Dive into this week’s selection of incredible things to do this weekend in Joburg and Pretoria. Catch the latest film release in cinemas, enjoy a magnificent dance showcase, have fun in the outdoors whilst being serenaded by the musical stylings of some of South Africa’s top talents, see an international band on tour, or, last but certainly not least, treat the most important woman in your life to the ultimate Mother’s Day outing!
Be enchanted by The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet showcase
The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet is a visual masterpiece, with stunning costumes by David Tlale and set design by the renowned, award-winning creative, Andrew Botha. The show narrates a powerful storyline, connecting the mythical world, ancient civilization and modern society together, highlighting a 1,000-year-old lost civilization and a 100-year-old archaeological discovery, entangled with colonial politics.
Presented by members of the Mzansi Ballet, the show comprises both South African and international dancers. The dynamic work is a wonderful fusion of classical and afro-ballet with contemporary dance, enhanced by poetic narration in parts.
Cost: R100 – R265pp, book via Webtickets
When: 10 and 11 May, 7.30pm nightly
Where: Fourways Mall (Promotions Court), 11 Ruby Cl, Witkoppen, Sandton
Enjoy classic hits by international band, Train on their World Tour stop in Johannesburg
Train’s highly anticipated ‘I Know, It’s Been A Long Time Coming Tour’ stops in Joburg this weekend, bringing fans from across the country an epic night of music filled with the band’s most iconic hits from the last three decades. Audiences get the opportunity to sing along to ultimate fan favourites such as the band’s smash hits, ‘Hey, Soul Sister,’ ‘Drops of Jupiter’ and more.
Cost: R795 – R1195pp, book via Howler
When: 11 May, From 1pm
Where: Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, Johannesburg
See the new dystopian thriller, Civil War in cinemas
Take two hours out of the weekend to see A24’s newest dystopian thriller, Civil War (2024) in cinemas. The story takes place in a dystopian United States in the near future, as a team of military-embedded journalists races against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House and attempt to overthrow the leader of the free world. The film features an A-List cast, with Kirsten Dunst as main lead, supported by Jesse Plemons, Nick Offerman, Cailee Spaeny of Priscilla (2023) fame, and more. READ MORE
Cost: Varies depending on cinema
When: Civil War is screening in South African cinemas nationwide
Where: Catch the film at Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and leading cinemas nationwide
Treat Mom out to a Mother’s Day Lunch
Of all the wonderful events planned for Mother’s Day weekend this 2024, you can never go wrong with a classic lunch date to celebrate the most important woman in your life. Treat mom out to a day of delicious delights that can be found at incredible restaurants everywhere in and around Joburg. If you’re looking to enjoy a dining experience in a pink wonderland, try out Goddess Cafe.
Or, if you are looking for your standard, classy multicourse meal, try out The Avenue at Radisson Hotel, Basalt, Ethnic Restaurant, and so much more. There are also various venues offering lunch spreads and unique chef tasting experiences, so take your pick!
Find out more about the marvelous Mother’s Day lunches this weekend in Joburg and Pretoria
Get mom to try something new this Mother’s Day weekend
Take mom out of her comfort zone this Mother’s Day and choose from an exciting variety of unique activities to enjoy. If mom is into music and dance performances, treat her to a live concert with some of South Africa’s best local talents, or a ballet lunch. If she’s the creative type, take her to a painting or pottery class. If she’s into nature, treat her to a floral workshop activity. Finally, if mom is all about the fun and doesn’t mind a drink or two, treat her to a gin tasting and bar hopping experience.
Find out more about these exciting Mother’s Day activities
Retro charm with the Rooftop Drive-in Cinema at Hyde Park Corner
Hyde Park Corner is driving the weekend spirit with their Rooftop Drive-In cinema in Johannesburg. Watch some of the most popular and family-friendly movies on the big screen under the stars and create new memories on selected weekends. The shopping centre transformed the Woolworths Rooftop Parking for a fresh experience space where films will be screened.
These outdoor cinemas make for a cute date night idea, or for a fun way to hang out with friends (or treat the kids). Move nights start at 6pm where guests can stock up on freshly popped popcorn, soft drinks, and nibbles from the snack bar.
Cost: R300 per car to watch both movies, book via Quicket
When: Friday 1o May & Saturday, 11 May from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Hyde Park Corner Centre Court, corner of William Nicol Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Moms pay R50pp for City Sightseeing bus tours on Saturday and Sunday
City Sightseeing is spoiling all Joburg moms with a special deal valid for the 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Johannesburg on Saturday, 11 May and Sunday, 12 May only. Hop on the Johannesburg Red Tour at our main departure point in Rosebank and explore the leafy suburbs of Joburg, stopping at all the top attractions along the way, including Melrose Arch and Mandela Foundation before reaching Constitution Hill.
From here the Red Tour continues via the inner city to the Mining District, Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City Theme Park. The next stops are at Newtown, The Playground, Johannesburg Zoo and the Military Museum before heading back to Rosebank
Cost: R50pp per mom, can only be redeemed at the ticket office or on the bus
When: Saturday, 11 May & Sunday, 12 May
Where: Meet at The Zone @Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment 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. Witness onstage the musical stylings of South Africa’s biggest export 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.
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