WHAT’S ON IN MAY
From jazz, silent disco and Jozi street art to good food, beer fests and more ...
Clarens Arts Festival
WHERE: Clarens, Free State
WHEN: May 1-4
With the majestic Maloti Mountains as its backdrop, the creative Vrystaatse dorpie of Clarens — home to many art galleries, restaurants, and quirky and crafty spots — hosts its annual arts festival from Wednesday until Saturday. Attendees can enjoy art exhibitions, plays, workshops, cooking demonstrations, live music and book discussions, including one featuring our esteemed former colleague Michele Magwood! Tickets are available from R95 via Quicket quicket.co.za
May Day Market
WHERE: 16 Cross St, Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown)
WHEN: May 1
The Village Green is where it’s at if you’re looking for all things retro, vintage, handmade and thrifted, but why wait until Arts Fest to indulge in unique sartorial finds? Spend Workers’ Day morning (9am to 2pm) at Makhanda’s May Day Market perusing the various pop-ups for one-of-akind items. Homemade — and baked! — goods will also be on sale.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
WHERE: Cape Town International
Convention Centre, Convention
Square, 1 Lower Long St, Cape Town
WHEN: May 3-4
Jazz cats, the wait is over ... After a number of postponements, “Africa’s Grandest Gathering” is taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre next weekend! Featuring a fresh line-up and reimagined stages, these two days will be a global celebration of a singular genre. Featuring the likes of Zoë Modiga, Matt Bianco, Ami Faku, Judith Sephuma, Francesca Biancoli and Daliwonga, this is one musical affair that shouldn’t be missed. Tickets are available from R950 via ticketmaster.co.za
Streetview 011: Key to the City
WHERE: Graycscale Store and Gallery, 33 De Korte St, Braamfontein
WHEN: May 4
Hayden Jennings (aptly known as @street_view_011 on Instagram) captures Jozi’s gritty side in his analogue photographs of the City of Gold’s graffiti. Join Jennings for his solo photography exhibition ‘Key to the City at Braam’s infamous Grayscale Store (dedicated to all things graffiti) to peruse his images, which pay homage to iGoli’s wall art and the city itself. The event runs from 10am to 6pm and, visuals aside, will feature music, good food and live graffiti!
Umhlanga Craft Beer Festival
WHERE: Chris Saunders Park, Centenary Boulevard, Umhlanga
WHEN: May 4
Craft beer aficionados (and newcomers), this festival is for you! With an array of Mzansi’s finest craft beers, the Umhlanga Craft Beer Festival is where it’s all happening on Saturday. Throw live music and a variety of food stalls (not to mention the mahala beer glass you get to keep as souvenir) into the mix, and you hardly need any convincing to hop(s), skip and jump your way to Chris Saunders Park! Tickets are available from R150 via webtickets.co.za
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
WHERE: Glen Beach, Cape Town
WHEN: May 4
You’ve heard the adage “dance like nobody’s watching”, but have you ever tried “dance like nobody’s listening”? Join Secret Sunrise’s silent disco event for a spot of barefoot seaside dancing at Cape Town gem Glen Beach, where you can don a pair of headphones, press play, and then dance away! Tickets are available from R50 via quicket.co.za