Durban presented as host city for South Africa's bid for Olympic Games worth 500 billion rand

Residents of Johannesburg and Pretoria looking for entertainment this coming weekend can choose from numerous options: from air shows and stylish masquerades to live music and musicals featuring ABBA hits. These events are scheduled from Friday, October 30th, to Sunday, November 1st.

G-Force Festival: Ascent into the Sky

Air enthusiasts and families can attend the G-Force Festival at Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria on Saturday, October 31st. The event promises a packed day with aviation demonstrations. Gates open at 8:00 AM, and flights are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This festival is suitable for those who want to replace the usual weekend routine with active outdoor recreation centered around airplanes. Tickets cost 180 R for ages 13 and over, 140 R for pensioners, 100 R for children aged three to twelve, and entry is free for children under two. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketpro.

OFF-WHITE Masquerade: Fashion, Food, and Live Music

If your ideal weekend includes a dress code, fashion exposure, and enjoying good food, the OFF-WHITE Masquerade will take place on Sunday, November 1st, at Pere House. This event combines culinary experiences, fashion shows, and live music, offering a unique way to spend a Sunday.

Chef K will lead the culinary segment, while Malwandle's House will present the fashion element. Performances by The Blk Skies Project and Friends are also scheduled. This is a great choice for those who want an excuse to dress up while enjoying a combination of creative talent and entertainment. The event starts at 12:00 PM at Pere House.

Stogie T Presents Simphiwe Dana: An Evening of Music and Stories

Music lovers should pay attention to the special joint performance by South African rapper Stogie T and Afro-soul award winner Simphiwe Dana on Friday, October 30th. The concert will be held at Thirteen in Braamfontein and will merge two different musical styles: hip-hop lyricism and Dana's soulful sound.

The evening will feature individual performances, followed by the duo performing together, reinterpreting songs and sharing the stories behind the music. Dana is known for compositions such as 'Zandisile' and has received numerous South African music awards for her unique blend of afro-soul and jazz. The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM at Thirteen, located at 10 De Beer Street, Braamfontein. Doors open at 6:00 PM, tickets start from 300 R, and the event is age-restricted (no attendees under 18 years old).

Ultimate R&B Experience Tour: Brian McKnight, All-4-One, and SWV

For fans of classic R&B love songs, Pretoria offers the grand Ultimate R&B Experience tour. American R&B stars Brian McKnight, All-4-One, and SWV will perform at SunBet Arena at Time Square on Friday, October 30th, and Saturday, October 31st. Attendees can immerse themselves in a nostalgic journey through the genre's most recognizable hits, including 'Back at One' by McKnight, 'I Swear' by All-4-One, and 'Weak' by SWV.

The concert will be an excellent choice for those who wish to spend the evening enjoying live vocals and beloved old R&B hits. Performances will take place at SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria, on the specified dates. Ticket prices start from 950 R per person and are available through WebTickets.

Mamma Mia!: Sing Along to ABBA Hits

For those seeking a theatrical performance, the musical Mamma Mia! continues to be shown at the Montecasino theatre in Fourways. The play is set on a Greek island where Sophie prepares for her wedding and tries to find out her father's identity by inviting three men from her mother's past. The story unfolds through ABBA songs such as 'Dancing Queen', 'Super Trouper', and 'The Winner Takes It All'.

Whether you are planning a date or meeting friends, the production offers a lively alternative to traditional dinners. The show runs from October 16th to November 29th, 2026, at Teatro, Montecasino, Fourways. Showtimes vary: Friday at 7:30 PM; Saturday at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Sunday at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Ticket prices range from 250 to 580 R, and Terrific Tuesday tickets are available from 200 to 400 R. Bookings are made through Ticketmaster South Africa, and attendees must be at least three years old.

Weekend Planning

This weekend in Pretoria, you can enjoy an aviation spectacle, a live collaboration in Braamfontein, a glamorous outing on Sunday, and a favorite musical in Fourways. Regardless of your preferences, there is something for everyone. Before attending any events, it is recommended to check ticket availability and event details with the organizers.

Approximately 30,000 runners from around the world are expected to participate in the first Nelson Mandela Marathon in Cape Town. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th, and includes a 42 km marathon, a half marathon, a 10 km run and walk, as well as a 5 km run and walk.

Since the race will pass through various parts of the city, participants and drivers are advised to familiarize themselves with the established routes, finish times, and road closure plans.

According to the Nelson Mandela Marathon website, runners will start their journey in the center of Cape Town, beginning at the Grand Parade, then passing through District Six, Parliament, and Company Gardens. The route continues into Bo-Kaap, excluding Koei Sister Hill, before heading towards Sea Point and circling the DHL stadium near the Green Point area.

Next, runners will follow F.W. de Klerk Boulevard and Marine Drive before returning to Adderley Street and finishing on Darling Street. The full marathon route is 42 km with an elevation gain of approximately 250 meters.

The marathon organization required coordination between race organizers, road services, emergency services, the City of Cape Town, and residents along the course. Roads used by the runners will experience temporary traffic disruptions or complete closures. Drivers are asked to be patient and follow the instructions of traffic personnel.

Affected streets include Darling Street, Strand Street, Drop Street, Adderley Street, Somerset Road, Herringgraaf Street, Constitution Street, Yusuf Drive, Foetboeg Road, Chapel Street, the exit to Lower Church Street, Marine Drive, Main Road in Green Point, Hanover Street, Beach Road, and Weyl Road. The city has warned drivers about the necessary road closures, which will begin at midnight on Saturday and last until the race day, October 18th.

Cape Town has announced the launch of free MyCiTi shuttles for race participants. These shuttles will operate between the V&A Waterfront Silo area and the Civic Centre, as well as between Canal Walk and the Civic Centre. The first bus route is expected at 3:30 AM and will operate until 1:30 PM.

The different events will have their own start and finish times: the 5 km run will start at 7:45 AM and finish by 9:30 AM; the 10 km run starts at 6:45 AM and finishes by 9:45 AM; the half marathon (21 km) will start at 8:30 AM and finish by 12:15 PM; and the full marathon (42 km) starts at 5:30 AM and finishes by 12:30 PM.