Events

Parking off at Parklife in the 031

Published

9 years ago

4 July 2017

Caitlin Borain

What could be more Durban than chilling on the grass under palm trees with mates, sipping on ice cold beers and listening to some of the best artists this country has to offer? Not very much I tell you… Durbs is just too kiff.

On the 11th June, we packed our picnic blanket and headed down to the Durban Botanic Gardens for the inaugural Parklife Gourmet Street Food and Music Festival. Trust us, it was so incredible that we have spent all the time since feeling sorry for ourselves that it is over (we are counting down the days until the next one!).

On a side note: Well done Durban, what incredible support!!

It was so great to see the large diverse crowd singing and dancing all through the day. Trendy teenage girls, relaxed groups of families, boets, grandparents and even a few couples still in the “honeymoon phase” – who could blame you, it was so easy falling in love to the sound of Matt Simons – were all just having a blast!

The weather was perfect and with music that would entice almost anyone, there was literally no better place to be in Durban than at Parklife.

Hungry?

No worries, Parklife had you covered… everything from food trucks of gourmet burgers, to authentic street style Tandoor wraps, and the new and exciting Eggloo waffles were available.

Thirsty?

No worries, Parklife had you covered… there seemed to have been a tasty craft cider in every over 18 year old’s hand.

We were so spoilt for choice at Parklife, so much so that they gave us not only 1 but 2 stages. I’m not sure who came up with the saying “local is lekker” but in terms of music, it was definitely all true at Parklife. Local Durban duo, Dominic Hurd and Jude Kenrick from Easy Freak kicked off the day with their eclectic mix of Pop/Electro/Funk/Soul at the Park stage while Durban’s own Kyle Deutsch and Sketchy Bongo set the lake stage alive. The sweet and shy Matthew Mole grew in confidence as the crowd cheered him on louder and louder, ending with him cooling the crowd down by beating his drum covered in water.

International talent like De Hofnar from the Netherlands, Melvv and Matt Simons from the USA, and finally Gavin James from Ireland flew out to South Africa to provide us with a mix of sexy, pop acoustic, electronic, and house-esque style music.

Just as the sun was starting to set, we were treated to two final BIG names in SA Music, Jeremy Loops serenaded the ladies, while managing to get all the guys dancing to his modern folk sounds. Like a practised performance, the crowd sang word for word while the sky was lit up with giant white balloons passed from person to person.

And then there was one…

I’m not sure if Goodluck closed off the event, or started the after party, but what a vibe! In traditional Goodluck fashion the ever energetic Julz worked every inch of the stage. Not only was their performance pretty much flawless, but it was so nice to see the dynamics of Ben and Matt enjoying every minute in front of the Durban crowd. We definitely have a soft spot in their heart and there is no doubt that you couldn’t see it on their faces.

The memories of that perfect Sunday session will live on for months to come.

Thank you Parklife, until we meet again…

Author: Caitlin Borain

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Entertainment

BUMP & GRIND at Talloula

Published

5 days ago

13 January 2026

Carla Wynne

Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to Talloula with their new musical comedy – BUMP & GRIND, a high-energy musical sketch comedy that delivers a riotous mix of song, dance, quick-fire character comedy and heart. Created under the direction and choreography of Daisy Spencer, the show has already delighted audiences this festive season with its trademark MacBob mayhem and polish.

Described by Billy Suter as “a sparkly cracker of song, dance and off-the-wall humour,” BUMP & GRIND is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud theatrical experience. The show tumbles through a helter-skelter parade of characters — from fan favourites Bruce and Charmaine, as Elvis impersonators, pensioners Beatrice and Max, and super-sage Dr Veejay, to bold new creations including AI androids, Latin dance sensations and an Irish preacher with stand-up ambitions.

The music includes numbers from Talking Heads, Lady Gaga, Elvis, The Beatles, Whitney Houston and a climactic medley of ’80s chart hits.

“It’s a vibe… Aaron and Lisa’s talent and skill lie in their seemingly effortless transformations from one character to another — and making every dance hit and ballad that character’s own!” Shannon Kenny (ArtSmart)

With broad family appeal, high energy and a proven track record of sold-out runs, don’t miss BUMP & GRIND at Talloula at the end of January!

Duration of Show: 2 Acts of 40 minutes each with a 20 minute interval
Food and Drink on sale at the venue.
Full bar available
Picnic baskets welcome

Venue: Talloula, Bothas Hill
Dates: Friday 30 Jan & Saturday 31 Jan – 7pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 1 Feb 2026 – 2pm (doors open 12.30pm)
Tickets: R220pp
Bookings: Webtickets or Rowena on 082 304 6495 (for meal options and orders)

Author: Carla Wynne

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

Events

Summerdaze NYE 2025

Published

4 weeks ago

22 December 2025

mrjoelmagic

Safari Disco Theme for This Year’s Summerdaze NYE Beach Party!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
Venue: Beachwood Beach, Durban North
Time: From 4pm until late
Age Restriction: Strictly over 18
Tickets: utickets.app/events/summerdaze

GA Phase 1: R250 (Limited)
GA Early Bird: SOLD OUT

VVIP Ocean View Deck: R2200
Limited to 200 tickets

VVIP includes:
~ Access to the Ocean View VIP Deck
~ Unlimited free beer, wine, ciders, house spirits & mixers (shooters excluded)
~ Complimentary bubbly during the midnight countdown
~ Private fully stocked bar
~ VIP cocktail seating
~ Snack platters served hourly

Line-Up

Tim Lewis x Matt Davies
Craig Rude
Mat OD
Jay Jabbs
Kritik
Ty Stoltz
JDV

What to Expect

NYE Summerdaze returns to Beachwood Beach for another end-of-year blowout, and if past editions are anything to go by, this one will sell out fast. Set right on the shoreline in Durban North, the event combines top-tier local DJs, a large-scale production setup and the unbeatable energy of a New Year’s Eve beach crowd.

Expect SA’s leading DJs and artists soundtracking the sunset and carrying the party straight through to midnight and beyond. The venue setup includes over 2000m² of tenting, multiple bars spread across the site, a dedicated food court and plenty of seating for when your legs need a break but the music refuses to.

For those looking to level things up, the VVIP Ocean View Deck offers a premium NYE experience with uninterrupted views, all-inclusive drinks, exclusive seating and a private bar — the kind of setup that makes waiting for midnight feel effortless.

Tickets are limited and have sold out every year, so booking early is strongly advised. If you’re planning to welcome the new year with your feet in the sand, good music in the air and Durban doing what Durban does best, this is where you want to be.

See you on the beach.

Entertainment

Secret Sunset at Westown Square

Published

2 months ago

1 December 2025

Shelley

Get ready for an experience like no other! Secret Sunset is coming to Westown Square on 13 December at 5PM, and you’re invited to join us for an evening filled with movement, music, and pure golden-hour magic.

This immersive guided dance session is all about joy, connection, and feel-good energy—and it’s suitable for all ages. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or flying solo, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.

Event Details

Date: 13 December 2025
Time: 5PM
Venue: Westown Square, The Bowl, On The Lawn
Entrance Fee: Kids: R75 | Adults: R120

Important

LIMITED PRE-ENTRIES ONLY
No tickets will be sold at the door, so make sure you
book early to secure your spot!

BOOK HERE