WHAT’S ON? October 23-29
1001 Nights UJ Arts Centre, Johannesburg. October 23-28, different performance times
Written by playwright Ismail Mohamed and directed by University of Johannesburg (UJ) resident director Jade Bowers, “1001 Nights” is a retelling of classic stories from “Arabian Nights”, told by local talents Dolly Louw, Musanete Sakupwanya and Ilse Klink. Offering a fresh perspective that explores themes of transformation, cultural tolerance and diversity, the play promises to “transport audiences into a realm of magical storytelling and cultural exploration”.
Tickets R80 for students and R100 for general admission through Plankton
WineX Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. October 25-27, 5-9pm
Mark your calendars for the biggest wine event in the southern hemisphere. With Standard Bank its new title sponsor, the annual WineX festival attracts up to 10,000 attendees annually over three nights of tastings from more than 150 exhibitors. They showcase more than 800 (mostly local) wines, Champagnes, cap classiques, Ports and brandies, alongside gourmet cheeses, chocolates, speciality meats and olives.
Tickets from R160 through Webtickets
Goldfish in the Park Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga. October 27, 4-10pm
South African electronic duo Goldfish have taken the world by storm, spending most of their time touring the globe. Returning to this country after performances in the Netherlands, their upcoming South African tour starts in Umhlanga as part of Music in the Park. They then head to Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and Ballito, with a stop in the US and performances on the South African leg of the Corona Sunsets Summer Tour in Linksfield and Knysna.
Tickets for the Music in the Park show from R150 through Webtickets
TRIBE Festival Cango Mountain Resort, Oudtshoorn. October 27-29
If psychedelic music is your scene, head for the TRIBE festival. Promising an immersive weekend of “tribal dance, fun and connecting with your clan”, there will also be bonfires, flow arts, food and beverage vendors, and a lineup of close to 30 acts, headlined by UK electronic music producer Evil Oil Man.
A three-day festival pass costs R650 through Quicket. Tickets will also be available at the gate (cash only) for the full weekend, Saturday and Sunday or just Sunday
Tembisa Kota Festival Shorts and Shades Family Picnic Hospital View Sports Ground, Tembisa. October 28, 10am
With summer upon us, what better combination than shorts, shades and a kota or two, with a refreshing drink? As a “platform for kota vendors and kota lovers to meet and speak a common language”, the Tembisa Kota Festival will showcase some of the best and boldest kotas in Ekurhuleni. Come with your appetite and cooler (remember to buy a cooler-box ticket online for R100) and settle in for a day of family fun.
Tickets from R50 through Webtickets
Umsimelelo Schools Art Festival Tropical Nites Theatre, Wild Coast Sun, Port Edward. October 28, 9am-5pm
The first Umsimelelo Schools Art Festival will provide a platform for pupils to showcase their performing arts skills. Presented by Dynamic Art Creative Space and funded by the National Arts Council, schools from the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts have been competing in local community halls, where the top seven have been chosen to participate in the finals next weekend. Tickets cost R30 at the door
HomeComing Africa Festival Pretoria National Botanical Gardens. October 28, 10am
Staying with festivals, the HomeComing Africa event is putting on a one-day show encompassing “15 years of the streets”. There will be a jam-packed lineup of more than 30 acts, including Kabza de Small, Young Stunna, Kwesta, Mellow & Sleazy and Mas Musiq.
Tickets t R250 through Webtickets
Sinach live in South Africa Emperors Palace Centre Court, Kempton Park. October 29, doors open at 2pm
Join Nigerian gospel singer Sinach for an afternoon of ballads and soulful worship, like Way Maker and I Know
Who I Am. “I am looking forward to being back in South Africa and making special memories,” says the singer of her upcoming performance. “My hope is that my music can bring comfort in such troublesome and trying times, that I can inspire people and inspire their faith in God. My music comes from a combination of musical and spiritual influences, and I hope to be able to bring that to my fans.”
Tickets from R200 through Ticketpro