The Good Food & Wine Show is Africa’s largest culinary event, and this year it has been rebranded and launched with a new theme – “Fresh”, which is the golden thread tying everything in the show together. The show’s narrative is a unique interpretation of the prevailing global obsession with sustainability and a healthier planet, and it’s inspired by the global trend for urban farming and the gradual urbanisation of rural contexts. This is being driven by a worldwide foodie revolution and a desire to grow local and eat fresh. The Good Food & Wine Show offers an exciting range of FRESH foodie experiences, of which seven components comprise themes that awaken the senses: tasting, seeing, smelling, feeling and hearing. These sensory experiences will challenge you to refresh your view of good food and wine, and the worlds around them. The golden thread of “Fresh”, is represented throughout the Johannesburg show, and is expressed through innovative culinary experiences, a variety of themes and programmes, and an impressive selection of chefs. Dates: CAPE TOWN: 1 - 3 July 2019 JOHANNESBURG: TBCDURBAN: TBC  

This is an ultra-marathon of approximately 89km that is held in KZN. It is an annual event that takes place during the second quarter of the year and is one of the oldest annual events in South Africa, as the first race took place in 1921. Run between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the race alternates between an “up” and “down” run, from the coast inland and vice versa. Many call it the world's greatest ultra-marathon, and one of the reasons this fabled South African marathon has the title is because of the wealth of legends in its history.

The Knysna Oyster Festival is the perfect combination of sport, food and family time. It consists of fun sports challenges, live entertainment, food and wine stalls. The festival offers a diverse programme of sport, gourmet offerings and family activities, and attracts more than 50 000 visitors to Knysna every year. The varied programme caters for all ages and interests. The BIG5 Sport Challenge is most certainly one of South Africa’s most scenic multi-disciplinary competitions, and it includes cycling, running, trail running, swimming and paddling. The Momentum Weekend Argus Knysna Cycle Tour, as well as the Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon are two of the most popular events on the cycle and running calendars. Combine these with the iconic Featherbed Trail Run, the Momentum Health Oatwell, as well as a multiple events featuring oysters, wine and great food, and this is definitely one of the best options for your midyear break.

The Vodacom Durban July, the greatest racing, fashion and entertainment extravaganza on the African continent, takes place at Greyville Racecourse. Television has brought great sporting events right into the living rooms of homes around the world but there is still no substitute for being right there, in the middle of things to experience the sights, the sounds and, above all, the adrenaline rush that comes with live action. The Vodacom Durban July is probably one of the oldest horseracing events in the country. The first race was run in 1897 and was contested over 1.6km, and ever since then it has become an event not to be missed in South Africa. This event calls for celebrities, socialites and the elite to show off their outfits, their bets and their social skills. The excitement of Vodacom Durban July surpasses that of any other event on the African continent, with huge crowds expected on course and millions of others around the country taking serious bets or having their annual flutter.

The National Arts Festival is an important event on the South African cultural calendar, and the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent. It has become the home for artists from different corners of the creative world. Whether you are a dancer, musician, painter or a mere art lover, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival is where you belong. From theatre to dance, opera to cabaret, fine art to craft art, classical music to jazz, poetry readings to lectures, every art form imaginable is represented in one of the most diverse festivals in the world. For 11 days every year, the Eastern Cape town of Grahamstown transforms from a sleepy haven of academics, students and entrepreneurs into the heart of South Africa’s arts scene.

The Turbine Fair is an annual art fair that seeks to promote new work and talent all while establishing an art audience and collector base. Exhibitors – whether galleries, collectors or dealers – are invited to exhibit contemporary artwork priced below R40 000. The Turbine Art Fair takes place at the iconic Turbine Hall in Newtown. It attracts a diverse crowd of visitors ranging from established collectors to guests who have never purchased art but are interested in finding out more and starting a collection. The fair is a lifestyle event with live music performances, delicious food and drinks as well as entertainment for the whole family. Attendees of this exciting art fair have the opportunity to fulfil both their art-viewing and art-buying needs, while the pop-up cafe and bar caters for their discerning taste buds.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is held in Johannesburg each year, and showcases 35 performances on four stages in three days. It’s an initiative that seeks to contribute to social cohesion, economic growth and cultural tourism. The Joy of Jazz Festival presents a diverse range of jazz styles inclusive of the giants of jazz and the upcoming young artists. There is something for everyone in the line-up every year, which is truly inspirational. The show promises to bring audiences some exciting and innovative collaborations this year.

Macufe is a cultural-based festival that showcases a wide range of African arts and culture to the world. It is held in Bloemfontein every year. Macufe, the ten-day Mangaung African Cultural Festival, showcases the cream of African and international talent. It features jazz, gospel, kwaito, hip-hop, R&B, rock and classical music, as well as dance, drama, cabaret, musical theatre, poetry, fine art and traditional arts and crafts. First held in 1997 before an audience of 30 000, Macufe now attracts over 140 000 people from South Africa, Africa and the world. The festival is presented in late September and early October by the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State.