Sometimes even mom and dad need a break from entertaining the family. So, here’s what’s on in a city near you during the holidays – simply show up and have fun!
AROUND SOUTH AFRICA
Peppa Pig In SA
In some homes, Peppa Pig is the most watched TV show, above those dramatic soapies and addictive reality TV series. And who can blame every pre-schooler (and their mom and dad) when the main star is such a fun character with the coolest family and friends in town?
And in case you missed it, Peppa Pig and friends are bringing their TV show to a stage in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban this March and April, before heading to Pretoria and Port Elizabeth in June. Expect an immersive musical production where sing-a-longs, cheering and dancing will be the order of the day.
29 March – 2 April: Johannesburg Emperor’s Palace
6 – 8 April: Cape Town’s Convention Centre
20-22 April: Durban’s Play House
16-17 June: Pretoria SA State Theatre
22-24 June: PE Opera House
Tickets start at R199 per person and is available from Computicket.
GAUTENG
The Rand Show
Over the last 23 years, The Rand Show has become an iconic event in Gauteng’s social calendar. It showcases lifestyle exhibitions, entertainment attractions, kid-friendly and child-focused activities, outdoor events as well as their famed fun fair rides – there’s something for every member of the family!
The Rand Show runs from 30 March to 8 April at the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec.
Tickets costs R150 per adult, R50 per teen (13-18 years of age) or pensioners, R20 per child (6-12 years), and free for kids under the age of 6.
Tickets can be bought at the venue or via Computicket.
Future Park
This playful exhibition is a must-visit for primary school kids – it provides kids with the opportunity to explore the digital universe which can sometimes evolve right in front of our eyes. By using a virtual city and relying on children’s brilliant imaginations, kids can play digital hopscotch, make music with symphony balls that change colour and sound as they move, as well as draw and interact with their own drawings.
The Future Park is currently running until 8 April at The Globe at Silverstar Casino in Krugersdrop. Tickets start from R117 per child and can be purchased from Computicket.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Decorex Durban
If you’re into design, décor or just looking for some inspiration for your own home, diarise 21 to 25 March now for Decorex Durban. While this expo is widely respected and renowned for showcasing the latest services, products, décor and design trends, it’s also much loved for its creative themes to further push innovation – this year’s theme is “Rhythm of Life” where visitors will be inspired to find their own rhythm in life.
Decorex Durban runs from 21 March to 25 March at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
Tickets costs R95 per adult, R85 per student or pensioner and R20 for children under the age of 12.
Beacon Easter Egg Hunt
The only thing that is as exciting as digging into an Easter Chocolate Stash is the adventure of hunting for your sweet treats! And this year, Beacon Chocolates has exactly this in store for our Durban friends. Join them at the Durban Botanic Garden to solve clues, complete challenges and hunt for a giant Easter Egg.
The “eggsploring” happens on Saturday 31 March and Sunday 1 April from 10am to 2pm. Tickets costs R85 to participate and R20 for observers (adults) and can be purchased via Webtickets.
Durban Pizza and Pasta Festival
It’s the first year that the festival is running, and visitors can enjoy local music, beer bars, gin gardens and entertainment for the kids, as well as a selection of gourmet and street-style pizzas and pastas.
The Durban Pizza and Pasta Festival is happening on Wednesday 21 March 2018, and tickets costs R100 per adult and R50 for teenagers between 13 and 8 years of age; kids under 13 are free. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets.
CAPE TOWN
West Side Story
Deemed as one of the most legendary and iconic musical masterpieces to ever be written, West Side Story is a must-see for theatre lovers – young or old, whether you know every song or just about nothing of this play. This particular production first ran two sold out shows back in 2015 and, now, returns for another critical-acclaimed season after its long running stint in Johannesburg.
West Side Story is currently running until 15 April at the Artscape Theatre. Tickets range between R150 and R380 per person, and can be bought at Computicket.
Funderland Family Festival
The name says it all: this expo is a brilliant mix between a wonderland and a fun-filled experience for kids of all ages (yes, that includes you dad!). Set up in an expo-type of setting, kids can partake in a variety of activities that include interactive fantasy, e-sports, virtual reality game zones, stage shows, fun competitions. In short, learning is all part of the fun experience.
Funderland runs from 28 March until 7 April at Grand West Casino. Tickets costs R250 for general access to most activities.
Cape Town Jazz Festival Free Concert
While Cape Town’s Jazz Festival is a highlight in Cape Town’s social calendar, tickets can be costly and often sold out months in advance. So, if you didn’t get your hands on tickets, bring the family along for the free concert at Green Market Square on Tuesday 20 March from 5pm. Incognito, The Soil, Alistrair Izobell, Claire Phillips and DJ Eazy are just some of the artists who will be performing. Did we mention it’s for free?
The Cape Town Jazz Festival takes place on 23 and 24 March, and there are still some tickets available. Book through Computicket.
