What's on this week?

WHAT: SecretEats

WHERE: A secret location in Johannesburg

WHEN: June 29-July 1

If you’ve never indulged in the enigma that is SecretEats, there’s no time like the present to join the one-of-a-kind social dinner experience featuring a guest chef in a secret location which is revealed just before the dinner is to happen. This month’s event will take place in the heart of the richest mile in Africa. And the chef? “Having cooked for the likes of Michael Jackson, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela, you can be sure you are in the very best hands.”

Tickets cost R1,300 and are limited to 25 guests per evening. Visit the SecretEats website to request an invitation to this month’s event. 

WHAT: Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

WHERE: Stellenbosch University

WHEN: June 30-July 9, different show times

Offering talented young South African musicians the opportunity to study, be inspired by and learn alongside musicians from around the world, this choral music festival invites national and international student groups to participate and receive tuition, guidance and a platform to perform. Running over 10 days, the festival will play host to about 240 participants between the ages of 12 and 28 and will offer evening , orchestral and student concerts, public master classes and “in conversation with” sessions.

Tickets from R25 through Webtickets. 

WHAT: Knysna Oyster Festival

WHERE: Knysna

WHEN: June 30-July 9, different event times

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Knysna Oyster Festival is back this year under the theme “have a whale of a time”, chosen to coincide with the whale-watching season in Knysna and to denote the number of activities that will be on offer. The list is long and includes a wine festival, adventure sports, the Knysna cycle tour, clean-ups, a kids' Sunday market, sip and paint, and a number of food-inspired events over and above getting stuck into oysters.

For the festival programme, booking details and prices of individual events, visit the Knysna Oyster festival website. 

WHAT: ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the ballet

WHERE: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

WHEN: June 30-July 9, different performance times

After seven years, the Joburg Ballet is returning to the stage with its rendition of one of Shakespeare’s best known plays. It's the story of two star-crossed lovers in Renaissance Italy, their warring families and tragic demise. The eight performances will include dancers from the Vuyani Dance Theatre, Jozi Dance Company and Joburg Ballet Academy to add to the large troupe required in some of the scenes.

Tickets from R110 through Webtickets. 

WHAT: Hollywoodbets Durban July

WHERE: Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, Durban

WHEN: July 1, 11am

Marketed as “Africa’s greatest horse racing event”, the Durban July is one of South Africa’s most popular annual occasions. Under the theme “Out of This World” this year, sport meets fashion and entertainment. Place your bets, catch the racing action at the course or enjoy the day at the picnicking sites or in the marquee village.

Visit the Durban July website for the race day programme and information of hospitality experiences. General tickets from R170 through Ticketpro. 

WHAT: East Coast Radio House + Garden Show

WHERE: Durban Exhibition Centre

WHEN: July 1-9, 10am

Under the theme “My Home, My Way”, this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show offers a selection of décor, trends, technology, gardening, entertainment and DIY to turn your home and garden into the best version it can be. Catch the Home Grown Design Fair, Property Pavilion, Hirsch’s stand and Foodie Fair for when those hunger pangs kick in.

Tickets from R10 through iTickets. 

WHAT: Jokers in July comedy series

WHERE: Emperors Palace, Kempton Park

WHEN: June 30-July 29

If you’re in need of a good laugh, head to Emperors Palace for the Jokers in July comedy series which brings together a wealth of South African comedic talent throughout July. The series kicks off with the Combo Comedy Show featuring Salesman, MakaThangithini, Stopnonsons and Churchboy. Other shows include the ZuMo Tour, People of Colour-Ed, Alfred Adriaan Unfit & Forty, Bash with Tash: Ladies Night, Riaad Moosa Live and Keeping Up With The Xhosaz.

For a full list of shows, visit the Emperors Palace website. Tickets through Ticketpro. 

WHAT: Delheim Jazz and Cheese Fondue Winter 2023

WHERE: Delheim Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

WHEN: July 2-August 27, 11am-2:30pm

Throughout July and August, Delheim Wine Estate will again be hosting its popular jazz and cheese fondue events in conjunction with the Cape Town Music Academy on Sunday afternoons, featuring a lineup of jazz musicians as the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine and delicious meal.

Tickets from R520 through Quicket.