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
Getaway and National Geographic Photography Boot Camp
Cradle of Humankind
4 February
Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, the photography boot camp brought to you by National Geographic Channel and Getaway takes photo workshops to the next level. It’s photography on steroids and you’ll come out the other side in tune with your camera and ready to shoot anything with confidence. You’ll get practical advice and hands-on camera time with well-known professional photographers and editors. You’ll also get lunch, refreshments and a 3-month complimentary subscription to Getaway magazine. R 1 499 per person (Getaway subscribers pay R13 50). Contact Tracy-Lee on tel 021-530-3379, email [email protected], http://events.getaway.co.za/getaway-events/national-geographic-photography-boot-camp-2/
Magoebaskloof Berry Festival
Haenertsburg
3-5 February
Tis’ the season for berries and The Berry Festival promises lots of activities to keep everyone happy for the day. Parents can relax at one of the many restaurants while kids can take part in competitions and learn how to pick berries. Pick as many juicy raspberries and blueberries as you can carry at one of the participating farms, take a stroll through one of the natural forests or shop for bargains and produce at the Village Market. The dessert-making competition could be good for a laugh too. If that doesn’t tire you out, there’s evening entertainment at various restaurants, some hosting live bands. Tours cost R25 per person and an additional R35 for a container of fresh raspberries / blueberries (optional). The tours include a visit to the orchards, where you can pick and eat berries at your leisure and a factory / pack-house tour. Browse in gardens and the display room where various berry products will be on sale and enjoy a glass of berry juice. For more information about this deliciously juicy festival visit the website at www.berryfestival.co.za.
Aloha Amazing Race
Gold Reef City Theme Park
4 February
Take part in a race against the clock using a combination of communication skills, planning, strategy and teamwork! Modelled after the hit television reality series, The Amazing Race, this is an awesome day out for the whole family. No special skills, athletic ability or experience is required, just the ability to explore, navigate and in some cases face your fears. Dig for gold in sandy streams, solve puzzles, follow fun clues and go on some of the most terrifying rides. There are prizes too and whilst only one team emerges as the winner, everyone receives and award for entering. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the end of the race. The only thing missing is the million bucks, but money ain’t everything! You up for it? Of course you are! Email your name, your team members name and contact numbers to [email protected]. R320 per person. Tel 011-248-6800, www.goldreefcity.co.za.
Phantom of the Opera
The Teatro at Montecasino
3-5 February
Even if you don’t really like the idea of theatre, this is one show you really should see in your lifetime. It’s not Broadway’s longest running musical for nothing. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit has experienced sell out seasons around the world and now you can see it here in South Africa. If you don’t know the story (gasp, how could you not!), it’s a sweeping and dramatic tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as the Phantom who haunts the depth of the Paris Opera House. You will be mesmerised, so don’t miss it. If you do, you could be forced to watch it in London where it is cold and it will cost you in Pounds. R125 – R425 per person. Tel 011-510-7472, www.montecasino.co.za.
KwaZulu-Natal
Bob Marley Earth Day Reggae Music Festival
uShaka Marine World
5 February 12
Ya mon! The Meditators, a local reggae style band, will again be celebrating Bob Marley Earth Day Reggae Music Festival at uShaka Marine World. This is a worldwide celebration of the reggae legend’s birthday that takes place in South Africa, USA, Jamaica and many more countries. The Meditators and bands from across South Africa will be playing at Wahooz Beach Bar on the uShaka promenade between 10am and 6pm. Bands include Rasta Rhythm, Undivided Roots, David Yaso Band, Tuff Masters, Queen Tshepi and guest DJ’s. Go share one love and be a part of the high spirits. (Ahem, it may be a reggae festival, but not that kind of high – sharks don’t do spliffs.) Free entrance (now that’s sharing the love!) Tel 031-328-8000, email [email protected], www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
Malice in Wonderland
The Heritage Theatre
3-5 February
Mel Miller has been making South Africans chuckle for years with his particular brand of humour and now you can take a look at the world through his ‘looking glass’ before his kids pull the plug. Audiences have laughed hysterically at his knack for telling it like it is on a wide variety of subjects. So if you need a good belly workout and can accept that nothing is too serious to laugh at, take a trip down the rabbit hole with Mel. If you are politically correct and sensitive you probably shouldn’t go. R165 – R190 per person (meal included). Tel 031-765-4197, email [email protected], www.heritagetheatre.co.za.
Tots N Pots – Kids Cooking Classes
Overport, Durban
4 February
Kids love cooking and playing in the cupboards under the sink, so why not take them for a cookery class where you can both get involved and the mess is in someone else’s kitchen! Tots n’ Pots is a fun, hands on workshop dedicated to providing mom, dad or granny with some valuable time with their child whilst teaching them a variety of skills such as fine motor development, speech development, perceptual skills, bilateral integration and sequencing skills through mixing, weighing, mashing, pouring and stirring. In addition to allowing your child to explore new tastes and textures in a fun way, mom’s get to take home some useful tips and fun recipes. R80 per child and per grown up. Bookings essential. Contact Bahia Khallil on 082-493-8072, email [email protected], www.totsnpots.com.
African Drumshack Family Drumming
The Stables Market
5 February
In keeping with family time and Bob Marley Earth Day, get your hands warmed up for a fun interactive hands-on drumming session. Everything is provided for you to begin your rhythmical adventure – a seat, a Djembe drum and friendly instruction from the facilitators who will have you drumming up a storm in mere minutes! Drumming is a wonderful form of self-expression with that great feeling of being part of something and creating music. Much better than therapy! All ages are welcome and for a full family day out, combine your drumming session with a visit to the market where you can browse through the trinkets at the stalls and grab something to eat. Drumming starts at 4.30pm. R30 per person (includes your drum). Tel 031-312-3058.
Western Cape
Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
5 February
For Capetonians and visitors the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the place to visit, not only for its beauty, but for the hugely popular Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts that draw audiences from far and wide. Put down your blanket, bring your picnic basket (Kirstenbosch was recently voted one the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic) and get set for a hot summer of music. This Sunday sees the talents of Foto Na Dans and Flash Republic. Take a fan to keep you cool – you can bet Tamara Day will. Tickets R100 from Webtickets. Tel 021-799-8783, email [email protected], www.sanbi.org/events/kirstenbosch-old-mutual-summer-sunset-concerts.
Up the Creek Music Festival
Swellendam
3-5 February
One of the most-loved family music festivals, Up the Creek is the place to be this weekend. I should know, I make it a personal pilgrimage to be there every year. Great bands, a river, cold beer, inflatable devices of all kinds and spacious camping (they even let you park near your tent, can you believe it?) This year, Up The Creek is getting together with Bacardi, the world’s No. 1 selling rum, so if you have a liking for Mojito’s you should be packing your tent already. Not to mention some awesome bands such as Kongos, aKing, Akkedis, Black Cat Bones, Blues Broers, Fox Comet, The Great Apes, Holiday Murray, Hot Water, Karen Zoid, Machineri, Taxi Violence, Wrestlerish, Jeremy Loops, Peachy Keen and Southern Gypsey Queen to help you rock the day and night away (they have bands down by the river too). R150 for day pass (Sunday) and from R375 for the weekend from Ticketbreak, or from their Facebook page or at the gate. Email [email protected], www.upthecreek.co.za.
Castle Cape Town Tens
Hamilton Rugby Club
3 & 4 February
If rugby and beer are at the top of your list of fun things to do, then head over to the Hamilton Rugby Club for an exciting music line-up, appearances from local and international rugby legends, competitions and giveaways, and a new addition, an exciting rugby expo. With three rugby fields, beer and food tents, kiddies play areas, as well as a host of rugby legends and SA personalities, there is plenty to experience both on and off the rugby field for the whole family. Enjoy a drink with mates in the beer tent while watching the rugby action and the kids will be entertained at the same time in the play area. Sounds like a perfect South African day out. R70 from Computicket (kids under 12 are free). Tel 021-671-4127, email [email protected].
Pre-Valentine’s Day Market
Century City Natural Goods Market
5 February
The pre-Valentine’s Day Market on the green lawns of Central Park at Intaka Island is the perfect place to chill out with friends and family. If you are looking for original gifts, there will be stalls selling crafts and clothing at reasonable prices, or you can spoil yourself with fabulous natural body care products and jewelery or have a self portrait done. For the mutt lovers, African Tails will be hosting another adoption day with the cutest brakkies and puppies. Enjoy a glass of organic bubbly with delicious and healthy gourmet meals: curries, samoosas, smoked fish, spring rolls, biltong, pies, vegetarian, cheeses, draft beer, organic wine, specialty coffees, brownies, preserves, olives, freshly baked farm breads, confectionery, jams, rusks, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies – it could be love at first bite! Tel 021-531-2173, email [email protected].
Have a fabulous weekend – and if you are at Up the Creek, come find me at the river sipping on a Pina Colada!
