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August arrives in Durban with a calendar bursting at the seams.
As ever, there is no shortage of races and outdoor action to enjoy – but that’s not all Durban is about. You can also look forward to one of KZN’s biggest theatrical festivals in the heart of the Midlands, celebrate the ocean with MPA activities, or spend the weekend admiring classic cars.
The weather is good, which means it’s time to get out!
Here's what's happening around Durban and KwaZulu-Natal this August.
Durban
Totalsports Women's Race Durban
- Date: Sunday, 2 August
- Location: Suncoast Casino, Snell Parade
- Cost: Sold Out (spectators welcome)
- Information: Totalsports Women's Race Durban
One of Durban's biggest Women's Month celebrations returns as thousands of runners tackle the scenic beachfront route from Suncoast Casino. The race is known for its incredible atmosphere, fast course and community spirit, with Busiswa performing live after the event. The race also raises awareness for PinkDrive, supporting breast cancer education and screening.
READ: Thousands heading to Durban for Totalsports Women's Race
ILCA KZN Regional Championships
- Date: Saturday, 8 – Monday, 10 August
- Location: Point Yacht Club, Durban Harbour
- Cost: Spectators free
- Information: pyc.co.za
Durban's winter sailing season continues as some of South Africa's top ILCA sailors head offshore for the KwaZulu-Natal Regional Championships. Expect spectacular racing featuring rising stars like Daniela Cantarelli alongside seasoned national champions battling it out on Durban's famous winter waters.
Durban Dash
- Date: Saturday, 15 August | 7am
- Location: Park Square, Umhlanga
- Cost: 10km R220 | 5km R120 through Racepass
Whether you're chasing a personal best or enjoying a social morning run, this feel-good race welcomes everyone. Both the 5km and 10km routes are chip timed, every finisher receives a medal, and participants can even test the latest Saucony running shoes.
Walk in the Wild 5km Fun Walk
- Date: Sunday, 30 August
- Location: Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Yellowwood Park
- Entry: Via MyActive
- Information: CROW on Facebook
Swap the city streets for forest trails at CROW's annual Walk in the Wild fundraiser. This relaxed 5km walk winds through Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve while raising funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of injured wildlife across KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN Upper Highway
Shongweni Motor Show
- Dates: Friday, 31 July – Sunday, 2 August
- Location: View Top Farm, Nu Golf Range, Hillcrest
- Cost: R60 per adult | R20 per kid at Howler
- Information: shongwenimotorshow.co.za
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Shongweni Motor Show has become one of KwaZulu-Natal's biggest motoring events. Browse everything from classic cars and motorcycles to helicopters, boats and 4x4 displays while enjoying live music, food stalls, beer gardens, helicopter rides and family entertainment.
READ: Rev your engines! The Shongweni Motor Show is back for its 10th anniversary
KZN Midlands & Drakensberg
Music on the River
- Date: Saturday, 1 August | Gates open 12pm
- Location: Hebron Haven Hotel, Dargle
- Cost: From R100 via Quicket
Few experiences can rival the Umgeni River flowing past your picnic blanket while local musicians perform original South African music. Music on the River combines riverside relaxation, food stalls, a beer garden and an outstanding line-up featuring Calling Kaine, Tyran Roy, Kellen Crystin and The Occasionals.
READ: Music on the River returns to the KZN Midlands for a magical day of live music
Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering
- Date: Saturday, 1 August | 8am – 5pm
- Location: Fort Nottingham Museum & Surrounds
- Cost: From R80 via Quicket
Celebrate 170 years of Fort Nottingham with one of KwaZulu-Natal's most colourful heritage events. Expect caber tossing, pipe bands, Highland dancing, whisky tastings, medieval sword-fighting demonstrations, artisan markets, food stalls and plenty of family entertainment throughout the day.
READ: Meet Durban’s female swords(wo)man, bringing medieval back to the modern day
Hilton Arts Festival
- Date: Friday, 7 – Sunday, 9 August
- Location: Hilton College
- Tickets: Webtickets
KwaZulu-Natal's premier arts festival returns with its biggest programme yet. Alongside acclaimed theatre, comedy and live music, visitors can explore the inaugural KZN Art Fair, the all-new Just Geekin' pop culture zone, more than 100 craft stalls, family entertainment, film screenings and workshops.
Time Out Tip: Buy performance tickets early as many headline productions traditionally sell out well before festival weekend.
READ: Hilton Arts Festival adds KZN Art Fair and Geek Zone to biggest programme yet
Umko Adventure MTB & Trail
- Date: Saturday, 15 – Sunday, 16 August
- Location: Umkomaas Valley, Richmond
- Cost: MTB R3 800 | Trail Run R2 500 via MyActive
- Information: umkoadventure.co.za | Umko Adventure on Facebook
Mountain bikers and trail runners can experience one of KwaZulu-Natal's most scenic adventure weekends. With spectacular trails, warm country hospitality and breathtaking valley views, it's a memorable getaway whether you're racing or simply soaking up the outdoors.
KZN South Coast
Aliwal Shoal MPA Day
- Date: Saturday, 1 August
- Location: Aliwal Shoal and South Coast MPAs
- Contact: Wild Alliance Africa - ht431@gmail.com
- Information: MPA.org for a full list of activities
Celebrate Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day with a 33km beach walk along the length of Aliwal Shoal MPA, guided scuba diving and snorkelling excursions, screening of the Mission Blue documentary featuring a special message from Dr Sylvia Earle, and citizen science rocky shore exploration with Wild Alliance Africa Ocean Leadership interns.
KZN North Coast
Sodwana Bay MPA Day
- Date: Saturday, 1 August
- Location: Sodwana Bay, iSimangaliso
- Contact: Adventure Mania (info@adventuremania.co.za) | Maputaland Hope Spot (thongatrails@gmail.com)
- Information: MPA.org for a full list of activities
MPA Day activities continue on the KZN North Coast with a fun run and walk along the beach, a beach clean-up, and message in a bottle activities.
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