Johannesburg Nightlife

4 more images

Well, family spot and casino and people watching. :-)

Emperors Palace, near the Johannesburg - no make that the OR Tambo - Airport plays host to Joburg's most exciting display of Christmas lights each year.

There are always several young women dressed in their becoming Santa outfits (much prettier, slimmer and younger than Santa himself).

There were several people obviously there as the side show and the soldiers were from Alice in Wonderland rather than The Nutcracker. The Queen of Hearts startled me as she yelled “Off with their heads” as we passed by.

The lights are magnificent. Ducks, angels, Christimas trees, band players, fire stations, toy companies, elves, candles and a Santa with his reindeer. Santa is there and one can sit on his knee and tell him what you want for Christmas.

Some stats: This display of lights takes eight months to plan and execute each year. This means the event planning starts on 1 March each year. This involves a team of thirty people. The Garden of Lights started in 2007, growing bigger and better each year since then. In 2011 there are now 200 characters using 500 km of lighting. It is expected that more than 127000 people will visit the Garden of Lights in 2011.

This is really an excellent evening out for families, and it is absolutely free. This is highly recommended as a family outing some time over the Christmas season.

The Garden of Light is open from 19h00 till 22h00, weather permitting, from 2 December to 2 January. Photographs of Santa with the elf and children (and bigger boys and girls) will be available at the Candy Cane Tree.

Dress Code: No special dress code. High heels are probably not very suitable.

3 more images

WISH is an established open venue that has been hosting Jazzy Wednesdays for a few years, consisting of live Jazz performance by Jozi's top masteros. Marcus Wyatt and the crew who've been doing it around Johannesburg for the last 5 years on a Wednesday Night.

WISH also has a full restaurant menu so it ends up being an ideal mid-week break. Later on in the evening, other established Jazz musicians enter into a Jam session. What makes this place unique is that there is no entrance charge and these musicians normally charge R50 upwards in other venues.

Dress Code: Come as you are

In response to a query from a fellow VTer about night clubs in JHB, I did a little research on clubs in the Sandton area (since this is where most tourists choose to stay). For what it's worth, I have decided to share the info (relevant as of January 2011), although I must add the qualifier that I am a middle aged matron and have never set foot inside any of them!

The 'staple' fixture of the Sandton night club scene is Taboo (www.taboo.co.za) which has become a local institution and has been going strong for over seven years - forever in clubbing terms.

Other currently popular options are Clapham Gold (www.claphamgold.co.za) LiquidChefs cocktail lounge and cafe (www.liquidchefs.co.za), ZAR Lounge which is the favourite haunt of ANC cadres (www.zarsa.co.za) and Latinova (www.latinova.com). I wouldn't have the first idea what they're like, but my clubbing colleagues think highly of them, and they get favourable reviews in Sandton's monthly magazine (whose opinion is far more trustworthy than mine!)

Alternatively you could head for the legendary Bassline club in Newtown(www.bassline.co.za) for excellent jazz and blues by local and international artists - I may be out of touch, but even I know that this is a great experience as it's been going forever (albeit previously on another site)!

Just be aware that the fact that I now know about these places probably automatically makes them uncool!

Have fun!

The Civic Theatre is located in unfashionable Braamfontein, at the northern end of the Johannesburg CBD. The location is unfortunate, given the reluctance of most Jo'burgers to venture into the CBD, particularly after dark, but it appears that people are slowly being tempted to return.

There has been considerable effort made in upgrading this unattractive 60's concrete edifice, particularly the development of an adjacent arts precinct and the effort has been worthwhile. There is some underground parking, and the security for overflow parking (underneath the Jo'burg municipality) is pretty good.

The quality of shows at the Civic is high and comparable with standards overseas, and prices a fraction of what you would pay in the West End or on Broadway (2010: R150-R350 depending on the show and the seats you select). Life in South Africa already contains enough gritty reality, so local audiences tend to prefer musicals and 'lighter' subject matter (also see tips about the Theatro at Montecasino under Things to Do). Shows that I have seen in the last year (2009) include Aspects of Love and Footloose - both of which were excellent. See www.computicket.co.za to see what shows are other live events are on offer here (and at other venues throughout the country).

To my mind, the highlight of the year is the annual pantomime that runs from mid November to late December and is a veritable family institution that appeals to all generations. Pantomime is an art form that is virtually impossible to explain to people who haven't been exposed to British/colonial culture - including my German husband - and, whether you end up loving it or loathing it, it is well worth the experience! It is best described as a camp, bawdy, satirical musical based (usually very) loosely on a children's fairy tale that appeals to kids on one level and their parents on another. Smutty humour and double entendres abound - usually about topical issues such as politics, celebrities and other holy cows - there is always a Dame (a man dressed unconvincingly as a woman) and unlike most other theatrical performance, audience interaction is encouraged (a standard excerpt involves the audience baying, "He's behind you ...", and interactions such as "Oh no he didn't!" ... "Oh yes he did!"). The costumes and sets are over the top, the music is loud and upbeat - frankly there's nothing like a panto, and you should grab the opportunity to see one if you get the chance! The pantomime at the Civic (directed by the legendary Janice Honeyman) is always a lavish affair, and well worth catching if you're in town at that time of year.

There is also a smaller theatre at the side of the Civic called the People's Theatre, which specialises in children's shows. The setting is much more intimate and less intimidating for small kids than the main auditorium, and I think that the productions are very well pitched at an age range from 3 upwards. Recent shows have included The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid, with Jungle Book opening this month (March 2010).

Dress Code: None

One of my favourite places for an after work drink, in the north of sandton The Corner House has a relaxed vibe, great snacks and daily live music with numerous outdoor/indoor seating areas and a great crowd of locals and foreigners alike

Dress Code: anything goes here - casual

The Montecasino Theatre is an independent private theatre that is both a platform and a theatrical home. It aims to give both new and established artists opportunities for new directions and growth. It is a place of fun as well as shocks, with always a respect for the integrity of the script and a constant pursuit of excellence.

Dress Code: Casual

Well Monte Casino is a replica of an ancient Tuscan hill-top village. Its quiet nice , looks like its permanently day inside with blue skys painted on the ceilings , washing hanging in the air from balconies.

Well there is various shops , restaurants , casino , cinema`s , clubs , bars & theatre inside. It sounds like much to do...... go check it out.

There is also an Intercontinental Palazzo , so if you looking for 5 star accomodation , this is your place to be. Will Smith & Family always stay`s here.

Well what can I say about this club. Its quiet large with 3 dance floors with there own seperate Dj`s, not all dance floors are open "depends on which day you go there.
The music varies , depending on which dance floor you choose. There is House , RnB , Hip Hop , Techno , Rave and Rock Music.

They have various functions during the week like , Shower Hour , Stag Nite and so forth. There foam parties is quiet cool. Anyway for a list of functions check out the website provided.

Dress Code: Well They not that strict with their dress code but once again no track pants and try to wear casual shoes to be on the safe side.