From horseracing to fashion, markets and after parties, Durban will be a hive of activity this weekend with scores of revellers expected to descend on the city. To guide you on some of the activities happening, see the list below.

Galloping action at the Durban July

In a world where fashion meets horseracing and entertainment, all roads lead to eThekwini this weakened for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, July 4.

Staged at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the HDJ brings together punters, fashionistas, and revellers for one long weekend. In the run-up to the international event, the organisers have confirmed Grammy award-winning Zakes Bantwini, Mi Casa, Will Rayz, Will Linley, Angel Mazibuko, Supreme 3 and Tamara Dey among the headline acts on race day.

“It’s always good to be home,” said Zakes. “I’ve got something special prepared for you at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It’s going to be a great one, hope to see you all there.”

Among the acts also billed to perform are Loyiso Bala, Lloyd Cele and Danny K and Anlia Etzebeth who will sing the national anthem. With the theme of Country Allure calling all to the 130th edition of the Durban July, you can also find yourself among the action by purchasing a ticket at the cost of R280 via Ticketpro.

For those looking beyond the Greyville action, there are a number of after parties happening throughout the weekend. See Webtickets and Ticketpro for more information.

Umswenko Wamabhinca July Beach Festival

The Umswenko Wamabhinca July Beach Festival (Ingezo July) is a vibrant cultural lifestyle event hosted at North Beach Lifestyle in Durban, taking place on Sunday, July 5.

Offering a unique blend of the beachfront experience, the festival celebrates the essence of Bhinca culture by infusing tradition, fashion, and music. Among the headline acts are Gatsheni, Siya Ntuli, Bahubhe, and Q Twins. Tickets for experience, open to over 18s, are R150 per person and can be purchased via Ticketpro. Gates open at 10:00 and disabled facilities are available at the venue.

Sister Act delivers divine comedy

Sister Act – The Musical is being staged at The Playhouse Company until the July 5. For two and a half hours, the audience will enjoy the unfolding drama of Deloris Carter, girlfriend to a prominent gangster, who witnesses a gangland murder and flees the scene with criminals in pursuit.

While seeking refuge at a local police station, the New York Police Department arranges for her to hide in a convent with a group of nuns until the gangsters are apprehended and she can testify against them. The clash between the strict convent lifestyle and Deloris’s flashy personality leads to many hilarious situations. As retribution for her rebellious behaviour, she is assigned to coach the convent choir. Unexpectedly, Deloris transforms the struggling choir into a sensational musical success, forming lasting and unlikely friendships along the way.

To witness the live action comedy, tickets start from R80 at Webtickets.

Anywhere Festival Season 9

Get ready for an electrifying experience at Anywhere Festival 2026, set to take place on July 5. The one of a kind music experience promises an unforgettable night of music, dance, and sheer exhilaration, from 12:00 to 00:00.

Prepare to be enthralled by sensational live performances, mesmerising showmanship, and cutting-edge production quality that will elevate the atmosphere to new heights. While the artists are being kept a surprise for now, organisers have assured that the line-up will feature some of the most talented acts in the industry, ensuring a night filled with non-stop energy and dance floor anthems.

Entry to the festival costs between R200 and R1150 and can be purchased via Webtickets.

Pavilion hosts fashion extravaganza

The Pavilion Shopping Centre is supporting one of Durban’s foremost annual fashion and calendar events, the 130th Durban July, by hosting The Style Vault at the Centre’s Fountain Court until Friday, July 3, inspiring shoppers with the latest make-up, garment, accessories and style trends to plan for the big race day.

The focal point is Style Alley, a display of fashion, footwear and accessories (jewellery, sunglasses, watches, perfumes, bags) for men, women and unisex options – carefully curated mannequins in co-ordinated looks.

Respected independent designers have chosen suggested individual looks sourced from retailers in the centre, allowing visitors to envision co-ordinated styles and outfits from multiple sources. Beauty professionals will be on hand to offer demos and showcase make-up trends, skin analysis, colour matching and product demos.

Shoppers can also indulge themselves at the pop-up café lounge for visitors to pause and recharge between activations. For more information on the Style Vault Campaign, keep an eye on their social media platforms or visit: https://www.thepav.co.za.

Music for Trumpet and Organ

A glorious winter morning concert of music for trumpet and organ will be performed at St Cyprian’s Church on Sunday, July 5, at 11:00 featuring Maggie Deppe on organ and Yosuke Matsui on trumpet.

The programme, titled East meets West: Music from Japan and Italy, features works for trumpet and organ alongside solo organ pieces. It is centred on the music of Italian 17th century Baroque and celebrates the joy and splendour of the era. Those harmonious sounds will be complemented by music from Japan with Matsui, a Yamaha performing artist and principal trumpet player with the KZN Philharmonic.

The renowned artist, who has served as principal trumpet of the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, Chiba Symphony Orchestra in Japan, and tutti trumpet in the Sydney Orchestra in Australia, will share the stage with Deppe, the co-principal oboe and cor anglais at the KZN Philharmonic, on organ. Tickets are R130 / R100, concessions at Quicket in advance, or cash at the door. There is off road and guarded parking at the church. Tea and coffee will be served after the concert, and the Vicar’s Arms pub will be open.

Get bargains galore at market

The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market takes place on Saturdays with the next one set for July 4 from 07:00 until 13:00. The market is a space for the whole family to enjoy and spend time together (pets included!). There are a number of activities and the market is open rain or shine as it is all undercover and fully wheelchair accessible.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here