Thando Dlalisa

Some meals satisfy your appetite. Others become stories you tell long after the last plate has been cleared. Settebello's La Ciccia: The Butcher's Table is firmly in the latter category. Returning for its third year, this monthly nine-course Italian feast celebrates the country's deep-rooted meat traditions through generous sharing plates, excellent wines and an atmosphere that turns complete strangers into dinner companions. The Vibe Hosted around one long communal table, the experience immediately feels different from a traditional restaurant visit. Instead of sitting at your own isolated table, guests share dishes, stories, wine and conversation with fellow diners.   And that's exactly the point.  It feels less like dining out and more like being invited to an elaborate Italian family gathering. The result was a dining experience that felt immersive, social and deeply enjoyable.  Yes, the food was excellent. Yes, the nine-course menu delivered on flavour, craftsmanship and generosity. But what made La Ciccia special was its ability to create connection.     What elevated the evening from an excellent dinner to a truly unforgettable experience, however, was something entirely unexpected. As diners worked their way through the nine courses, the opening match of the World Cup played on screens throughout the restaurant. What began as a casual shared viewing experience soon evolved into one of those rare moments that can't be manufactured.    At one point during the evening, a

Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this Father's Day weekend, 20–21 June 2026? We've rounded up some of the best events, experiences and family-friendly outings happening across the city.  Father's Day is around the corner, and while Dad may insist he "doesn't want anything", we all know that's not entirely true.  Sure, you could buy him another pair of socks, a novelty mug or a braai apron he'll use once and forget about. Or you could spend some quality time together and create a memory that lasts a little longer.  Whether the father figure in your life is a petrolhead, music lover, foodie, outdoor adventurer or simply enjoys a good day out with the family, Johannesburg has plenty of ways to celebrate.  Here's where to head this Father's Day weekend.  Johannesburg North  The Dad Run  Saturday, 20 June | 7:30am  Location: Prison Break Market, Glenferness  Cost: R150–R270  If Dad prefers trail shoes to slippers, The Dad Run is a great way to kick off Father's Day weekend. Participants can choose between 5km, 10km and 15km routes, making it suitable for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned runners.  There's even a Father & Child Team Prize up for grabs, while post-run coffee, breakfast and market vibes await at the finish line.  kzenonFamily jogging for sport outdoors Father's Day Vintage Cars & Motorcycle Showcase  Sunday, 21 June | 9am–2pm  Location: Prison Break Market, Glenferness  Cost: Free  This might just be the most dad-coded event in Johannesburg this

There are few places in South Africa where history feels as alive as it does on Vilakazi Street.    On Tuesday, June 16, thousands of people made their way to Soweto as the country marked the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising. From schoolchildren on educational tours and international tourists to families, entrepreneurs, artists, and struggle veterans, the famous street was filled with people honouring the past while celebrating the present.  The commemorations formed part of the fourth day of Jozi My Jozi's 76 Hours in Soweto programme, a four-day, community-led initiative held under the theme "Honouring the Past, Building the Future."  While the significance of the occasion was impossible to ignore, what stood out most was the atmosphere.  Vilakazi Street wasn't simply hosting a commemoration. It was alive.  Street musicians filled the air with music. Vintage cars attracted admirers eager to take photographs. Local entrepreneurs traded from market stalls showcasing everything from fashion and crafts to food and artwork.   Street dancers entertained visitors while tour groups moved steadily between Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.  Every few metres, there was something new to discover.  One of the day's most significant moments took place around midday, when participants joined a commemorative walking tour led by 1976 struggle veteran Seth Mazibuko.  Tracing the route of the original student march from Morris Isaacson High School, the symbolic walk f

Youth Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which means many of us are already mentally checked out and planning how to make the most of the public holiday.  As South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, there are plenty of opportunities to reflect, celebrate and connect with the city. Whether you're looking to join a commemorative walk in Soweto, cycle through historic streets, laugh the night away with Celeste Ntuli or simply enjoy a beer and live music in support of elephant conservation, there's no shortage of things to do.  Here's what's happening around Johannesburg this Youth Day.  Soweto  76 Hours in Soweto Tuesday, 16 June | Various times  Location: Soweto  As part of the four-day 76 Hours in Soweto programme, Youth Day visitors can take part in the symbolic "Finish What Was Started" commemorative walk before heading to the Vilakazi Street Experience, where local restaurants, artists, entrepreneurs and performers come together in celebration of Soweto's culture and heritage.  SuppliedJune 16 commemorative walk Homies & Girlies Youth Day Ride  Tuesday, 16 June | 9:30am  Location: Thesis Lifestyle, Orlando  If your idea of a public holiday includes fresh air and good company, this beginner-friendly cycling event takes riders through the historic streets of Soweto while reflecting on the significance of Youth Day. Expect community, movement and a post-ride braai.  Oleg Elagin (okyela)Welcome to Soweto road sign at the entrance of Soweto Youth Day Sportin

There are concerts where people come to discover new music.  Then there are concerts where people arrive already knowing every word.  Singer Ali Campbell's two-night stop in Pretoria this weekend was firmly the latter.  Following overwhelming demand from South African fans, the British reggae-pop icon took to the stage at SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino on both Saturday, 6 June and Sunday, 7 June 2026, after the original show sold out and a second performance was added.  And judging by the crowd response, the decision was more than justified.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Johannesburg (@timeout.johannesburg) From the moment Campbell walked onto the stage, it was clear that this wasn't simply a concert. It was a nostalgic celebration shared by generations of fans who have spent decades listening to his unmistakable blend of reggae, pop, and feel-good classics.  One concertgoer summed up the experience perfectly.  "It was wonderful. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The hour and a half flew by just like that," they said.  For many in attendance, one of the evening's highlights was seeing Campbell return to the stage. While time may have passed since his chart-dominating years, his voice remains remarkably familiar.  "Ali Campbell looked old, but his voice hasn't changed a bit. We were not disappointed," the fan added.  And that seemed to be the overwhelming sentiment throughout the arena.  What makes the music endure isn't just

Let's be honest. Most of us don't associate blood donation with good music, great food, coffee, dancing and a room full of people having the time of their lives.  But that's exactly what happened at Artistry JHB this weekend. Artistry JHB transformed into one of the city's most unexpectedly feel-good gatherings.  In partnership with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), musician, entrepreneur and all-round community builder J'Something hosted the inaugural One Day x SANBS Community Blood Drive. a purpose-driven gathering that successfully transformed an act of service into one of the most wholesome events on Johannesburg's social calendar.  Part blood drive, part day party, part community gathering, the event brought together music lovers, creatives, first-time donors and regular donors for a Saturday afternoon that felt surprisingly familiar - centred around community, connection and impact.  What could easily have felt like a clinical public health campaign instead felt more like a thoughtfully curated day party with purpose.  In fact, the atmosphere reminded me a little of Mike O'Leary's Cleaning Sundays. There was great music, good food, excellent coffee, beautiful views and a crowd of people who had come together simply because they wanted to be there.   Thando DlalisaEven while donating blood, guests remained connected to the event. The only difference? People were also saving lives.  Perhaps the most impressive part was how seamlessly the experience had b

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 50 years since the Soweto Uprising. And to mark the historic event, Jozi My Jozi, a movement dedicated to inspiring and uniting Johannesburg residents around a shared sense of pride in the city, will present 76 Hours in Soweto from 13–16 June 2026.  The four-day programme aims to honour the legacy of June 16, while creating meaningful opportunities for local communities, entrepreneurs and tourism operators.   Taking place across multiple venues in Soweto, the initiative combines heritage, culture, education, tourism, and youth development under the theme.   ICYMI: Legends unite to honour the youth of 1976 through music "Honouring the Past, Building the Future”  The programme is set to come alive with youth-focused cultural activities designed to connect visitors more deeply with Soweto's historic heritage and future.  Highlights include community film screenings and dialogues on 13 June, a youth-focused creative market on 14 June, a career expo and intergenerational discussion sessions on 15 June, and the June 16 commemorative programme on Youth Day itself.  The final day will begin with the symbolic "Finish What Was Started" walk, tracing the route taken by students during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, before moving to the Vilakazi Street Experience, where visitors can enjoy local restaurants, artists, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs.  A key objective of the initiative is to ensure that local communities feel the economic benefits asso

If your idea of a perfect Saturday includes roaring jet engines, gravity-defying aerial displays and getting up close to some of South Africa’s most iconic aircraft, then clear your calendar.  The SA Air Force Museum Air Show returns to the Mobile Deployment Wing in Centurion this Saturday, 6 June 2026, promising a full day of aviation excitement for enthusiasts, families and curious first-time visitors alike.  Running from 7am to 6pm, the event will showcase a variety of aircraft, thrilling flying displays and aviation experiences that celebrate the rich history and capabilities of South African aviation.  Whether you're an aviation enthusiast who can identify an aircraft by the sound of its engine or simply looking for a unique day out in Gauteng, the air show offers a rare opportunity to experience military aviation up close.  Getting there is also easier than ever. Gautrain has partnered with the event to provide complimentary midibus shuttle services between Centurion Gautrain Station and the Mobile Deployment Wing throughout the day. Shuttle services will operate from 7am to 6pm.  Visitors travelling by train can also take advantage of Gautrain's R1 parking promotion, making public transport one of the easiest ways to access the event.  Also read: Gautrain announces its own e-hailing services The partnership follows the much-talked-about Gautrain versus SA Air Force Alouette helicopter race that captured attention earlier this week, adding even more excitement ahead