Gig Guide – Things to do over the weekend
JOBURG – Not sure how to keep busy this weekend? Here are a few places to tap into.
Another week has passed and it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend. Here are a few places to tap into in the City of Gold.
Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic at Joburg theatre
If you are a Queen fan, make sure you head down to the Joburg theatre from 14 January until 7 February to experience the theatrical creation of the very best of Queen. The Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic live concert has promised to capture the imagination of Queen fans. Experience the passion and excitement of the one and only Freddie Mercury, the amazing guitar solos of Brian May and all those unbelievable harmonies from the whole band. The show infused with modern day sound and lighting creates the best of the ’70s/’80s rock era. The show will start every night at 8pm except on Sundays with two shows at 1pm and 3pm. Tickets cost R160 to R350 per person.
Check out Jozi from a rooftop
The Living Room in Kruger Street in Maboneng is definitely the place to be if you feel like a chilled vibe while swinging in a hammock and sipping on a smoothie. This rooftop lounge made up from ever-changing vertical gardens offers a selection of delicious meze which you can snack on while overlooking the beautiful view of the City of Gold. The Living Room is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 9pm and on Sundays from 12pm until 8pm. The entrance is free except when there is an event.
Get your family together and make your way down to Zoo Lake for a fun day in the sun. Pack a picnic basket and some extra bread crumbs to feed the ducks and geese while enjoying a relaxing afternoon next to the water. You can also have a great time paddling around by renting a row boat that can fit up to six people. The rowing club opens at 9.30am and closes at 5pm which means you can spend the whole day on the water if you like. There is also a bowling green available or take your kids’ bicycles with as there is more than enough space for them to ride around. There is no entrance fee and paddle boats cost R10 per person.
Comedy night in Braamies
Get your stomach muscles in a twist by visiting Kitchener’s Bar at the Milner Hotel in downtown Jozi every Tuesday night from 8pm. The pub that is over 100 years old, is Joburg’s second oldest pub and has never disappointed its visitors. Enjoy a beer while laughing till your stomach hurts at various comedians. Entrance is R20 per person.
Ribs at Hell’s kitchen in Melville
If you love good food make sure you make your way down to Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in Melville to enjoy their lip-smacking ribs every night for only R128. This intriguing venue with mayhem as the motto, is known for its fantastic food and drinks and live music that plays every weekend in a secret room behind the bookcase. For bookings, call 079 980 9591.
Birds at Montecasino
Go check out the fantastic flight show and meet Oliver the southern white pelican that resides at the Montecasino bird garden in Fourways. This bird is only one of the amazing birds who live among many other lively characters in the beautiful bird gardens. You’ll also encounter sloths, chameleons and red-ruffed, ring-tailed and brown lemurs in the park. The bird gardens are open from 8.30am until 5pm every day. Also check out the Flight of Fantasy Shows on weekdays at 11am and 3pm and on weekends at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. For more info, call 011 511 1864. The costs for children over 10 years and adults is R64, and for children under 10 years and pensioners R36.
Check out the City from Melville Koppies
This breathtaking nature reserve and heritage site is found right in the heart of Joburg. The Koppies is an excellent example of the 3-million-year old ridges that made up the Joburg landscape before the advent of the gold rush. The Koppies is safe for hikes and nature explorers as it is access controlled. Join in every Saturday for a hike or guided tour at a cost of R50 per adult and R20 per child. No bookings are required. Check out the calendar for more details of the starting times and dates.
Amazing Mazes in Honeydew
This is definitely something the whole family can participate in and enjoy. Kids and parents can have loads of fun exploring the different mazes, secret gardens and completing mind-bending quizzes. A mielie maze is available from February to May and an elemental-reed maze from June until December. The activity takes an estimated 90 minutes and is located just off Beyers Naudé Drive on Boland Street in Honeydew. For more info about this exiting challenge, call 073 795 2174. The maze costs R80 per child and R120 per adult. A family ticket can also be bought for 2 adults and 2 children for R350.
Eagles at the Botanical Garden
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the peaceful cover of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. If you are lucky you might spot the nesting pair of Verreaux’s (black) eagles in the cliffs of the Witpoortjie Waterfall. Pack a picnic basket and a book and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Be sure not to miss out on stargazing in early September and October. The entrance is R30 for adults, R25 for pensioners and students (with valid student card), and R12 for scholars. Entrance is free for children under 6.
