This week’s spotlight is on some of the coolest and classiest social distancing experiences to try in Johannesburg and surrounds. So gather your friends, family, or your loved ones for our list of unique attractions happening this weekend.
A CUTE CONSERVATION THEATRE SHOW FOR KIDS
Hope, the rhino calf, is exploring the land with his mother when suddenly, they’re attacked by poachers.
In NCT’s production, twelve-year-old author Taskeen describes imaginatively the rhino calf’s journey through the harsh environment, using its horn as a survival tool. The story creates awareness around animal conservation, and environmental protection and delivers hope for the future for children aged 3 to 9 (Grade 000 to Grade 4).
Delicious hot chocolates and coffees and sweet treats are on sale at the regular tuckshop.
Cost: R100pp. Book via Quicket
When: Running until 2 October. Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5pm
Where: The Imagination Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg
Website: nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za | Email: cindy@nctt.org.za | Tel: 011 484 1584
Facebook: @nationalchildren’stheatre | Instagram: @nctheatresa
BRUSH UP ON JOHANNESBURG HISTORY WITH GUIDED HERITAGE TOURS
Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is hosting a series of guided tours spotlighting the city’s architecture, turbulent history, and vibrant culture. One of the highlights includes a fascinating commemorative tour of Orlando East. The Sowetan town is turning 90 this year.
Cost: R100pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 24 September and Sunday, 25 September. Various times
Where: Holy Family College, Parktown, Johannesburg
Website: joburgheritage.org.za | Email: mail@joburgheritage.org.za | Tel: 060 813 3239
Facebook: @joburgheritage.org.za | Instagram: @ johannesburg_heritage
A VIBEY FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN RUN AT RIETVLEI ZOO FARM
parkrun is a positive, welcoming, and inclusive 5k run where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Dress code is South African flag colours with fun wigs, tutus and accessories.
Cost: Free, please register here
When: Saturday, 24 September from 8am
Where: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Rd, Alberton
Website: parkrun.co.za/waterfall | Email: waterfall@parkrun.com
Facebook: @parkrunSouthAfrica | Instagram: @parkrunsa
A PROUDLY PLANT-BASED BRAAI PARTY ON HERITAGE DAY
Try something different this Braai Day with a special vegan braai event running at Gillooly’s Farm. Feast on juicy plant-based burgers, boerewors rolls, braai broodjies, kebabs, and more at this communal get-together. Sweet treats will also be available along with drinks and special surprises.
Cost: R250pp including food and drink. Book via Pretty Things Delicious Eats
When: Saturday, 24 September from 11am
Where: Gillooly’s Farm – 47 Boeing W Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Website: prettythingsdeliciouseats.com | Email: prettythingsdeliciouseats@gmail.com | Tel: 083 268 7983
Facebook: @prettythingsdeliciouseats | Instagram: @pretty_things_delicious_eats
ALL THINGS COMICS AND COSPLAY AT COMIC CON
Comic Con Africa is back at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 22 – 25 September and showcases all things pop culture.
This four-day festival features cosplay, comic books, anime, manga, tech, movies and shows, gaming, gadgets and more. In 2022 organisers introduce the new StreamerCon, which focuses on the future of online video content, and StreetCon which is focused on the intersection of streetwear and pop culture.
Cost: R190 – R570pp. Book via Howler
When: 22 to 25 September
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Cnr Nasrec and Rand Show rds, Johannesburg
Website: comicconafrica.co.za | Email: info@comicconafrica.co.za | Tel: 082 597 9330
Facebook: @AfricaComicCon | Instagram:@comicconafrica_official
MAGICAL DINING EXPERIENCE FILLED WITH FOOD AND FANTASY
DinnerTime Stories brings a two-hour-long immersive culinary dining experience, using innovative 3D projection-mapping technology to animate ‘Le Petit Chef’ – a 58-mm-tall animated character, who appears to be cooking guests’ meals on their plates. All the ingredients of the six-course meal are creatively served in props and prepared by Executive Chef Kelly Nqobani Nonjinge.
Cost: R365pp to R1295pp. Book via Computicket
When: Running until 1 October, 6pm on various days
Where: Blueberry Hill Hotel, 3 Blueberry St, Honeydew, Roodepoort
Website: dinnertimestories.co.za | Email: info@dinnertimestories.co.za | Tel: 082 647 3511
Facebook: @dinnertimestoriessa | Instagram: @dinnertimestoriessa
SEE PAUL SLABOZEBSKY’S NEW PLAY AT MONTE
In his uplifting play, award-winning South African playwright Paul Slabolepszy depicts an empowered and impassioned woman as the focus of his tale, while taking the audience on a nostalgic journey of recognition, sensitivity and insight relating to the return of Thandi, from an American exile to South Africa. Starring Paul Slabolepszy and Chi Mhende.
Cost: From R135 – R220pp. Book via Computicket
When: Running until 30 September. Tuesday to Sunday, various morning and afternoon slots
Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Magaliessig, Johannesburg
Website: pietertoerien.co.za | Email: info@montetheatre.co.za | Tel: 011 511 1988
Facebook: @MontecasinoTheatre | Instagram: @montecasino_za
SHOP LOCALLY MADE GOODS AT THE LINDEN MARKET SPRING EDITION
The market features over 150 stalls from the highest quality fashion, accessories, decor, furniture, body products, and gifts to artisanal foods, craft drinks and live music. The market also features the TLM Pre-Loved Block with unique pre-loved goods available, and a tea garden with installation art, seating, live music and sweet treats.
Cost: Adults R30pp, Kids under 12 enter for free, book via The Linden Market
When: Saturday, 24 September and Sunday, 25 September. Gates open 9am – 4:30pm (both days)
Where: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Entrance at 45 Thomas Bowler St, Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg
Website: thelindenmarket.com | Email: thelindenmarket@gmail.com | Tel: 079 509 6446
Facebook: @thelindenmarket | Instagram: @thelindenmarket
ROMANTIC SUNSET PICNICS AT THE NORTHCLIFF
The Northcliff Hotel offers a picnic experience on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
This experience includes a private gazebo that can comfortably seat up to six people, a gourmet picnic basket that feeds two people and a view of the city from the top of Northcliff Mountain for either a day or night experience. Fairy lights, extra picnic baskets, alcohol, and other beverages can also be added on at an additional fee.
Cost: R2000 per gazebo | Additional picnic baskets R750 each. Book via email
When: Fri, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays for lunch or dinner
Where: The Northcliff, 10 Solution Cl, Northcliff, Johannesburg
Website: thenorthcliff.com | Email: events@thenorthcliff.com | Tel: 010 900 3083
Facebook: @thenorthcliff | Instagram: @the_northcliff
