From dinner with a Grammy-winning local star to a macaron master class, a women’s race, afternoon markets, a night of jazz, comedy evenings, and a high tea, there’s much to do this weekend in Joburg and Pretoria. Take advantage of the predicted sunny weather as we approach the end of a short winter and paint the town red with these exciting events.
Put those cooking skills to the test with a Macaron-making Master Class
Spend Sunday afternoon in the kitchen with this immersive Macaron Master Class. Attendees learn to tell the difference between a macaroon and a macaron and become pros at making a French treat favourite. The main lessons include learning how to make macaron batter, how to pipe the perfect macaron shape and how to make a pipeable ganache.
Cost: R750pp, book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 18 August from 2pm to 4pm
Where: The Cooking Studio, 31 Church St, Johannesburg North
Join a special dinner and album launch experience presented by Manana
The latest edition of the Kings Kraal dinner series features Grammy-winning local talent, Manana. The rising R’n’B star has made waves in the music scene, winning a Grammy for his songwriting contribution on a Burna Boy record. His stardom continues to rise with his latest achievement being his invitation to perform on the Rocking the Daisies stage alongside international superstars Smino, Snoh Alegra and Mick Jenkins. At this special dinner, the star officially launches his latest album ‘Our Broken Hearts Mend’. The night promises beautiful music and delightful food.
Cost: From R450pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 16 August from 6pm to 11pm
Where: Kings Kraal, M71 & Posthouse Street, Bryanston, Sandton
Keep the Women’s Day celebrations going with the Totalsports Women’s Race
Though Women’s Day has already come and gone, the celebrations of womanhood do not have to end just yet. This weekend, Totalsports brings their popular annual Women’s Race to Johannesburg after a successful run in Cape Town. Participating athletes have their choice of either tackling a 10km or a 5km run. Not only do participants get to compete in exhilarating races, but they are also treated to some live performances.
Cost: R145pp (10km) | R110 (5km) | R60 temp. license | Book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 17 August | Start times, 8am (10km) & 8.10 (5km)
Where: Starts at Mark’s Park, Judith Ave, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Radisson Hotel O.R. Tambo Johannesburg
This weekend marks the last Sunday to indulge in the Radisson Hotel’s exquisite high tea experience, presented by chef Johan van Rooyen and his team. Expect dainty finger sandwiches along with a host of other savoury bites for a first course, scones with whipped cream and preserves, and a beautiful patisserie. Then finally, a spread of perfectly executed sweets including fruit confections and patisserie.
Tea is included in the serving, while wine and drink are for your own account.
Cost: R300pp, book online via email [email protected] or call 011 100 4436
When: Sunday, 18 August from 12.30pm to 2pm
Where: The Mural Bar at Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre O.R. Tambo, 3rd Ave, Bredell AH, Kempton Park
Read more about the event and Radisson Hotel’s other offerings here
Movie night with the new Borderlands film showing in cinemas now
Based on one of the best-selling video game series of all time, Borderlands is an action comedy film with sci-fi elements that follows an infamous outlaw who returns to her home planet and forms an unexpected alliance with a team of unlikely heroes. Together, they tackle alien monsters and dangerous bandits to find a missing girl who holds the key to unimaginable power.
Borderlands film cast brings Gearbox Software’s popular video game series to life with an A-list ensemble, including the talented Cate Blanchett and the comedic genius of Kevin Hart.
Book and read more about the movie here
Have a laugh with Riaad Moosa and Friends
This Saturday, take in a comedy showing that is bound to knock your socks off. Doctor-turned-comedian, Riaad Moosa hits the stage to deliver a show packed with heavy-hitting comedy. For two special shows on the day, the multi-hyphenate talent is supported by some of the best, established household names in comedy, along with some of the most promising rising stars of South African standup comedy.
Cost: R180pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 17 August at 4pm & 8pm
Where: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch, 22 Whiteley Rd, Johannesburg
Catch JPO’s Early Spring Symphony Season on Thursday evening
British-Polish conductor Ewa Strusińska is known for bringing new standards and fresh ideas with her very first season of concert programs that took place in the European corner of Germany during 2018/2019. She currently holds the position of General Music Director of the Gerhart Hauptmann Theater Görlitz-Zittau and Principal Conductor of the Neue Lausitzer Philharmonie.
Ewa will join the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra for a special performance spotlighting violinist, Emily Sun. On the programme is Schumann Carnaval, Op. 9 which delivers peak refinement and sensitivity. Samuel Barber’s epic Concerto for Violin, Op. 14 puts both Emily’s and the orchestra’s skills to the test with a sweeping musical arrangement and evolved intensity, specifically in the 3rd movement.
The evening ends with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 7, Op. 92, a majestic score one would imagine radio stations will play when the world ends.
Originally from Australia, Emily Sun is now largely based in London and performed at significant concert houses such as the Sydney Opera House, Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Tchaikovsky Great Hall Moscow, Auditorium du Louvre Paris, and Flagey Brussels. Emily also recorded a solo album, Nocturnes, and performs with a 1760 Nicolo Gagliano violin.
Cost: From R170pp to R400pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 15 August at 7:30pm. Pre-concert talks start at 6:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Take a spooky Mystery Ghost Tour through the city
Spend this Saturday evening on a tour with a paranormal twist. This unique experience offers a variety of science, entertainment, history, and some chilling surprises. Visitors can expect everything from haunted and poltergeist buildings to personal testimonies all led by illusionist and celebrity paranormalist, Mark Rose-Christie.
The tour takes place in the form of a “Jaunt” where guests use their own vehicles in convoy following the same route. Each car should have a driver and at least one passenger. Passenger riders are given a script with a few stories to read along the way until they get to certain stops where the host takes over.
Cost: R399pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 17 August from 7pm to 11pm
Where: Meet at Sunnyside Park Hotel (Holiday Inn), Carse O’Gowrie Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Be treated to a saxophonist’s serenade as Linda Sikhakhane presents ‘iLadi’
Take in the smooth saxophone sounds of jazz musician, Linda Sikhakhane, this Sunday evening. The artist presents a live rendition of his recently released album under Blue Note and Universal Music Group Africa, entitled ‘iLadi’. The project serves as a testament to Linda’s artistic evolution, blending his imaginative style with compositions rich in cultural significance. Join him as he offers a musical expression of gratitude.
Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 17 August from 7pm to Sunday, 18 August at 2pm
Where: Untitled Basement, Reserve St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Play some 3v3 on The Playground’s Rooftop Basketball Court
Take advantage of the sunny weather and hit Play Braamfontein’s Rooftop Basketball Court. Visitors should bring along five of their buddies for a fun game of 3v3 on an iconic, one-of-a-kind painted court. Once they’ve had their sporting fun, they can cool down with some drinks from the bar and enjoy their access to the rooftop viewing point of Joburg, the city’s best view.
Cost: R30pp, book via Quicket
When: Every Saturday from 11am to 7pm
Where: Rooftop Basketball Court, 73 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The 2nd edition of Celeste Ntuli’s group comedy show is on this month
Enjoy an evening of live stand-up entertainment featuring the best of the best right now with Celeste N Da Big Boys. Leading comic Celeste Ntuli created this concept comedy event in Johannesburg last year. This year’s Skhumba, Ndumiso Lindi, Robbie Collins, Mojak Lehoko, Sandile Makhanya, and Mpho Popps. Witness some of the country’s leading stars of comedy on stage for one night only.
Cost: From R260pp, book via Computicket
When: Saturday, 17 August from 8pm
Where: Centre Court at Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Visit the Rosebank Sunday Market
Keep it simple this Sunday and visit one of Joburg’s best craft markets situated in the open rooftop parking space in Rosebank Mall. With a backdrop of the Johannesburg skyline, a vast selection of craft stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment, and gourmet food traders, the market has everything anyone could need for the perfect Sunday out.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Sunday, from 9am to 4pm
Where: Rosebank Mall, 20 Baker St, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Relax with a full body exfoliation and back massage at Woodlands Spa
Take full advantage of Woodlands Spa’s exfoliation and massage package, running until the end of August. A qualified spa practitioner starts the process with body butter, after which a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage commences, targeting key stress zones. Afterwards, guests can unwind with a glass of house wine while taking in greenery views.
Cost: R850pp, book via [email protected]
When: Running until 31 August | Monday to Friday & Sunday, from 8am to 5pm
Where: Woodlands Spa, R114 (next to Avianto), Muldersdrift, Gauteng
Read more about this and other Woodlands spa specials
Shop fresh and organic goods at the Hazel Food Market
With expected sunny skies all weekend, there is no better opportunity to enjoy a market day out, and what better market to visit than one of Pretoria’s oldest? The Hazel Food Market offers everything from freshly baked bread to organic vegetables, olives, wine and much more. Visitors can also find specialty treats from many different countries like Dutch croquettes, Indian food, Polish smoked meat and cakes, Greek products, Italian foods, the works.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Saturday, from 8am to 2pm
Where: 378 Queens Crescent, Lynnwood, Pretoria
Catch the comedic stylings of Eugene Khoza live
Whilst Riaad Moosa and other acts grace the stage in Johannesburg, Pretorians can also get their fill of comedy fun with an unmissable solo standup show presented by comedy veteran, actor and tv personality, Eugene Khoza. The legend brings a fresh new show to the crowd, so grab a seat and buckle up for an evening chockfull of hilarity.
Cost: R180pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 17 August from 8pm to 10pm
Where: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn, 213 Thys Street Summit Place Precinct (corner of North and Garsfontein Off ramp), N1, Pretoria
Find nifty new gadgets at the Outdoor and Adventure Expo
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or aspiring adventurer, mark your calendar for the groundbreaking Outdoor & Adventure Expo happening this August at the picturesque B’Sorah game and cattle farm in Broederstroom, near Hartbeespoort Dam.
This isn’t just another 4×4 camping show—it’s a revolutionary experience that promises to reset all traditional outdoor shows with its interactive and immersive concept. There’s a dedicated play space for kids, numerous food and drink stalls, car expos and lots more.
Cost: From R30pp to R350pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Running from 16 to 18 August. Various times
Where: B’Sorah, Farm Bassora, Broederstroom
