Events: What’s on in Durban

One of summer’s hottest festivals is making its return to Durban this November!

On 28 November, Suncoast Lawns will transform into the ultimate jol as the Corona Sunsets Summer Tour brings together good vibes, great music and the perfect way to ease into Dezemba.

Under the theme of “The Journey of KZN Afro Jazz Maestros”, the 2026 KZN International Jazz Festival celebrates the rhythmic and spiritual evolution of jazz and KwaZulu-Natal’s Afro-jazz heritage.

The festival honours legends from Bheki Mseleku to Dr Nduduzo Makhathini from 4 to 6 December at The Playhouse Company. 

Forget elf on the shelf! This December, the Young Performers Project (YPP) is bringing ELF The Musical Jr to Durban, inviting audiences to step into the magical world of Buddy the Elf.

Join Buddy on his journey to find his family, from 4 to 20 December, at the Playhouse Drama Theatre.

With 10 years of comedy under his belt, Kevin Fraser is celebrating a decade of storytelling, South African culture and nostalgia.

On 5 December, The PlayTsogo Globe at Suncoast will transform into a time capsule of the past decade, taking audience members on a nostalgic journey through Kevin’s comedic success. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm.

Sean Paul is coming to Durban this December (cue: Sean de Paul!). The Jamaican star will be perfoming at the Durban ICC on 6 December, and with iconic hits including Temperature, Get Busy and We Be Burnin’, you know you’re in for an unfortgettable night 2000s nostalgia. 

Time Out Insider: Festive season means keeping an eye on those budgets, so part-payment options are available through Blu Blood Tickets.

Need a prescription for laughter and a serious dose of fun? You’re in luck!

Dr Riaad Moosa is bringing The Best Medicine to Suncoast Casino on Saturday, 12 December.

This feel-good comedy show delivers a healthy mix of relatable stories, well-known comedians and plenty of side effects, including sore cheeks and an uncontrollable urge to laugh.

Durban's largest pop culture event, The Big Bang Infinity Convention, is coming to the playTSOGO Globe from 18 to 20 December, bringing together the best of cosplay, gaming, collectibles, and all things pop culture.

Whether you’re a passionate collector, a gamer, or just looking for an eventful family day out, there’s something for everyone. Expect live entertainment, food, music, card-trading tournaments and more.

Bigger, better, and brighter than ever! That’s the promise of the Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights, returning from 9 December to 2 January.

Visitors can look forward to enchanting evenings as the gardens come alive with dazzling light displays, live entertainment, festive treats, and picture-perfect backdrops ideal for family photos.

With an all-star local cast, directed by Bryan Hiles and featuring choreography by Evashnee Pillay, everyone’s favourite fairytale, Cinderella, comes to life on the stage of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

Running from this December to 10 January 2027, this enchanting production stars Roshanda Lewis as Cinderella and William Young as the Prince, as they embark on a magical journey in search of true love.

13-time Grammy Award winner John Legend is bringing The Muse Tour to South Africa in 2027, with Durban set to welcome the global superstar on 23 February at the Durban ICC.

Known for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening featuring music from his latest album, Muse, alongside much-loved classics including All of Me, Ordinary People, and Tonight (Best You Ever Had).