Joburg weekend plans: Theatre, laughs and winter adventures

Wondering what to do in Joburg this weekend? After a wet and icy start to the week, the weather is expected to settle into sunnier, drier conditions from Friday, giving you plenty of reason to get out and make something of the weekend.

From a cult theatre classic and stand-up comedy to padel brunches, live jazz and a Sunday afternoon concert, here are eight things worth putting on your calendar.

Catch The Rocky Horror Show before it closes

If you like your theatre with a generous helping of chaos, sequins and audience participation, this one’s for you.

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is heading into its final weekend at Montecasino, with Craig Urbani starring as the unforgettable Dr Frank-N-Furter. Participation packs are available, so you can fully embrace the Time Warp rather than simply watching from your seat.

• Dates: 14 to 16 August
• Location: Montecasino
• Cost: From R200
• Tickets: Webtickets

Step into a world of wonder

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Worlds Away combines aerial performances, gravity-defying acrobatics and theatrical storytelling in a fantastical production at The Cirk in Cresta. The story follows a young star through enchanted lands, turbulent seas and magical kingdoms in search of belonging.

• Dates: 14 to 16 August
• Location: The Cirk, Cresta
• Cost: From R200
• Tickets: Koid

Laugh with Richelieu Beaunoir

Saturday night could use some laughs. Comedian Richelieu Beaunoir brings UNSCRIPTED to Sandton for an evening built around sharp humour, storytelling and plenty of room for the unexpected. The show starts at 8pm, making it an easy pick for a Saturday night out.

• Date: 15 August
• Location: Hotel Sky, Sandton
• Cost: R180
• Tickets: Quicket

Make Saturday a brunch-and-padel day

Swap the usual Saturday brunch for something a little more active. Courtside Brunch combines a game of padel with a curated brunch, mimosas and a chance to meet new people at Houghton Golf Club, including a goodie bag to see you through before settling in for brunch.

• Date: 15 August
• Location: Houghton Golf Club
• Times: 11am to 3pm
• Cost: R600
• Bookings: Courtside Brunch

Spend Friday night with Skhumba

If your ideal Friday involves laughing until your cheeks hurt, Skhumba is taking over the Barney Simon Theatre. The comedian brings his trademark observations and South African humour to The Market Theatre for a 7pm show.

• Date: 14 August
• Location: Market Theatre, Newtown
• Cost: R250

Get your comedy fix at Emperors Palace

One comedy night not enough? Riaad Moosa hosts The Best Medicine Comedy Show at the Theatre of Marcellus, bringing together some of South Africa’s established comedians alongside emerging talent. The show starts at 8.30pm.

• Date: 15 August
• Location: Emperors Palace
• Cost: From R200
• Tickets: Blu Blood

Hear the Odeion String Quartet

End the weekend on a slightly more cultured note. The acclaimed Odeion String Quartet performs at the historic Northwards House from 3pm, with a programme featuring Beethoven’s Razumovsky Quartet No. 2, Arthur Feder’s The Tides Of… and a newly commissioned work by South African composer Motshane Pege.

• Date: 16 August
• Location: Northwards House, Parktown
• Times: From 3pm
• Cost: From R225

Join the sea of pink on Sunday

Sunday morning belongs to the runners. The Totalsports Women’s Race returns to Joburg with 5km and 10km routes starting at Marks Park the 10km at 8am, followed by the 5km at 8.30am. The event celebrates Women’s Month with thousands of runners and walkers taking part, followed by post-race entertainment.

• Date: 16 August
• Location: Marks Park, Emmarentia
• Times: 10km at 8am | 5km at 8.30am
• Cost: From R120

So, whether you’re dressing up for the theatre, meeting friends for brunch or easing into Sunday with some live music, make a plan and get out there. Joburg is waiting