Out and About in Durban: Things to do this Weekend

Another epic weekend is planned for Durban, from the tartan takeover of Fort Nottingham to coastal fun for MPA Day.

There’s also great theatre, South Africa’s best comedy, classic motor shows and – as ever – competitive racing events to participate in – with Women’s Month firmly in the focus!

If you're wondering what to do this weekend, we've got you covered.

Here's our pick of the best events taking place from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August.

Weekend weather

Friday

• Min: 15°C
• Max: 20°C
• Slight rain

Saturday

• Min: 16°C
• Max: 19°C
• Slight rain

Sunday

• Min: 16°C
• Max: 20°C
• Mostly clear

Durban

Joseph Clark – The Music of Queen

• Date: Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August
• Venue: Playhouse Opera Theatre, Durban
• Cost: R250 – R300
• Tickets: Webtickets

Queen fans are in for a treat as Joseph Clark returns with his acclaimed tribute concert featuring iconic hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, Under Pressure and Another One Bites the Dust. Joined by local choirs and soprano Lizzy Phisane, this promises to be one of Durban's biggest musical highlights this weekend.

Conrad Koch's Chester's Got Talent

• Date: Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August
• Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Durban North
• Cost: R180 – R220
• Tickets: Webtickets

Internationally acclaimed ventriloquist Conrad Koch brings Chester Missing and his hilarious puppet crew back to Durban. Expect outrageous comedy, audience participation and a talent competition where you decide the winner.

 

13^th Durban Dance Movement Festival

• Date: Friday, 31 July
• Venue: iZulu Theatre, Sibaya
• Cost: R140
• Tickets: Webtickets

From hip hop and ballet to Bollywood, amapiano and contemporary dance, the Durban Dance Movement Festival showcases some of KZN’s finest dance talent in one spectacular production. This is a space where diverse cultures unify through dance!

Totalsports Women's Race

• Date: Sunday, 2 August
• Venue: Suncoast Casino & Durban Promenade
• Cost: Sold Out (spectators welcome)
• More information: totalsportswomensrace.co.za/durban-event/

One of South Africa's biggest Women's Month events returns to Durban, with thousands of runners taking to the Golden Mile. While entries have officially sold out, spectators are encouraged to line the route and soak up the incredible atmosphere before enjoying a live performance by Busiswa at the finish. The race also raises awareness and funds for PinkDrive, supporting breast cancer education and screening.

KZN Upper Highway

Westown Square Night Market

• Date: Friday, 31 July
• Time: 4pm – 10pm
• Venue: Westown Square, Shongweni
• Cost: Free
• More Information: westownsquare.co.za

Browse local artisan stalls, fashion, handmade gifts and gourmet food while enjoying live music in one of Durban's newest lifestyle destinations. Restaurants and shops stay open late, making it an ideal Friday evening outing.

Shongweni Motor Show

• Date: Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August
• Venue: View Top Farm, Hillcrest
• Cost: Adults R60 | Children R20
• Tickets: Howler
• More Information: shongwenimotorshow.co.za

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Shongweni Motor Show features classic cars, motorcycles, helicopters, boats, 4x4 displays, helicopter flips, live entertainment, food stalls and family activities.

KZN South Coast

Aliwal Shoal MPA Day

• Date: Saturday, 1 August
• Venue: Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area
• Cost: Many activities are free; scuba diving and snorkelling excursions charged separately by participating operators.
• Contact: Wild Alliance Africa - claire.ht431@gmail.com
• Information: MPADay.org

Celebrate Marine Protected Area Day with guided beach walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, citizen science activities, conservation talks and screenings of the Mission Blue documentary featuring ocean legend Dr Sylvia Earle.

KZN North Coast

New: Smash 'n Slice at Surf Riders Cabanas

• Date: Now open
• Venue: Surf Riders Cabanas, 10 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Promenade
• Bookings: Walk-ins welcome

A tasty new addition has landed on the Umhlanga Promenade!

Surf Riders Cabanas has launched Smash 'n Slice, a new takeaway spot serving up juicy smash burgers, New York-style pizza by the slice, freshly brewed coffee, ice creams and a range of refreshing drinks. Perfect for grabbing a quick bite before or after a stroll along the promenade, the new eatery also caters for four-legged visitors with a dedicated Woof Menu and complimentary Puppy Cup of milk and cream. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking for a dog-friendly stop, Smash 'n Slice is worth adding to your weekend plans.

Sodwana Bay MPA Day

• Date: Saturday, 1 August
• Venue: Sodwana Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Cost: Many activities are free; selected activities may have operator fees.
• Contact: Adventure Mania - info@adventuremania.co.za | Maputaland Hope Spot- thongatrails@gmail.com 
• Information: MPADay.org

Join Adventure Mania and conservation partners for a beach fun run, clean-up, marine education activities and family-friendly celebrations highlighting one of South Africa's most spectacular Marine Protected Areas.

KZNA Cross Country Championships

• Date: Saturday, 1 August
• Venue: Grantleigh School, KwaMbonambi
• Cost: From R80 (Phase Two entries)
• Tickets/Entries: Webtickets

KwaZulu-Natal's top cross-country runners compete for provincial honours across age categories from U8 to Masters in this year's provincial championships.

KZN Midlands and Drakensberg

Music on the River

• Date: Saturday, 1 August
• Time: Gates open 12pm
• Venue: Hebron Haven Hotel, Dargle
• Cost: From R100
• Tickets: Quicket

Pack a picnic blanket and spend the afternoon beside the Umgeni River while enjoying live performances by Calling Kaine, Tyran Roy, Kellen Crystin and The Occasionals. Food stalls and a beer garden complete the relaxed Midlands atmosphere.

Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering

• Date: Saturday, 1 August
• Time: 8am – 5pm
• Venue: Fort Nottingham Museum
• Cost: From R80
• Tickets: Quicket

Celebrate 170 years of Fort Nottingham with traditional Highland games, pipe bands, caber tossing, medieval sword fighting, whisky tastings, artisan markets and plenty of family entertainment.

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