Find out what the hottest events are in your neighbourhood this July.
July is here which means the winter solstice has come and gone! Although the days will now slowly but surely start to get lighter and longer, winter has South Africa well and truly in its grip. Cold aside, there’s still plenty to do in and around South Africa’s main cities. Read on to find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood.
Johannesburg:
Calling all space junkies!
If you’re interested in all things space related, there’s an exhibition just for you at the Sandton Convention Centre. ‘Gateway to Space’ features approximately 60 space attractions which should inspire the astronaut in everyone. Visitors can walk around a life-size MIR space station model and view replicas of the Sputnik 1, a life-size lunar rover, an Orion capsule designed for future space exploration and even touch a real moon rock. For an additional fee and subject to specific requirements, visitors can experience interactive flight simulators and various other training instruments too. The exhibition has already kicked off and will end on Sunday the 31st of July. Entry costs R180pp. Children under 18 cost R120pp. For more information, go to www.gatewaytospace.co.za
Theatrical fun for everyone:
‘Shrek the Musical’ is in town just in time for the winter school holidays. If you were a fan of the movies, you’ll love the musical. “The greatest fairy tale never told” is brought to life courtesy of a 28 strong local cast of talented performers. The award winning musical has become a global phenomenon and is widely hailed as one of the best family-friendly productions to hit the stage. A fabulous score, speedy set changes, extravagant costumes, prosthetics and makeup all combine to make the musical an amazing event to remember. The show started on Friday the 24th of June at the Lyric Theatre and ends on the 17th of July. Ticket prices range from R150 to R290pp. For further details, go to www.tsogosun.com
R&B at its finest:
The ‘Legends of R&B’ will soon make an appearance at the Teatro at Montecasino. The show is aptly named. The Manhattans have sold over 40 million albums worldwide and have recorded 12 top 10 R&B hits in America since 1965. One of their songs has also won a Grammy Award. Gerald Aston and Regina Belle who form part of the act have also enjoyed major R&B success in their own right. In other words, R&B fans are in for a major treat. The show runs for just a few short days from the 21st to the 23rd of July so be sure to book your tickets fast. Tickets cost between R430 and R775 each. For further details, go to www.bigconcerts.co.za
Cape Town:
Snow fun!
If you have yet to experience snow this winter, make your way to Snow World at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. The exhibit offers a multi-faceted snow park for the little ones, a snow play area for those who want to touch and feel real snow, a small slide carved from solid ice and rides on ice-age animals. Larger ice slides, ‘snow tubing’, snow-boarding, an ice bar, an Alpine Village and a life-like ice-age animals exhibit also feature. Ticket prices and operating times vary. For further details, go to www.snowworld.co.za
Brush up on your reptilian knowledge:
Although this exhibit is primarily geared for families, anyone can pop in to see what reptiles are all about. The Reptile Garden has been set up at the Jubilee Hall at the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed where some of the world’s most fascinating reptiles will be on display until the 18th of July. Reptiles on display include, amongst many others, Rock Monsters, ‘Monty’ the Giant Python and a pair of twin Boa Constrictors. Live snake shows, educational films, a pop-up Reptile Lab, sand art and the opportunity to meet snake handlers form part of the exhibit offering. For further information go to www.webtickets.co.za Tickets cost R50pp.
Time for a drink:
If you need a break from all the activities that come with the school holidays the ‘secret’ Pop Up Gin Bar is for you. Following the success of the first ever Gin and Tonic Festival where artisanal gin the ‘Botanist’ made a splash, the brand has rolled out a series of pop-up bars. The current pop up bar has taken up residence at the Barclay Studios in Cape Town. From the 13th of July to the 10th of August, three bartenders will compete at the bar to create unique drinks using the Botanist Gin and a variety of indigenous botanicals they’ve created themselves. Each event has a different theme and features a selection of finger food. Tickets cost R350 each. For further information, go to www.barclaystudios.co.za
Durban:
‘Winter’ beach sports and walk
Durban never really has winter which makes it the perfect place to escape to and soak up the sun. From the 27th of June to the 13th of July, a variety of fun beach sports will be held as part of the South Coast Sardine Sports Tour. Activities on offer include beach badminton, volleyball, touch rugby and several other beach games. Radio Lotus will provide the vibes and there will be prizes up for grabs. Participation is free. Just four days after the sports tour comes to an end, the inaugural 8km Monster Marine Meander will kick off on the 17th of July as part of the South Coast Sardine Festival. The walk takes place between two of Durban’s most beautiful Blue Flag beaches and will be guided by local guides who will point out local fauna and flora. The walk costs R25. For further information on the sports tour go to www.wozainafrica.co.za. For information on the walk contact John Irven on 039 695 2602/ irven@telkomsa.net
Little Red Riding Hood:
This classic tale has been given a South African twist. In this version of the tale, Little Red Riding Hood or ‘Red’ lives in Westville. When her Grandma takes ill, Red decides to take her a nice, hot bunny chow. The problem is there’s a big bad wolf who thinks Granny will make for a tasty snack. Will Red be able to avoid the temptations of straying off the forest path and make it to Granny in time or will the wolf make it to Granny first? This family-friendly production will take place at the Rhumbelow Theatre from the 28th of June to the 16th of July. A short workshop outlining miming and theatrical techniques will be held after each show. Show entry costs R70. To book tickets, go to www.computicket.com
Artistic musings:
If you’d like to feed your artistic side, make your way to the Longmynd Art Gallery where the ‘Out of the Blue’ art exhibition is being held. Here you will find the work of four prominent artists which is being displayed until the end of the year. Paintings of proteas, wildlife, portraits, wood sculptures and much more besides are currently on display. The gallery is located off a beautiful, flower filled inner courtyard adjacent to the popular Vicky Christina’s restaurant at 24 Old Main Road in Hillcrest. Once you’ve finished browsing, you can sit, relax and enjoy some authentic Spanish fare. The gallery is open from 10.30am until 3.30pm Tuesdays to Sundays. Entrance is free. For more information, go to www.longmynd.co.za