We spotlight the coolest and classiest experiences and events in Johannesburg and surrounds. Gather your friends, family, or loved ones for Benn Ndzoyiya’s list of unique attractions this weekend.
AN INTIMATE ART PARTY ON FIRST THURSDAY IN ROSEBANK
The Trov (pronounced ‘The Trove’) in Rosebank’s Keyes Avenue launches its very First Thursday event on 1 June. The gallery and concept store promises a variety of local art, photography, and authentic African artefacts in a chilled atmosphere. Live music sets the mood while a food truck serves up easy eats, and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks. READ MORE
Cost: R120pp, book via Webtickets
When: Thursday, 6 July from 5pm to 10pm
Where: 39 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
FREE AFRICAN CANE VODKA TIPPLE AT RANDBURG’S COOLEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Mother-In-Law is serving up their signature of modern Indian cuisine this Thursday alongside complimentary drinks from Vusa Vodka. Order a la carte from the menu with hearty favourites such as masala fried fish, mutton bunny chow, stuffed pepper and charcoaled chicken. Vusa Musa is a new-ish craft vodka label made with South African cane for a smooth, triple-distilled spirit.
Cost: Free entry, a la carte menu
When: Thursday, 6 July from 6pm
Where: 345 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, Johannesburg
SHOP STUDENT ART AND PRE-LOVED FASHION AT THIS BUZZY MARKET EVENT
Picnic and Thrift is running a special get-together at 44 Stanley to spotlight student artists, DJs, films, and small businesses. Pop in and browse their exciting line-up and range of thrift stores, handcrafted art, DJs, and lots more. PEACHY BAR offers drinks, cocktails and something to snack on to help get the weekend started without breaking the bank.
Cost: Free entry
When: Thursday, 6 July from 6pm to 11pm
Where: 44 Stanley, 44 Stanley Avenue, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg
SEE THIS ONE-WOMAN PLAY ON THAT DEALS WITH HUMOUR, TRAGEDY AND LOSS
The Undone follows the stories of three brave women who dare to say what has been left unsaid. In their stories, the audience discovers what the face of resilience looks like against calamity, their stories are an ode to life; the humour, the tragedy, the loss and the success of it all. Rising star Serena Steinhauer is an accomplished singer, dancer, actor and pianist at the tender age of 22, and makes her debut in the production. READ MORE
Cost: R200pp, book online
When: Until Saturday, 8 July. Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 5pm and 8pm
Where: Theatre On The Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Corner Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton
LAST CHANCE TO CATCH JOBURG BALLET’S ROMEO & JULIET ON STAGE
No ballet touches the heart, captures the spirit and allows the emotions to take flight quite like Romeo and Juliet, an immortal tale of star-crossed love that will move and thrill audiences with its soaring splendour, riveting drama and unforgettable beauty.
An impressive line-up of dancers has been announced for the leading and supporting roles with several debut performances scheduled during the season. Joburg Ballet has invited Vuyani Dance Theatre, Jozi Dance Company and the Joburg Ballet Academy for added grandeur to the scenes that call for a large cast such as the ballroom and the acts set in Verona’s city squares. READ MORE
Cost: R110 – R525pp, book via Webtickets
When: Until 9 July, various times
Where: Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
FIRST THURSDAY AT KEYES ART MILE
Experience contemporary art, live music, DJ sets, poetry, performance art, pop-up bars and more at Joburg’s contemporary landmark Keyes Art Mile precinct. There’s a street party atmosphere with a section of the road closed off to traffic where food trucks, pop-up bars and a small stage for live performances are set up on the street.
While you’re there, visit Joburg’s Art Gallery Row on Jan Smuts Avenue for exhibition launches and artist walkabouts at leading galleries such as Gallery2, Lizamore & Associates and David Krut Projects.
Cost: Free entry
When: Thursday, 6 July from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Keyes Art Mile, Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLES AT LEROY MERLIN IN FOURWAYS
Leroy Merlin is running regular DIY workshops from their Fourways venue, and this Friday keen crafters can learn how to make their own candle from scratch. In this workshop, you’ll be guided through the basic process of making your own candle from scratch by an expert. You’ll learn how to melt natural wax and scent it too using a range of tools. The session is only suited to adults and includes all materials needed.
Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 7 July from 9am to 12pm
Where: LEROY MERLIN Fourways, 35 Roos Street, Witkoppen, Sandton
DESMOND AND THE TUTUS LIVE AT SOGNAGE
Desmond and the Tutus is touching down in Joburg for a one-night-only concert. The popular indie-rock band will be joined by supporting acts and performing some of their indie-rock hits.
Cost: R160pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 7 July from 7pm to 12am
Where: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Johannesburg
CHILL VIBES AT VICTORIA YARDS’ MONTHLY SUNDAY MARKET
Victoria Yards run a vibrant market every Sunday of the month. Shop locally-made fashion, vinyl, home wear, fresh produce, and light lunch treats from the food stalls. There’s also a 2-hour freehand painting session to try. The atmosphere is a fun and social space where anyone can create their own masterpiece and connect with those who share a passion for art.
Cost: Free entry to the market. Sip and paint event – R250pp includes free cocktail, book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 9 July from 10am to 3pm
Where: Victoria Yards, 16 Viljoen Street, Lorentzville, Johannesburg
HIT THE FLOOR AS FEMALE DJS TAKE THE DECKS AT UNTITLED BASEMENT
Beats By Her is a concept party event by Mamthug that gives some of the best female DJs in the city a platform at Untitled Basement. They’re planning another takeover on Friday with tunes that run until late.
Cost: R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 7 July from 7pm until 1am
Where: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
INDOOR SCAVENGER HUNTS FOR KIDS AND GROWN-UPS AT HYDE PARK CORNER
MADE in Wonder at Hyde Park Corner is an activation where the kids, teens, and adults and teens can also tap into the excitement and explore the maze for hidden prizes.
There’s a special hunt for adults to find ‘Hare’s a Though’, a magnificent life-size sculpture created by the talented Guy du Toit and commissioned by RMB Private Bank. The lucky adult who finds this masterpiece will be entered into a draw to own an incredible Marquette replica valued at R30 000.
Get the kids and teens to chase or one for 10 RMB Private Bank cards tucked away in the maze. Each card comes with an R5000 credit to kickstart their investment journey with RMB Private Bank. The overall aim is to instil basic financial principles in the youth and set them up for future success. This hunt is open to hunters under the age of 18 only. READ MORE
Cost: Spend R500 at any store in the mall to get entry to the space for 1 adult or child
When: Until 16 July. Thursday to Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm
Where: Hyde Park Corner Centre Court, corner of William Nicol Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park, Johannesburg