Upcoming events in and around town – a what to do list

• Come celebrate a birthday

If you’re at a loss as to how to celebrate a 6-year-old’s birthday and satisfy three different generations at the same time, your solution is Melville Koppies. Smaller ones are egged on by the bigger ones, the bigger children see if they can spot Melville Koppies’ treasures, the adults can enjoy a decent hike while the birthday girl is happy knowing that all her friends and family are happy. And then you can go and celebrate afterward with a birthday brunch.

And don’t worry about the burnt patches in some areas of the reserve; wildfires often rage through the Koppies at this time of year. It’s part of nature’s regeneration. In spring the grass will turn green and the wildflowers will re-emerge.

Open on Sunday mornings from 8:00 to 11:30; book a guided tour on 079 532 0083 and costs R100 per person. Or guide yourselves along the many paths that crisscross the nature reserve. Safe parking (opposite the Melville Koppies entrance) is available at Marks Park Sports Club on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Security on the Koppies is provided. R90 per person, R50 for U18s; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income is used for the maintenance of the Koppies.

• Sterlig Aftree-Oord hou ‘n Markdag

Kom geniet die familie-vriendelike markdag saam met Sterlig Aftree-Oord te Naboomstraat 2, Wilro Park op 8 Julie vanaf 09:00. Tuisgemaakte produkte sal te koop wees. Kom loer gerus na al die naaldwerk en breiwerk, koekies, konfyt, sakke, skoene, skilderye, leerprodukte, kussings en selfs handgemaakte kaartjies. Kom geniet heerlike boereworsrolle en verversings in hul teetuin, waar jy kan ontspan en kuier.

• Festival of Ales

Join Indigo Burn at Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom on Saturday, August 5 for delicious craft beer, wine, mead, and gin – with a medieval market for you to wander through. Dress for the occasion – or get a costume to hire at the venue. Wander through the medieval market, engage in the fun and games, and indulge in some delicious food. A day of fun in the sun for all.

• Clearwater Mall 10km Race & 5km Fun Run

Join Panorama Running Club and Clearwater Mall on Saturday, August 19 for their annual 10km Race & 5km fun run.

Bring the family along from 7:00 to participate in this fun event.

• A Jump to the Left

Alter Egos and Alternatribe invites the community to their annual A Jump to the Left event at Rusty Hook on Saturday, October 7. Over 16s only!

Slip into those fishnets and get ready to do the time warp again, and join Alter Egos and Alternatribe for an interactive screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Dress up as your favourite Rocky Horror Picture Show character (there will be prizes for best dressed) and participate in the experience.

Just like in the 70s, we will be providing interaction scripts and props for a night like you’ve never experienced!
Tickets available at https://www.alteregos.co.za/…/tickets-a-jump-to-the…/

• Come spot the fairy flycatcher

Not everyone tries to run away from Joburg in winter. Come to Melville Koppies and see if you can spot our winter migrant. In summer it basks in and around Lesotho but in winter it heads north choosing to spend time flitting and darting in the forested areas of the Koppies. If you’re lucky you’ll get to spot the dainty fairy flycatcher, but if you don’t, you can enjoy the gentle twittering of the amethyst and white-bellied sunbirds as they dash about in search of the next aloe to draw nectar from.

Open on Sunday mornings from 8:00 to 11:30; book a guided tour on 079 532 0083 and costs R100 per person. Or guide yourselves along the many paths that crisscross the nature reserve. Safe parking (opposite the Melville Koppies entrance) is available at Marks Park Sports Club on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Security on the Koppies is provided. R90 per person, R50 for U18s; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income is used for the maintenance of the Koppies.

• A Viking Thing

Join Medieval Fayre, Alternatribe, and Alter Egos at Rusty Hook on Saturday, November 4 from 10:15.
On an alternative timeline we explore the dark ages, one small village still holds out against the invaders. Whether a Viking, a warrior, a princess, or a king … A Viking Thing will see you all sing! Experience battles, beards, swords, archery, meat and ale. The village market will trade all day! Purchase wares, fill your bellies, dance and get merry on mead. Visit Floki’s boatyard, experience a Viking funeral, dress in your best Viking vestments, and come raid and pillage with the Alter Egos clan. Tickets are available at https://qkt.io/vikings2023.

• Horison’s Women in Prayer Blanket Drive

Horison’s Women in Prayer lovingly handed over warm winter hats they had made to Roodepoort Child Welfare. They were told of the dire need for blankets for the 500 abandoned children, ages 0 -18, who have been removed from their own homes between living in the Roodepoort area alone. We are hoping to raise a blanket for each of these children. If you are led to partake in this drive, all blankets can be dropped off at the office situated at 52 Cutten Street, Horison.

• Bastet’s Blessings: Celebrating Cat Month

Bastet’s Blessings is a captivating event that merges the enchantment of belly dancing, the allure of a fashion show, and the spirit of Cat Month, all in support of a noble cause. Inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, who represents protection, fertility, and the essence of cats, this extraordinary gathering aims to celebrate feline companions while raising funds for a charitable endeavor. All proceeds from Bastet’s Blessings will be dedicated to a fundraising cause that aims to enhance the lives of cats, such as supporting Paws From Heaven, a special needs feline sanctuary. Join us at Rusty Hook on Saturday, September 2 from 18:00 until late and be part of an unforgettable experience that celebrates cats, embraces the art of belly dancing, and supports a worthy cause.

• Health & Fitness Expo 2023

Get ready to take your fitness and wellness journey to the next level! Join us for the Health & Fitness Expo happening this August at Clearwater Mall!

Our four-day event, running from August 17 to 20, is packed with everything you need to achieve your health and fitness goals, no matter your age or experience level. From cutting-edge fitness equipment to the latest wellness products, our exhibitors have everything you need to start living your best life. But that’s not all! They also have a lineup of experts showcased on stage in the fountain court. Plus, they’ll have fun activities and challenges to help you get active and stay motivated. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting on your journey, the Health & Fitness Expo is the perfect place to connect with others, learn from the pros, and take your health to the next level.

• Pet Expo 2023

The Largest Pet Event in Africa is Finally Back! This exciting event is finally back at a new venue Montecasino and on new dates July 14-16.

Pet Expo gives you the perfect opportunity to spoil your furry and regular families with a huge selection of pet stands, KUSA-affiliated all-breed dog and cat shows, and entertainment!
If dogs are your passion, you can enjoy watching purebred hounds strut their stuff at two all breeds KUSA championship shows: chat to dedicated breeders committed to the future of their respective breeds, and engage with experts ready to answer questions about health, nutrition, behavioural issues and more. Agility dogs in action in the big ring will leave you marvelling at their stamina and speed while shopping up a storm for the hounds at home!

Cat enthusiasts will enjoy two all-breeds cat shows; on-hand expertise to answer a variety of feline-related questions and of course, all that shopping. You have plenty of time to budget if you have dogs and cats at home!

The increasing popularity of reptiles as pets in recent years means that a dedicated team of experts will be present to answer questions about the special skills, needs, diet and habitats required for this category.
As more exhibitors come on board, PetExpo will be sure to keep you posted on these developments. They have taken cognizance of all your requirements and offer ample parking; superb catering options as well as chill-out areas to give you time to regroup, refresh and check your step count for the day!

• Antique Shack Winter Festival

Join the Antique Shack on Saturday, July 8 from 9:00 – 16:00 for a wonderful winter day out with over 20 different vendors and a unique place to do all your garden shopping.

• Classy Cats Charity Ball

Friday, August 18 at 18:00 at Usambara Lodge, Muldersdrift. Fancy Dress, Wine, and Dine whilst enjoying a three-course meal supporting your local Kitty Shelter. Entertainment is still to be confirmed. Kitty Kazz founder will be sharing her testimony of how she has overcome many life-threatening obstacles to get to where she is today.