10 things to do this weekend

Here are 10 suggestions to help you make this weekend a fantastic one.

1. Beautiful ballet

Catch the stars of the Ballet Russia in Pearls of the Russian Choreography, a production steeped in the finest ballet traditions and compiled by Yury Vetrov, former artistic director of the legendary Bolshoi Ballet. From 2 August at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, Kempton Park. Details: Computicket 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com

2. Mad for Monty Python

Laughter’s the best medicine, and you’ll be able to dose up on it with Monty Python’s Spamalot, a completely silly musical at Joburg Theatre, corner of Simmonds and Stiemens streets, Braamfontein. Details: 0861 670 670; www.joburgtheatre.com

3. Celebrate extraordinary South Africans

Visit 21 Icons – Portrait of a Nation and immerse yourself in photographer Adrian Steirn’s incredible portraits and short films of 21 South Africans who have given the nation something to be proud of. At Moad (Museum of African Design), 281 Commissioner Street, Maboneng Precinct. Details: www.moadjhb.com/21icons

4. Many markets to choose from

Enjoy all manner of artisanal goods, homemade treats, and a great atmosphere at Joburg’s markets. Saturday markets include the Neighbourgoods Market in Juta Street, Braamfontein; the Jozi Real Food Market at Pirates Sports Club, Braeside Road, Greenside; and the Kyalami Country Market at Sawasdee Exotic Nursery, corner of Zinnia and Main roads, Kyalami. On Sunday, you can take in the sights and sounds of Maboneng Precinct at Market On Main. Details: www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za; www.facebook.com/JoziRealFoodMarket; www.marketonmain.co.za

5. Time travel tour

Travel back in time to the golden age of railway and the glamour of Eloff Street on a tour with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation on 2 August. The tour will include the Schlesinger Building, Eloff Street’s art deco buildings, the old Johannesburg Station, and St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral. Details: Computicket 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com; www.joburgheritage.co.za

6. Nothing like the blues

WATCH: The Black Cat Bones – Ol’ Pappa Joe:

Blues rockers The Black Cat Bones, one of South Africa’s best live bands, will perform on 2 August at venerable watering hole, the Radium Beer Hall, 282 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove, at 9pm. Details: 011 728 3866; www.theradium.co.za

7. Dances with horses

Joburg’s dancing, prancing white stallions, the SA Lipizzaners, will perform on 3 August at the SA Lipizzaner Hall, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami, at 10.30am. Details: Computicket 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com; www.lipizzaners.co.za

8. Countryside fun

Enjoy a day of picnic baskets, live music, pamper sessions, puppet shows, jumping castles, craft beer and cheese, a pie eating competition, and kite flying at Modderfontein Nature Reserve’s Family Fun in the Sun Day on 3 August at the nature reserve, Arden Road, Modderfontein, from 11am. Details: 079 519 1589; www.facebook.com/Endaweniproductions

9. African indie jazz blues rock in Braam

WATCH: The Muffinz – Sound Check:

The Muffinz will bring their unique, eclectic sound to Braamfontein this weekend. Catch this five-piece band at The Orbit, 81 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, at 8.30pm. Details: www.theorbit.co.za

10. Head to the koppies

Enjoy a guided walk on Melville Koppies Central, and explore the nature reserve’s flora, fauna, geology, archaeology and history on 3 August. Park at Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Road, Emmarentia, opposite the entrance to the koppies. The walk will begin at 2pm. Details: 011 482 4797; www.mk.org.za; fomk@mk.org.za