Things to Do at Emerald Resort & Casino in the Vaal

Emerald Resort & Casino unveils a packed line-up for the entire family, from the kids to the adults. Experience a jam-packed kids’ programme, a Virtual Reality experience, brand-new restaurants, and tons more ongoing experiences to explore! Here’s what you need to know.

On at Emerald Resort & Casino

Rocking the Vaal

Get ready for an unforgettable day packed with entertainment, delicious food, and community spirit at Rocking the Vaal 2026.

This year, the festival is going big with a stacked lineup, delicious food stalls, Guinness World Record attempts, and so much more entertainment spread through the entire day. On the lineup are Afrikaans music icons Adam Tas, Kurt Darren, Karlien Van Jaarsveld, Droomsindroom, Refentse, and more.

Beyond providing entertainment, Rocking the Vaal is all about giving back, with proceeds from the event being distributed among charity/aid organisations in the Vaal area.

Cost: R249pp for general admission; includes festival entry, entry into the lucky draws, and a meal | Kids u/13 enter free | R650pp for VIP; includes festival entry, entry into the lucky draws, a meal, access to a private cash bar, and reserved seating in the VIP area | Book via tixsa

When: Saturday, 11 April 2026 from 10am to 11pm. Music show begins at 6pm
Where: Emerald Resort & Casino777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

River Jam Music Festival

The River Jam Music Festival is coming to Emerald Resort & Casino, transforming the banks of the majestic Vaal River into a vibrant hub of sound and celebration.

The festival offers the perfect blend of high-energy entertainment and laid-back leisure, so whether you’re there for the music, the scenery or the electric vibe, you know that you’re going to have the time of your life.

Headlining the stage is two-time Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling global icon, Karyn White. Performing alongside Karyn White is the legendary Afro-pop duo, Mafikizolo.

The lineup further celebrates the depth of South African talent with performances by the soulful Nomfundo Moh, the rising voice of Nontokozo Mkhize, and the melodic precision of Encore, while DJ Young ensures the energy remains high for all in attendance.

Cost: From R250pp for general admission; from R650pp for VIP admission; kids u/6 enter free. Book via Webtickets

When: Sunday, 12 April 2026 from 11am to 8pm
Where: Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark

More on at Emerald Resort & Casino

Beyond the festive excitement, Emerald is also home to some of the most exciting experiences and escapes across the province. From water fun to padel on the court, the possibilities for entertainment are plenty.

Animal World Zoo

Take the family on a wildlife adventure at Emerald Zoo where you will encounter many different species of animals, birds, and reptiles. Look out for hippos and flamingos, iguanas and antelope, monkeys, lions, snakes, and more.

Cost: From R70 per adult; from R55 per kid u/12; from R40 per pensioner | Animal World Zoo PLUS Game Drive: From R130 per adult; from R100 per kid u/12; from R60 per pensioner.

When: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Where: Emerald Resort Animal World, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Aquadome

Enjoy summer in the Aquadome as you take a dip in the climate-controlled swimming park. Kids will love the waterslide and shipwreck, and everyone can enjoy drifting along lazy river.

Note that the Aquadome fills up quickly, so be sure to get there and secure your spot early. Entry to the Aquadome includes a free round of Adventure Golf and Wall Climbing.

Cost: School and public holidays + weekends – from R150 per adult; from R90 per kid u/12; from R70pp for chalet residents; R60 per pensioner.

When: Open daily for two sessions. Session 1 is from 9.30am to 2.30pm; session 2 is from 3pm to 8pm
Where: Aquadome in Emerald Resort and Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Liquid lounge River Cruises

Enjoy 1 Hour leisure cruises on the Vaal River, departing from Emerald Resort and Casino.

Cost: R250 per adult and R125 per child under 12. Book your cruise now online

When: Only available Sunday & Public Holidays from 10.30am to 11.30am
Where: Departs from Emerald Resort and Casino

The Fun Company

Offering a wide variety of arcade games from shooters and drivers to kiddy rides, skill games, and ten pin bowling, The Fun Company at Emerald truly creates fun for the entire family! All you need to do to get in on the action is buy a Fun Company play card in store for R10, load your desired amount, and swipe to activate the games.

Cost: R10 for a card. Cash for games can be loaded onto the card

When: School holidays – Monday to Saturday from 10am to 11pm. Sunday from 10am to 10pm
Where: The Fun Company Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Padel

Step into the social hub of the padel world where you can meet other players, bond over your love for this exhilarating sport, and expand your network.

Emerald’s padel courts are fast, fun, and affordable. Bring your A-game (or just your friends) and get moving!

Cost: December rates – court rental: R200 per 30mins; R300 per hour; R400 per 90mins. Book your spot via Playtomic

When: Open daily from 6am to 10pm
Where: Emerald Resort Padel, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Always Upstairs Day Spa

Step into calm at Emerald’s newly refurbished spa, a peaceful hideaway where you can recharge, unwind and indulge.

Highly trained therapists help you unwind, relax and rejuvenate with treatment options and packages, ranging from facials and manicures to hot stone and aromatherapy massages.

Cost: Prices vary. Enquire via email at [email protected] or call 064 820 3447

When: Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm. Saturday & Public Holidays from 9am to 7pm. Sundays from 9am to 2pm
Where: Always Upstairs Day Spa at Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Graze Restaurant

At Graze Restaurant, every element is designed to create an unforgettable dining experience. Step into a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, with its light, airy interiors that exude modern elegance. While the ambiance is undeniably upmarket, the menu ensures that luxury remains accessible, with thoughtfully crafted, reasonably priced dishes.

Cost: Dishes are priced between R70 and R290. Book via email at [email protected] or by calling 016 982 8005

When: Breakfast from 7am to 11am; Lunch from 11am to 6pm; Dinner from 6am to 11pm
Where: Graze Restaurant at Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Graze Braai

Nestled beside the hotel swimming pool and overlooking the tranquil game park, Graze Braai presents an à la carte menu with a proudly South African twist.

Here, the timeless tradition of the braai is elevated into a refined dining experience, with a carefully curated menu that showcases premium cuts, flame-grilled flavours, and proudly local favourites.

Cost: Prices vary. Book via email at [email protected] or by calling 016 982 8005

When: Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. Kitchen closes at 9pm
Where: Emerald Hotel, next to the Pool, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark