Dates to diarise
WESTERN CAPE McGregor Art Walk MCGREGOR
1-3 December
Artist and teacher MaryLouise Stein created this art route to showcase the talents of McGregor’s residents and guest artists, while also funding a community project that promotes the fine arts. It includes everything from exhibitions and auctions to workshops and sociable meals.
Tickets R150 for a day ticket, with additional entrance fees for certain activities; or R950 for a weekend pass, covering all activites. Available from
Quicket.
Contact mcgregorartwalk. co.za McGregor Art Walk @mcgregorartwalk art@mcgregorartwalk. co.za 079 514 9074
Make your own butter and cheese VERGESIG, PIKETBERG 2 December
Butter farmer Maria van Zyl (featured on the cover of the Winter 2023 edition of Platteland) is offering a hands-on workshop at her parents’ apple and pear farm, Vergesig, where you will learn to make cultured butter and halloumi cheese. Tickets R1 050 on
Webtickets.
Contact @creamofthe cropbutter creamofthe cropbutter@gmail.com
082 347 8957
Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
HUGUENOT MONUMENT, FRANSCHHOEK
2 & 3 DECEMBER
Relax on the grass in front of the Huguenot Monument
and taste the finest sparkling wines and Cap Classique from the Franschhoek Valley and other parts of the country. Prizes will be awarded to festival-goers who best represent this year’s theme – white, silver and a touch of blue. So start planning your outfit! Tickets R450 per person from Webtickets.
Contact franschhoek capclassique.co.za @Franschhoek WineValley Festivals @franschhoeksa franschhoekevents@ franschhoek.org.za 021 876 286
Muddy Puppy Fun Run
THE PURPLE WINDMILL, KLAPMUTS
3 December
Walk, jog or run with your dog early in the morning on this 2-3 km route – there will be plenty of water and mud to keep your four-legged friend happy.
Tickets R200 per person in advance from Quicket or R220 per person on the day; R90 for children under 12; no charge for dogs.
Contact muddypuppy.co.za Muddy Puppy @oneplanmuddypuppy info@muddypuppy.co.za 072 537 0122
Seaweed cooking class
VELD & SEA, CAPE POINT 7 December, 18 January & 15 February
Learn how to harvest and preserve seaweed, discover its flavours and learn how to use it to make ravioli and lasagne. Bring along your own drinks to enjoy with the tasty lunch after the workshop.
Tickets R850 from Quicket.
Contact veldandsea.com admin@veldandsea.com 072 234 4804
Rivergate Christmas Market RIVERGATE GUEST FARM, STANFORD
17 December
Rivergate Guest Farm
Full Moon picnic AFRIKAANS TAAL MONUMENT, PAARL
26 January & 23 February
Marvel at the view of the full moon from the iconic Afrikaans Taal Monument. Bring your own picnic basket or order one in advance. The event begins at 17:00, so ensure you arrive on time to enjoy the spectacular sunset from Paarl Rock and the view across the valley.
Tickets R40 per adult; R10 for children, students and pensioners from
Computicket.
Contact taalmonument. co.za Afrikaanse Taal Monument admin@ taalmuseum.co.za
021 872 3441
Pick apples and pears VERGESIG, PIKETBERG 25 February
Come and pick farm-fresh apples and pears on this special farm open day and enjoy a picnic under the trees. Vergesig’s popular freshly pressed apple and pear juice, as well as dairy products from the Cream of the Crop micro-dairy, will be available. Visitors can also join a short farm tour to meet the cows in the field.
Tickets Available from Webtickets.
Contact 082 347 8957
vergesigfarm@gmail.com
GAUTENG
Crafters Fair Christmas Market EMPERORS PALACE ASSEMBLY ROOM, KEMPTON PARK 1-22 December Contact Crafters Fair
Field Market Christmas Market FIELD & STUDY PARK, SANDTON
9 December
Even though you’re in the heart of Sandton, this market, with its handmade products and pastries, has a true village feel to it. Bring the whole family, along with a blanket and camping chairs, to enjoy the food offerings picnic-style. Wellbehaved dogs are welcome, but keep them on a leash.
Entrance is free, but parking is R10 per vehicle.
Contact Field Market @thefieldmarket info@fieldmarket.co.za
Paint & Sip workshop THE PLAYGROUND MARKET, BRAAMFONTEIN 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December
Unleash your inner artist with this two-hour workshop at the popular weekend market. Decide whether you want to paint on a canvas, do beadwork, or decorate a shopping bag and let your creativity flow while you sip on a drink. There’s no right or wrong, as long
GAUTENG
FOR Christmas Market
FERNDALE ON REPUBLIC SHOPPING CENTRE, RANDBURG
1 December
The popular monthly Field Market presents this special Christmas market from 16:00–22:00 at the Ferndale on Republic shopping centre. Children are welcome, and acoustic music will ensure a festive atmosphere. Admission is free.
Contact Field Market @thefieldmarket
info@fieldmarket.co.za as you enjoy yourself! Your ticket also includes a voucher for the diverse food stalls at the market.
Tickets R250 per person from
Quicket.
Contact theplayground. co.za The Playground Market @theplayground market info@theplay ground.co.za 060 890 4501
Knife skills workshop HTA SCHOOL OF CULINARY ART, RANDBURG
27 January
Bring your own apron, dishcloth, peeler and knives, and learn how to perform culinary magic like a professional chef. Expect to learn core techniques, hear expert advice and discover winning recipes. After the demonstration, participants will use their newly acquired skills to prepare a light lunch. Tickets R695 per person from Quicket.
Contact What’s Cooking Joburg @whatscooking joburg whatscooking joburg@gmail.com >
FREE STATE
Memel Summer Festival BOEREVERENIGING HALL, MEMEL
2 & 3 December
“Memel is heaven” is the slogan that this festival uses to invite visitors to the heart of the Free State. Come along to enjoy music performances, fun for the kids, workshops, stalls and a variety of delicious food and drinks.
Tickets R100 per person if you purchase beforehand from Quicket; R120 per person at the gate; R50 for children ages 13–17; R50 for pensioners; free entry for under-12s, with addtional costs for certain workshops (on Quicket).
Contact memelfees. wixsite.com/memel-festivals Memel Festivals memelfees@gmail.com 071 367 2044 (Amoré)
This is the fourth year that this music concert will be held. Funds raised are used to buy school necessities for underprivileged children. Tickets R120 per person from Quicket.
Contact The Annual Benefit Concert
janniespringbok961027@ gmail.com 060 368 5966
EASTERN CAPE
Fairlands Summer Christmas Market FAIRLANDS, EAST LONDON 1 December
Contact Fairlands East London
Christmas Community Market
NG CHURCH NAHOON, BEACON BAY
2 December
NG Gemeente Nahoon in Beacon Bay
Soul Dance
GONUBIE BEACH, EAST LONDON 31 December, 28 January & 25 February
People of all ages and backgrounds gather at Gonubie Beach on the last Sunday of every month to release their stress to the beat of the music.
Tickets R50 per person from Quicket.
Contact The Soul Dance
thesouldanceec@gmail. com 083 200 5336