertain, amaze and excite during the Autumn season. As the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer, the opportunities for entertainment remain endless.

In store this month is everything from popular cinema screenings to niche exhibitions, fun festivals to luxurious social events, one-of-a-kind musical experiences to delightful food and drink tastings, and the ultimate sporting challenges.

Specialty Coffee Expo: South Africa’s biggest coffee show

South Africa’s biggest coffee show is back with a bang in 2024! 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 indulge.

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, sip some top coffees at the Cupping table, grab free tasters around the floor, and watch some of SA’s top Baristas go head-to-head at the Crush The Rush Barista competition.

The show is supplemented by the finest equipment suppliers for home and commercial use, and the Brew Bars allow attendees to touch, feel, taste, and learn how to brew coffee using different methods. There are also amazing Patisserie offerings and so much more to be explored at this exciting festival dedicated to all things coffee.

Cost: R90 – R110pp (day pass) | R210 – R250pp (weekend pass), book via iTickets

When: Running from 24 to 26 May, doors open at 9am daily
Where: Fourways Mall, Fourways Blvd, Sandton, Johannesburg

The internationally collaborated ‘Boy Kills World’ action film is now in South African cinemas

‘Boy Kills World’ is a 2023 fever-dream action film about Boy, a deaf-mute with a vibrant imagination. When Boy’s family is murdered in his youth, he is trained by a mysterious shaman to become an instrument of death and avenge his family many years after their deaths. The film is directed by German director, Moritz Mohr and produced by Sam Raimi, director of the beloved Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire.

Starring as the titular Boy character is the talented Bill Skarsgård of the famous Skarsgård family, who catapulted to fame after playing Pennywise in the 2017 horror hit, ‘It’. The film is an international collaboration, featuring a cast and crew made up of talents from across the world, including South Africa-based Nthibah Pictures who represent one of the film’s contributing production companies.

The film was also shot in Cape Town, South Africa. The final product of this worldwide collaboration opens in Numetro, Ster Kinekor, and independent cinemas around the country on Friday, 26 April.

Cost: Varies depending on the chosen cinema

When: Opened on Friday, 26 April
Where: Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro, CineCentre and other leading cinemas across South Africa

Indulge and sparkle at the exclusive Joburg Cap Classique & Bubbles Fest

Guests of the Joburg Cap Classique & Bubbles Fest can enjoy the finest bubbles from South Africa and France at an affair perfect for connoisseurs, where every sip is a celebration of life’s luxurious moments.

Tickets for the first day of the festival, on 17 May 2024, include a welcome glass of Cap Classique, bubbly tastings, a harvest table and bowl, food, a meet-and-greet with the winemaker, and live music. At the end of the evening, the limited group of attendees receive a thank-you gift featuring a two-bottle pack of award-winning Cap Classique. Tickets for the first day can only be arranged via email.

On the second and third days, the guests – dolled up to the dress code of ‘sophisticated floral chic attire’ – can sample the bubbles on display from delicate Prosecco to elegant champagnes. Each ticket includes a crystal glass and ten tasting coupons. As guests savour their bubbles, the mood is appropriately set with live music.

Cost: R380 – R2 250pp, book via Quicket

When: Friday, 17 May, 6pm to 10pm | Saturday, 18 May, 11am to 4pm | Sunday, 19 May, 11am to 3pm
Where: Inanda Club, Forrest Rd & 6th Ave, Inanda, Sandton, Johannesburg

Thandiswa Mazwai is launching her new album at Carnival City

Award-winning musician Thandiswa Mazwai is returning with her 4th studio album – Sankofa. Recorded in Johannesburg, Dakar, and New York, Sankofa combines archival Xhosa music, jazz and West African music. Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana that translates to “go back and fetch what has been left behind.” 

“In our journeys we may lose our sense of self, our history, our will to fight. We may lose language or ways of being,” explains Thandiswa. “Sankofa invites us go back and fetch what has been lost so that we can return whole.”

Production is largely developed with co-composer Tendai Shoko and features tracks produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and Nduduzo Makhatini. The work, like much of Thandiswas’ previous work, celebrates Pan-Africanism and is a musical conversation between South Africa, West Africa and the Diaspora.

The Sankofa Live show will present new music alongside Thandiswa’s old classics that go back to her first solo album, Zabalaza, which celebrates 20 years in 2024. She will be joined by special guests.

Cost: R350pp, book via Computicket

When: Saturday, 11 May from 7pm
Where: Big Top Arena at Carnival City Casino, Cnr Century Road &, Elsburg Rd, Brakpan, Boksburg

Zioux restaurant reopens with a new Asian-Fusion menu and direction

The uber elegant Zioux restaurant returns with a fresh fusion of Asian-inspired cuisine under the direction of esteemed Chef Katsuhiko Miyamoto, a culinary maestro from Matsusaka, Japan. Working hand in hand with Chef David Higgs, he infuses each dish not only with his expertise but also with a warm paternal touch. 

The new menu features gourmet sushi, crispy tempuras, and dim sum to start. For mains, there are sizzling courses straight from the wood-fired grill as well as refreshing salads, vibrant poke bowls, and an enticing selection of Asian snacks.

When: Reopens on Tuesday, 7 May. Reserve online
Where: Zioux, The Marc Corner Rivonia and, Maude St, Sandown, Sandton

The RMB Latitudes Art Fair is coming to Shepstone Gardens

The RMB Latitudes Art Fair is bringing an immersive art experience and spotlight on African contemporary art from 24 to 26 May. 

Over the course of the Fair, top galleries and artists from across Africa will showcase their art throughout Shepstone Gardens, a magnificent three-acre property. Visitors will be invited to discover and explore all corners of the indoor-outdoor venue, as they wander through marble halls, secret gardens and sculpture pavilions, enjoying a diverse programme of exhibitions, talks, film and more.

“At RMB Latitudes we challenge the standard ‘white cube’ gallery model, reimagining the relationship between art and the viewer,” says co-founder and director, Lucy MacGarry. “By creating spaces with an interplay between inside and out, the design of the Fair dissolves the typical art-viewing environment, creating a space for art to be engaged with and questioned in a uniquely African context. We also make it our business to allow all industry players an equal playing field, with galleries, alternative spaces and artists presenting side by side.”

Cost: R300pp for adults, R50pp for kids. Book via Quicket

When: Running from 24 to 26 May, various times
Where: Shepstone Gardens, 12 Hope Rd, Mountain View, Johannesburg

Family Fun Run Walk

The Family Run Walk is back at The Wedge Shopping Centre. Gather your family and friends together for some fuss-free outdoor fitness this May. This is one of the shopping centre’s biggest community events. And once again, this year’s run walk is hosted in partnership with the active folks at Run/Walk Life.

Choose between a 5km or 8km loop route that kicks off at 7am at the shopping centre. The routes lead you through the scenic and suburban parts of Johannesburg, Morningside. As the start hooter sounds off, you’ll join fellow walkers and runners on course where you can complete the full route at your own pace. There will be exciting activities at The Wedge to keep everyone entertained, and a competition where you stand a chance to win great prizes courtesy of The Wedge tenants.

Cost: Free entry, online registration is required to join the race and walk

When: Saturday, 18 May. Starts at 7am (8km) and 7:15am (5km)
Where: Meet at The Wedge Shopping Centre, 255 Rivonia Rd, Morningside, Sandton

Explore and connect with a range of hobbies at Hobby X

Hobby X is the go-to event in South Africa for all things hobby-related! From arts and crafts to woodworking and practical workshops, hobbyists have the cream of the crop at this expo. This year’s theme is Retro Rewind which means attendees experience the nostalgic charm of the past with a modern twist. This includes exploring classic trends, styles, and techniques that have influenced hobbies and crafts over the years.

The expo is a trade and consumer show where attendees can learn new techniques, connect with other hobbyists, explore the latest products and supplies, and even buy finished products related to their hobbies. People from all over attend Hobby X to find materials, supplies, equipment, ideas, and techniques.

The event showcases and demonstrates the latest technologies that cater to the needs, interests, and preferences of attendees with the practical workshops being the highlight of the event, providing a great creative outlet for attendees.

Cost: R165 – R300pp | Workshop ticket prices vary, book via Howler

When: Running from 2 to 5 May, 9am to 5pm daily
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre, Allandale Rd & Kyalami Estate, Midrand

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

Marc Lottering and Alfred Adriaan live at the Lyric Theatre

Two of South Africa’s top comedians, Marc Lottering and Alfred Adriaan, will be joining forces to bring you their best material as performed over the last few years at this limited 2-night show. 

Both comics have been packing out theatres locally and abroad, and their respective fans can expect to be treated to two hours of sheer hilarity.

Cost: R250pp, book via Webtickets

When: Thursday, 16 May & Friday, 17 May, at 7:30pm
Where: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino, Corner Of Northern Parkway &, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South

Joburg’s biggest local K-pop Fest brings all things K-pop and Korean culture

Join Kbops Events as they host their official KPOP Fest, inviting all South African K-pop lovers to celebrate the growing subculture. The event is perfect for family and friends to attend together and share their love of all things K-pop.

Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favourite K-pop group’s lore and enjoy the music as they browse through the many K-pop merch stalls that have been prepared for them. The different stalls sell various K-pop themed items, such as posters, tote bags, jewellery, keychains, dolls and plushies, clothes, nails, etc., whilst a number of vendors sell food to guests, some of which are Korean or Korean-inspired.

There are also lots of games and activities planned to set the perfect vibe. Some of the activities include raffles centred around K-pop groups, where entrants stand the chance to win K-pop themed mystery boxes and other prizes. The day promises endless opportunities for fun and fostering a sense of community.

Cost: R100pp | R60 (kids), book via Quicket

When: 4 May, 11am to 5pm
Where: Waverly Sports Club, 126 Stirling St, Waverley, Johannesburg

Candelabra Classics: a pianistic salute to Liberace with Jonathan Roxmouth

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra presents Candelabra Classics – A Pianistic Salute to Liberace – featuring Jonathan Roxmouth and conducted by Eddie Clayton. This first-of-its-kind collaboration is on stage in Parktown for two shows only this May.

Join Roxmouth and the full Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra as they play a mix of favourite classics, songs and spectacles made famous by the renowned pianist, singer and showman, Liberace. This is the last opportunity for music lovers in Joburg to enjoy Roxmouth on stage again before he heads to international shores to rejoin the World Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’.

Programme highlights during the two unforgettable performances include the works of Addinsell, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, Grieg, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Strauss and Tchaikovsky.

Cost: R170 – R400pp, book via Quicket

When: Fri, 17 May at 7.30pm | Sun, 19 May at 3pm
Where: Wits Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

Experience the ultimate Comrades Marathon pre-party at the Modderfontein Half-Marathon

Calling all runners! Strap on your running shoes to experience a run in Modderfontein as the Comrades Marathon draws nearer. The races include a 21.1km half-marathon as the main event, along with a 10km race and a 5km fun run/walk.

The event is an opportunity for qualifiers to challenge themselves once more before taking on the Comrades, celebrating the hard work that they have done in their preparation. Those who have not qualified also get to join the Inkama running family during this celebration of the sport and challenge themselves with a competitive, scenic run.

The top finishers for the 10km race and the half-marathon receive big cash prizes at the end of the races. Unregistered runners for both events are required to purchase a temporary license to qualify for the race and for potential placement.

Cost: R240pp (half marathon) | R160pp (10km) | R90pp (5km) | R60 – R70 for temp. licenses, enter via Racepass

When: Sunday, 12 May. Starts at 7am (all races)
Where: Route begins at Flamingo Shopping Centre, Cnr Valley Rd & Queens St, Modderfontein, Johannesburg

Matthew Mole’s ‘Okay Let’s Tour’

Popular South African artist, Matthew Mole, embarks on a national tour in celebration of his latest album ‘Wake Up, It’s Morning’ featuring hits such as ‘Okay,’ ‘Always by my Side,’ ‘See Me Again’ and ‘Wake Up.’ Fans can expect a high-energy performance by the platinum-selling singer/songwriter, brewing a concoction that’s part folk, part electronic, and all shades eccentric.

Matthew’s latest musical odyssey stirred up 5 million Spotify streams in record time and continues to gain in popularity. His career has led to massive opportunities, such as sharing the limelight with the international act Bastille or gallivanting across the globe, from the USA to the far reaches of Thailand and Russia. Now, he brings his music back to where it all began for his adoring fans in South Africa.

Cost: R245 – R295pp, book via Howler

When: 31 May, 6pm to 11pm
Where: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Rd, Strydompark, Johannesburg

Enjoy a picnic-style live gigs from South Africa’s biggest talents at Park Acoustics

Friends and family are welcomed back to the rolling green lawns of Foresters PTA for the 2024 instalment of Park Acoustics. Enjoy an afternoon of good food, drinks, and fantastic entertainment from some of South Africa’s biggest talents, with one of SA’s funniest, King Nqoba, as MC.

Celebrate with entertainment from South Africa’s biggest export and looping legend Jeremy Loops, iconic local band Desmond & the Tutus, new kids on the block Droomsindroom, rap phenomenon Loufi, and other local talents including Die Melktert Kommissie, Keanan Eksteen and the groovy Black Heidi.

Facilities available at the event include a bar, food stalls, toilets, safe secure parking, and a kiddies play area to keep the young ones entertained. Attendees are permitted to bring their own picnic baskets and cooler boxes, but glass is prohibited.

Cost: R200 – R300pp | R60 – R150pp (u/18) | R599 (VIP), book via Plankton

When: 11 May, 10am to 6pm
Where: Foresters PTA, Plot 60, Tierpoort, Pretoria

And just in case you’re heading further South… here’s our round-up of top events in Cape Town this May