DURBAN always delivers in the arts and entertainment space, whether it’s murder mystery shows, philharmonic concerts, food festivals or even a classic car show, we’ve got you covered. Get out and enjoy some of the events listed for this month below.

A whodunit with a Parisian flair  [Runs until Sunday, September 14]

The Westville Theatre Club presents a hilarious murder mystery Cherchez La Femme which began last week.

Directed by Maya Olsen and assistant director, Jill Sysum, the play is set in a notary’s office in Paris, however chaos erupts when chatterbox secretary Alice Postic discovers her boss stabbed with a dagger.

Enter Inspector Grandin, Alice’s old flame turned reluctant ally. Suspicions swirl, identities unravel, and the mystery deepens as more suspects arrive on scene.

“It’s like French farce meets classic murder mystery with twists, traps, and a very determined secretary,” explained Olsen.

Good to know

• The show runs daily until Sunday, September 14. Tickets cost R120 per person (R100 for students / pensioners / members) and the venue is the Westville Theatre Club on St James Avenue.
  Evening shows are 18:30 for 19:00 while Sunday matinees are from 14:00 for 14:30.
  To book tickets contact Dorothy on 083 776 1754 or email dorothyannoneill@gmail.com.

Some of the cast in the hilarious murder mystery Cherchez La Femme. Back: Kaitlin Moore, Joel Holloway, K’Lee Gibson, Kshanik Dayaram, James Addington and Oliver von Maltitz, and front: Tyrone O’ Neill and Maya Olsen.[/caption]

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Familiar faces headline food festival [Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7]

Freshly Ground will headline the live music line-up at the Durban Street Food Festival, a weekend-long celebration of food, craft, and culture, hosted at The Pavilion Shopping Centre (Entrance 5-Undercover B Parking) from Friday, September 5, to Sunday, September 7.

This year’s festival will see more than 70 food stalls offering Durban’s diverse culinary heritage. Alongside the food, festival-goers can expect crafts, collectables, and a carefully curated live music line-up hosted by Dave Guselli.

Freshly Ground perform on Saturday, September 6, at 19:00.

Other notable performers at the event are the KZN Youth Orchestra, Veranda Panda and DJ Breezy V.

Good to know

• Tickets for the event are available from Quicket.co.za and the festival is hosted at The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Entrance 5-Undercover B Parking. The festival begins on Friday at 17:00, while Saturday and Sunday it will be from 11:00 until late.

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Enjoy Durban’s oldest plant fair [Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7]

This city’s longest running plant fair, the Botanical Society KZN Coastal Branch Indigenous Plant Fair, takes place at the Durban Botanic Gardens, at the Visitors’ Complex over the weekend of Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7.

There will be a selection of KZN nurseries selling an array of indigenous plants with guest speakers sharing their expertise at the event.

Entrance and parking is free. Park at the Plant Fair designated parking at the end of the long driveway to Durban Botanic Gardens from John Zikhali Road, entrance opposite Greyville Racecourse.

The fair is from 09:00 until 14:00 on both days. Entry is free and there will be talks with various speakers over the two days. There will food and refreshments for sale. For more information follow the society on Instagram under their handle @botsockzncoastal.

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Enjoy classic cars at spectacle  [Sunday, September 7]

The next Durban Concours d’Elegance show takes place on Sunday, September 7, at the Chris Saunders Car Park in uMhlanga.

The event aims to bring classic cars, fashion, families, great wines and food trucks in a spectacular picturesque setting.

Some of the country’s rarest cars and bikes will be seen at the event from 10:00 until 17:00.

To purchase tickets visit Webtickets. Children U12 are free.

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Support local at uMhlanga market [Sunday, September 7]

The Umhlanga Ski Boat Club will host its next monthly Deli Market on Sunday, September 7, starting at 10:00.

Attendees can indulge in an array of delectable treats from various stalls, and browse for crafts and homemade items.

Sly from Afritude will provide entertainment until 14:00.

Julio’s on the Ridge will be serving breakfast rolls until the restaurant opens with exceptional specials at 12:00. The club is situated on 75 Twilight Drive, uMhlanga.

A number of stalls will also be selling homemade craft items. Photo: Submitted_____________________________________________________________

Classical treat for music lovers  [Sunday, September 7]

The Durban City Orchestra (DCO) will perform in its second spring afternoon concert at St Agnes Church in Kloof on Sunday, September 7 at 15:00.

The programme features a range of beautiful concerts from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras.

The orchestra, one of the longest running orchestras in the country, has a complement of approximately 30 active members who get together weekly.

The concert is supported by Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Good to Know

• Tickets are available through Quicket and are R130, and R100 for pensioners and students. It is advisable to pre-book tickets. Off-street parking available at the venue.

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Concert hits the right notes [Sunday, September 7]

Two visiting musicians will perform in Crossing Borders Through Sound: A Voyage of Piano and Saxophone  at St Cyprian’s Church in Glenwood on Sunday, September 7, at 15:00.

Lio Hamasaki and Samir Dookie, both currently studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the UK, are in Durban on holiday.

They will perform an eclectic mix of classical, contemporary, jazz, and fusion pieces.

Good to know

• The event takes place at St Cyprian’s, 603 Umbilo Road, Glenwood. Tickets at the door cost R100 and R70 for pensioners and students. There is parking on the property.