Holiday gig guide: 3 cities, 13 events, 1 amazing time
There’s a bewildering array of events going down these holidays December. We've rounded up some of the most interesting ones in Joburg, Cape Town and Durban
December is finally here! And with it comes a bunch of events and numerous ways to max out your credit cards. Trying to plan your festive season calendar without going crazy? We have selected a range of events to suit everyone — including kids — all happening this month.
Here are the top events to attend if you are in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.
JOHANNESBURG
CINDERELLA AT MONTECASINO
Joburg Ballet is presenting Cinderella at Montecasino’s The Teatro. Described as a “dazzling night and a glittering ball”, the family-friendly production promises to be magical.
Date: Until December 23; 7.30pm
Location: The Teatro at Montecasino, Fourways
Tickets: R150 – R450 at Computicket.
12 PUBS OF XMAS
If you are not into a chilled festive season, doing the 12 Pubs of Xmas might be for you. The concept originated in Ireland, where people wear crazy Christmas-themed outfits to do a pub crawl. To be a part of the fun, you have to visit 12 pubs in one night, while following amusing drinking rules.
Date: Saturday December 15; 2pm
Location: 1 Fox Precinct, Ferreirasdorp
Tickets: R150 – R500 at NuTickets.
TORTURED SOUL
The American house-music band Tortured Soul will be returning to South Africa this December. The group has collaborated with various local house DJs and producers and featured on the Black Coffee song I know what’s on your mind. If an intimate house jam is what you are looking for these holidays, then buy tickets for this event.
Date: Saturday December 15; 8pm
Location: Lyric Theatre, Ormonde
Tickets: R250 – R685 at Computicket.
SOWETO INK FESTIVAL
Tattoo artistry, music and nightlife come together at this unique convention aimed at the growing tattoo culture in Soweto.
Date: December 16 and 17; 10am
Location: Walter Sisulu Square, Soweto
Tickets: R99/R149 for two at Nutickets.
AFROPUNK FEST
This music festival has to be one of the most anticipated parties of the year. This year’s line-up includes favourites The Internet, Flying Lotus Kaytranada, Kwesta, Moonchild Sanelly and Dope Saint Jude.
Date: December 30 and 31
Location: Constitution Hill, Braamfontein
Tickets: R600 – R1,100 at afropunkfest.com
CAPE TOWN
DJ EUPHONIK RESIDENCY AT RADISSON RED
Euphonik will be the resident DJ at the Radisson Red every Thursday during the festive season. Delicious snacks come free with the ticket.
Date: Until January 3 (Thursdays only); 2pm
Location: RED Roof at the Radisson RED Hotel, Cape Town
Tickets: R365. Booking essential; no tickets will be sold at the door; e-mail baxter@radissonred.com
MATILDA – THE MUSICAL
Roald Dahl’s book about the bookish Matilda dealing with her horrible family and terrifying head mistress comes alive on stage this December, in this highly regarded musical.
Date: Until January 11; From 2pm
Location: Opera House at Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore
Tickets: R100 – R520 at Computicket.
CAPE TOWN NATURAL HAIR FEST
This market-style event promotes itself as the biggest natural hair festival in the country. Attendees will be able to purchase the latest haircare products and get to interact with like-minded people.
Date: December 15 and 16; 6pm / 10am
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town
Tickets: R125 – R380 at Computicket.
BLACK COFFEE AT SHIMMY BEACH CLUB
As the year comes to a close, Black Coffee will be bringing his set to one of Cape Town’s hottest beaches. With sundowners in hand, is there a better way to end the year?
Date: December 30; 5pm
Location: Shimmy Beach Club, Cape Town
Tickets: R280 – R380 at Computicket.
DURBAN
WOZA ALBERT
Barney Simon, Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa bring this classic South African story back to life this month. Book early because some dates see the play move to a smaller theatre, limiting the number of tickets available.
Date: Until December 30; From 2.30pm
Location: The Playhouse Company, Durban Central
Tickets: R64 – R150 at Computicket.
DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS TRAIL OF LIGHTS 2018
Magic will take over as the festive lights come on at Durban Botanic Gardens. The whole family can follow a trail of lights through the trees, along with specially organised fun activities.
Date: Until December 30; 6.30pm
Location: Durban Botanic Gardens, Musgrave
Tickets: R50 at Webtickets.
CAPITEC LIVE BETTER FESTIVAL
With performances from Nasty C, Dj Tira, Distruction Boyz, AKA and Kwesta, you would be forgiven for thinking this was a NYE line-up. But it’s summer, so every weekend is a time to party.
Date: December 15; 2pm
Location: Kings Park outer fields, Stamford Hill
Tickets: R250/R750 at TicketPro.
WILD REPUBLIK MUSIC FESTIVAL
This party was created so teens can have fun this festive season in a safe environment. The music and food festival will feature exhibitions and displays and bring together local artists.
Date: December 22; 2pm
Location: Ollivanders Estate, Shongweni
Tickets: R250/R650 at Computicket.