With buds slowly uncurling from their winter sleep and sunny days being more common, it’s safe to say that spring is finally on the way. To honour the changing season check out this list of foodie and cultural festivals, and outdoor activities, from around South Africa!
Western Cape
The City Sightseeing Harbour Cruise, Cape Town
Having recently relaunched, the City Sightseeing harbour cruise, at the V&A waterfront, is the perfect complimentary experience to any outing in Cape Town as it takes only 25 minutes to complete. From seals and international ships to unique sights such as the Southern Hemisphere’s only drawbridge, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained. The cruise departs and returns to the jetty outside of the Two Oceans Aquarium. A trip on the City Sightseeing bus is an ideal way to compliment your cruise and experience Cape Town.
Cost: R40 per adult; R20 per child; R35 for online bookings for adults
Dock Road, outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town | -33.908153, 18.418240 | Open: Daily, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)21 511 6000 | [email protected]
Gabriëlskloof Unique Food & Wine Pairing Pleasures, Bot River
Found between Hermanus and Bot River, the wine and olive estate of Gabriëlskloof is one that the whole family can enjoy. Try red and white wine pairings with tasty morsels of food or indulge in a decadent dessert option with the Gabrielskloof Wine & Honest Chocolate pairing.
Cost: R65 per person for white wine pleasure and food pairing; R75 per person for red wine pleasure and food pairing, R140 per person for 9 wines and food morsel pairings; R65 per person for the Honest Chocolate and wine pairing
Gabriëlskloof Estate,Swartrivier Road, off the N2 | -34.238840, 19.249398 | Open: Monday – Saturday | +27 (0)28 284 9865| [email protected]
King Tutankhamun Exhibit, Cape Town
Internationally acclaimed, the King Tutankhamun Exhibit is an experience that will whisk you back through time where shifting desert sands reveal the decadent and hidden tomb of a boy king that history forgot. Seen by over 5 million people worldwide, the exhibit is a fascinating look at the beauty, craftsmanship and history that was unearthed by Howard Carter. It’s a sensory exhibition with over 1,000 perfect replicas done true to scale, and is a day-trip that all ages will love.
Date: now until 27 September 2015
Cost: R160 per adult; R120 per senior with valid ID; R120 per student with valid ID, R100 per child (age 6 – 17); children 5 and under free. Family rate (2 adults + 2 children) R440
Exhibit Hall at the Magic Arcade, Grand West Casino | -33.917214, 18.547925 | Open: Daily, Sunday – Thursday 09:00 – 19:00; Friday – Saturday, 09:00 – 21:00 | +27 (0)71 547 5558 | [email protected]
KwaZulu-Natal
SPAR TOPS Bierfest 2015, SunCoast Casino
It’s time to prepare for South Africa’s favourite ‘brewhaha’ at Bierfest for the annual celebration of “the suds”. Expect a wunderbar event with frauleins, toe-tapping fun from the oompah band, Bavarian-style meals, competitions, costume hire, stein glasses, and the option to pre-book tables with one of the ‘crafted’ packages available. Don’t forget your ledenhosen and dirndls!
**Please note the event is not open to those under the age of 18 and no children will be admitted.
Dates: 4 – 5 September
Cost: Prices start at R125 per person for the Über Bier Hall Day Only entry into the event and a beer tasting (with an additional R20 at-door price). Ticket options go right up to the “Braumeister” ticket priced at R875 which includes a premium 3-course Bavarian meal, a dedicated Fraulein, complimentary premium bar service (limited) VIP reserved seating, costume accessories and more.
Suncoast Casino, Durban | -29.835877, 31.034108 | Open: Friday 18:00 – 23:00; Saturday 11:00 – 16:00 and 18:00 – 23:00 | +27 (0)21 824 3132 | [email protected]
The Hilton Arts Festival, Hilton
Showcasing a kaleidoscope of dance, craft, theatre, music, visual art and food, the premier Hilton Arts Festival is taking place at Hilton College for the 23rd year in a row. Attendees can look forward to workshops such as pottery and mosaic making, view theatre performances such as “The Art of being Ugly”, “A Man and a Dog”, “Blue / Orange”, and “What the EFF”, see salsa dancing and musical entertainment, along with a host of other fun activities and performances. Don’t miss out on seeing live bands such as Watershed, or participating in the Adult Colouring Competition.
Date: 17 – 20 September
Cost: From R40 – R165, pricing dependant on the shows you wish to attend.
Hilton College Avenue, Hilton, Howick |-29.492275, 30.301663 | Open: 08:00 – 22:00 | +27 (0)33 383 0127 | [email protected]
Johannesburg
Joburg Art Fair, Sandton
Taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, the FNB sponsored Johannesburg Art Fair is a cultural event that brings together artists and creatives of all kinds, from 8 countries. The event is focused on contemporary art from Africa and from the diaspora. Some exhibitors to look forward to include Commune.1 from Cape Town, Galéa Galerie from Provence, Omenka Gallery from Lagos, and Grahams Fine Art from Joburg.
Dates: 11 – 13 September
Cost: R100 Friday; R130 Saturday; R130 Sunday; R260 combo ticket to attend Saturday and Sunday
Sandton Convention Centre at 161 Maude Street, Sandton | -26.106135, 28.053156 | Open: Friday, 12:00 – 20:00; Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00; Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)11 447 3868 | [email protected]
Taste of Joburg, Montecasino
Tantalise your taste buds at the highly anticipated restaurant festival Taste of Joburg, held at Montecasino! With 12 of Joburg’s top restaurants crafting specialised menus and dishes, using seasonal and premium ingredients, it’s safe to say that foodies will be in gastronomic heaven. Premium drink brands, wineries, artisan producers and boutique exhibiters will also have wares and tastings available.
Dates: 24 – 27 September
Cost: R80 Standard ticket, R180 premium ticket, R750 Clubhouse ticket (online prices); R100 Standard ticket, R200 Premium ticket, R750 Clubhouse ticket (at the door). Children under 12 enter free.
1 Montecasino Boulevard, Johannesburg | -26.024291, 28.012854 | Open: Thursday, 13:00 – 17:00; Friday 18:30 – 22:30; Saturday 13:00 – 17:00 and 18:30 – 22:30; Sunday, 12:00 – 17:00| +27 (0)11 510 7000 | [email protected]
If you need accommodation for the event you’re attending, we’ve got the perfect one just waiting for you!
