We spotlight some of the coolest and classiest experiences and events in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds. Gather your friends, family, or your loved ones for Benn Ndzoyiya’s list of unique attractions happening this weekend.
TAKE YOUR DAD OR FATHER FIGURE FOR A CHILLED ART CLASS IN RANDBURG
No experience is needed for this session as professional artist and founder, Lillian Gray will guide you every step of the way to create a memorable artwork to show off. The experience is open to dads or father figures of all ages, as well as kids and adult children of all ages at R900 per pair. All required painting essentials such as easels, and painting brushes are provided, biltong and nuts to snack on, and coffee or tea. Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 5 years old), and an adult must accompany any attending kids. READ MORE
Cost: R900 per dad and child. R350 for an additional child. Note dads of all ages are welcome, as well as kids of all ages (even adults!). Book online here
When: Saturday, 10 June from 10am
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Randburg
CATCH PIANIST YEON-MIN PARK LIVE FOR HER LAST CONCERT IN JOHANNESBURG
Pianist Yeon-Min Park is performing her last solo showcase in Johannesburg under the direction of Bernhard Gueller, one of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s much-loved conductors. Park will perform Liszt Concerto No. 1 at the Linder Auditorium as part of JPO’s series of winter symphonic concerts. One not to be missed!
Cost: R160pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 8 June from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
A GENTLE YOGA SESSION FOLLOWED BY A LIGHT BRUNCH
Join yoga instructor Rea Leopeng for a monthly mindfulness brunch date to ease into the weekend cushioned on the theme of connection- with ourselves and each other. The experience includes a guided session of gentle flow yoga followed by a scrumptious brunch spread accompanied by mimosas.
Cost: R350pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 10 June from 10am to 12pm
Where: 28 Fort St, Birnam, Johannesburg
SEE THE NEW ANIMATED LIVE-ACTION SPIDERMAN MOVIE AT THE CINEMA
Moviegoers can expect even more groundbreaking visual styles that play on the comic book aesthetic developed for the first film, as our heroes visit several different dimensions and meet new characters with their own unique look and feel. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. READ MORE
Cost: From R110pp
When: From 2 to 22 June 2023, various times
Where: Nu Metro | Ster Kinekor
STREET FOOD, CRAFTS AND FEEL-GOOD VIBES AT THE PLAYGROUND IN BRAAMFONTEIN
The Playground is a weekly market in Braamfontein that combines food, art, design, fashion, and music while playing host to a slew of artisan makers. Expect gourmet street food, cocktails, and live music performances for a chilled afternoon out.
If you’re looking to get crafty, they’re hosting two paint and sip sessions every Saturday running for 2 hours. No experience is required, equipment is provided, plus you get an R40 drink voucher to spend at the market.
Cost: Free entrance from 9am to 11am | R20 (card only) from 11am to 6pm. Cost for paint and sip experience is R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturdays from 10am to 6pm
Where: 73 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
A SPECIAL STAGING OF WOZA ALBERT!, THIS WEEKEND ONLY
Multi-award-winning talented actors Hamilton Dlamini and Thulani Mtshweni take the stage for a limited performance of Woza Albert!, written by Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon. The play explores a wide range of characters in South Africa at the beginning of the 1980s and attacks the pass laws that prevented black South Africans from moving freely at that time.
Cost: R350pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 8 June from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
UNWIND WITH A FUSS-FREE ART EXPERIENCE IN BRIXTON
Tap out of the rat race and express yourself with an engaging art session hosted at Breezeblock Cafe in Brixton. A facilitator will guide guests on how to use their freedom and experimentation to create an artwork depending on their skill level. Wine, equipment and canvas are included and it’s worth leafing through the restaurant’s menu for easy, delicious meals.
Cost: R350pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 10 June from 4pm to 7pm
Where: Breezeblock Cafe, 29 Chiswick Street, Brixton, Johannesburg
SEE SYLVIANE STRIKE’S POWERFUL THEATRE SHOW RUNNING UNTIL SUNDAY AT MONTE
After rave reviews in Cape Town, Sylviane Strike’s Firefly is showing at Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino until Sunday. In the remote village of Bucket’s End, nestled high in the mountains upstream from the disappearing river, Ferine and Ferase manifest their love by delighting in their masterful telling of the story of two ill-fated lovers whose forbidden love is ignited by full moons and fireflies. The production stars Andrew Buckland alongside Sylvaine Strike.
Cost: R150pp to R270pp, book via Webtickets
When: From 8 to 11 June, 2pm and 4pm
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Magaliessig, Johannesburg
LAST CHANCE TO SEE ATANG TSHIKARE’S BEAUTIFUL FLORA-INSPIRED ART EXHIBITION
Currently on show at Everard Read until Saturday is Setlhare, a selection of sculptures and drawings by renowned artist Atang Tshikare. The exhibition showcases a stunning collection of artworks that explore the integral role of flora in human existence, using the Setswana language to convey the meaning of Setlhare, which means a tree or to heal and give life.
Cost: Free entry
When: Running until 10 June. Saturday, from 9am to 1pm
Where: Everard Read CIRCA Gallery Johannesburg, 6 Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
DRAG SHOWS, DJ SETS, AND LOADS OF DANCING AT THE LAUNCH OF PRETORIA PRIDE
On June 4 from 1pm till late, Pretoria Pride is hosting a day of LGBTQIA+ celebration at Beefcakes. The event will be an afternoon of drag shows, live music, connection and, of course, a yummy food market serving up All American fast food faves. The line-up includes some of the best acts, DJS and performers.
Cost: R80pp, book via Quicket. Tickets are R100pp at the door
When: Saturday, 10 June at from 1pm to 2am
Where: Beefcakes Pretoria, 270 Witch-Hazel Ave, Highveld, Centurion
A QUICK KRUGER BUSH BREAK WITH LIVE SYMPHONIC TUNES FOR ONE WEEKEND ONLY
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is heading to Kruger National Park for an exclusive symphony concert in the bush. Indulge in stunning cuisine, relaxed fireside chats and extraordinary musical enchantment with some of the top talents in the country while admiring the breathtaking views of the Kruger. Performances are led by the world-renowned Conductor, Daniel Boico.
Cost: R5050pp per night sharing, including all meals, a boma dinner, morning game drive, evening sundowners, and tickets to Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphony in the Bush Concert and/or Mdluli Community School Outreach Concert. See the full itinerary here. Bookings can be made via email
When: Friday, 9 June to Sunday, 11 June. Various times
Where: Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park, Hazyview
JOIN THIS FREE CONSERVATION GROUP HIKE AT THE CROCODILE RIVER RESERVE
Volunteers at The Crocodile River Reserve are hosting a free nature walk to bring awareness to wildlife snaring. An animal snared will die a slow and painful death, and even if rescued could lose a limb, severely hampering its ability to survive in the wild. Take the kids along and help to scour the area for wire snares and traps on this guided hike. Those joining should take sunblock, a hat, water, sturdy shoes, and preferably wear long pants.
Cost: Free, booking is required via Quicket and donations are welcome
When: Saturday, 10 June 8:30am to 11:30am
Where: The Sheds, Crocodile River Reserve, 4XGG+F4, Centurion
A VIBEY GIN DAY CELEBRATION IN IRENE
Idlewild Country Estate in Olifantsfontein, Pretoria returns with their World Gin Day event, a celebration of all things Gin. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails, indulge in delicious gin–infused treats and mingle with fellow gin lovers whilst being entertained by the likes of Brendan Peyer, Llyod Cele, Refentse and Louw van der Heever.
There will also be entertainment for children and adults, gourmet food trucks, and gin distillers showing off their tipples. Your ticket includes a free complimentary gin and glass.
Cost: R157.50pp via Howler, and R250pp at the door
When: Saturday, 10 June from 11am to 9pm
Where: Idlewild Country Estate, Moonlight Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria
