Each week we round up the latest concerts, markets, parties, tours and other cool happenings so you don’t miss them! For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, check out our online events calendar and subscribe to our newsletter guide to Joburg published every Thursday morning.
Here’s our pick of cool events to put on your calendar this weekend.
First Thursdays at 44 Stanley
THU MAY 5 First Thursdays makes a return to Joburg this month for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Check out the new look First Thursdays at 44 Stanley. The boutique complex will be opening late with activations at art spaces including The Gallery, Kudzanai Chiurai’s The Library of Things We Forgot To Remember and artist Fhatuwani Mukheli opens his 44 Stanley artist studio for the evening.
Mother’s Day film screening: Mermaids
SUN MAY 8 Take Mom to The Bioscope independent cinema at 44 Stanley this Mother’s Day for a special screening of Mermaids, the Cher classic directed by Richard Benjamin. Set in small-town 1960s Massachusetts, the period comedy-drama also stars Winona Ryder and a young Cristina Ricci, as the restless children of a glamorous and unconventional single mom trying to settle down in a new town. Screenings at 14:00 and 16:00. Tickets, R120, include a tub of Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream. Book online at thebioscope.co.za.
From Koe’siestes to Kneidlach at Theatre on the Square
UNTIL MAY 21 This uniquely South African one-woman comedy based on a true story follows the experiences of Chantal Steinfeld from the Cape Flats who falls in love with a ‘Jew-ish’ boy from Joburg’s East Rand. First debuted in 2017, the play is updated to pick up a few years after the happy couple got married. Now with a baby on the way there’s another myriad set of cultural, religious and familial issues to navigate. A witty look at love, life and cultural biases. Showing at Theatre on the Square in Sandton Central. Tickets R180, available online here.
Park Acoustics 12th Birthday celebration
SAT MAY 7 The monthly Park Acoustics festival in Pretoria celebrates its 12th anniversary with a special edition that includes performances by Mango Groove, Herman Kleinhans, Shortstraw, folk duo Harmonic Flow and more. There’s a selection of food and drink stalls at the outdoor park-like venue and you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Takes place at Foresters venue in Tierpoort, Pretoria. Tickets R250, under 18s R150, kids under 12 R60, under 6 free, available online here.
Art Battle at Victoria Yards
SAT MAY 7 from 14:00 Almost like a dance battle, but for art, Art Battle is a global live art tournament whereby 12 artists are allotted 20 minutes to transform their blank canvas into masterpieces live in front of an audience. The audience then votes for their favourite works to go through to the next round with the winner receiving a cash prize and the chance to represent South Africa at the Art Battle National Championships. Takes place at Victoria Yards in Lorentzville. Tickets R100 online here, or R120 at the door.
Nirox Winter Sculpture Fair 2022 opening weekend
SAT MAY 7–SUN MAY 8 The annual Winter Sculpture Fair at Nirox Sculpture Park is back and opens for a festive launch weekend. The new exhibition titled Good Neighbours features the work of more than 30 artists from across southern Africa. The opening weekend includes a series of curator-led walkabouts, art film screenings and performances by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets R350, available online here.
Sunset yoga at Voco
SAT MAY 7 from 16:00 The voco hotel in Rosebank celebrates the launch of their new gym with a special sunset yoga evening in partnership with Skelcore, Goodleaf, BT Signature, and Youthful living. Making this a special event local celeb Boity will also be joining and guests get to walk home with a goodie bag worth R1,200. Tickets R250, available here.
Mother’s Day at Lindfield House
SUN MAY 8 A fun day out for moms who like history, the charming Victorian house museum Lindfield House in Auckland Park hosts an open day on Sunday with a three-for-two offer on museum entrance (R100 per person, including a guided tour). There’s also a tea garden with freshly baked waffles on sale served with homemade farmhouse jams and creams. Open Sun May 8 from 10:00-14:00. The museum is located at 72 Richmond Ave, Auckland Park.
Transcendence by Robert Rorich
FRI MAY 6–SUN MAY 8 Cape Town sculptor Robert Rorich brings his latest exhibition to Victoria Yards, presenting a beautiful series of intricately detailed bronze animal sculptures. Passionate about raising awareness about wildlife conservation, the highlight of this collection of works is the critically endangered pangolin, the most trafficked animal in the world, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the pangolin sculptures going to charity. The exhibition is on show at Victoria Yards.