Summer is still in full swing.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts/Facebook
If you are looking for reasons to leave the house this weekend, look no further. Here is a curated guide to what is happening around the country from Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February, with a look ahead to one of February’s biggest music series.
Winelands and countryside festivals
In Stellenbosch, the Delheim Harvest Festival brings the spirit of grape picking to life all weekend. Visitors can expect traditional grape stomping, cellar tours, tractor rides through the vineyards and live music on the lawns. Food stalls and relaxed picnic spots make this an easy day trip for families and groups of friends who want to experience harvest season in the Cape Winelands.
Just outside Johannesburg in Muldersdrift, Ground Cru Summer Edition runs across both Saturday and Sunday and focuses on wine tasting in an open air setting. Local wineries pour a wide range of varietals while food vendors and live performers create a laid back festival atmosphere. It is a popular option for Gauteng locals who want a countryside feel without a long drive.
Arts, theatre and immersive experiences
Johannesburg’s cultural calendar is also busy this weekend. At the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, Dark Universe continues its immersive run with large scale visuals exploring space, dark matter and the structure of the cosmos. The experience blends science and spectacle, making it suitable for both teens and adults who enjoy something beyond traditional theatre.
At Joburg Theatre, the production EXPRESSED runs from Friday to Sunday. The one act musical uses movement, song and spoken word to explore social issues through contemporary performance, forming part of the city’s commitment to showcasing locally developed work.
For tribute concert fans, Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic takes to the Joburg Theatre stage on Friday night, delivering a full live band performance of classic hits that appeal across generations.
Music, nightlife and social gatherings
In Newtown, the #Marabi music event on Friday evening brings together DJs and live performers in one of the city’s most energetic creative districts. With nearby galleries, theatres and late night eateries, it is easy to turn the show into a full evening out.
Markets also take centre stage on Sunday with the First Sunday Market at Victoria Yards, a community driven gathering that blends street food, craft stalls and local fashion. It is ideal for relaxed browsing, meeting friends and discovering small producers working within the city.
Pretoria’s outdoor and family options
Pretoria offers several easy weekend outings for early risers and families. On Saturday morning, the Botanical Gardens Parkrun takes place in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. The free five kilometre run or walk follows scenic paths through indigenous landscapes and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Nearby, the Hazel Food and Craft Market opens on Saturdays with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and breakfast options. It remains one of the city’s most reliable stops for casual weekend browsing.
Cape Town’s big summer moments
In Cape Town, Saturday is headlined by the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met at Kenilworth Racecourse. The event is known as much for its fashion and social scene as for the racing itself, drawing crowds who treat it as a full day of entertainment.
Film lovers can also catch The Galileo Open Air Cinema, with screenings hosted at outdoor venues across the city. Guests bring picnic blankets and arrive early to enjoy sunset views before the movie begins, making it a popular summer ritual.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Image: Supplied
Music lovers can also look ahead to the return of the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts.
The concerts are known for golden hour picnics, relaxed crowds and a strong focus on South African artistry. Gates open at 16h00 and concerts start at 17h15, unless otherwise stated.
Upcoming Shows
The opening concert on 1 February features the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra with German bandoneon specialist Lothar Hensel, performing works by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla including Adios Nonino and Libertango, alongside fiery dances by Villa Lobos and De Falla.
On 8 February, Msaki and The ALTBLK>>Africa Collective bring art pop and soulful storytelling to the lawn in a performance built around deep lyricism and layered soundscapes.
The concert on 15 February sees Jeremy Loops take the stage with his crowd pleasing anthems and festival energy. This show is already sold out, highlighting the popularity of the summer series.
A special concert takes place on Saturday 21 February when Radio Tygerberg 104FM presents Under the Mountain with Ben Fuller. The American Christian artist will perform chart topping songs such as Who I Am and If I Got Jesus. He will be joined by local gospel performers Neville D, Rouchelle Liedemann and Henry Pike. Gates open at 18h00 and tickets are priced at R545.
The soulful Sunday session returns on 22 February with Vusi Mahlasela, joined by Jabulile Majola, offering acoustic storytelling and folk traditions that celebrate South African musical heritage.
Tickets are available only via Webtickets or at the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office.
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