Cape Town
Occupying part of the St George's Cathedral’s vaulted stone crypt, this restaurant, which serves a continent-hopping menu of dishes, is best visited for…
Must-see entertainment in Southern Africa
Johannesburg
This impressive stadium, just off the M1 freeway to Pretoria, is the city’s most important cricketing venue. Watch from the stands or head to the grassy…
Cape Town
Even if gambling isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained at Grandwest, including a six-screen cinema, many restaurants, a food court, an…
Western Cape
Starting its life as a car showroom in the 1930s, this marvellous art deco building has been reincarnated as a cinema. Movies are shown on Wednesday…
Gaborone
Maitisong (Place of Entertainment) puts on some excellent shows in its large theatre, with events ranging from Shakespearean plays to Batswana music most…
Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club
Durban
In Pinetown, 15km west of the centre, this was the first place in Natal to cater to blacks in a so-called ‘white area’ in the 1980s. With a reputation as…
Malawi
Blantyre’s main sports venue is the Kamuzu Stadium, off Makata Rd between the city centre and Limbe. This is also Malawi’s national stadium; international…
Free State
Under new ownership in 2017, this live music, theatre and comedy venue attracts quite an evening crowd in otherwise laid-back Bethlehem. It's also got a…
Green Point & Waterfront
This long-running comedy club, which hosts the cream of South Africa's comedy talent, has found a permanent home at the back of the old Pump House next to…
Gauteng
Aptly named as it sits within spitting distance of the railway tracks, Trackside holds an independent beatmaking and live-music night on the last Thursday…
Durban
One of Durban’s more interesting, if unreliable, arty haunts, this venue features semiregular jazz performances – check what’s on before heading down…
Bulawayo
This scenic, historic ground hosts international Tests and limited-over cricket matches, though it's rare an international team swings by these days. It…
Port Elizabeth
Built for the 2010 football (soccer) World Cup, this futuristic stadium in the rundown North End area hosts sports matches and concerts. Call or email to…
Cape Town
Seven foot tall in her high heels, the platinum blonde drag queen Cathy Specific greets you at this cabaret and theatre venue where your tickets gets you…
Cape Town
Proving a hit with one and all in the heart of De Waterkant is this slick music revue bar and restaurant with a nightly line-up of different performers…
Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Just off Dragon Peaks Rd are South Africa’s singing ambassadors, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School. There are public performances at 3.30pm on Wednesday…
Cape Town
Live acoustic rock is a firm feature of Friday nights at this pub, and there's often live music and other events such as comedy slots, open mic and cinema…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
One of the best places on the peninsula for live music and comedy, and a great cafe to boot. Tickets typically cost around R100; check www…
Lilongwe
This simple wooden-shack affair is a fave among local expats, with pool table, volleyball court, darts, barbecued food, global sports on the huge TV and…
Cape Town
This cosy venue, which also serves food and drinks, usually has live music on Wednesday (free) and weekends (cover charge R170 to R190; bookings necessary…
Bulawayo
Events at this arts centre, established in 1949, are a cultured way to keep yourself occupied in the evenings. Expect anything from theatre and recitals…
Bulawayo
Within a colonial building is this bar-restaurant that hosts live Afro jazz bands nightly. It's a pretty local scene, but everyone is welcoming and bands…
Lilongwe
In a converted warehouse off Paul Kagame Rd, Umunthu puts on regular live music, films, club nights and more, showcasing the best of Malawian talent. A…
Cape Town
This National Lottery–funded project works with youngsters on a variety of performance and theatre projects. Some of their shows have won awards at…
KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
Durban
The orchestra has an interesting spring concert program with regular performances in City Hall. Check the calendar and events listings on the website.
Cape Town
This company, a lean troupe of 24 dancers, can trace its history back to 1934. They usually perform at Artscape, the Baxter Theatre and, in summer, at…
Durban
Opposite City Hall, Durban’s central theatre is a stunning venue. The Zulu mosaics and beadwork in the foyer are alone worth seeing, as are the dance,…
Pretoria
This large theatre complex in the heart of central Pretoria hosts opera, jazz, comedy, ballet and theatre in its five theatres: the Arena, Studio, Opera,…
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Johannesburg
The city’s orchestra stages a regular circuit of concerts at venues such as Wits University and City Hall. Call or check its website for the latest…
Cape Town
This hallowed ground of South African rugby is home to the Stormers (www.thestormers.com). Provincial, international and Super Rugby matches are played…
Cape Town
These jazz gigs are staged at venues around town, including Langa township's Guga S'Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre.
Cape Town
One of South Africa’s oldest contemporary dance companies. Puts on performances and holds classes at Artscape.
Pretoria
There are two cinemas here: Ster-Kinekor shows regular blockbusters, while Cinema Nouveau specialises in arty films.
Durban
This is a not-for-profit venture that brings new artistic works to the stage. Boatman's Rd runs parallel to Margaret Mncadi Ave (Victoria Embankment).
Durban
Weekends see this unassuming restaurant liven up with performances from local rock, jazz and blues bands. There's another venue at Wilson's Wharf.
Cape Town
On Thursday nights you can catch live jazz sets in this plush cocktail lounge. On other nights DJs play for an up-for-it crowd of party seekers.
Johannesburg
Has the widest distribution of multiplexes, with screens in the Fourways, Westgate, Eastgate, Sandton and Rosebank malls.
Gauteng
Home for the Orlando Pirates and worth a visit, especially when they play against their sworn enemy, the Kaizer Chiefs.
Bloemfontein
The local paper lists music, ballet, drama and opera performances held at this striking modern building.
