Spring is in the air and beautiful sunny days are here! As we shrug off the cold of winter, events are exploding on the province’s calendar, celebrating the turn of the season with fun and thrilling experiences.
Here are some Gauteng events to look out for this October ...
2019 South African Derby: 2 to 6 October
Grab your hat and best outfit and head to the South African Derby at Kyalami Park, the country’s premier equestrian event. Showcasing dressage and showing disciplines events, the highlight of the week is on the final day of the competition when the 1 000m race that takes place over 18 thrilling obstacles.
Aside from the exciting competition on the field, come prepared to vie for the best-dressed prize!
Where: Kyalami Park, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami, Johannesburg.
Cost: Entry is free from 2 to 5 October. On the final day, 6 October, tickets are priced from R300.
TOPS at SPAR Wine Show Pretoria: 3 to 5 October
Who said you need to visit the Cape Winelands to sample some of the best wine in the country? This is your chance to taste over 200 wines and learn about some of South Africa’s, and the world’s, most famous wines and varietals. The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show is a true wine lover’s dream!
Where: Menlyn Park, Pretoria.
Cost: Tickets are priced from R185 to R385 per person.
Joburg Cheese & Wine Festival: 6 October
There are few better ways to celebrate spring than with a glass of wine in one hand and a cheese platter in the other while strolling through an outdoor market of artisanal goodies. At the Joburg Cheese & Wine Festival you can sample great wine, gin, cider, beer and other drinks, alongside all things cheese as live music provides the atmosphere.
Where: Sylvia’s Market, 59 Frederick Street, Observatory, Johannesburg.
Cost: Tickets are priced at R40 per adult and R10 for children under the age of 18.
The Dire Straits Experience: 15 October
Calling all Dire Straits fans! Do you want to dance and sing along to some of their favourite songs, including Money for Nothing, Sultans of Swing, Walk of Life and more? Veteran Dire Straits members Chris White and Chris Whitten are headed to our shores for a one-night only performance!
Where: Sun Arena Time Square, 209 Aramist Avenue, Pretoria
Cost: Tickets are priced from R225.
Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon: 20 October
Get out and get active for a good cause at the 14th annual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon. The 5km and 8km walkathon event raises awareness for breast cancer and attracts about 30 000 participants each year. Enter today as the first 19 000 entrants will receive a complimentary T-shirt!
Where: Marks Park, Judith Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Cost: Entries are priced at R175 for adults and R115 for kids under 12.
Johannesburg International Flower Show: 30 October to 3 November
Everyone needs to take some time to smell the flowers, and at the Johannesburg International Flower Show you literally can! Be inspired by beautifully designed gardens and see the latest landscaping trends. Delicious food and drinks will also be on offer.
Where: Waterfall City, Mall of Africa, Johannesburg
Cost: Tickets are priced between R75 and R195 per person.