10 things to do this weekend

Here are 10 suggestions to help you make the most of it.

1. Coffee to take the chill off

The number of coffee and tea shops that offer more than just standard filter coffee and pots of generic tea has grown in leaps and bounds. Ward off the chill this weekend by exploring some of these fine establishments. A few to try are Doubleshot in Braamfontein, Croft & Co in Parkview, and Contessa Tea Connoisseur and Bistro in Rivonia. Details: www.doubleshot.co.za; www.croftandco.co.za; www.contessateashop.co.za

2. A feast in Fordsburg

Travel with your taste buds! Explore a multitude of sweetmeat shops, bakeries, and Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants, as well as the Oriental Plaza, in Fordsburg. Details: www.orientalplaza.co.za

3. Thai Week comes to town

Indulge in authentic Thai cuisine at the Hyatt Regency’s oneNINEone restaurant in Rosebank this weekend. Thai chefs from the Hyatt Erawan Bangkok are in Joburg to celebrate Thai week with delicious food. Details: 011 280 1234; https://johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com

4. Alternative festival for alternative people

Catch masters of the underground dance scene, including Koan Sound, Black Sun Empire, Far Too Loud, Etnik, Niskerone, and Michael Lesar, on 30 August at the fourth annual Grietfest. This is the last time this alternative festival for alternative people will be held at Newtown’s Town Hall, so make it a good one! Details: www.grietfest.com

5. Inside a mining magnate’s mansion

Explore a restored mining magnate’s mansion that stands proud on one of Joburg’s ridges on 30 August. This Johannesburg Heritage Foundation tour will shed light on Beauvais, built in 1907 for Percival White Tracey, who made his fortune mining diamonds in Kimberley and Cullinan. The tour will take place at Beauvais, 11a Grace Road, Mountain View, at 2pm. Details: 011 482 3349; www.joburgheritage.co.za; 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com

6. Inspiration on stage

30 August is your last chance to see the stage adaptation of the incredible story of Alison Botha at the Auto and General Theatre on the Square, Sandton. Twenty years ago, just outside Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, Botha was left for dead by her rapists, who had disembowelled her and slit her throat. But Botha survived, and this play will show audiences how. Details: 011 883 8606; www.theatreonthesquare.co.za; www.strictlytickets.com

7. Art, beer, food

Enjoy delicious food, craft beer, and a selection of art for sale at the Artists’ Press Limited Edition Prints Pop-Up Shop on 30 August at 67 4th Avenue, Linden. The event by The Artists’ Press in White River, Mpumalanga, will promote a wide scope of artists with whom the studio collaborates. Details: www.artprintsa.co.za  

8. Beat the blues WATCH: The Black Cat Bones – No Place Like Home: https://youtu.be/cX4Jgki_UF0 The only blues you should have this weekend are the musical kind. Pretoria-based blues rockers The Black Cat Bones will play a gig at Stanley Beer Yard on 30 August. Booking is essential. Details: 011 482 5791; stan@stanleybar.co.za

9. Jazz it up at the lake

When the ever-popular Jazz on the Lake concert rolls around, you know that spring has arrived and that the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival has begun! Johnny Clegg will headline the free concert on 31 August at Zoo Lake at 11am. The legendary performer will be accompanied by Vusi Nova, The Soil, Colberth, and Mbuso Khoza. Details: www.arts-alive.co.za

10. Delightful dance

On 31 August, you have the choice of two dance productions that form part of the Dance Umbrella component of the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival at Wits Theatre, Braamfontein. Stepping Stones, with its focus on community-based youth groups and young choreographers, will take place at 10am; while Baobab Shadows, choreographed by Harold George, and More In Than Out of Time, choreographed by Portia Mashigo, will take place at 7pm. Details: www.arts-alive.co.za

To find accommodation in Johannesburg with Afristay.