This week’s spotlight is on some of Joburg and Pretoria’s coolest and classiest social distancing experiences to try with your loved ones. All of them follow strict COVID protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. So gather your friends, family, or your loved one for our list of unique attractions happening this weekend.
QUIET COUNTRY LUNCH AT THIS ESTATE IN RANDBURG
The Wild Goose Cafe in Northriding has a comforting, country character that makes their authentic food that much more enjoyable. They follow a tried and tested traditional approach to cooking to keep meals as accurate and uncomplicated as possible. The chef team comprises dedicated, highly trained and experienced chefs using only the very finest ingredients to perfect their dishes.
When: Monday to Sunday, 8:30am to 5pm
Where: Blandford Manor, 106 Hyperion Dr, Northriding, Randburg
Website: wildgoosecafe.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 302 7626
Facebook: @blandfordmanor | Instagram: @blandfordmanor
EXPLORE JOHANNESBURG’S QUEER ROOTS WITH A GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Starting at Ponte City, Dlala Nje’s Pride Walk experience covers a guided walking tour of spaces and places where gay people would come for safety and fun in Hillbrow. Visit historic sites while the team share stories that bravely shaped social, political, and judicial movements towards the struggle for equality and freedom in South Africa. The tour includes a light lunch.
Cost: R500pp. Book here
When: Sunday, 27 March from 10:30am to 3pm
Where: Dlala Nje, Ponte City, 1 Lily Ave, Johannesburg
Website: dlalanje.org | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 067 082 8168 | 081 742 9930
Facebook: @DlalaNje | Instagram: @dlalanje
THEATRICAL SONG AND DANCE SHOWCASE AT ECLIPSE RESTAURANT IN SANDTON
‘Total Eclipse’ is an exciting dinner and theatre show offered by Eclipse Restaurant at Hotel Sky Sandton until 30 April. The show is filled with poetic narrations, exquisite dancing, phenomenal opera sounds, and aerial highlights. An a la carte menu crafted by the chef’s team is also on offer featuring a selection of gourmet starters, mains, and dessert to choose from.
Cost: Cover charge, R250pp. Excluding the a la carte menu. Book via contact details below
When: Running until 30 April. Every Friday and Saturday, from 6.30pm
Where: Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West Street Corner West Street and, Maude St, Sandton
Website: eclipserestaurant.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 880 0132
Facebook: @eclipse-restaurant-103619388485014 | Instagram: @eclipserestaurant_sa
MINDFULNESS MIXED WITH VIBEY DANCE FITNESS AT SECRET SUNRISE JOHANNESBURG
Secret Sunrise is a global silent guided dance and meditation community. Using headphone technology, headsets are handed to you on arrival while accredited facilitators guide you through a series of music of all genres. The public sessions encompass a variety of mindful practices, including meditation, movement, and dance. Dress up or accessorise in whichever way you want.
Cost: Adults, R125pp, Kids R100pp. Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 27 March from 8:30am to 9:30am. Please collect headphones 15 min before
Where: The Wild Side Restaurant, 6 Burnside Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Website: secretsunrise.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 416 5438
Facebook: @secretsunrisejohannesburg | Instagram: @secretsunrisejhb
VOGUE NIGHTS JOZI RETURNS WITH THEIR FIRST BALL FOR THE YEAR
Vogue Nights Jozi is running their first massive voguing ball this weekend. Contestants once again bring some stunning and creative over-the-top fashion & beauty looks while Joburg’s hottest DJs hit the decks for some chilled beats. A few locally inspired challenges such as Afro Dance are included for a unique twist.
Cost: R100pp via Quicket. R150pp at door
When: Saturday, 26 March from 5pm to 1am
Where: The Nest, 39 Voorhout St, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 065 976 5298
Instagram: @voguenightsjozi
JOBURG BALLET’S BRAND NEW PRODUCTION
Offering a scintillating blend of the new and the classical, Evolve brings together four ballets, three of them new works created for Joburg Ballet, as well as a glittering showpiece from the classical repertoire. The programme’s classic, the Grand Pas from Paquita, is ballet at its most majestic that providing a showcase for the ballerina, partner, soloists, and corps de ballet to shine in a series of superb classical showpieces. Paquita is produced for Joburg Ballet by company soloist Ivan Domiciano.
Cost: R200 – R475pp, book via Webtickets
When: From 25 March to 3 April. Friday 6.30pm | Saturday 3pm and 6.30pm | Sunday 3pm | Wednesday 11am
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: joburgballet.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 0861 670 670
Facebook: @JoburgBalletCompany | Instagram: @joburg_ballet
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE WALKS WITH THE EXPERTS
Friends of Kloofendal have increased their popular walks and excursions at Kloofendal Nature Reserve to help keen hikers and nature lovers explore our environment and its weird and wonderful creatures. This weekend, there are five walks scheduled to take place. See here for the full list of walks.
Cost: Adults R90 | Pensioners R70 | Kids R50. book via Quicket
When: Saturday and Sunday, various times
Where: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, Kloofendal
Website: kloofendalfriends.org.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 674 2980 or 079 693-5608
Facebook: @frok
CATCH TOP LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAND UP COMEDIANS
The largest independent international comedy festival in Africa, The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival, rolls out its sixth edition with over 30 local, continental and international comedians taking over the Maslow Hotel in Sandton and the Theatre on The Square. This year’s line-up includes the likes of Jason Goliath, Mpho Popps, Tats Nkonzo, Conrad Koch, Robby Collins, Suhayl Essa, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Isabella Jane, Loyiso Madinga, KG Mokgadi, Bash with Tash, Rob van Vuuren and Carvin Goldstone to name just a few.
Cost: R200pp. Book via Webtickets
When: From 24 to 29 March. Thursday to Tuesday, various shows
Where: Maslow Hotel in Sandton and Theatre on The Square, Johannesburg
Website: jicf.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 484 1584
Facebook: @JICF.SA | Instagram: @jicf_sa
GET AN INTRO INTO CODING AND ROBOTICS WITH THIS WORKSHOP
Tshimologong Precinct is a hub in the heart of Braamfontein that uses innovation and creativity to help startups to thrive in the digital space. They are running a coding and robotics workshop on Saturday. Topics include hands-on coding and practical building of robots, playful learning that entails meaningful, engaging, iterative, prototyped and socially interactive tasks, as well as handy tips for entrepreneurs.
Cost: R100pp. Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 26 March from 8:30am to :30pm
Where: Tshimologong Precinct, 41 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: tshimologong.joburg | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 822 3530
Facebook: @TshimologongPrecinct | Instagram: @tshimologongprecinct
EXPERIENCE QUINTESSENTIAL JOBURG LIFESTYLE CULTURE AT THE PLAYGROUND
The Playground is a weekly market in Braamfontein that combines food, art, design, fashion, and music while playing host to a slew of artisan makers. Expect gourmet street food, cocktails, and live music performances for a chilled afternoon out.
If you’re looking to get crafty, they’re hosting two paint and sip sessions every Saturday running for 2 hours. No experience is required, equipment is provided, plus you get a R40 drink voucher to spend at the market.
Cost: Free entrance from 9am to 11am | R20 (card only) from 11am to 6pm. Cost for paint and sip experience is R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Every Saturday, from 9am to 6pm
Where: 73 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: playbraamfontein.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 060 890 4501
Facebook: @theplaygroundjhb | Instagram: @theplaygroundjhb