Planning to be in or around Durban this year? Or maybe you’re looking for a reason to visit KwaZulu-Natal? Before the year flies past, add these fun events happening over the next few months in KwaZulu-Natal to your calendar:
11 January-28 March: Oyster Box Dinner and Movie
A fun and luxurious way to enjoy a movie night is with the Oyster Box Hotel private cinema and dining experience. Your ticket includes a seat in the luxury cinema, a delicious meal and a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Dinner and movie nights happen on the first and last Friday nights of each month, from 11 January to 28 March.
19-20 January: Euro Steel Drak Descent
Calling all adrenalin junkies! Whether you want to take on the difficult downhill mountain bike challenge yourself, or simply have your breath taken away by the speed and bravery of the entrants, the Euro Steel Drak Descent is a major event in the beautiful Underberg area.
If cycling isn’t your forte, you can also participate in the GWK Run the Rivers Trail Run, with distances ranging from 10km to 25km.
19 January: FNB Drak Music Experience
As part of the weekend’s adventure activities (Euro Steel Drak Descent, N3TC Drak Challenge), some much-needed rest and relaxation will be provided. Join top local musicians The Parlotones, Rubber DUC, Majozi and Hayden Rattray for an evening of music and fun.
9-10 February: Aquelle Midmar Mile
The annual Midmar Mile event is the world’s largest open swimming event, drawing thousands of competitors each year, from school swimming teams to Olympic medallists.
The event is held at the Midmar Dam, just north of Pietermaritzburg. Entries to the event are still open so if you can hold your own in the water, don’t forget to sign up for this major event.
14-16 February: FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is an epic race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, on the Msundusi River.
The mammoth race covers approximately 120km and attracts between 1 600 and 2 000 entrants each year. The event itself is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced paddlers, but is a lot of fun to enjoy as a spectator.
14 February: Beatenberg and The World of Birds
To launch their new album 12 Views of Beatenberg, the popular local musicians are embarking on a nationwide tour at select, intimate venues. With only 200 spots available don’t miss this musical experience with supporting act The World of Birds, which plays at The Chairman, 146 Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Durban, on Valentine’s Day.
14 February-7 March: KZN Philharmonic 2019 Summer Season
If you’re a lover of classical music the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Summer Season, consisting of four concerts between 14 February and 7 March, is not to be missed. Consisting of 70 full-time musicians from more than 20 countries, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the premier orchestras in Africa.
Summer season shows will be held at the Durban City Hall on 14 February, 21 February, 28 February and 7 March.
21 March: Sishaya Ingoma
Sishaya Ingoma is a Zulu dance competition hosted by the Playhouse Company in Durban. Here you’ll see a spectacle like no other, showcasing diverse Zulu styles on one eventful evening.
6-9 June: Comrades Marathon Expo and race
Known as the ultimate human race, the Comrades Marathon sees 25 000 runners take to the road between Pietermaritzburg and Durban to complete a 90km race. From 6 to 8 June, visit the Comrades Marathon Expo if you are looking to for great deals on activewear or endurance consumables, or simply if you want to join the atmosphere.
This year’s race is an “up” run, starting in Durban. Be sure to support the runners on the road as they attempt their massive trek.
3-4 August: The Wedding Expo Durban
Are you or someone you know getting married soon? Then The Wedding Expo is the place to go for great deals and inspiration for the special day. What’s more, by attending you are also in line to win an all-expenses-paid wedding!