Following weeks of rainy weather, the sun is predicted to rear its head once again by the end of the week. Take advantage of the upcoming warmth and step out for unforgettable musical experiences, theatre showcases, sporting events, art exhibitions, movies, market sales and more this weekend in Joburg.
Love Default and Small Things exhibitions at NIROX
Sophia Van Wyk’s Love Default exhibition, and a group exhibition entitled Small Things are currently showing at NIROX Sculpture Park.
Love Default, showing in the NIROX Covered Space, explores the complex range of learned behaviours that people perform in their relationships with intimacy, love, shame, disfunction and trauma.
Small Things, showing in the Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture, includes a range of models, maquettes, experiments, and artworks which have led, or will lead, to largescale versions in the park. At the heart of the exhibition is a curiosity about how different artists approach the transition from a model or maquette to realising larger work.
Featured artists include Beth Diane Armstrong, Joni Brenner, Marco Cianfanelli, Richard John Forbes, Dean Hutton, Ebru Kurbak, Michele Mathison, Nandipha Mntambo, Farieda Nazier, Brett Rubin, and Sophia van Wyk.
Cost: Entrance to the Sculpture Park: R150pp (adults) | R80 (kids aged 2 to 12 and restaurant patrons)
When: The Park is open on weekends from 10am to 4pm
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
Jazz, dinner and comedy with Ntosh Madlingozi and The Kings Kraal Band
Enjoy a dinner selected from Kings Kraal’s A’la Carte Menu, set to the background rhythms and beats of King Kraal’s Live Jazz Band.
Also on the cards for the evening is a comedy segment hosted by multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, stand-up comedian and actor, Ntosh Madlingozi, who brings some promising Rising Stars of Comedy on stage as his guests in a fresh performance.
Cost: Free entry (Dinner NOT included) | Book via Quicket, via email at [email protected] or via phone call at 076 638 5504
When: Wednesday, 15 January from 7pm to 10pm
Where: Kings Kraal, M71 & Posthouse Street, Bryanston, Sandton
Stargazing at Casalinga
Gather your loved ones for an unforgettable evening of stargazing with Vic’s Telescopes at the beautiful Casalinga function venue in Muldersdrift.
Make the night even more special by indulging in a delicious meal or drink at Casalinga’s renowned restaurant, either before or after the event. If you prefer a casual vibe, feel free to grab some takeaways and enjoy a charming picnic under the stars with your friends and family.
Your guide, Vicus Cruywagen—a passionate telescope maker and seasoned stargazer—takes you through a fascinating talk about the universe and the wonders you’ll observe before each guest gets to view these celestial marvels through high-powered telescopes.
Cost: R150pp (adults) | R100pp (children u/18) | Book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 16 January from 7.30pm to 9pm
Where: Casalinga, Plot 328 Rocky Ridge Rd, Muldersdrift
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu hits cinemas
Starting this weekend, cinemas across the province will begin screening the latest film from celebrated horror director Robert Eggers.
Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is yet another in a variety of films inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The film unfurls a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
Cost: Varies depending on venue | Book at The Bioscope, Egrek Cinema or Ster Kinekor
When: Running from Friday, 17 January
Where: The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark | Egrek Cinema, Parkhurst Square, 38 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg | Ster Kinekor Brooklyn and Rosebank
Calabash South Africa
One of the country’s biggest pop/rock festivals is back this weekend. Despite British pop icon Robbie Williams having to pull out of Calabash this year, American rock band Green Day make a historic debut in South Africa to headline the concert.
They perform alongside international punk rock legends, The Offspring, and local favourites, Fokofpolisiekar. Witness the Grammy-winning trio with a three-decade legacy live as they set to captivate audiences with their anthemic hits like ‘Basket Case’, ‘American Idiot’, and more.
Cost: R575pp to R6 250pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Sunday, 19 January from 5pm
Where: FNB Stadium, Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg
Check out other festivals taking place in Joburg
Mzansi Ballet’s The ABBA Show – A Cinderella Story
Catch a magical celebration of fairytales and pop music as Mzansi Ballet presents The ABBA Show for the last time this weekend in Joburg. Combining the timeless music of ABBA with the beloved story of Cinderella, this whimsical ballet promises to be an unforgettable holiday treat for all ages.
Featuring the exceptional dancers of the Mzansi Ballet, this show sparkles with fun, romance, and of course, those unforgettable ABBA melodies. There is also a gift donation initiative taking place over the course of the production, to be given to charities. Gifts are also available for purchase at the theatre prior to the performance and during the interval.
Cost: R200pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until Sunday, 19 January | Wednesdays to Sundays with various shows at 3pm and 7.30pm
Where: Pieter Toerien at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’ – Esther Mahlangu Retrospective
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to observe the creative legacy of one of South Africa’s most important artists. ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’ is an exhibition that spans seven decades and features over 100 artworks by Dr. Esther Mahlangu, including the iconic BMW Art Car, beadwork, painted mannequins and a TV.
The Wits Art Museum is the latest stop in Dr. Mahlangu’s exhibition tour, which has hit many respected local and international museums across the world.
Cost: Free entry
When: The museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm
Where: Wits Art Museum, Wits Art Museum Cnr Jorissen and, Bertha St, Johannesburg
Prison Break Market
This weekend, stop by the Prison Break Market, an ideal compromise between a pop-up market and a shopping centre.
The market has 7 unique sheds that contribute different offerings, allowing you to break out of your daily routines and experience a different world under the Sandton skyline. Featured are a wide selection of crafter stalls, indulgent and appetizing artisanal foods, creative crockery painting and interactive photo experiences, and a shed dedicated to distilling, brewing as well as wine tasting.
Cost: Free entry
When: Tuesday between 9am and 5pm | Wednesday to Sunday between 9am to 9pm | Note that the different sheds operate on different days and within different timeslots, so be sure to check the shed times online
Where: Cnr. Main &, 10 MacMillan Road, Lachlan Rd, Glenferness AH, Midrand
My Car Boot Sale
There is no better place to hunt for good quality, great value pre-loved goods than at the weekly My Car Boot Sale in Groenkloof. Find the most amazing and unique pieces that will elevate your fashion style and home decor with household and garden goods, decor, furniture, kids and babies’ items, fashion, electronics, books, art, music, toys, and tools available for purchase.
Feel free to bring your dogs along to shop for one-of-a-kind and timeless pieces that are environmentally friendly.
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 18 January from 7.30am to 12pm
Where: 75 Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria
Betway SA20 presents Pretoria Capitals vs. Paarl Royals
Betway SA20 is back, bringing together some of the best in the world of cricket to play head-to-head. Expect spectacular 100s, tumbling wickets, one-handed catches, dance-offs, kiss cams, kids cricket on the grass embankment, pyrotechnics, merch give aways, face painting and unforgettable memories.
Gates open 2 hours before the start of play.
Cost: R100pp to R2 500pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Saturday, 18 January from 1pm
Where: SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, 283 West Ave, Die Hoewes, Centurion
Tyla’s Homecoming Tour
After a successful December show, Tyla is bringing her homecoming tour to Pretoria for one more show-stopping concert this weekend. If you missed the first one, be sure not to miss out on this one. Buy tickets and earn your opportunity to sing your heart out to smash hits such as ‘Water’, PUSH 2 START’, ‘Truth or Dare’, and more from her critically acclaimed albums.
Cost: R650pp to R950pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 18 January from 8pm
Where: Sunbet Arena at Times Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Find more concerts taking place in Joburg and surrounds
Hike, bike and braai at Hennops Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
Get active this weekend with Hennops Hiking and MTB Trails, which offer an abundance of fun activities for all ages to explore while having a picnic or braai. Tailored for family time and a much-needed escape with friends out in nature – this destination makes the day out well worth it.
The trails are surrounded by beautiful mountains and tranquil ravines and is at its most beatiful during the summer season. Hennops Hiking and MTB Trails is great for braais and taking some R&R at various picnic spots after your hikes.
They offer three trail options. The Dassie Trail is 2km and perfect for family hiking and the Zebra Trail is 5km, offering decent views of the Zebra, Gnu, Impala, Blesbok, Kudu and Zonkie game reserves. Finally, there is the Krokodilberg Trail which is a 10km hike and not suitable for children under 12 or unfit adults.
Cost: R100pp (adult) | R50pp (children)
When: Monday to Sunday, 6am to 5pm
Where: R511, between Diepsloot and Hartbeespoort dam, Pretoria
See more hiking trails in Joburg and surrounds
Family-friendly Picnic at Nkwe Resorts
With predicted warm weather for the weekend, why not take the family on a trip to Nkwe Pleasure Resort to unwind in a space surrounded by nature?
This natural water park offers picnic spots, caravan and camping areas, and self-catering chalets and log cabins. Pack the picnic baskets and blankets for the lovely, shaded picnic spots at the resort space. There are also five shaded rondavels, all fitted out with convenient braai facilities.
Parents can keep a close eye on their children while they play in the jungle gym or take a plunge in the natural pool. The iconic waterfall streams into a magnificent rock pool and sets the scene for a lazy tranquil day. No music or animals are allowed at the picnic spot.
Cost: R90pp to R100pp (adults) | R40pp to R50pp (kids aged 5 to 10 years) | Note these are day visitor rates to be paid at the gate
When: Daily, from 8am to 6pm
Where: Nkwe Pleasure Resort, Nkwe Rd, Tierpoort
Read more about the resort here
