Dive into this selection of July events featuring a variety of exciting experiences for all tastes. Whether you wish to indulge in some of the finest wines, bubbly or beers that Joburg has to offer, unleash your creative skills, sit in for an evening of live music from talented local and international acts, or enjoy a night of comedy, this month features experiences that offer all this and much more.
Africa’s premier plant-based food, drink and conscious living event is coming to Joburg
The Good Life Show features top local and international chefs and celebrity cooks presenting inspiring cooking demos, as well as diverse and compelling talks by culinary experts, top nutritionists, dieticians, and health and sustainability experts. Other highlights include premium and interactive experiences, exclusive industry networking, and a bustling marketplace filled with new, innovative and high-quality plant-based, natural and organic, free-from and sustainable living products.
Cost: R175 – R220pp (one-day pass) | R265 – R330pp (weekend pass) | Free (u/15) | Book via Quicket
When: Running from 26 to 28 July, various times
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, R55 & Allandale Road, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
Get into the swing with ‘Swingin’ Las Vegas’, Joburg’s jazzy new musical
Conducted by Adam Howard, the 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band takes audiences on a musical journey of pure nostalgia with ‘Swingin’ Las Vegas: Vegas Through the Years’. The musical pays homage to the music that made Vegas everything it is, both during its golden age and right up to the present. Audiences are treated to the showstopping hits of Elvis, Frank Sinatra, The Rat Pack, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones, as well as modern-day stars Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kool & the Gang and more.
Cost: R240 to R390pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 12 to 21 July | Fridays from 7.30pm | Saturdays at 2pm & 7.30pm | Sundays from 2pm
Where: The Teatro, Montecasino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Sandton
Read more about the event here
Enjoy the finest Cape wines and gorgeous views at Ground CRU Winter Edition
Ground the Venue brings back the much-awaited Ground CRU Winter Edition wine tasting experience. This wine-tasting event in Johannesburg is set in the countryside and famously shines a light on refined wines from esteemed Cape wineries. Sample exquisite flavours of both new and rare vintages, taste comforting food from local vendors and unwind in tranquil surroundings with family and friends while live bands set the mood. Tickets include a branded glass and tasting at each vineyard stand.
Cost: From R350pp (adults) | R100pp (kids) | Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 13 July & Sunday, 14 July | From 12pm to 5pm both days
Where: The Tobacco Shed at Ground the Venue, Plot 19, Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Read more about the event here
See NYO Jazz in concert for the first time on African soil
The remarkable National Youth Orchestra (NYO) Jazz ensemble annually brings together some of the most outstanding teen jazz musicians from across the United States, following a comprehensive and highly competitive audition process, to train, perform, and tour with some of the world’s greatest artists. This season, NYO Jazz welcomes guest vocalist Alicia Olatuja, who has been praised by The New York Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone,” and South African guest artists Linda Sikhakhane (saxophone) and Romy Brauteseth (bass) in a diverse programme.
Cost: R150 – R300pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 26 to 28 July, various times
Where: The Market Theatre,136 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Share the passion for music at MusicEx
MusicEx is an experiential event designed to engage, excite and captivate music lovers by giving them the opportunity to browse products, attend educational sessions, enjoy live performances from major South African artists, and share their passion for music with others. The event features everything from an indoor music festival to an exhibition, a music lounge, a Battle of the Best, Festival Lane, a marketplace, Buskers Corner and various workshops.
Cost: R450 – R550pp (day pass) | R1190 – R1440pp (weekend pass) | Book via Webtickets
When: Running from 26 to 28 July | From 9am daily
Where: Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Dr, Midrand
Read more about the event here
Georgina Gratrix taps into her formative art roots for her first solo show at Stevenson Gallery
Georgina Gratrix is getting her first solo exhibition in several years at Stevenson Gallery in Johannesburg. Between Two Palms: New works from Durban are all about leaning into what she considers her home and channelling the journey into art.
Central to the exhibition is Between Two Palms: A Painters Lunch, a group portrait that includes some of Georgina’s muses and the personalities that surround her. The work is the artist’s response to the question ‘who would be your dream guest for lunch?.’ Here, Gratrix presents the gathering of an extended art-historical family.
Some of the characters are sourced from other paintings such as Robert Hodgins’ Ubu and the Commanders in Chief (1981/2), Maud Sumner’s unfortunately titled Fat Lady (1936) and Irma Stern’s Argentinian Woman (1941). Painters themselves also make the cut with Gladys Mgudlandlu, Andrew Verster and Marlene Dumas standing in a huddle to the left. In the centre of the bottom row sits Penny Siopis, with a self-portrait of Gratrix hiding behind a bouquet of flowers beside her.
The collection of works in Between Two Palms; New works from Durban ranges between the genres of still life and portraiture. An intimate view of home, objects and the landscape, the exhibition speaks to Gratrix’s sense of belonging and locating herself both in a physical place and as part of a community of painters.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Running until 12 July 2024. Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 1pm
Where: Stevenson Gallery, 46 7th Ave, Parktown North, Randburg, Johannesburg
Get a taste of the best selection of winter beers at Worthogs’ Winter Beer Festival
This year’s Worthogs’ East Rand Winter Beer Festival brings the same great lineup of homebrewed winter beers that patrons of Worthog Homebrewers have come to know and love. Guests can enjoy a variety of beers for an entire afternoon of fun. With over 40 beers to choose from, just one ticket covers entry to the event, a festival glass and unlimited tasting, finishing only when the beer runs out. Food is also available at the venue and non-beer drinkers can purchase alternative soft drinks, wines and spirits from the venue bar.
Cost: R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 6 July from 10.30am to 5.30pm
Where: Dynamite Distilling Co, 31 High St, Founders Hill, Lethabong
Witness a fairytale unfold through dance with Joburg Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’
A timeless fairytale of love triumphant, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ returns to the Johannesburg stage this July in a glittering production by Joburg Ballet. Set to Tchaikovsky’s sweepingly romantic music performed live by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is a magnificent showcase for Joburg Ballet’s acclaimed dancers who are joined this season by visiting guest artists.
Cost: R110 – R580pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 28 June to 7 July | Various shows at 11am, 2pm & 7pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Unleash your creativity at Culture Zine Workshops’ zine-making event
Culture Zine Workshops, presented by Alphabet Zoo and Iqhawe Magazine, host an engaging zine-making workshop featuring guest creative host Kabelo Kungwane, the founder of local brand Kasi Flavour. Participants are in for an afternoon of zine creation, guided by Minenkulu Ngoyi from Alphabet Zoo, alongside Anastasia Nkhuna and Renaè Mangena from Iqhawe Magazine, promising an enriching experience that blends the expertise of both creative outlets.
Cost: R350pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 6 July from 11am to 4pm
Where: Hallmark House, 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg
Attend a sophisticated night of opera at Rand Club’s French Cafe Opera Evening
Join Rand Club for their French Cafe Opera Evening with soprano, Sinesipho Mnyango, tenor Sibusiso Semelane, and Marion Pillay on piano. The evening is hosted by Harald Sitta from SittOpera and each ticket includes the opera recital along with a welcome drink and a three-course meal. Guests are encouraged to dress according to the dress code of Formal French Flair.
Cost: R350 – R450pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 12 July from 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Where: Rand Club, 33 Loveday St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
Support efforts to save the pangolins at the Together for Pangolins harvest, art and auction event
Join members of the African Pangolin Working Group at the CIRCA art gallery to watch an artist create his art and learn about the group’s efforts to save pangolins from extinction. The event features a cup of warming soup, an autumn harvest table and a welcome glass of wine upon arrival. Later, Pippa Ehrlich, the Academy Award-winning writer and director of My Octopus Teacher (2020) shares her views on conservation and discusses her latest project surrounding pangolins. Attendees can also offer their own support by taking part in the in-person auction on the night, with artworks and luxury items up for grabs.
Cost: R600pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 25 July from 5.30pm to 9.30pm
Where: CIRCA Gallery, 21 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
See South Africa’s best opera talent on stage in a production of ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’
This year Cape Town Opera is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special production of Gaetano Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ at Joburg Theatre. The staging features a full Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra accompaniment under the baton of Daniel Keet. The cast features a stellar line-up of Cape Town Opera’s acclaimed performers Brittany Smith (as Lucia), Lukhanyo Moyake (as Edgardo) and Conroy Scott (as Enrico). The production ran in Cape Town in June to massive acclaim.
Cost: R215 to R750pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 25 to 27 July | Selected days at 2pm and 7pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Read more about the production here
Catch this year’s top fly-fishing films at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival
The International Fly Fishing Film Festival is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, coming to South Africa this July. It is the gathering place of the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, fly-fishing stories presented on film, and stoke, with chances to win amazing prizes. Selected films for the festival include ‘South Caicos’, ‘Pinawaca’, ‘Vivid Dreams’, ‘Tunulik’, ‘The Runaround’, ‘Tension’, ‘A Ride with Clyde’, ‘Kendjam’ and ‘The Golden Ride’.
Cost: R395pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 25 July from 7pm to 9pm
Where: The Tryst, Woodlands Office Park, Woodlands Dr, Woodmead, Sandton
Taste fine wines and bubbly on the 4th Ave Christmas in July Wine Walk
Experience a bit of winter magic at the Parkhurst 4th Ave Christmas in July Wine Walk, where 30 wine farms and vendors delight with their fine wines and bubble tastings. Wine can be purchased on the day, or orders can be placed for later delivery. Attendees can also decide to grab a meal at one of the local restaurants and explore the wide variety of fashion and design boutiques in the fabulous hi-street. Tickets are only required for wine tasting.
Cost: R350pp for wine tastings, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 27 July from 11am to 5pm
Where: 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg
Have a laugh at the People of Colour(ed) comedy evening
People of Colour(ed) is a comedy show featuring some of South Africa’s funniest coloured comedians. The show is created to feel more like a community meeting between family and friends, as the talented acts tell their hilarious stories from communities including Eldorado Park, Westbury, Wentworth, Newlands East, Eersterust, and the Cape Flats. Featured comics include Dillan Oliphant, Shanray Van Wyk, Robby Collins, Carvin H. Goldstone, and Dakes.
Cost: R160 – R200pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Friday, 26 July from 8pm
Where: Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Step into an uncharted realm of music and dance with Decypher 2024
Unlock: Decypher 2024 is where the very essence of sound intertwines with the vivid tapestry of three-dimensional visuals — crafted through collaboration with local maestros of the turntable. The talented featured acts for Decypher include Da Africa Deep, Da Capo, Ryan Hill, and Sun-El Musician. Prepare to be captivated as Unlock 2024 redefines the essence of music and the art of spectacle.
Cost: R650pp | R1 200pp (VIP), book via Showpass
When: Friday, 5 July from 4pm & Saturday, 6 July from 11.59pm
Where: Heartfelt Arena, 1 000 Voortrekker Rd, Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria
See Engelbert Humperdinck live on stage for the last time
British musical legend Engelbert Humperdinck, famous for romantic hits such as ‘Release Me’, ‘Quando, Quando’, ‘A Man Without Love,’ and ‘The Last Waltz,’ has announced his final tour, which includes a performance in Pretoria on Friday, 12 July. Audiences can expect a charming evening of timeless classics and heartfelt performances as he sings his way through six decades of musical legacy.
The Pretoria leg of his ‘Last Waltz’ tour takes place at the SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino, a state-of-the-art indoor venue seating 8500 people. The venue has hosted numerous famous live music acts to great acclaim, so audiences can look forward to top-notch sound, food, and amenities. A Cape Town concert will take place on Sunday, 14 July 2024 at GrandWest’s Grand Arena.
Cost: R495pp – R1495pp. Book through Webtickets
When: Friday, 12 July from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
