This weekend includes Freedom Day on Monday 27 April, making it a four-day long weekend and one of the busiest event windows of the autumn calendar. There is a great deal happening across all three cities. Here is our pick.
Johannesburg
The headline event for Joburg this weekend is Ultra South Africa on Saturday 25 April at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. The world’s biggest annual electronic dance music festival returns to Joburg with a line-up that includes DJ Snake, Shimza and more. This is a large-scale outdoor festival requiring advance tickets and planning for parking and transport.
Pretty Woman: The Musical has just opened at Teatro at Montecasino and runs through 24 May. The all-South African cast and band production of the beloved Hollywood story is expected to be one of the most popular theatrical shows of the year. Tickets via Computicket or through Teatro directly. Also currently running at Theatre on the Square through 3 May is the production described as sad, amusing and uplifting, worth booking if you have not yet caught it.
On Friday 24 April, there is a music night with Simmy and Rowlene at a Joburg venue. On Saturday 25 April, WONDERboom celebrates thirty years on stage, and the Jozi Kota Festival takes place at The Station ZA in Newtown from 10am, celebrating one of Joburg’s most beloved street foods with vendors, live entertainment and family activities.
On Sunday 26 April, the Soweto Derby Experience takes place at Dlala Nje, and Samthing Soweto performs live. Also on Sunday, a popular wine tasting event returns for another edition. Check whatsoninjoburg.com for the full listings, times and ticket links.
Cape Town
Ultra Cape Town runs on 25 and 26 April at the Ostrich festival grounds, featuring a strong international line-up including Axwell, Afrojack and R3hab alongside local artists. This is the sister event to Joburg’s Ultra and equally large in scale.
The Constantia Wine Festival takes place at the Claremont Cricket Club and Constantia Sports Complex on 25 and 26 April. This annual celebration of Cape wine and food is well-established and ideal for those after something more relaxed than a festival. Wine tasting tokens and a glass are included on entry, with food stalls and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
The Cape Town Indian Expo runs from 24 April to 10 May at Rylands Community Hall, bringing together fashion, jewellery, home decor and lifestyle products from across the Indian subcontinent and locally. It is a well-regarded annual showcase and worth a visit for anyone interested in that particular shopping and cultural experience. The What’s On in Cape Town website has details of further events, restaurant specials and activities running through the long weekend.
Durban
Durban’s Freedom Day weekend is relatively quiet on the formal events front, but the city’s natural long-weekend appeal is considerable. The beachfront remains one of the best in the country for a winter’s day when the KwaZulu-Natal coast stays warm enough for outdoor eating, walking and swimming. The Golden Mile is easily navigable on foot, and the nearby uShaka Marine World is a strong option for families.
The Tinman Durban triathlon takes place on 26 April at Suncoast Boulevard, which is worth noting for spectators as well as participants. For those looking ahead, Bryan Adams performs at the Durban ICC on 28 April as part of his Roll With The Punches tour, one of the major concerts on the Durban calendar this year.
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