Check out the things to do in your city as the blossoms bloom and the days grow longer and brighter with the following handy events guide.
Johannesburg:
A theatrical night out:
Nataniel, one of South Africa’s best known performers is once again enthralling viewers with his latest stage production entitled ‘Mannequin’. The show tells the story of a reclusive tailor. It focuses on visual beauty and tailoring through the use of amazing costumes. The story is a tale of surprise, fear, cruelty, humour, truth and fantasy and includes a number of original songs as well as Nataniel’s own take on hit songs from the late 1960’s and 1980’s. The show kicked off on the 18th of August and runs until the 25th of September at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace. Tickets cost R160 – R225pp. For more information, go to www.emperorspalace.com
Magical white stallions:
For many years the Lipizzaners or ‘dancing white stallions’ have entertained audiences around the world. If you’ve never seen these magnificent horses perform their world famous ‘airs above the ground’ then it’s time to remedy the situation. The horses are trained using traditional methods dating back hundreds of years based on the principles of classical dressage, all of which makes for a spellbinding performance. You can catch South Africa’s very own Lipizzaner show every Sunday morning at the Lipizzaner Centre in Kyalami. The show lasts an hour, following which you can visit the stable yard where you can meet the riders and feed the stallions carrots. You can also enjoy a snack at Café Capriole and buy Lipizzaner branded merchandise from the onsite shop. A truly delightful way to spend a Sunday morning. For further information, go to www.lipizzaners.co.za.Tickets cost R100 - R150pp.
Celebrate spring at the Nelson Mandela Square Antiques Fair:
Spring is in the air and what better way to mark its arrival than with a cheerful spring themed collectable for the home? In line with the new season, the Antiques Fair at Nelson Mandela Square will feature a variety of beautiful spring themed collectables. Items to keep an eye out for include silver antique planters, pretty flower patterned porcelain vases and crockery, a classic Royal Doulton flower seller figurine, A Spode Copeland spring figurine, botanical prints and flower embroidered linen. The fair is the biggest and longest running fair of its kind in South Africa with over 60 dealers in attendance. The fair takes place at Nelson Mandela Square on the first Sunday of every month from 9am to 4pm. Entrance is free. For more information, go to www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za
Cape Town:
Remembering the good old days
Alistair Izobell’s ‘Remembering the Lux’ has returned by popular demand to the Baxter Theatre for a limited time from the 25th of August to the 17th of September. The show pays tribute to the iconic Luxurama Theatre, one of Cape Town’s grand old dames of the entertainment world. The show celebrates the history of the legendary venue through a series of classic hit songs and stories. The show was a runaway hit during the 2015 festive period and will no doubt prove a real crowd-puller for the remainder of its run so book early. Tickets cost between R140-R160pp. For more information, go to www.baxter.co.za
Learn while having fun:
The annual Cableway Kidz Season is in its last month. This initiative encourages children to explore the natural beauty of Table Mountain by riding the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The offer entitles two children between the ages of 4 and 17 to ride for free with an adult who has purchased a return ticket on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The offer is valid on weekends, public holidays and during the school holidays, thereby maximising the window of opportunity. The excursion includes food, a kids treasure hunt and a treasure map. Tickets cost R240 which can be bought at the lower cableway station. For more information, go to www.tablemountain.net
Something for the guys:
Petrol heads can get their fix at Grand West Casino’s upcoming ‘Wheels of Fury’ which will be headlined by the internationally renowned ‘Mad Mike’ on the 17th of September. Several other prominent local drifters will also strut their stuff at the casino’s Drift X track. There will be a market for all things automotive, a lifestyle show and an exhibition area for exotic cars too. Visitors can also look forward to a drift battle and an after party at which US hip hop artists ‘Slum Village’ and ‘Dead Prez’ will play. Tickets cost between R60 and R350. For more information, go to www.wheelsoffury.co.za
Durban:
Go green:
Durban’s ‘Green Hub’ is a great platform from which to engage with nature and embark on some adrenaline pumping activities. Located at Blue Lagoon Park, the hub focuses on nature based tourism, sustainability and education. It also serves as the base for the Durban Green Corridor (DGC) which operates canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and cultural tours at uMngeni Valley, Inanda Dam and the Valley of a Thousand Hills. A must for those seeking eco-friendly, educational experiences. Prices vary. For more information, go to www.durbangreencorridor.co.za/explore/venues/greenhub
Mink and manure:
The best of the best will be out to play at this year’s BMW International Polo Series which takes place on Sunday the 4th of September at Durban’s Shongweni Country Club. The series pits the South African National polo team against a touring international team. This year SA will play against a team from Uruguay. The first test is traditionally played at Shongweni. The second test will be played a week later at Waterfall Polo Estate in Johannesburg. The event promises to make for an exciting, fast paced day out. You might even spot a celeb or two. General admission ticket sales cost between R55 and R85pp. Children under 12 can enter free of charge. For more information, go to www.sapolo.co.za
Run for a good cause:
If running is your thing and you’re planning on entering the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on the 17th or 18th of September, why not do it for a good cause? The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) is an official charity partner to the marathon which means you can run it in their name. Before registering online, contact Mpho Hlalele at the AACL on 021 534 6426 to run as an AACL VIP. Of course there are other ways to get involved with this worthy charity too if running isn’t up your alley. For more information, go to www.aacl.co.za