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Out and About in Durban: Things to do this weekend

Colour runs, Beatles hits, ballet, creative afternoons, coastal adventures and a packed Sunday of races and live music are taking over Durban and KZN this weekend.

Lauren Anthony
Written by
Lauren Anthony
City Expert, Time Out South Africa
October is officially in full swing! From a colour run in Ballito and Beatles classics to ballet, coastal adventures, live music and Sunday races, here’s what’s happening around Durban and KZN this weekend.
Haydon on Unsplash | October is officially in full swing! From a colour run in Ballito and Beatles classics to ballet, coastal adventures, live music and Sunday races, here’s what’s happening around Durban and KZN this weekend.
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October is officially here, and Durban’s events calendar is getting busy.

This weekend you can enjoy a little bit of everything. There’s a colour run, painting, music, historical walks, treasure hunts and more.

Whether you’re looking for a family day out, an active morning, a creative date or something to do after dark, here’s what’s happening around Durban and KZN this weekend.

READ: What's on in Durban this October!

Weekend weather

Friday

  • Min: 19°C
  • Max: 24°C
  • Cloudy

Saturday

  • Min: 21°C
  • Max: 24°C
  • Slight Rain

Sunday

  • Min: 21°C
  • Max: 26°C
  • Cloudy

Durban

The SN Project: Pantomime Tour

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
  • Venue: The Chairman, 146 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Point
  • Time: Doors open at 1pm | Show starts at 4pm
  • Tickets: From R250 on Quicket-SOLD OUT
  • Age restriction: No under 16s
The SN Project brings jazz, neo-soul and African rhythms to The Chairman on Sunday, 11 October, as part of his Pantomime tour.
SpotifyThe SN Project brings jazz, neo-soul and African rhythms to The Chairman on Sunday, 11 October, as part of his Pantomime tour.

Sunday afternoon deserves a better soundtrack.

The SN Project brings his Pantomime tour to The Chairman, weaving together neo-soul, jazz and African rhythms. The set draws from his latest release, Pantomime, and debut album Afrikanization, with songs exploring love, identity and belonging.

Make an afternoon of it: doors open at 1pm, giving you time to settle in before the performance begins at 4 pm. 

MTN8 Final: Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
  • Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
  • Time: 6pm
  • Tickets: Currently marked as sold out on Open Tickets
For those with tickets, a big night awaits: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns contest the sold-out MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October.
PSLFor those with tickets, a big night awaits: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns contest the sold-out MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October.

For those with tickets, Saturday night is sorted. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium for the MTN8 final, with silverware and bragging rights on the line. Wear your club colours and bring your full voice.

Poetry Africa and the World Poetry Slam Championship

  • Date: Friday, 9 October 2026
  • Venue: Durban Playhouse
  • Programme and booking information: Poetry Africa
Durban takes centre stage as Poetry Africa celebrates its 30th edition alongside the World Poetry Slam Championship.
Poetry Africa FestivalDurban takes centre stage as Poetry Africa celebrates its 30th edition alongside the World Poetry Slam Championship.

Big feelings. Sharp words. A world title on the line.

Poetry Africa’s 30th edition reaches its closing day this Friday, with the World Poetry Slam Championship final bringing an international showdown to Durban’s stage. After a week of performances and competition, it all comes down to the power of a voice and the words behind it.

The closing programme also features Water, a staged production developed from Koleka Putuma’s celebrated poem, exploring ownership, belonging and environmental justice. Make room for an evening that gives you plenty to talk about on the way home.

Maskandi Fest Durban

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
  • Venue: People's Park East, Durban
  • Time: 10am–8pm
  • Tickets: Tickets sold at Shoprite, Checkers and USAVE
Khuzani, Umafikizolo and more take the stage at Maskandi Fest Durban in Greyville on Saturday, 10 October.
ComputicketKhuzani, Umafikizolo and more take the stage at Maskandi Fest Durban in Greyville on Saturday, 10 October.

People's Park East is turning up the volume this Saturday.

Khuzani, Umafikizolo, Menzi, Limit Nala and Thandeka Radebe are among the artists on the bill for Maskandi Fest Durban. Expect a full day of live performances, with family activities also on the programme.

General admission and seated options are listed, while bringing a cooler box requires a separate ticket.

The Canvas Social: Sip & Paint

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
  • Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens
  • Time: 12pm
  • Tickets: R300 on Webtickets
Find your inner creative this weekend.
WebticketsFind your inner creative this weekend.

Swap your Saturday afternoon screen time for some paint, fresh air and a little creative therapy.

The Canvas Social is a relaxed paint-and-sip session where you’ll create your own tote bag using paint, supplies and stencils. This edition’s theme is Shades of Brown, with earthy tones inspired by nature.

No artistic experience is required, and refreshments are included.

Off Season

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October, into Sunday, 11 October
  • Venue: Berea Rovers, 73 Jacko Road
  • Time: 4pm–2am
  • Tickets: Via Howler
  • Age restriction: 18+
Durban turns up the bass as Off Season brings local gqom DJs and artists to Berea Rovers on Saturday, 10 October.
Pholas EventsDurban turns up the bass as Off Season brings local gqom DJs and artists to Berea Rovers on Saturday, 10 October.

Get Back 3 – The Reals

  • Dates: Saturday, 10 | Sunday, 11 October
  • Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Northlands Bowling Club
  • Tickets: R180–R220 on Webtickets
Get groovy with this rocking musical festival.
WebticketsGet groovy with this rocking musical festival.

Get ready to twist and shout as Barry Thomson & The Reals bring the music of The Beatles to the stage.

The five-piece will perform an authentic tribute to Liverpool’s Fab Four, covering the songs and sounds that helped define popular music in the 1960s.

CASA World Spine Day 5km Fun Run/Walk

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October
  • Time: 8am
  • Venue: Kings Park Athletics Stadium
  • Tickets: R120 on Webtickets
Get moving for a good cause!
WebticketsGet moving for a good cause!

Get moving for a good cause at this untimed 5km run and walk celebrating World Spine Day.

The event is open to everyone from families to experienced runners, with the first 400 entries receiving a commemorative T-shirt. Proceeds go towards the World Spine Care Africa Clinic in Hoedspruit, which provides spine care to underserved rural communities.

KZNYO Year End Finale

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October
  • Time: 2pm
  • Venue: Rhumbelow Theatre, Northlands Bowling Club
  • Tickets: R100 on Webtickets
Maestro! Don't miss this musical extravaganza.
WebticketsMaestro! Don't miss this musical extravaganza.

Support young KZN musicians at the KZN Youth Orchestra’s final concert of the year.

The one-hour programme includes classical favourites, movie music and South African hits, performed by young musicians from across the province.

eThekwini Township to Township Marathon

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October
  • Time: 5am
  • Venue: 42.2km - Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu | 21.1km - Sasol Garage, Chesterville
  • Race pack collection: 10 October 9am-5pm at Kings Park Athletic Stadium
  • Contact: Sihle - 073 470 9842 | Sipho – 0605066251
  • Tickets: R400 via Webtickets
  • Rewards: T-shirts to the first 1000 entries | Medal to all finishers
It's time to get running, Durban!
WebticketsIt's time to get running, Durban!

 Serious runners can take on the eThekwini Township to Township Marathon this Sunday.

The full marathon starts at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, while the half marathon starts at the Sasol garage in Chesterville. 

#HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October
  • TimeS: Arrival from 7am | Walk starts at 8am | Ends approximately 11am
  • Location: The Amphitheatre, North Beach Promenade, opposite Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel
  • Route: Along the beachfront promenade towards Moses Mabhida Stadium and back
  • Tickets: R100 adults | R50 children aged 4–12 | Under 3s free via PatchSA
  • Information: PatchSA and Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children
Get out your hats and join this walk for children's palliative care in Durban.
AlexeyVladimirGet out your hats and join this walk for children's palliative care in Durban.

 Get your most outrageous hat ready.

The third annual Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk is inviting families, schools, businesses and community groups to take to the beachfront in support of children living with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

The 5km family-friendly walk forms part of the global #HatsOn4CPC campaign, which raises awareness of the importance of children's palliative care.

Expect plenty of colourful headwear, with spot prizes for the most impressive creations. Babies in strollers, young children and well-behaved pets on leads are welcome too.

READ: Liverpool FC’s first Durban store opens at Gateway with Lucas Leiva

KZN South Coast

Take a Moment for You: Creative Painting

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October
  • Time: 10am–12pm
  • Location: 19 Beach Road Restaurant, Amanzimtoti
  • Tickets: R290, all-inclusive via WhatsApp 069 297 8618
  • Age: Adults and ages 12+
Find your inner artist at this Toti event.
Jennie Razumnaya on UnsplashFind your inner artist at this Toti event.

 Need two hours to switch off?

This relaxed painting experience is designed as a chance to slow down, get creative and enjoy a morning away from the everyday hustle.

Choose from four pre-drawn canvas designs, with all painting materials provided. There’s no formal instruction, although individual guidance is available if you need it.

Your ticket also includes a meal, with options ranging from loaded cheese and bacon fries and waffles to chicken pop baskets, toasted sandwiches and focaccia.

Treasure Beach Night Walk

  • Date: Sunday, 11 October
  • Time: 6.30pm
  • Meeting point: Transhaven Seaside Fun, Treasure Beach
  • Distance: Approximately 5km
  • Tickets: R199 adults | R129 children U13 on Quicket
Discover the creatures of the night on the beach.
Shraddha Agrawal on UnsplashDiscover the creatures of the night on the beach.

Durban’s coastline gets a completely different vibe after dark.

This new night-time adventure explores the rocky ledges of Treasure Beach, with the chance to spot marine life including nudibranchs, fish, sea urchins, anemones and, if you’re lucky, an octopus or lionfish.

Bring shoes with good grip, a torch or headlamp and a sense of adventure. Only 30 spots are available.

KZN North Coast

Bloom & Umhlali Colour Run

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October
  • Venue: Umhlali Preparatory School, Ballito
  • Times: Registration at 8.30am | Start at 9.45am
  • Tickets: R150 per person | Family tickets R130pp | Teams of 10 R1 200 | U3s free on Quicket
Rainbow running in Ballito.
John Thomas on UnsplashRainbow running in Ballito.

Ready to run the rainbow?

The Bloom & Umhlali Colour Run is bringing a 5km explosion of colour to Ballito, with participants encouraged to get drenched, have fun and cross the finish line smiling.

There will also be coffee stations and egg-and-bacon rolls for sale. The first 100 entries receive a free T-shirt.

Elemental

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October
  • Venue: The Milkwood Theatre, Danville Park Girls’ High School
  • Times: 11am and 1pm
  • Tickets: R180 on Webtickets
A magical production in Durban North.
WebticketsA magical production in Durban North.

For something a little more magical, Elemental takes audiences on a journey through the natural world using ballet, music and movement.

Inspired by fire, wind, storms and roots, the family-friendly production features dancers of all ages and explores the beauty and power of the elements.

Wheelchair access and front-row seating are available.

READ: Doppio Zero Florida Road

KZN Upper Highway

The Pink Party: Fun Day

  • Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
  • Time: 9am-1pm
  • Venue: BMW Pinetown
  • Tickets: R200 per person via the MySupertechWorld app
Get pink for a good cause this weekend!
Angiola Harry on UnsplashGet pink for a good cause this weekend!

Get your pink on for a feel-good day of fitness, creativity, wellness and community at The Pink Party at BMW Pinetown this Saturday.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month event brings together a packed programme designed to get people moving, learning and having fun, with a fitness session kicking things off before guests can try their hand at ceramic painting.

There will also be an oncologist talk offering an opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, along with screening opportunities for those wanting to prioritise their health. And because a party needs a little competition, expect games and prizes throughout the day.

KZN Midlands and Drakensberg

The Royal Agricultural Show

  • Dates: Wednesday, 7 October to Sunday, 11 October 2026
  • Venue: Tweedie Hall, near Howick
  • Time: 9am–5pm daily
  • Tickets: Adults R90 online/R100 at the gate | Pensioners R70/R80 | Children aged 6–17 R70/R80 |U6 free via Quicket (single entry, no pass outs)
  • Parking: R20 per vehicle
  • More information: www.royalshow.co.za
The Royal Show returns at a new venue.
FacebookThe Royal Show returns at a new venue.

The Royal Agricultural Society's 175th anniversary marks a new chapter for the Royal Show, which moves to Tweedie Hall for five days of agriculture, animals, innovation and family discovery. 

Highlights include championship livestock competitions, the Dormer National Championship, Royal Fat Stock Show, Royal Carcass Competition and Auction, Poultry Expo, Rabbit Show, agricultural research and education, a 4x4 track, sheep-shearing demonstrations, food and refreshments.

There will also be the Royal Pavilion, showcasing premium South African products in a farm-to-table setting, and The Bull Pen, focusing on outdoor adventure, off-road power and rugged capability.

TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS:

📍 The best things to do in Durban
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📢 Latest news from Durban

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