If you haven’t made any plans for the weekend and are looking for something to do, here are a few events that you may enjoy.
Gauteng
Beeld Holiday Show
Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
17-19 Feb
Let’s face it, we all need a holiday and we don’t take them often enough. Renowned for its quality exhibitors, its credibility and the amazing turnout of visitors, this expo is the ideal place to plan your 2012 holidays. Gallagher Convention Centre will be wall to wall with exhibitors showcasing resorts, destinations, operators, services, stuff to do, camping accessories and gear as well as holiday wheels – inclusive of leading motorhome, caravan and camping trailer manufacturers. There are loads of competitions and you could win a family holiday of a lifetime (being forced to go on holiday, sigh). Or you could win a Harley Davidson and be tempted to leave your job and join a bikers club (change is as good as holiday). Tickets from R30 to R50. Tel 083-488-8986, email [email protected], www.beeldshow.co.za.
Makhulu Swim
Leisure Lakes, Midrand
19 February
If you enjoy being a fish, The Makhulu Swim is for you. The open water swim of 1000m and a 500m fun swim is enjoyed by both serious and leisurely swimmers, with each participant who reaches the finish line receiving a medal. If you like the idea of being by water, but not necessarily in it, you can join in and have a fun day out in the sun and under the shady trees surrounding the dam. Hot food and drinks are available. Fish can pre-enter at selected sports shops or enter on race day. Tel 012-460-9065.
Strawberries & Champagne Evening
Hatfield, Pretoria
17 February
If you prefer to drink like a fish, there’s champagne on offer at Duncan Yard. In the month of love strawberries and champagne make the perfect pair. Stroll down cobbled pathways and iIndulge in nature’s juiciest fruit with sparking wine from JC le Roux & Pongracz. R50 per person. From 17h00 at Duncan Yard. I couldn’t find any contact details, so just pitch up and enjoy.
KwaZulu-Natal
The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon 2012
Pietermaritzburg
16-18 February
The idea of racing down the Umsindusi and Umgeni rivers was born during World War II when Ian Player, sitting around a campfire in Italy, tired and homesick, came up with the idea of formalising a race downriver from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon is now the biggest canoe marathon in the world. They have pulled out all the stops to provide superb entertainment for the paddlers, their seconds, supporters and the general public during the race. At the Msinsi Resort on Inanda dam, the Hansa Marquee and Beer Garden will have a rocking all night line-up of entertainment on Friday night. The official Unlimited Dusi After party will be at the Hops and Barley beer garden at the Riverside hotel, close to the finish at Blue lagoon from noon. www.dusi.co.za.
Dancing in the Street
Barnyard Theatre / Gateway
17-19 February
Dancing in the Street is the one and only Barnyard Show that will give you the opportunity to party all over the world at various famous carnivals, celebrations and festivals. This show has no boundaries and also includes the glorious sounds of Ireland’s celebration of St Patrick’s Day, the Mardi Gras Pink Festival where the disco tunes of Priscilla Queen of the desert take to the air as well as Michael Jackson’s Thriller to celebrate Halloween. The party continues in Jamaica with The Sun Splash Festival and the reggae sounds of Bob Marley and Eddie Grant. South Africa is also on the cards with The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival that has been brewed for more than three centuries in District Six and is sure to get the party going. From R95-R130. Tel 031-566-3045, email [email protected], www.barnyardtheatres.co.za.
Litchi Orchard Market
The Litchi Orchard
18 February
Markets are the next big thing and the Litchi Orchard Market combines top class food and drink, handmade arts and crafts, the outdoors, lots of space and fantastic live music. There’s something for everyone so go spend time with friends and family in the litchi orchard, whilst supporting the traders and fostering the local community. Tel 032-525-5118, email [email protected], www.litchiorchard.co.za.
Western Cape
Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
12 February
For Capetonians and visitors the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the place to visit, not only for its beauty, but for the hugely popular Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts that draw audiences from far and wide. Put down your blanket, bring your picnic basket (Kirstenbosch was recently voted one the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic) and get set for a hot summer of music. This Sunday sees the talents of Taxi Violence (unplugged) and Machineri. Don’t miss it! Tickets R100 from Webtickets. Tel 021-799-8783, email [email protected], www.sanbi.org/events/kirstenbosch-old-mutual-summer-sunset-concerts.
Hanepoot picking at De Krans
Calitzdorp
17-19 February
If you are in Calitzdorp and you like grapes get yourself to De Krans Wine Cellar where you can pick deliciously sweet Hanepoot grapes. Grapes cost R4.90/kg and visitors are welcome to bring their own containers. Alternatively containers can be purchased at De Krans at a minimal cost. You can pick grapes every day of the week from 08h00 until 16h00, except on Sundays when they take a break. Besides picking your own grapes, you are also welcome to visit this award-winning cellar to sample, at no extra cost, their range of 2011 award-winning wines. If you get hungry from all the exertion from picking grapes, the Vygieshof Home for the Aged will be offering delicious braaivleis meals on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between 11h00 and 14h00. As these meals have proven to be extremely popular in the past, booking is essential. The grape-picking offer continues until 3 March so if you missed it this weekend, you can always go next weekend. Tel 044-213-3314, email [email protected], www.dekrans.co.za.
Decadent ice cream and wine tasting at Clos Malverne
Stellenbosch
17-18 February
If you aren’t anywhere near Calitzdorp and feel like visiting a wine farm on the weekend, try this – ice cream and wine pairing in Stellenbosch. Sounds a little odd, but it’s actually very nice (you can trust me on this). Proving that many great ideas are borne out of a couple of drinks, Clos Malverne has created a sensational wine tasting experience by pairing homemade ice cream with their wine. The view is great, the people are fun, the ice cream is delicious and there is wine.You have until the end of April to try it. I did! Read more about my experience here. R55 per person and you need to book. Tel 021-865-2022, email [email protected], www.closmalverne.co.za.
Idols Auditions
GrandWest Casino
18 February
Last weekend it was in Durban and this weekend it’s the Capetonians’ chance. If you think you have the makings of a rockstar and you wish for a life in the limelight, take this opportunity to wow the judges at Grandwest Casino on Saturday. South African citizens between the ages of 16 and 30 are eligible to enter. Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all contestants will be asked to present their ID documents at the registration, which will take place on the day of auditioning. Musical instruments will be allowed in the audition room, so bring along your guitar or didgeridoo. Tel 021-505-7777, www.suninternational.com.
Have a good weekend!
