The weather might be turning but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do. Here is a selection of things to do in your neighbourhood.
There’s a chill in the air and the streets are covered by fallen leaves. Yes, winter is not far off which is often used as an excuse to stay indoors and ‘hibernate’. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Far from it in fact. Read on to find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood.
Johannesburg:
An outing of the educational persuasion:
Body Worlds is back in town, this time in the form of Body Worlds ‘Vital’. This exhibition follows in the footsteps of Body Worlds ‘Cycle of Life’ which toured South Africa with great success in 2013 and forms part of the trailblazing Body Worlds exhibition seen by more than 11 million people in over 100 cities. Body Worlds Vital showcases approximately 180 specially preserved human bodies displayed in a fascinating and informative manner. The latest show seeks to highlight how our lifestyle choices affect our health and what happens when we are struck down by illness and various medical conditions. The exhibition runs from the 1st of March to the 19th of June at the Sci Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg following which it will move to Cape Town. Ticket prices range from approximately R100pp. For further information, go to www.bodyworldsvital.co.za
A grand day out:
Grand Designs Live is now in its seventh year and shows no sign of slowing down. This year fans can look forward to an exciting, multi-faceted event. Focus points include interiors, gardens, kitchens, bathrooms, DIY, gourmet and technology. In other words, all areas of the home and more are catered for. So, if you’re looking for some interior inspiration, tips on how to build your own entertainment area or are just keen on a grand day out, Grand Designs Live is the show for you. Grand Designs Live runs from the 20th to the 22nd of May at the Ticketpro Dome. Tickets cost R70pp. For further information, go to www.granddesignslive.co.za/
Calling all bibliophiles!
Lovers of the written word will be able to get their ‘fix’ at the upcoming annual Kingsmead Book Fair at Kingsmead College. Now in its fifth year, the fair will take place at the school’s beautiful grounds opposite the Rosebank Gautrain Station in Oxford Road on Saturday the 21st of May. In addition to books, visitors will be able to purchase delicious food and engage in a day of debate, dialogue and discussion with a number of well-known authors and citizens of note. General admission costs R50 pp. An additional R50pp per session applies. For further information, go to kingsmead.co.za/bookfair/
Cape Town:
A poisonous affair:
The relationship between poison, it’s place in nature and the role it has played in shaping human history, healthcare and literature are examined at ‘The Power of Poison’. This fascinating exhibition which is presented by the American Museum of Natural History certainly makes for a different and educational day out. Live poison presentations and experiments and guided tours are just some of the elements to look forward to. The exhibition runs from the 1st of April to the 12th of June at the Jubilee Hall at the V&A Waterfront. Ticket prices start at R85pp. For further information, go to www.exporsa.co.za/power-of-poison/
Carnival cabaret:
Fancy a cabaret evening with a twist? Aerial acrobatics, fire acts, juggling, tumblers, jumping castles, art exhibitions and much more besides will take place on the evening of the 14th of May when ‘Trash Cabaret’ presents their ‘Carnival of Dreams’. Key groups to keep an eye out for include Psychedelic Theatre, Sky Dance Studio, Action Arte and Black Orchid Burlesque. In line with the theme of the evening, guests are encouraged to dress up as the “character of their dreams”. Yup, now’s your chance to break out that Spiderman costume you’ve had in your cupboard for so long. The Carnival of Dreams will take place at the Hillcrest Quarry on Tygerburg Valley Road from 4pm onwards. Tickets cost R120pp. For further information, go to www.quicket.co.za/events/15802-trash-cabaret-carnival-of-dreams
Harvest time:
Applewood Preparatory School is gearing up for its Applewood Harvest Festival which celebrates all things apple and Autumn related. Visitors can look forward to wholesome, old-fashioned games, locally produced craft cider, artisanal fare, live entertainment and activities such as hay-diving and tractor rides. The day kicks off with an 11km trail run at 8am or 5km fun run at 8.30am on the 7th of May and will run until 3pm. Entry costs just R10 per family. The 11km run costs R100pp and the fun run costs R50pp. For further information, go to www.applewood.co.za/what-we-do/our-harvest-festival/
Durban:
The Barnyard Theatre has long had a reputation for hosting amazing musical productions. Their latest show, ‘Killer Queen’ pays tribute to the legendary band Queen. As is to be expected, songs from the band’s earlier work as well as songs from their highly acclaimed ‘A night at the Opera’ and many others besides are played. Audiences can look forward to all the showmanship, charisma, harmony and power which made the original band famous. Shows are scheduled to run from the 19th of April to the 29th of May at the Barnyard Theatre at Gateway Shopping Centre. Tickets range from R110 to R155pp. For further information, go to www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/venue.aspx?vid=4
Spend some quality time with Mom:
If you’re still clueless as to what to do for Mother’s Day, you could always take her to the Durban Botanic Gardens which is hosting a wonderful Mother’s Day Concert on the 8th of May. Arno Carstens, Chloe Clark and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the entertainment while you spoil your Mom. You can pack a picnic basket with your Mom’s favourite treats or buy some delicious nibbles from a variety of vendors. The choice is yours. Tickets can be bought online for R140pp or on the day for R160pp. Special rates apply for children and pensioners. Gates to the concert open at 1pm. For further information, go to www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/events.php
From the heart:
Calling all food and design lovers! If great, local food and design appeal to you, the ‘I Heart Market’ should be right up your alley. This market provides a monthly platform for locals to showcase great food and products. Only products that are handcrafted, homemade and locally designed are allowed. The market takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 2pm at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Entrance is free. For further information, go to www.iheartmarket.blogspot.co.za/