• The Neighbourgoods Market. Neighbourgoods takes place every Saturday, come rain or shine at 73 Juta Street in Braamfontein from 09h00 until about 15h00. It does tend to get very busy, as it is an extremely popular activity and widely known in Johannesburg. Neighbourgoods not only sells all sorts of yummy breakfast and lunch goodies, but you can also purchase farm fresh goodies such as breads, spreads, pesto, homemade chocolates etc to take home with you and enjoy. Their website is: neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
• UltraFest 2015. UltraFest Dance Music Festival is slamming in to Johannesburg on Saturday the 14^th February at Nasrec in the South. This year features an amazing line up of international DJ’s such as Armin van Buuren (who was here a few months ago), Hardwell, Ingrosso and Martin Garrix. Featured local DJs include Roger Goode, Goldfish, Black Coffee and DJ’s Fresh and Euphonik – this duo are well known for their awesome Rock the Boat parties etc. Tickets are priced from about R 950 for General Access and prices head up over R 3500 for VVIP, but do keep in mind that VVIP does include all food and drinks throughout the day, preferential parking etc. Check out ticket prices and availability here: ultrasouthafrica.com/tickets/johannesburg
• The Joburg Homemakers Expo is booked this year from 26^th February – 1^st March at The Dome in Northriding. They are back for their 22^nd year, and this event has become a staple for professional decorators and home decorating fundi’s alike. Homemakers is always chock a block with loads of cool renovation and DIY ideas and tips, as well as beautiful furnishings that you can purchase and take home with you. More info here: www.homemakersonline.co.za
• SA Fashion Week takes place from 15^th – 18^th March at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosebank. Not only is this one of my favourite hotels, but fashion is a topic that delights me no end. This is certainly the highlight of the Fashion Calender in South Africa – and a real see and be seen event for anyone in the fashion industry. 4 days of full fashion and couture, I am not missing this one! Check them out on: www.safashionweek.co.za
• Sundays in The Living Room take place every Sunday from 12h00 – 20h00. The Living Room is situated at the Main Change Building in the well-known Maboneng Precient, and is a truly beautiful rooftop setting, with the most amazing 360 degree views of the city. The Living Room boasts an amazing Eco Urban Café and is decorated with a really funky urban style, loads of plants and cool furniture. Wind down your weekend listening to some local live music, sipping on cocktails in style as the sun goes down over Jozi. For more info, or to book, which is essential, visit: www. livingroomjozi.co.za
• The Holi One Colour Festival splashes in on Saturday 11^th April at Riversands Incubation Hub in Midrand. This is their 3^rd year running and this event is so much fun. It is a day time event from 12h00 until about 22h00, so you can still make plans for the evening. Besides, what’s better than dressing up in white and chucking coloured paint powder all over your friends, and possibly some cute strangers all well? Great entertainment value, lots of live music, dancing and fun. I suggest wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the paint powder, which although non-toxic and totally water soluble, can still affect those with contact lenses or sensitive eyes. A mouth/nose mask is also a good investment and if you are phone protective but don’t want to miss out on the colourful snaps, put your phone in a Ziploc bag. Tons of info on their site: holione.com
• One Republic Live in SA – and no I didn’t say One Direction. One Republic debuts in SA on Friday 19^th June at The Dome in Northriding, and this is going to be a truly awesome show. This American pop rock band have been around since 2002 and some of their top hits include Counting Stars, All the Right Moves and many more. The website shows that all the top level tickets are sold out. At time of publication only General Admission tickets at R 350 and Mezzanine Seated tickets at R 300 are still available. Book now to avoid disappointment: bigconcerts.co.za
• Taste of Joburg will once again be taking place on 24^th – 27^th September at Montecasino. These are always so much fun. 12 of Joburg’s top restaurants create special menu’s especially for the occasion, in starter sized portions, as well as signature dishes created by their featured chefs. There are a variety of packages available from about R 80 upwards. You can watch chefs in action, do tastings and enjoy not only food but cocktails and chocolates as well. Their site is not updated for 2015 yet, but I did call to get the new dates for this year, and they said it would be updated soon. Check them out on: www.tasteofjoburg.co.za
• Gay Pride is a standard annual event in October. I don’t have an exact date at time of writing, but it should be released on their site soon. This event always promises loads of entertainment and outrageous outfits. Gay Pride is a Non Profit Organisation that aims to provide a platform for all parts of the community to campaign about the issues that are most important to them and to celebrate our achievements in becoming a more happily diverse and inclusive city and nation. If you are sensitive to sometimes excessive displays, or are non LGBT etc friendly, I would suggest staying away, but I have always had a fantastic time with my friends. For more information visit: www. johannesburgpride.co.za
• The FNB Whisky Live Festival, again there are no dates published yet, but the event usually takes place in early November at the Sandton Convention Centre. I am such a whisky fundi and just love this event. This is a chance to see, taste and buy world renowned whisky’s – all under one roof. Loads of entertainment, giveaways and promotions on site, don’t miss this one. No under 18’s are allowed at the event. More info on: whiskylivefestival.co.za

For more updates on these events throughout the year, and others, please follow me on twitter @HeatherLHook.