10 things to do this weekend
JOBURG - The weekend is upon us, so here are 10 ways to make sure yours isn't dull and boring.
From country markets to chilled parties on downtown Joburg rooftops, there’s no excuse to sit at home and twiddle your thumbs.
1. A walk through Little Mogadishu
Join tour guide Ishvara Dhayan on 5 July for a walking tour through some of the colourful immigrant communities that have made Joburg their home. The Fordburg and Mayfair tour will include visits to Little Mogadishu, the Somali area; Little Dhaka, the Bengali area; a Hindu prayer shop, and an Islamic clothes shop.
Details: 084 624 0000; ancientsecrets@absamail.co.za
2. Take a run through a park
ParkRun is an increasingly popular way to get some exercise and enjoy Joburg’s beautiful parks on a weekly basis. The free, 5km, timed runs are open to all, and are safe and easy to take part in.
ParkRuns take place at Delta Park, and in Bryanston and Lonehill.
Details: www.parkrun.co.za
3. Spend the morning at a country market
A new country market has sprung up in Kyalami. Spend the morning of 5 July browsing and buying arts, crafts, baked treats, fresh produce, pottery, sculpture and fabric at the Sawadee Exotic Nursery, corner of Zinnia and Main roads, Kyalami.
Details: 083 311 4768
4. Enjoy an arty activity at Wam
Take a closer look at the work of Jodi Bieber on 5 July at a Drop In Drawing session at Wits Art Museum, Braamfontein. Art teacher Gina van Zyl De Oliveira will present the session aimed at providing adults with a fun, informal drawing workshop.
Details: 011 717 1378; info.wam@wits.ac.za
5. Marvel at Melville Koppies
You’ll have not one, but two opportunities to explore Melville Koppies Nature Reserve this weekend.
A walk with dogs will take place on 5 July on Melville Koppies West, the largest part of the reserve, at 8am.
On 6 July, a guided walk of the oldest part of the reserve, Melville Koppies Central, will explore some of its fascinating geological and archaeological features at 2pm.
Details: 011 482 4797; www.mk.org.za
6. The Durban July’s on your doorstep
Don’t miss out on a single hoof beat of the Durban July right here in the City of Gold.
Pink Punter 2014, to be held at Zoo Lake Sports Club, will include an outdoor tent town, a beer garden, large screen TVs showing the live broadcast, rugby and soccer, and an on-site betting tote.
The event’s theme is ‘star struck’, so dress to impress.
Details: www.pinkpunter.co.za
7. Culture in the cradle
Winter has been kind thus far, weather-wise, so a trip into the countryside is not completely out of the question.
Why not visit the Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind and explore the 100-odd installations and sculptures by 60 artists that make up the park’s winter show?
Details: www.niroxarts.com
8. Laugh at the battle of the sexes
Roll on the floor with laughter as Alan Committie brings out the battle of the sexes in Defending the Caveman at Montecasino’s Pieter Toerien Theatre.
Details: 011 511 1988; www.computicket.com
9. Sunday ‘funday’ at the Living Room
Enjoy a chilled Sunday afternoon at the Living Room, a fresh rooftop venue that offers urban-eco cafe cuisine, plant art and urban design, in downtown Joburg.
On 6 July you’ll be able to take in the sweet sounds of Mary Jane, Babaganoush, and Slax.
Details: 079 897 2016; www.livingroomjozi.co.za
10. Treat the children to theatre
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr, a stage adaptation of the award-winning musical, will tell this beloved story from the perspective of toy maker Geppetto at The People’s Theatre at Braamfontein’s Joburg Theatre.
Details: 011 403 1563; www.joburgtheatre.com
