Lethabo Mongalo

Looking for things to do and places to go this Easter season? Here’s our top 10 list of things to do around Johannesburg in April:

1. Take a trip down memory lane

Back to the Old School International Music Festival is back! Taking place at the Wanderers Rugby Club on the 8^th April 2017, is a cultural celebration of local and international music featuring DJ Christos, Monique Bingham, DJ Ganyani, Vinny da Vinci, Fistaz Mixwell, Bob Mabena, Julian Gomes, Slum Village and many more. With a line up like this you are sure to party the night away. Do expect to pay from R240 to R1800. www.globaleventssa.co.za

2. Do watch

With the recent racial tension in our young nation, do watch The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brencht featuring Isidingo’s Aubrey Poo and Izak Davel, Neta da Costa and Mimi Mahlasela. This story is relevant to the current affairs in South Africa tackling heavy topics such as child neglect and totalitarianism with a bit of humour. The Caucasian Chalk Circle opens at The Fringe Joburg Theatre from the 5^th to 23^rd April 2017. Tickets cost from R100 to R180. www.joburgtheatre.com

3. Play with colour

Ekurhuleni returns with their annual colourful music festival. Colour in Ekurhuleni takes place on the 30^th April 2017 from 14pm featuring local house music and Hip Hop artists in a kaleidoscope of colours with colour powder sold at the venue. Expect to pay from R17 to R519. For more info visit www.colourinsouthafrica.co.za

4. Tag along with the fam

Rand Show South Africa is an annual consumer exhibition that hosts over 200 000 people running from the 14^th to the 23^rd April 2017 at the Nasrec Expo Centre. The best part of the show this year is the SA Design 2017 with a display of décor, furniture, lighting, jewellery and fashion design. The show has its first indoor sports hall with indoor racing, music and food of the iconic Route 66 amongst other activities. The show runs from 9am to 7pm with ticket prices ranging from R20 to R150. www.randshow.co.za

5. Got a new pair of shades?

Rock Da Shades annual picnics are widely known for their outdoor themes where patrons are treated to music and entertainment. This year the event takes place at Germiston Lake Park on the 1^st of April 2017 with a Hawaiian theme. Tickets cost R50 to R300. For more info visit www.rockdashadesent.co.za

6. Run for motivation

The Colour Run: Superhero Tour acknowledges characteristics that define the human being. This 5KM run landed on South African shores five years ago and became one of the most recognised brands. The Colour Run: Superhero Tour takes place at the University of Johannesburg sports Campus in Soweto at 10am on the 23^rd April 2017. Entrance is free for children under 10 years and costs R245 to R270 for teens and adults. For more info email hello@thecolorrun.co.za

7. Renew your faith

The Loveworld Festival of Music and Arts is for all ages and people from all walks of life. This festival runs over four days of extraordinary performances and a glorious demonstration of amazing talent. Food, Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts and Film are some of the activities to expect. The Loveworld Festival of Music and Arts 2017 runs from the 27^th to 30^th April 2017, at The Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg with tickets costing between R150 to R450. www.loveworldfestival.org

8. Broaden your music genre

The Sowing the Seeds Music Festival presents the platinum award winning indie folk band Of Monkey and men and the modern soul group Jungle most popular for the song The Heat amongst other industry giants. This is the best place to listen to fresh Indie, Indie folk, piano rock, afro soul and acid jazz music that you hardly ever hear on our radios. The festival takes place on the 4^th of April 2017 at Emmarentia dam, Johannesburg. For more info visit www.sowingtheseeds.co.za

9. Do eat out

Restaurant Week SA runs over the four major cities in South Africa from the 29^th to 30^th April 2017, with over 100 restaurants participating in this event. Diners and foodies are given the opportunity to explore South Africa’s finest restaurants at a reduced price. Be sure to join in this tasty event with traditional, classic cuisines all the way to Peruvian dishes. Reservations can only be made through www.restaurantweek.co.za

10. Take a trip to Ekasi

End your Easter fever on an entertainment and educational note. Take a short left to the MAMS ARTS Festival which brings tourists, locals, businesses, youth, media and community organisations together to experience the ‘kasi’ vibrancy and lifestyle. The event is hosted by the media industry giant DJ Sbu and Schoolboy, with a host of house and Hip Hop DJ’s including Major League and Naked DJ. The MAMS ARTS Festival will take place on the 30^th of April at Central Sports Ground in Mamelodi, Pretoria. For bookings email info@computicket.com