There is plenty to do in your neighbourhood this April. Read on to find out what’s happening near you.
Incredibly, the Easter holidays have come and gone and Autumn is already in full swing. It looks like winter might come early this year given that the Western Cape has already had its first dusting of snow. Regardless of the weather, there is still plenty to do in and around most neighbourhoods during April. Read on to find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood.
Johannesburg:
Try something new during Restaurant Week
Always wanted to try that snazzy local restaurant but never got round to it? Now’s the time to try it out courtesy of Restaurant Week which runs from the 21st of April to the 1st of May. Under the banner of Restaurant Week, upmarket restaurants around the country are celebrating the flavours of Autumn and inviting guests to try something new at great prices. All you have to do to take advantage of this great opportunity is log on to www.restaurantweek.co.za, select your region, pick the restaurant you would like to eat at and book. Lunch is set at R150 and dinner will set you back around R250. Restaurants listed in Johannesburg include oneNINEone, Clico Restaurant, Piccolo Mondo, Roots at Forum Homini, Arque Champagne Crescent, Punchinello’s, Cielo, Pomodoro, LBV Bistro & Wine Bar and The Griffin. Chances are bookings at these restaurants will fill up fast so book early to avoid missing out.
Magic, mystical India rolls into town
Monte Casino’s Teatro will soon play host to another blockbuster theatrical performance, this time in the form of the Bollywood music and dance spectacular ‘Mystic India’. Described as “an explosion of colour, energy and culture,” Mystic India is based on the concept of ancient India’s transition to modern India. Approximately 750 lavish costume changes are made throughout the show which features a cast of talented musicians, brilliant dancers, mind-blowing aerialists and acrobats who keep viewers mesmerised as they move from one extravagant set to another. The show’s festive journey takes audience members through Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The evolution of Bollywood films is also showcased in true glittering, Bollywood style. The show has gained international acclaim and has been seen by over half a million people worldwide. In other words, this is not a show to be missed. Mystic India will run at the Durban ICC on the 23rd of April and at the Teatro from the 29th of April to the 1st of May. Bookings can be made via computicket. Ticket prices range between R185 and R485pp.
Cape Town:
Things are going to get hairy…
Cape Town’s Overberg will get a little hairy when the BOT River Barrels and Beards Harvest Festival gets underway from the 15th to the 16th of April. In addition to great craft food, attendees will be treated to a stellar line-up of some of the season’s best wines – and beards. Participating winemakers will show off their beards which have been carefully grown during the harvest season specifically with the festival in mind. This whacky take on the standard seasonal festival has grown in popularity and comprises three fun beard-filled events. Ticket prices range from R180 to R450pp and can be booked via quicket.co.za.
Anchors aweigh!
All those interested in the navy, the sea or just good old-fashioned family fun should diarise the South African Navy Festival which is due to take place in Simon’s Town from the 21st to the 24th of April. The festival offers visitors a “rare glimpse” into the workings of South Africa’s navy and makes for a great day out. All manner of navy displays and drills will take place throughout the festival including a parade and the highly anticipated night gunnery shoot. Visitors will also be given the opportunity to explore the local navy base and see some of the country’s most impressive warships and submarines. Food and beverages will be available for sale at the festival which is free to attend. For further details, go to www.navy.mil.za.
Durban:
Sweet dreams are made of this
Mariah Carey will be in town on the 29th of April to perform her ‘Sweet Sweet Fantasy’ tour. Recognised as one of the best-selling female artists of all time, Mariah has enjoyed a stellar musical career characterised by sold out shows around the globe. The Sweet Sweet Fantasy tour follows hot in the footsteps of a successful year-long residency in Las Vegas. Fans can look forward to hits such as ‘All I want for Christmas is you,’ ‘Without you,’ ‘We belong together,’ and many more besides. The show will take place at the Moses Mabhida stadium. Ticket prices range from R395 to R1 499pp and can be bought online at bigconcerts.computicket.com
Take things slowly
Weekends are (or should be) about taking things slowly. In line with this, you may want to pay the Slow Saturdays Market at 8 Morrison Street a visit. Slowly prepared food (the opposite of fast and usually rather unhealthy fare) is the order of the day. The vendors take great pride in painstakingly preparing all their products which are usually snapped up within a short space of time. Live music is played during the course of each market which takes place come rain or shine. Entrance is free. The market runs from 10am to 4pm each Saturday.
