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You have no excuse for being bored this weekend as there is action happening across KZN!
The Ballito Pro reaches its grand finale, Mandela Day inspires giving back, and family-friendly events, markets and live entertainment make for a packed weekend across KwaZulu-Natal.
Here’s a look at what you should be doing.
Weekend weather
Friday
- Min: 17°C
- Max: 22°C
- Slight rain
Saturday
- Min: 18°C
- Max: 20°C
- Slight rain
Sunday
- Min: 18°C
- Max: 21°C
- Cloudy
Durban and Surrounds
FoodForward SA Mandela Day Food Packing
- Venue: Durban ICC
- Date: Friday, 17 July
- Times: 9.30am & 11.30am sessions
- Cost: Free (registration required)
FoodForward SA was established in 2009 to address widespread food and nutrition insecurity in South Africa. Support them by spending your 67 minutes helping pack food parcels for vulnerable communities as part of Mandela Day.
Springboks vs Wales Rugby
- Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, Durban
- Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026
- Time: 5.40pm
- Cost: From R250 at Ticketmaster
International rugby returns to Durban as the Springboks host Wales in a Nations Championship clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. Expect a packed stadium, an electric atmosphere and world-class rugby as South Africa takes on one of its oldest rivals. Fans can also book official travel and hospitality packages through SA Rugby Travel.
ERC Women's Business Empowerment Event
- Venue: Col'Cacchio, Florida Road
- Date: Saturday, 18 July
- Time: Afternoon event
- Tickets: From R375 on Quicket
An afternoon of networking, inspiring speakers, welcome drinks, light meals and business insights designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals.
Amashova National Classic
- Venue: Pietermaritzburg to Durban
- Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026
- Time: Early morning starts - 106km from Pietermaritzburg City Hall | 70km from Camperdown | 40km from Shongweni
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of South Africa's oldest road cycling classic as thousands of cyclists take on the iconic Amashova National Classic. Whether you're competing or cheering riders on as they make their way into Durban, it's one of KwaZulu-Natal's biggest annual sporting events and a highlight on the province's cycling calendar.
The Prince of Egypt
- Dates: From 10 July 2026
- Venue: Playhouse Opera Theatre
- Time: 11am (selected performances)
- Cost: R150 to R220 via Webtickets
One of the biggest family theatre productions of the year arrives in Durban. Featuring unforgettable music by Stephen Schwartz, orchestral arrangements by Hans Zimmer and spectacular staging, The Prince of Egypt retells the story of Moses in an epic musical that's perfect for all ages.
Golden Hours Family Market
- Venue: 21 Uitsig Road, Durban North
- Date: Sunday, 19 July
- Time: 10am-3pm
- Cost: Free entry
Enjoy local food, handmade products, live music by Lorraine McVean and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.
KZN North Coast
Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill
- Venue: Willard Beach & Salt Rock Main Beach, Ballito
- Dates: Until Sunday, 19 July
- Cost: Free
The Ballito Pro heads into its final weekend with plenty happening on and off the beach. There’s the epic free Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona at Salt Rock Main Beach on Friday, 17 July (4pm to 11.30pm), featuring Booshle G, The Saxby Twins, Veranda Panda, Zebra, Phil Taylor Band, Matt Gardiner, and Bloodbrother. The festival concludes on Sunday with the WSL Challenger Series Finals, plus the Mandela Day 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up.
ICYMI: Ballito Pro turns up the volume with free concerts, soccer fun, and Mandela Day action
Laser Rush Holiday Adventure
- Dates: Daily during the school holidays
- Venue: Salt Rock Country Club
- Time: 9am-4pm
- Cost: R200 per person via Laser Rush | 083 233 5165
Looking for an active family outing?
Laser Rush offers two hours of action with your choice of laser tag, inflatable challenges, gel blasters, archery and target shooting. No bookings are required—simply arrive and play.
Sugar Rush Inflatables Park
- Dates: 13–19 July
- Venue: Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
- Time: 10am–2pm
- Cost: R100
Kids can bounce, climb and slide through a giant inflatable playground while parents relax at one of Ballito's favourite outdoor family destinations.
KZN South Coast
Dune to Dirt Obstacle Race
- Venue: T.O. Strand, Leisure Bay
- Date: Saturday, 18 July
- Cost: From R140 (kids), R390 (individuals), R1 200 (teams) at My Active Events
Take on a heart-pounding obstacle course packed with walls, carries, climbs, crawls, and challenges to test every ounce of grit. Race from the coastal dunes into the forest and tackle obstacle after obstacle in a high-energy adventure. 5km. 20 obstacles. And a massive fitness party vibe! Choose your challenge in the timed divisions or experience the untimed Adrenaline Party, where great music, big energy, and a festival atmosphere transform the course into an unforgettable adventure.
Upper Highway
Christmas in July Artisanal Food & Wine Festival
- Venue: The Shed, Westville Country Club
- Date: Friday, 17 July
- Time: 6pm–9pm
- Cost: R190 (members), R220 (non-members) from Quicket
Sample more than 100 wines from leading South African estates while enjoying artisanal cheeses, breads, meats, coffee and sweet treats.
KZN Midlands
Fake News & Banned Books Dinner
- Venue: Rawdons Hotel & Brewery, Nottingham Road
- Date: Thursday, 16 July
- Time: 6pm
- Cost: R350 from Quicket
Enjoy an evening of fascinating stories from antiquarian bookseller James Findlay over a buffet dinner.
Puppies & Pilates
- Venue: uMngeni SPCA, 15 Campbell Road, Howick
- Date: Saturday, 18 July
- Times: 9am & 9.40am (first come, first served)
- Cost: R67 donation to the SPCA
Celebrate Mandela Day by combining fitness with giving back at the uMngeni SPCA's Puppies & Pilates event. Join Pilates coach Lesley Beretta-Page for a relaxing session on the lawn before spending your 67 minutes playing with rescued cats and dogs. Sessions are limited to 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early with your yoga mat.
Indoda Must Smile
- Venue: The Mushroom Farm, Howick
- Date: Sunday, 19 July
- Time: 2.30pm
- Cost: R80
- Information: Email Makhubaloza@gmail.com
A vibrant stage production celebrating Zulu fashion, family and culture featuring Samkelo Gumede, Makhubalo Ikaneng and Mxolisi Ngcobo.
ARTopia
- Dates: Until 19 July
- Venue: Liberty Midlands Mall, Pietermaritzburg
- Cost: Free
Browse an inspiring exhibition of ocean-themed artworks created by local primary school learners while helping schools compete for R45 000 in prizes. You can also vote for your favourite artwork and stand a chance to win a R2 000 Midlands Mall gift card.
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