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While the rest of South Africa is shivering indoors, Durban is proving why it’s the warmest place to be in winter, with visitors enjoying the outdoors and making the most of the sunshine.
And with school holidays now officially underway, KwaZulu-Natal is gearing up for one of its biggest winter tourism seasons yet.
Whether you're looking for world-class sporting events, theatre, comedy, country escapes or wildlife adventures, here's what's happening around Durban and beyond this weekend.
Weekend weather
Expect classic Durban winter conditions this weekend: sunshine, blue skies and comfortably warm afternoons.
Friday
Min: 16°C
Max: 20°C
Sunny
Saturday
Min: 16°C
Max: 19°C
Sunny
Sunday
Min: 15°C
Max: 21°C
Sunny
Durban and Surrounds
Hollywoodbets Durban July
- Saturday, 4 July | Gates open from early morning
- Location: Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse
- Cost: From R280per person and R170 per car at Ticketpro
The biggest day on Durban's social calendar has arrived. Whether you're there for the thoroughbreds, the fashion or simply to people-watch, the Hollywoodbets Durban July remains one of South Africa's most iconic events.
This year's Country Allure theme promises plenty of creative outfits, while a packed race card and live entertainment - including Grammy winner Zakes Bantwini - will keep the celebrations going long after the final race.
READ: Disappointment as Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite is scratched
East Coast Radio House + Garden Show
- Until Sunday, 5 July
- Location: Durban Exhibition Centre
- Cost: R110 per adult | R70 per student or pensioner at Quicket
From dreamy kitchens and designer gardens to artisan food, wellness products and live entertainment, this year's House + Garden Show is perfect for anyone looking for fresh inspiration. It's also one of the best family-friendly outings of the school holidays.
Sister Act: The Musical
- Until Sunday, 5 July
- Location: The Playhouse Company
- Cost: R80 to R120 from Webtickets
The feel-good Broadway favourite arrives in Durban with plenty of laughs, soaring gospel music and uplifting performances. Whether you've seen the movie or not, it's guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Marc Lottering: Ankle Marc
- Saturday, 4 July
- Location: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
- Cost: R220 per person at Webtickets
One of South Africa's funniest comedians returns with an all-new show inspired by an unfortunate moonboot incident. Expect plenty of laugh-out-loud storytelling and classic Marc Lottering observations.
KZN North Coast
Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill
- Starts Saturday, 4 July
- Location: Willard Beach, Ballito
- Cost: Free entry
The world's best surfers return to Ballito for two weeks of incredible action. Even if you don't know a barrel from a bottom turn, the beach festival atmosphere, live music, food stalls and ocean views make this one of winter's best day trips.
SEE: Hang 10 or just hang out! The Ballito Pro returns on a ‘Wave of Unity’
KZN South Coast
Shelly Beach Tuna Bonanza
- Friday, 4 & Saturday, 5 July
- Location: Shelly Beach
- Cost: Free for spectators
The annual Shelly Beach Tuna Bonanza returns this weekend, bringing together anglers of all ages during one of the South Coast's best fishing seasons. Timed to coincide with the famous Sardine Run, the competition offers outstanding opportunities to reel in tuna and other prized gamefish while showcasing why this stretch of coastline is regarded as one of South Africa's premier fishing destinations.
Even if you're not an angler, it's well worth heading down to soak up the atmosphere, watch the boats return with their catches and experience the excitement as competitors weigh in throughout the weekend.
KZN Upper Highway
1000 Hills Farmers Market
- Sunday, 5 July | 9am–1pm
- Location: Vuleka Centre, 142 Old Main Road, Botha's Hill
- Cost: Free entry
There's something about a country market on a crisp winter morning, and the 1000 Hills Farmers Market delivers exactly that. Wander between stalls filled with fresh seasonal produce, artisan breads, homemade treats, handcrafted gifts and locally made soaps, all while live musicians provide the soundtrack.
SEE: The best winter events happening in and around Durban
KZN Midlands & Drakensberg
Ashburton Aloe Festival
- Saturday, 4 & Sunday, 5 July
- Location: Multiple venues across the Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy, including Galago Farm and Rocky Wonder Aloe Nursery
- Cost: R50 per adult | R20 per child (children U6 free) at Quicket
One of the KZN Midlands' most-loved winter traditions is celebrating a major milestone this year, with the 20th Ashburton Aloe Festival in full bloom. Follow a self-guided route through four beautiful countryside venues where you'll discover spectacular aloe displays, indigenous plant sales, guided nature walks, conservation talks, bee-keeping presentations, family-friendly activities and special nursery discounts throughout the weekend.
IMPI Hard Enduro (Final Day)
- Saturday, 4 July
- Location: Northern Drakensberg (Bergville/mNweni area)
- Cost: Free for spectators
If you love motorsport with a serious dose of adrenaline, today is your last chance to catch the 2026 IMPI Hard Enduro, officially the world's biggest Hard Enduro event. More than 1,200 riders, including 30 international competitors and South Africa's top off-road stars, have spent the past three days battling brutal mountain terrain, from towering rock faces and river crossings to steep climbs and endless boulder fields.
Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day out in one of KwaZulu-Natal's most spectacular landscapes, this is an event unlike any other.
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