If you haven’t made any plans for the weekend and are looking for something to do, here are a few events that you may enjoy.
Gauteng
Summer Rock Music Festival
River Deck Country Estate
3 March
River Deck Country Estate is set amongst giant willow trees, where peacocks roam the river banks on lush, grassy slopes. It’s also the place to be this weekend. Come and enjoy some of SA’s hottest talent on one stage in a very relaxed setting. There’s a favourite for everyone in the line up, from Just Jinger to Wonderboom and the Graeme Watkins Project, to name a few. The party starts at 15h00. R120 per person from Computicket. Tel 087-940-9920, email [email protected], www.riverdeck.co.za.
Randfontein Show
Greenhills Sport Stadium
29 February – 3 March
With four entertainment stages, legendary food stalls, wine, olive & cheese tent and deli-corner, beer garden, funfair, a wide variety of interesting stalls, dozens of adrenalin pumping rides, and many of the country’s top performers – this has got to be the best value-for money event in Gauteng. Amongst the firm favourites are the Cheerleading & Pom Pom competition, Gretha Pers, a Rock Festival, a Local is Lekker stage, Strongman demos, funfair, free-fall tower, bungee-rocket, water balls, quad bikes, camel rides, petting zoo, castle of horrors, trampolines, puppet shows, face painting and balloon sculpting. Top artists such as Theuns Jordaan, Gerhard Steyn, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Robbie Wessels, Monique, Pieter Koen, DJ Ossewa and Die Heuwels Fantasties will perform in the main entertainment arena, the Absa Marquee. Adults R50, children under 12 years R20. Tel: 087-808-5974/ 011-412-2878 email [email protected].
Rotary River Festival
Stonehaven on Vaal
3 March
A fun day out for the whole family showcasing dancing, entertainment and cuisine from all over the world. Expect food stalls, beer garden, river cruises and plenty of kids’ entertainment. Take your swimming costume with you and enjoy all the festivities for a good cause – all proceeds collected at the festival will go to local charities financially supported by The Rotary Club of Vanderbijlpark. Even Kurt Darren is going! From 10h00 until late. Adults R100, children R20. Tel 016-982-2951, email [email protected], www.riverfestival.co.za.
Hobby-X
The Coca-Cola Dome
1-4 March
If scrapbooking and mosiacing are some of the ways you fill your spare time, get to Hobby-X and discover all the latest trends in hobbies and crafts. Stock up on the newest products and materials for your favourite hobby and explore new ideas. Attend workshops, buy beads, stuff a bear and max out your credit card at the 250 exhibition stands. If you can’t send the kids to the in-laws, there’s entertainment for them too. Adults R50, children under 12 years R20. Tel 011-794-5800, email [email protected], www.hobby-x.co.za.
Holistic & Art Fayre
Edenvale Community Centre
3 March
If crystal balls and palm reading are more appealing than glass blowing, this festival of wellbeing should be enlightening. Consult with well-known and respected psychics, mediums and clairvoyants, have a holistic massage or see a hypnotherapist. There will be tarot card readers, animal healers, pendulem dowsers and all sorts of stuff to buy (like incense, dragons, candles, chimes and arts and crafts). Don’t miss the live “Connecting to the other side show” as well as inspiring talks and demos on hypnotherapy and other holistic practices. I see your future, I see you at the Edenvale Community Centre on Saturday. Adults R10, kids under 10 years old free. Tel 011-453-7800, cell 078-209-699.
KwaZulu-Natal
Cornetto Love Is In The Air Music Festival
Wave House
4 March
Girls, get ready… Locnville is coming to town! Cornetto is proud to present the Love Is In The Air Music Festival in Durban. DJ Fresh will keep you entertained alongside exciting performances by Jax Panik, The December Streets and DJ Ready D. Loconville will be the headlining act. Starts at 12h00. R120 per person from Computicket. Tel 031-584-9400, email [email protected], www.wavehouse.co.za.
Wonder Market
Chris Saunders Park
4 March
Set in a beautiful location, the Wonder Market represents the best in craft, design and food. There is no entrance fee, so pack a picnic basket and bring the whole family. Enjoy jazzy beats and find some real shopping treasures. Go home with a belly full of delicious goodies like crepes dripping with syrup and lemon juice, or fallafels, curries and preserves. From 09h00-15h00. Email [email protected].
Western Cape
Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
4 March
The hugely popular Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts draw audiences from far and wide. Put down your blanket and bring your picnic basket (Kirstenbosch was recently voted one the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic). This Sunday sees the talents of the Blues Broers featuring Albert Frost. Don’t miss it! Tickets R100 from Webtickets. Tel 021-799-8783, email [email protected], www.sanbi.org/events/kirstenbosch-old-mutual-summer-sunset-concerts.
Big Blues Music Festival
Kleinmond
2-4 March
Influenced by African roots, the Blues were born in the North Mississippi Delta following the Civil War. Here in Africa, there’s no better place than the Big Blues Music Festival to see local blues legends. The 20 artists featured on the line-up include Vusi Mahlasela, Piet Botha and The Blues Broers (featuring Albert Frost), Dan Patlansky and the popular Boulevard Blues Band. The festival prides itself in offering stage time to up-and-coming young blues bands and will this year include acts such as the Hellfire Blues Club, Sixgun Gospel and Crimson House Blues. Ladies play a predominant role with Charlise King, In The Deepend and Natasha Meister on stage amongst others. General festival facilities include a 1050 square metre marquee for shade, safe parking, a buddy-bus to get you safely home, a kiddies club, arts stalls and more. Festival attendees can now offset their carbon emissions by supporting the festival’s green partners. There will also be a Blue Vocal Power Workshop where you can learn how to harnass the power of your vocal cords and learn to sing from your body, mind and soul with passion. R130-R250 from Computicket. Tel 028-271-5657, email [email protected], www.bigblues.co.za.
Maynardville Community Chest Carnival
Cape Town
29 February – 3 March
A cherished tradition for Capetonians where food, family and fun are the special ingredients that make this carnival a highlight in Cape Town’s calendar. This year there is a particular focus on children and families, with face painting and balloon sculpting included amongst the many rides, shows, entertainment and attractions. Security is provided by over 150 SAPS officers as well as Metropolitan and Traffic Police and 100 contracted security guards. You can also look forward to paved walkways, larger public spaces and entrances, as well as more trees, making sure you aren’t exposed to the heat. Expect no fewer than 90 stalls with food, drinks, games and entertainment. Sample authentic cuisine from around the world, including Holland, Italy, Austria and Mexico, with many of the ingredients being imported specially and prepared according to traditional recipes by the nationals of that country. In addition, it’s all for a good cause. You will be helping to raise much-needed funds for more than 400 welfare and social development organizations across the province. I’ll drink a Belgian beer to that! Hours are Friday 17h00-24h00, Saturday 12h00-23h00. Adults R30, children under 6 years old free, family ticket R50 (2 adults, 2 children), under 18’s R20, pensioners R15. Email [email protected], www.maynardville.co.za.
Design Indaba Expo 2012
Cape Town International Convention Centre
2-4 March
For design inspiration, head to Design Indaba Expo featuring inspiring, quintessential South African design. It is a celebration of creativity in all forms and provides a wonderful opportunity to buy beautiful things while engaging with some of the country’s most talented people. All designs and products are South African, and the Indaba attracts a colourful array of local and international buyers. The Emerging Creatives is a platform which showcases South Africa’s most ingenious young designers. Fashion shows happen all day and allow a range of talented local trendsetters to present their designs. DSTV runs a series of kid’s workshops to nurture creativity in young minds, while Pechu Kucha gives designers and creatives a space to talk about their work. There’s also loads of delicious and varied food available at the food stalls. Support local designers and be proudly South African. From 10h00-20h00. R60 for adults, R40 for pensioners and students, R30 for scholars and children, free for kids under 10 years. Tel 021-465-9966, email [email protected], www.designindaba.com.
Cape Town Bike Show
Living Hope Campus,Kommetjie
4 March
If you prefer the design of hard metal to design exhibitions, the Cape Town Bike Show is an outdoor exhibit of motorcycles along with displays from motorcycle manufacturers and suppliers. There will also be stalls offering a variety of motorcycle related products. Alongside bikes and related items, there will be food and beverage stalls with a jumping castle and play area for the kids. This is your chance to to get up close and personal with these beautifully made machines (and men in leathers – OK, the author put that in). It is also for a good cause – Living Way (a part of Living Hope) work to provide opportunities for people to earn their way out of poverty, including preparing people for the world of work and developing entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality. So get your motor running and head to Kommetjie on Sunday. R35 for adults, R5 for kids (3 – 12 years). Cell 082-518-3932, email [email protected], www.capetownbikeshow.co.za.
Have a great weekend and remember not to drink and drive. If you are heading to the Design Indaba Expo, I may see you there!
