Whether you’re looking for a day out with family, a romantic evening with a partner, a fun night out with friends, or a relaxing solo mission, the City of Gold has something to offer you. Choose from a variety of events and activities in this roundup of the best things to do this weekend in Johannesburg.
Stargazing experience at Maropeng
Maropeng is hosting a stargazing event at Sterkfontein Caves that includes a tour, dining experience, and informal talk on astronomy. The astronomers at Hominin House guide a fireside talk that touches on the connection between stars and our origins and journey through the universe that’ll ignite your curiosity and warm your heart.
Cost: Adults, R540pp. Kids 5 to 11yrs, R270pp, Kids 4 and under. Book via email [email protected] or call 014 577 9000
When: Saturday, 4 May, from 5pm
Where: Sterkfontein Caves, Kromdraai Rd, Johannesburg
Art sessions at Lillian Gray Art School
Lillian Gray is a Contemporary South African Fine Art Artist with international recognition, and offers art classes for all levels of artistic skill, meaning each person is allowed to progress through the curriculum at their own speed. There is not just one activity per class – explore different mediums to your own liking. The mediums students can work in are oil paints, watercolours, inks, acrylics, soft pastels, oil pastels, drawing, charcoal, clay and scraperboard.
NOTE: Tea, coffee, and tools are provided (easels, drawing boards, masking tape and brushes). Students need to bring or buy their own art supplies; the company has an online store. Lillian Grey has also created combo sets that have everything you need in various mediums. You can also book a single class that includes a canvas.
Cost: R1200 (per month), R450 (single class), R550 (single class with canvas). Book here
When: Tues 8.30am – 11am & 10.30am – 1pm | Wed 8.30am – 11am & 10.30am – 1pm | Thurs 6pm to 8.30pm
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Johannesburg
A Sunday lunch with all the trimmings
You’ll need to reserve your space in advance for Sunday lunch at The Avenue in Kempton Park. The signature restaurant at Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre O.R. Tambo serves a buffet experience curated by Executive Chef Johan van Rooyen and his team only on the First Sunday of the month.
Make the most of the good weather with poolside relaxation with friends and family in the shade or head indoors in the airy restaurant space while being serenaded by the saxophone sounds to set the mood for the evening and new week. The experience includes a welcoming drink, your choice from a selection of Sunday lunch mains and desserts through a fresh lens, all served buffet style.
Cost: R295pp, includes a welcome drink, main course and dessert served buffet-style. Book online via email [email protected] or call 011 100 4436
When: Every First Sunday of the month, from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre O.R. Tambo, 3rd Ave, Bredell AH, Kempton Park
Festival de Mexivo Exeriences at Montecasino
Connect Entertainment, the team behind the famous H20 parties, has teamed up with Don Julio Tequila to present a premium event at Montecasino. This celebration of all things Mexico hosts some of the biggest music acts and DJs in South Africa – Rubber Duc, Jesse Clegg, Mi Casa, Kyle Cassim, Sun El Musician, Chrizz Beats and Kent. Cue spicy dancing, piñatas, paint and sips, taco and tequila pairings, best-dressed and chilli-eating competitions, and more.
Cost: R80 (kids) – R1400 (VIP)(NOTE: Various phases and prices available). Book here
When: Sat 4 May, 12pm – 12am
Where: Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways
The Antique Fair at Nelson Mandela Square
The Antique Fair at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton is one of the most popular vintage markets in Johannesburg. Here you’ll find all things treasured, vintage, and indie, and is a great opportunity to hunt down that perfect bespoke or bygone-era piece of treasure.
Expect trestle tables filled with vintage and pre-loved clothing, jewellery and some contemporary local art. The antique fair brings together over 70 of Johannesburg’s serious collectors and vintage purveyors, offering vintage collector pieces, stylish preloved gems such as authentic Louis Vuitton handbags, millinery creations, as well as quirky bits and pieces, jewellery and fashion.
The market is also another opportunity to hang out in Sandton’s style central to eat and drink at one of the chic cafes after your shopping session.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every First Sunday, from 10am to 4pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road and 5th Street, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg
Beauty and the Beat Make-Up Masterclass at Radisson OR Tambo
The Radisson Blu Hotel is hosting one of Mihlali Ndamase’s legendary make-up masterclasss. The experience includes a fully stocked makeup kit, skincare products which will assist with skin preparation, drinks throughout the masterclass, delicious tapas, and an exciting goodie bag to take home (featuring Salda Embroidery and Ice Tropez products).
Cost: Book through Webtickets.
When: Sat 4th May, from 10.30am
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel, 3rd Avenue, Bredell, AH, Kempton Park
Hobby X: Arts, Crafts, DIY and More
Hobby-X 2024 offers some amazing opportunities to get creative, expand skills and even take up a new hobby – for all ages and genders. One of the most popular features at this year’s event is a dedicated Crafters Area for free-flow creativity, while the communal workshop area showcases exhibitions, interactive workshops and demonstrations to introduce handmade products and crafting techniques. The new ‘Man Cave’ is the feather is this year’s edition, with DIY opportunities, train sets, a barber and much more.
Cost: Various; from R50pp (children 6 – 15) to R300pp (weekend pass); book via Howler
When: Running from 2 to 5 May, various times
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre, Cnr R55 &, Allandale Rd, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
Horwood’s Market
Browse through Horwoods Market’s 150+ stands, to soak up locally produced art, trendy threads, and much more. Indulge in delicious gourmet food, sip on a variety of craft beers, and enjoy live music and entertainment in a pretty outdoor setting. Bring the kids for fun activities while you relax in the tea garden. An added benefit: pets are welcome too!
Cost: R20 (adults), R10 (kids 6 – 12 and seniors). Kids under 6 enter free.
When: Every first Sunday of the month, 9am – 4pm
Where: Horwoods Farm Edenvale Park, Edenvale
K-Pop fest
Join Kbops Events as they host the KPOP Fest, which invites all South African K-pop lovers to celebrate the growing subculture. The event is perfect for family and friends to attend together, dress up as their favourite K-pop group’s lore, browse stalls, and take part in a wide range of fun activities. Guests can look forward to raffles centred around K-pop groups, offering 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 through Quicket
When: Sat 4 May, 11am – 5pm
Where: Waverly Sports Club, 126 Stirling St, Waverley, Johannesburg
KAMERS/Makers market is on all weekend
This weekend in Johannesburg, artisans are heading to an institution: KAMERS/Makers. This long-standing community event provides a platform for local crafters, designers, and entrepreneurs to offer fresh and unique artistry, and lovers of finely crafted goods to indulge in shopping. The Autumn event also features excellent food stalls and drinks bars. Guests are welcome to bring pets (leashed). With brand-new, first-time artisans on show, attendees can look forward to some amazing old and new talents in fashion, food, wellness, jewellery, décor, and more.
Cost: R80pp (Single Day Pass) | R140pp (Multi-Day Pass). Book through Quicket
When: Weds 1 to Sun 5 May, 9am – 5pm daily
Where: St David’s College Inanda, 36 Rivonia Rd, Inanda, Sandton
The South African Air Force is hosting an exciting air show
If you’re keen on aircraft or looking to get an idea of our national air defence, the South African Air Force Museum event is one one not to be missed. The theme for this year’s air show in Pretoria is ‘Flight through time – Legends of the skies’, to highlight the evolution of flight and showcase the SAAF’s capabilities.
“Since we were forced into hiatus by Covid, we are back with a bang,” says General Matanda. “The annual SAAF Museum Air Show plays a vital role in generating funds to keep SAAF Museum aircraft flying as it is the Museum’s primary revenue source. It also preserves static aircraft for future generations.”
Gautrain is one of the Museum Air Show’s main partners and will be offering a free bus shuttle from the Centurion Gautrain station to the museum. READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT HERE
Cost: R120pp for adults, R50pp for kids. Book via TicketPro
When: Saturday, 4 May from 9am
Where: South African Air Force Museum, Old Johannesburg Rd, Valhalla, Pretoria
The Antique Fair at Brooklyn Mall
Are pets allowed: No
Every month, the Antique Fair at Brooklyn Mall unpack a world of fascinating and valuable antiques and fine art spanning a range of periods. The fair is one of the biggest in the province and a must-see event for anyone interested in interior design, history, and art. There’s also the chance to chat with passionate dealers and get to know them and their goods. Amateur collectors are welcome to bring items for valuation as well. READ MORE
Cost: Free entry
When: First Saturday of every month, from 9am to 3pm
Where: Brooklyn Mall, Corner of Veale Street and, Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Weekend vibes at Pretoria’s monthly lifestyle market
Market at the Sheds, regarded as Tshwane’s most diverse and fun monthly market, returns this weekend for another vibey Saturday. Browse handcrafted products, arts, and fashion from over 60 local entrepreneurs exhibiting and selling their goods. Tuck into easy street food fare and drinks while catching the Funny Chef Cooking Demo planned for the day. A range of live performances run until 6pm, with the Sheds Afterparty continuing until 12pm.
Cost: R100pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 3 June from 11am to 6pm
Where: 012 Central, Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria
Menlo Vinyl Record Fair
Whether you’re into pop, rock, reggae, or blues, you can’t beat the authentic sound of vinyl. Pretoria’s monthly vinyl record market is definitely worth a visit for hardcore collectors, newbies to the scene, or just discerning musos. There’s also a listening station to explore the releases before purchase.
Buyers can leaf through a limited edition release from bygone local bands or acts, a broad range of genres, and if lady luck is on your side, score a rare first press or secure those one-off pieces for expanding your record collection.
Once you’re done, tuck in on Capital Craft’s unbeatable burgers. The space is also the go-to for hardcore craft beer fans thanks to a large library of local and imported beers and the laid-back vibe.
Cost: Free entry
When: First Sunday of every month, from 10:30am to 2pm
Where: Shop No. 20, Greenlyn Village Centre, Cnr Thomas Edison & 12th Street East, Menlo Park, Pretoria
