Winter Entertainment Experiences in Gauteng

The colder season may be upon us, but there is no reason to stay at home and hide under the covers this winter. From vibey markets and African soul-food and a 58-mm-tall chef to art and music fairs, there is plenty to do and explore in Joburg. Here are our top winter entertainment suggestions for Gauteng.

NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET

Open every Saturday, the Joburg Neighbourgoods Market has been praised for its well-curated stalls, quality food, good music, and warm atmosphere. With traders offering anything from artisan tea and coffee to gin and cocktails, and fresh oysters to tacos and vegan cuisine, it’s a cosy place to hang out in winter, meet new people and get inspired. Beyond food and drink, visitors can shop for locally produced arts and crafts, fashion and speciality products.

Opening times: Saturdays 10am to 4pm
Address: 73 Juta St, cnr De Beer and Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 060 439 6051
Facebook: Neighbourgoods Market Johannesburg | Instagram: @neighbourgoods_market_jhb

ROVING BANTU

According to owners Ashley and Sifiso, “The Roving Bantu Kitchen is NOT a restaurant. It is an eatery, a living museum, a Kultural base showcasing and exhibiting all what it is to be African, to be South African, past and present.” The vibe is laid-back and no day at the Roving Bantu is ever the same, they promise. “Our offering is homely and simple, our conversation is controversial and thought-provoking.”

Cooked in-house and prepared with fresh ingredients, their menu consists of wholesome “afro soul food” and features African classics such as Tripa Ala’ Mogodu (tripe), Walkie Talkies (chicken feet) and bull-foot soup (cow heels). Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Roving Bantu also hosts regular live music acts and DJs, mostly on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as documentary screenings, stand-up comedy and poetry nights. On Sundays, they host “Kolor Filim lunches” with deejays playing on the “Brixton Beach”, and every last Wednesday of the month, the Afro Freedom Book Club gathers; all are welcome to join a stimulating discussion, whether you have read the book or not. For those interested in Brixton’s historical background, Sifiso also offers tailor-made “tours with a difference” with stories, anecdotes, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Opening times: Thursdays to Saturdays from 6pm | Sundays 1pm to 6pm | Or any day of the week for a booking of more than 8 people
Address: 125 Caroline St, cnr Esher St, Brixton, Johannesburg
Website: www.rovingbantu.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 223 2648
Facebook: Roving Bantu Kitchen & Treks | Instagram: @rovingbantukitchen

MARKET AT THE SHEDS

The Market at the Sheds is an inner-city market in Pretoria, taking place every last Saturday of the month at 012central, a trendy, multi-space precinct development in the CBD. With “plenty of food and drinks to go around”, the market features over 40 stalls, as well as seven live bands, a number of pop-up art exhibitions, creative activations and an open stage, where local artists create a laid-back, acoustic, and jazzy atmosphere. The initiative was started by Capital Collective, a non-profit promoting inner-city rejuvenation, with the aim to give a platform to local entrepreneurs, designers, artists and musicians. Although hours and rates sometimes change with special editions of the market, trading hours are generally from 11am to 8pm, and entrance is R50 before 2pm and R100 thereafter. There is free and safe parking at the venue with direct access to the market and at The State Theatre. Winter line-up information can be found on Market at the Shed’s website.

Opening times: Every last Saturday of the month 11am to 8pm (unless there is a special edition of the market)
Address: 381 Helen Joseph St, Pretoria
Website: www.marketatthesheds.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 081 413 1295
Facebook: Market @ the Sheds

44 STANLEY

44 Stanley is a mixed-use development located on the edge of downtown Joburg. Featuring a selection of creative workspaces, as well as carefully-curated, owner-run stores and independent restaurants, it has been described as a refreshing alternative to big shopping malls. The shady arcades and green courtyards, which join the refurbished series of industrial, 1930s buildings, give the centre a unique Joburg flair. 44 Stanley hosts interesting events such as ‘drink and doodle’ get-togethers, late-night shopping markets and live music performances.

Address: 44 Stanley, Milpark, Johannesburg
Website: www.44stanley.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: 44 Stanley | Instagram: @44_stanleyavenue

DINNER TIME STORIES

Dinner Time Stories is 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. At the beginning of the show, diners receive a blank story book, which comes to life with optical illusion techniques, storytelling, sounds and aromas. Following Marco Polo on the silk route, Le Petit Chef then takes guests on a flavoursome journey through Arabia, India, the peaks of the Himalayas and China, before returning to Marseille, France. All the ingredients of the six-course meal are authentically served in props from the country of origin, and prepared by award-winning chef Tristan Latouf. Beyond being an affordable way to travel the world, Paul Rouessart, owner of Dinner Time Stories SA and Le Petit Chef SA, promises that this is “the most eye-catching ‘meal’ you will ever see”. Vegetarian, Halaal-friendly and Kosher-friendly meals with or without seafood options are available. Tickets are available through the early bird special at R995 for adults, R1220 with a wine pairing, or R845 for children (8 to 12 years), and can be bought via Computicket. Booking soon is recommended because the little chef and this pricing may not be around for long.

Showtimes: Wednesdays to Saturdays 7.30pm to 10.30pm | Sunday lunch 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Address: Faircity Quatermain Hotel, 60 West Rd South, Morningside, Sandton
Website: www.dinnertimestories.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 081 266 2661
Facebook: Dinner Time Stories South Africa | Instagram: @dinnertimestoriessa

RMB TURBINE ART FAIR

The 7th edition of the RMB Turbine Art Fair, featuring gallery exhibitors from across the country, and now in a new, bigger venue, takes place from 12 July to 14 July with an opening preview evening on 11 July. Set in a relaxed environment, with live music and artisan food and drinks available, the fair’s aim is to be inclusive and showcase emerging artists alongside established artists, with an accessible pricing strategy. According to fair founder, Glynis Hyslop, this year’s visitors can expect a more conceptually-curated offering, innovative installations and larger exhibition spaces and, of course, an extensive selection of South African art, both for new buyers and savvy art collectors. Tickets can be purchased from Webtickets.

KEYES ART MILE

Keyes Art Mile – a new art precinct in Rosebank – is an assemblage of esteemed galleries, stylish workspaces, artisan restaurants and cafés, high-end design stores, and more recently, a residential development. It’s been referred to as “the city’s most creative high street” and “a bold architectural journey”, fitting to the unique charm of the area. With an active street life, indigenous tree-lined avenues and vertical gardens, Keyes Art Mile is contributing to a community-oriented neighbourhood for entrepreneurs, creatives, artists and professionals to connect in new ways. Beyond keeping an eye out for regular art, music and nightlife events, it’s worth checking out The Pantry Market, taking place every last Saturday of the month. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own baskets (it’s a plastic-free zone, where possible), and can shop for healthy and wholesome ingredients: fresh farm eggs, gourmet cheeses, artisanal breads, olive oil-soaked artichokes and olives, Italian-style charcuterie, fresh organic produce, whole grains, decadent pastries and more. There are live music performances, kids’ activities, and a variety of gourmet food and drink options available at several Keyes Art Mile restaurants.

Opening times of The Pantry Market: Every last Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm
Address: 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: www.keyesartmile.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 888 8433
Facebook: KEYES ART MILE | Instagram: @keyesartmile

SPIN MUSIC FAIR

A regular music event that “brings together the cream of Joburg’s vinyl record and CD dealers”, The Spin Music Fair takes place once a month on the deck at Dunkeld Bowls Club. Music lovers can browse a large variety of genres, from classic rock, pop, blues, jazz, reggae, soul and disco records from yesteryear to brand new, 180-gram releases from the world’s top contemporary artists. Tech gear – such as turntables, pre-amplifiers and various audio accessories – can also be found, as well as sound advice for audiophiles. Food and drinks are available, there’s live entertainment and entrance to the fair is free.

Opening times: Every last Sunday of the month 10am to 2pm
Address: 15 Hume Rd, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg
Website: www.spinmusicfair.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 490 2743
Facebook: Spin Music Fair | Instagram: @spinmusicfair