The #ELLEBelles have scoured the nation’s events calendar to bring you their favourite festivals, pop-ups and more happening near you this May.
JOHANNESBURG
SAMAS
The 20th SAMA ceremony will be held at Sun City on April 28 and is set to be a night of red-carpet remembrance and stage sound waves. Afro pop-singer Naima Kay (pictured below) is a huge SAMA favourite with four nominations and we’re all ears for Nakhane Toure known for his hybrid musical style that spans indie rock to traditional African sounds.
Tune in on SABC1 or WIN tickets here.
Avon Light Up to Speak Out
Join Avon ambassadors Pabi Moloi, Koas Matu and Pearl Modiadie at the first ever Avon Light Up to Speak Out Candle Lighting Ceremony. The event aims to focus on and help end the cycle of violence against women, with a focused dedication on the Soweto community. Expect a buffet lunch, live performances and an Avon goodie bag.
When: Uncle Tom’s Hall, Soweto
Where: 10 May
Time 12-16:00
How much: R100 pp
Find out more: 011 982 4134
SA Winelands in the heart of Joburg
Taste the best South African wines and pick on a tasty array of food from sushi to Italian. If you are interested in becoming a wine connoisseur, head over to Wine Extra Theatre, where various edu-sessions and fun, informative workshops will be held by wine experts.
Tickets are available in advance through Computicket and include a R30 snack voucher, a crystal tasting glass, all tastings, access to the Wine Extra Theatre and a map to help you navigate the show.
When: 8 – 10 May
Where: Sandton Convention Centre
How much: R150 pp online / R170 pp at the door
Find out more: wineshow.co.za
Jozi Craft Beer Festival
The finest micro-breweries from across the country will come together to celebrate their craft at this festival. Taste from over 100 craft beers and listen to live music while choosing from one of many gourmet eateries.
When: 10 May
Where: Randburg
How much: R120
Time 10-19:00
Find out more: jozicraftbeerfest.co.za
The Purple Shall Govern: Exhibition by Mary Sibande
This exhibition by Mary Sibande – Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for 2013 –takes the costumed figure to a new level and into a deeper, somewhat darker exploration of personal anxieties and preoccupations with birth, rebirth, growth and death.
When: 23 April – 7 June
Where: Standard Bank Art Gallery
How much: Free
Find out more: info@thefamousidea.co.za
Goldfish Outdoor
Popular South African band, Goldfish, are doing their pre-Ibiza touring with a fun day on the lawns of Innesfree Park set to quality music. Everyone’s encouraged to bring their picnic blankets and some snacks but no alcohol will be allowed.
When: 3 May
Where: Innesfree Park, Sandton
How much: (early bird) -R300
Find out more: Book online at Webtickets
Jeff Dunham – Disorderly Conduct
Voted the ‘most popular comedian in the United States’ three years running, Jeff Dunham is back in South Africa with his latest world tour. The hilarious ventriloquist will introduce a whole new cast of characters, so get ready to lean back and laugh out loud.
When: 10 May
Where:Coca Cola Dome
How much:R180 – R620 pp
Find out more: coca-coladome.co.za
DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival
The DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival offers up well-known British music acts and jazz-funk pioneers such as the Brand New Heavies, Soul II Soul and Incognito. Enjoy food markets hosted by BBC Lifestyle, Food Network and The Masterchef South African Kitchen, who are making their debut in association with Woolworths.
When: 31 May
Where: Emmarentia Dam
Time: 11am
How much:450- VIP 850
Find out more: Computicket
CAPE TOWN
The Good Food & Wine Show
Enjoy fine food and get a taste of the very best local and global foodie personalities at this annual culinary treat.
When: 29 May- 1 June
Where: CTICC
How much: R125 (adults) and R50 (children under 12)
For more information, please visit goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Nuy Valley Feast
If local food, wine tastings, live music and wagon tractor rides sounds good to you head to Willow Creak Olive Estate for the Nuy Valley Feast.
When: 10 May
Where: Nuy Valley, Nuy Road, 6851 Worcester
How Much: R40 pp, additional R20 for a wine glass
Find out more: nuyvalleyfeast.co.za
Riebeek Valley Annual Olive Festival
You either love them or you hate them but either way, the Riebeek Valley’s olive festival is a great excuse for a country-set shindig. Expect olive tastings and lots of opportunity to buy a melee of olive products such as blueberry pickled black olives. Arts and crafts, food stalls and entertainment will make for a not-to-be-missed experience. If you still need convincing, Woolworths Taste Magazines dubbed it “The Unforgettable Festival” last year.
When: 3 & 4 May
Where: Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate, Riebeek Kasteel
How much: R100 pp
Find out more: kloovenburg.com
Kirstenbosch Treetop Canopy Walk
The Treetop Canopy Walk will let you walk sky-high in the forest on a 130m long path. If you’re a nature lover then this experience is for you as you look down onto the garden’s colourful protea garden.
When: open from early May
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens
How much: Free, except for ticket for general garden entry
Franschhoek Literary Festival
The cultured town of Franschhoek is transformed into a chattering, literary hub each year as local and international authors encourage lively debates with resident thinkers. This year topics as diverse as technology, comedy, feminism, politics, and horticulture are set to take centre stage.
Well-known writers including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lauren Beukes, Lindiwe Mazibuko, Zapiro and Tim Noakes are on the schedule. But it’s not all books – expect food, music and mandatory wine.
When: 16 – 18 May
Where: All over the town of Franschhoek
How much: R60 pp / R20 for students
Find out more: flf.co.za
Fine Brandy Fusion
The Fine Brandy Fusion celebrates and showcases 50 of South Africa’s leading producers. Coiff, sip and learn every hour at master classes hosted by acclaimed brandy masters. The event features food pairings and an Urban Brandy Cocktail Route where you can try brandy infused with fresh lemon, peach syrup, cranberry syrup and much more. The #ELLEBelle’s tested it out here.
When: 22 & 23 May in Cape Town
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Lower Long St, Cape Town
How much: R195
Find out more: brandyfusion.co.za
5 for Change
Get ball gowned-up at the 5 For Change annual black-tie charity gala, which raises awareness and funds for 5 inspiring enterprises.
Expect welcome drinks and canapés with live music, comedians and 500 of South Africa’s most influential young professionals looking to make a difference. This year’s 5 selected social initiatives are: Earthchild Project, Girls and Football SA, Rockgirl, Milkshed and Iamsomebody, all founded and run by inspiring women.
When: 31 May
Where: The Lookout in the V&A Waterfront
How much: R400
Find out more: 5forchange.co.za
SA’s 5km Neon Run
Are you ready to light up the streets? The Neon Run is a fun night-time 5k that takes you through different ‘glow zones’ that bring your neon clothes to life.
At the end of the line an epic music festival awaits you featuring the likes of Dean Fuel and 5FM’s Roger Goode.
When: 10 May in Cape Town; 17 May in Joburg
Where: Green Point Stadium in Cape Town; Wonderers Stadium in Joburg
Tickets: R220 pp R180 per person if you book a team of 4 or more.
Find out more: neonrun.co.za
Africa Eco Indaba
Find out more about how we can live in harmony with our planet and action a greener way of living. The Africa Eco Indaba places a special focus on promoting a sustainable lifestyle in Africa and educating others about eco-living.
When: 14 – 17 May
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Lower Long St, Cape Town
How much: R50 pp online / R60 pp at the door
Find our more: icsd.org.za
Crown of Russia Ballet
There’s nothing quite like the elegance and beauty of the ballet. The Crown of Russia Ballet is one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world and successfully tours the globe with their sophisticated productions.
While in South Africa, they will perform masterpieces of French music in ballet with extracts from Carmen, Le Corsaire, Bolero and performances of ‘Dying Swan’ and Jaques Brel’s ‘Don’t Leave Me’.
When: 9 – 11 May in Joburg; 14 – 18 May in Cape Town
Where: Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch Main Rd, in Cape Town;
How much: R150 – R280
Find out more: Buy tickets online from computicket.com