Events

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR (OF BIERFEST)

Published

11 years ago

15 September 2014

Durbanite

With only a few days to go until the TOPS at SPAR Bierfest rolls out its kegs of freshly brewed craft biers in Durban at the Suncoast, Durbanite tracked down ze official “Mayor of Bierfest” – Hans von Tipplestein, at his secret brewery location deep amidst the misty hills of Cape Town. (Err, we mean Munich, Germany!)

Greetings your highness of the hops!

MvT: Hallo zere! Welcome to my secret brewery! Now, tell me how did you find me!?

We have this thing in South Africa called “Facebook”…

MvT: Oh ja! I know ze Facebook. Tops at Spar Bierfest is all on there. I think it’s time we made a Bierbook! You know, for all ze bier lovers in the world…

Wonderful idea. Now, back to you Mayor. Are you ready for Bierfest in Durban in less than a week’s time?

MvT: Of course ja! Do you think Father Christmas doesn’t look forward to it being December every year? I hev been waiting for this event all year, since last year!

We believe many people have. What makes the TOPS at SPAR Bierfest a must-go-to event?

MvT: You mean, besides the three specially brewed biers, the oompah music, the party bands playing the best party rock, the delicious Bavarian cuisine, and of course – all the beautiful Frauleins!??

How similar is the TOPS at SPAR Bierfest to the Oktoberfest event in Munich?

MvT: Some say, if you stand in ze Brauhaus in Munich, close your eyes, und imagine really hard, you could almost feel like you are at the TOPS at SPAR Bierfest in Durban! (But with nicer weather in Durban of course).

How many people are you expecting to attend the Bierfest this year?

MvT: We are expecting to sell out of course, but our Brauhaus holds 4 000 people, so multiply that by three days, over four sessions, that equals…. Oh my schnitzel, too many to count. Rather be safe und buy your tickets early from www.bierfest.co.za, otherwise you might not get in on the day.

What essential items must people not forget to bring with to Bierfest?
MvT: Comfortable shoes! Expect to do a lot of dancing. Money, to convert into Crowns, because you cannot buy anything at Bierfest with your paper money or coins, only crowns will be accepted. 1 Crown costs R25, and will buy you a 500ml bier or softdrink or wine. 2 Crowns will buy you a big, 1-liter stein! Also, bring your friends, und an empty stomach to try all ze delicious foods on offer.

What one thing do you want everyone to know about going to the TOPS at SPAR Bierfest?

MvT: Zat they don’t have to drive home drunk afterwards! Or even walk or skateboard home after having a few too many tasty biers! Bierfest is making available a range of services to ensure everyone can get home safely afterwards, from good deals with taxi cabs (Mozzie, Uber,) to free Breathalysers, to free purified water at the event. All part of the ARA #DrinkSmart program which Bierfest has invested a lot of time and money into….so use it!

Where can people go to find out more about the TOPS at SPAR Bierfest?
MvT: Ze official website – www.bierfest.co.za. Or of course, on ze Facebook @SABierfest.

Finally, if there is one German word to learn for Bierfest, what would that one word be?

Mvt: “Prost!” It means “Cheers!” Use it often and say it loudly when cheersing your buddies at Bierfest.

Author: Durbanite

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Entertainment

A Celebration of Love – KZN Philharmonic

Published

2 weeks ago

7 February 2026

Carla Wynne

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra at a magical afternoon concert set in the tranquil surrounds of St Agnes Church, Kloof.

“A Celebration of Love” conducted by Chad Hendricks, brings together lush orchestral music with romantic favourites, and two outstanding soloists, Njabulo Nzuza and Andile Ndlela for an uplifting Valentine’s experience.

The concert includes music by Mozart, Dvorák, and Tchaikovsky, alongside well-loved classics such as Moon River, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Make You Feel My Love, Beneath Your Beautiful, and South African favourites.

Food stalls will be available offering pizza, mocktails, and sweet & savoury love boxes, creating a relaxed and festive Valentine’s afternoon.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply your love of beautiful music, this concert promises an elegant and heartfelt afternoon.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 14 February
Time: 16h30
Venue: St Agnes Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof
Tickets: from R100 & available via Quicket

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with live music, romance, and the magic of the Orchestra.

Stand a chance to WIN two tickets to the Valentines Day Concert – A Celebration of Love with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra valued at R300 -> ENTER HERE <-

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Attractions

Familie Fest 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

5 February 2026

mrjoelmagic

Familie Fest 2026 Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Hillcrest

Everything You Need to Know About Familie Fest 2026

Familie Fest arrives in Hillcrest for a full weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment and relaxed festival energy, taking place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026 at NU Driving Range.

Designed as an all-ages outdoor music festival, Familie Fest brings together South African artists, open space, activities for kids and adults, and a format that allows families and friend groups to spend the entire day together without feeling rushed.

Event Details

Date: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 2026
Venue: NU Driving Range Fields, Hillcrest
Time: From 10am daily
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Area: Over 18s only

Tickets available via:
• Familie Fest Website
• Webtickets
• Utickets

Ticket Pricing

• Kids under 4: Free
• Kids 4–12: From R129
• Teens 13–17: From R145
• Adults: From R199 to R245

Group Ticket Specials

• Buy 5 tickets, get 1 free: R1,250
• Buy 9 tickets, get 1 free: R2,100

Group tickets are limited and valid for adults or kids.

Camping add-ons are available separately and include access to a secure camp zone with toilets, showers, lighting and security.

Line-up (More to Be Announced)

The initial line-up includes a mix of established and popular South African acts:

• Francois van Coke
• Kurt Darren
• Van Pletzen
• Veranda Panda
• Appel

Friday features acoustic-focused sessions, while Saturday hosts the main acts. Additional artists will be announced closer to the event.

What to Expect

Familie Fest is structured as a full-day festival rather than an evening-only concert, with gates opening at 10am and activities running throughout the day and into the evening.

Across the festival grounds, attendees can expect:
• Live music performances
• A dedicated kids zone
• Arts and crafts activities
• Food and drink vendors
• Potjie competitions
• Access to the driving range
• Putt putt, go-karts and paintball
• Optional secure camping facilities

The layout allows families to spread out, relax and move between music, activities and rest areas at their own pace.

What You Can and Can’t Bring

Allowed:
Umbrellas, camp chairs, blankets, gazebos, bags, towels, baby gear.

Not Allowed:
Cooler boxes, outside food and drink, weapons, fireworks, sound systems, pets, sports or play equipment, bikes or braais.

Camp Zone Only:
Cooler boxes, food and drink, and braais are permitted within the designated camping area.

Why Familie Fest Works

Familie Fest positions itself as a genuinely inclusive festival, catering to families with young children, teens, and adults who want to enjoy live music without the pressure of a late-night-only format. With space to move, activities beyond the main stage, and a line-up that appeals across age groups, it offers a different kind of festival experience for the KZN calendar.

For families looking to introduce kids to live music, groups planning a social weekend, or anyone wanting an outdoor festival that runs at a comfortable pace, Familie Fest ticks all the right boxes.

Author: mrjoelmagic

Competitions

WIN Rock Die Land Tickets and See Spoegwolf Live!

Published

2 weeks ago

3 February 2026

mrjoelmagic

Win Your Share of 10 Tickets to Rock Die Land

If your 2026 playlist already includes Spoegwolf on repeat, this one’s for you.

Durbanite is giving you the chance to WIN your share of 10 tickets to see Spoegwolf live at the launch of Rock Die Land, happening at NU Driving Range on Saturday, 7 March. Live music, proper vibes, and your favourite people in one place. No brainer.

About Rock Die Land

Rock Die Land is shaping up to be one of KZN’s most exciting new live-music events, bringing together great sound, an outdoor setting, and a crowd that actually came for the music. Spoegwolf headlining the launch is a strong start, and yes, the Kickstands are playing too!