Francios van Coke on stage with his band Fokofpolisiekar at the Voortrekker Monument for Park Acoustics 8th birthday. Picture: Gallo Images
There’s one thing South Africans do extremely well – heading outside to celebrate life, music, fashion and food.
Outside festivals are like social glue and you’re missing out if you’re not heading to at least one of the following events.
Nature and an array of comedy and music have made Park Acoustics a leading event in Pretoria.
On Sunday at the Voortrekker Monument, Park Acoustics and Pringles presents Boo!’s 21st birthday bash with The Narrow and Fuzigish.
Boo! began in 1997 in the backstreets of Brixton, Johannesburg, when it’s first members, Ampie Omo, Chris Chameleon and Leon Retief wanted make music that would go against the grain.
From performing in drag to mixing contemporary art into the music, the band became in interesting pop culture figure. The line-up also features The Narrow, Fuzigish, Hellcats, Yndian Mynah and Oh Those Guys.
If you want to take a break from dancing, Alfred Adriaan, Warren Robertson and Trevor Gumbi are there for your laughout-loud pleasure. No under 18s allowed (unless accompanied by parents), and you might be asked for your ID. This is also a no glass event, so bring a bottle to decant booze.
The 17th Absa Champagne Festival is doing two things – bringing great champagne to Joburg and supporting the arts. For the first time, the annual festival will showcase African artists who also celebrate the centenary of former president Nelson Mandela.
Guests at the festival will be served premium champagnes from the world’s leading champagne houses, paired with fine cuisine, while appreciating an exhibition of some of the African continent’s best artwork.
The selection of wall hangings and sculptures, commissioned from established and up-and-coming artists, will go under the hammer in a silent auction, with proceeds raised being donated to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The exclusive event takes place from October 31 to November 2 at the Inanda Club.
Ross Learmonth of Prime Circle performs during the 5FM Joburg Live Loud. Picture: Gallo Images
What do you do when you’re considered South Africa’s best rock band? You start your own music festival, of course.
This year, Prime Circle will host their own music and lifestyle festival, Prime Fest – A Jacaranda FM Music Experience – on November 10 at Casalinga in Muldersdrift.
The music event will feature Riky Rick, GoodLuck, Jo Black, Mafikizolo, Fokofpolisiekar, Martin Bester, Timo ODV and Majozi. And, of course, Prime Circle.
Apart from the music line-up, there will food, an AMG driving academy extreme 4×4 experience and a children’s play area.
On Sundays from October 14 to November 4, the terrace at Flames restaurant at the Four Seasons Westcliff will host Paint and Sip experiences.
Essentially, the dining holy grail will be transformed into an art station on the terrace where a professional artist from ArtsOn will be on hand to provide expertise, encouragement and advice as guests compose their own creative responses to the famous jacaranda-carpeted landscape of Joburg.
An on-site fashion show during the handmade contemporary fair at the Hyde Park Corner rooftop. Picture: Gallo Images
One of the best outdoor celebrations – the Sanlm Handmade Contemporay Fair – is ingrained on the social scene in Joburg. Every year it surprises with exciting artisans creating some of Africa’s most beautiful and desirable products.
This year’s theme – A return to Making – is about the makers who transform raw materials into meaning. It’s on at Hyde Park Corner from October 12-14.
This is the ninth edition of the festival and highlights include five featured designers as well as Well Made in Africa – a special project by Wacy Zacarias, founder of textile companies Woogui and Karingana Wa Karingana.
Even more reason to art away the day is the inclusion of two new cocktail lounges, from Bombay Sapphire and Bisquit Cognac. Exhibitors include some of the most respected names in local design, food and wine.
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