Food and wine pairing with Diemersdal |16 Aug, 19:00 – 22:00 @ Oude Kraal
An evening filled with fine dining and wine pairing with Diemersdal wine maker Thys Louw. Tickets to the event sell out like hotcakes, so be sure to grab your ticket before they’re sold out.
This is the last week of July. 7 months (almost) down, 5 more to go. It’s absolutely insane how quick the year is just flying by. How do you feel? Are you stressed? Feeling some burnout? Are you happy?
Don’t forget to take a breather should you need to. Good thing is that there’s quite a number of activities coming up this week which would be perfect for just some time to yourself. I’m talking about music performances, wine festivals, jewellery making (which looks super interesting too)
Dreamgirls – 01-03 August. |Sand du Plessis Theatre
When I think of Dreamgirls, I instantly think Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. If you’re not familiar with the story of Dreamgirls it is the story of three black singers – Deena, Lorrell, and Effie who began as a group called the Dreamettes. They start as three talented, close friends and gradually sharpen their act and rename themselves “The Dreams”. Little do they know of the hard, competitive world of show business.
Good thing for you, the production isn’t just One Day Only đ
Free State Wine Festival – 02-03 August | Ilanga Estate
Did someone say wine? Bloem wine lovers should make it a date night for an evening of great wine tastings. Connect with winemakers or their marketing representatives while tasting an array of more than 200 of South Africaâs best wines. Early bird tickets end SOON! So get your tickets NOW!
Downtown Sundown – 03 August | Big Massive
Have you ever seen Bloemfontein from a vantage point other than Naval Hill?
DOWNTOWN’s only SUNDOWNER EXPERIENCE at the BIG MASSIVE. Join us for the sunset and watch the city light up beneath your feet. The only way to start a Saturday Night. Live music to put you in the mood, food and beverages to bring you joy.
Drinks and food will be available OR Bring your own drinks (R100.00 per coolerbox).
The Natural Hair Affair (NHA) is an event hosted by Glolooks, a natural hair company in the Free State.
More and more women are deciding to embrace their natural hair. Reasons for this vary from women to women. But the one word that keeps popping up is IDENTITY.
The NHA is basically a platform for different women, from various walks of life, to share their natural hair journeys. And for natural hair experts to share knowledge and advice on what works and does not work for our natural hair.
Above all, it serves as platform to celebrate and embrace your NATURAL SELF without any shame or judgement, with like-minded queens.
Resin jewellery and silicone mould making – 03 August | Waverly, Bloemfontein
I could spend hours watching how people create beautiful pieces with resin. I’ve watched people create jewellery and furniture. Heck, even guitars! Now is your chance to also create something that’s unique. Book your tickets NOW on 0797009543
Next thing you know, Game and Makro will have already started with putting out their Christmas decorations and Christmas music will be playing.
Nonetheless, don’t think about the Christmas gifts now, think about the week ahead.
Marketing & Branding for Mompreneurs || 17 July @ Creative Coffee Bean – 09:00 – 15:00
A workshop for Mompreneurs to make sense of marketing and branding and find the freedom you seek from your business.
Who is this workshop for?
Do you want to start your own business but donât know where to start? DONâT MISS OUT ON THIS!
Do you have your own business but struggle to make sense of your branding and marketing? THATâS WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT!
Do you struggle to juggle between family, your business and your sanity? FIND A BETTER WAY TO DO IT.
For more information, contact Marlize at 082 859 0273 or email marlize@creativecoffeebean.com
Reizis Square Nite Market || 19 July @ Reizis Square – From 17:00
Reizis Square is a nice little place when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle from the city. Think of it as a Pretty Gardens, but not Pretty Gardens. I’ve been there before on and I like the vibe there. Trust this event on Friday to have some really good food and good music. A perfect event to end off the week.
Fly Me To The Moon – Moon Landing || 20 July @ Boyden Observatory and Naval Hill Planetarium – 19:00 – 20:00
The moon is our nearest neighbor and the only other celestial body we`ve set foot on. Its orbit around the Earth has a big influence on the planet and it dominates our night sky. The six manned missions to the moon have left more than just footprints, and are still contributing to science today. Show includes recent moon landings.
Itâs impossible to believe that in four monthsâ time we will be celebrating Christmas and then starting another new year, where is the time going too? It seemed like it was only yesterday that we were celebrating the arrival of 2018 and wondering what this year would bring. Is it because as one gets older that the time seems to go by so quickly??
Talking of time, I have been going through a wonderful pictorial publication written by the late Karel Schoeman called âBloemfontein in Beeld or Portrait of Bloemfontein 1860-1910â. This is an absolute gem of a book and I would recommend it to anyone, especially for us living here. It shows some wonderful old black and white photos of people and places of days gone by. I found it amazing to see how this city has developed from a small, dusty development to what it has become to today. As I reside at the base of Naval Hill it was fascinating to see photos of when there were no roads and buildings around it and that there were bushes and trees instead. How I wish I could be transported back to those days and to get a better understanding of how our city originated. I am certain it would have been a lot cleaner back then!
Oliewenhuis – Classical Cape Dutch Architecture
As you are well aware, I do offer city tours and attempt to give the client a good understanding of our past, as it is through our history that has made this place as it is today. It is a shame that many of our old buildings are neglected or vandalised, but we must not only blame the present administration. Beautiful old buildings were demolished in the 70âs and 80âs to make way for parking lots and shopping malls. Thankfully though we still have some architectural gems scattered throughout the city namely Oliewenhuis, Freshford House and Thomas Maphikela house to name but a few.
Still on the historical note, for those who are interested in old Anglo Boer War photos, please visit the War museum as there is a fascinating display of old time photos which have been digitally coloured. They are amazing to see and show so much detail which you would not notice if they were monochrome. The âartistsâ who done these photos spent many hours bringing these photos to life and now I get a far better understanding of those photos. I hope that more photos will eventually be âcolouredâ and perhaps a book published to show their amazing works.
Please contact me if you are in need of any brochures or tourism related issues.
Startup GrindBloemfonteinheldtheir monthly fireside chat @59 Plenty. Vicki Fourie, former Miss Deaf SA,was the speakerfor the month. This was a great platform for people to beinspired andeducated on motivational speaking as those in the audience had a keen interest in finding out how Vicki became a motivational speaker andhow she manages.
Attendees, as always, had the opportunity to connect with other individuals from various industries and expand their networks. Startup Grind is truly encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in Bloemfontein.For more information, follow their social media pages.
June has been such an eventful month, filled with both entertainment and education. Bloemfontein may not be classified as a busy city but we sure have a lot going on. Be on the lookout for next monthâs events and save the dates.
It’s the last week of June.. can you believe it? 6 months of 2019 gone just like that.
Sometimes we feel like there isn’t enough hours in a day to complete everything that needs to be done. Heck, sometimes one just wishes they can take a breather. to avoid being overwhelmed.
Good thing this week is jam-packed with events where you can take the breaks you need to avoid your stress levels going through the roof.
The Big Fat Normal Quiz – 25 June, 19:30PM | The Staffy
Put on your Smarty Pants, or underpants, whichever tickles your fancy đ and join in at the all popular quiz night at The Staffy! Entrance is R20 and there is a cool prize to be won should you emerge victorious!
The Island – Directed by Jerry Mofokeng- 27, 28 June @ 19:30PM | UFS Scaena Theatre
How about going to watch a play put on by the drama department at the University of the Free State?
“A celebration of Language and Unity, dialogue in Sesotho, English and Afrikaans as poetic as they can be. A celebration of Identity, South Africans to the core and children of the blanket under the skin. A celebration of professional relationship, UFS Drama Department, Free State Arts Festival, and Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha working as one team. A celebration of Mangaung, Unity in Diversity.”
Be Human Family Market – 29 June @ 09:00 | Middelwater Farm
The Be Human Family Market takes place every Saturday. It’s a little ways out of Bloem but rumour on the grapevine is that it’s a nice activity to do with the family. There’s great food and even a morning run for those with an extra hop in their steps. Just remember to take some cash with, as there is an entrance fee of R10 and the food stalls there only accept cash.
P.S There’s even craft beer, gin on tap or your preferred local brew đ
Mommy and Me Cupcake Decor Workshop – 29 June @ 11:00 | Koekela Cafe
PSA to all moms!
Now this is the first I’ve seen in Bloem. What a cool activity for the weekend
Come join in for a morning of special memories, fun, creativity and more!
The morning is a time for you and your daughter/son to learn together, laugh together and take home your beautiful creations
They’re going to show you how to work and decorate cupcakes with fondant, and everything you need will be supplied, so bring along your apron and smile and come enjoy this fun event.
For more information contact us at info@koekela.co.za
Think we missed a super cool event? Let us know đ
TheGigCultureUnManagementWorkshop took place this week. Industry practitionerswere invitedto share and engagewith those present the issues at hand. For the next 6 weeks the aim is to dissect theindustry and some of the issues practitioners/enthusiasts struggle with.The evening was concludedwith somelighthumour, courtesy of theTheIvy LoungeComedy Club. Save your Tuesdays for the next 5 weeks to come. The entertainment industry is changing. Donâtmiss out on being a part of this exciting period. Join the workshops.
ThursdayâJune20th
Poetic Thursdays
This great event filled with talent and beautiful rhymes took place at The Thoughts. For those who love poetry and enjoy live entertainment, this was definitely the place to be. Bloemfontein is bursting with the art spirit.It is evident in all our stages.
Feeling well rested from the long weekend? We sure are đ
Just a couple more days until you can dive back into bed and binge watch that series you started watching last weekend but never got to finish. Weekends should be longer don’t you think?
Anyway, what better to start your ‘fake monday’ other than planning your calendar for the week?
The UnManagement Workhop hosted by GigCulture invites industry practitioners to share and engage. The workshops happen every Tuesday for 6 weeks so don’t stress if you miss one or two workshops.
After the workshop the evenings end off with some light humour courtesy of The Iy Lounge Comedy Club.
Tuesdays will never be the same again…
Song Writers Evening – 22 June @ 18:00 |Gallery House
An intimate evening of original music with various new /experienced musicians/songwriters. Tickers are R80pp, and pre bookings are required. Bring some snacks and drinks should you feel a big peckish whilst unleashing the inner songbird in you ;). Do bring a jacket should you get cold, though there will be a fire going for you at the event.
Georgetown LIVE – 18 June @ 20:00 | Chicago Lounge and Bar
Enjoy live music with Chicago Lounge & Bar and Georgetown. Georgetown is a multi-instrumental Bluebilly Folk Pop band from Pretoria. A captivating hybrid of the classics and unique local influences. Tickets are R20 at the door and the show starts at 20:00. Make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible musical experience.
Looking out of my office window I am amazed that winter has still not arrived, I remember back to a time when I was in Europe busy hiking around the continent during the winter season. Oh boy did I feel the cold! The days were grey and the wind blew right through you and sleeping in some dodgy places made you yearn for the blue sunny skies of South Africa. We tend to complain about the cold weather BUT we donât really have a winter!
This is one of the reasons why we should be counting our blessings and appreciate the good things we have. I recently hosted some American ladies here in Bloemfontein and they could not believe that this was the cold season, I did mention that we do get cold days every now and then and we even get snow on the Malotiâs, but they just laughed and said that I must stay over in Chicago during their winter, I donât see that happening! Personally my only gripe during this time is that the days are shorter and by 18h00 itâs dark already. When I am on tour I always make sure that I arrive at the destination before the sun sets and so with less daylight I feel a bit rushed.
On that note please see my mid-week winter tours on the attachment, the destinations I have chosen offers a variety of attractions and are really on our doorstep. I can take a maximum of seven people so you will be guaranteed personal attention and service. I also believe that the accommodation I have sourced is good value for money and are delightful places to stay. I can arrange the tours to a date suitable for you and as the breaks are mid-week you will be away from any crowds or busy roads. I also offer day trips which are most enjoyable and are an ideal breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. So if you are looking at doing something different then please give me a call.
My appeal for the SPCA still continues, please guys let us all help these precious animals during the winter months. ANY old blankets, sheets, pillow cases or pillows will suffice; if you donât have old linen then perhaps a couple of cans of dog food will be good. I will collect from you and I promise that all donations will be delivered to our local branch. I thank you in advance.
Got a bit of the Monday blues? You know, one of the ways to combat that is to just relaaaaaaaaaax. Play a good tune. I’d recommend Old Town Road. There’s just something about the tune of that particular song that just lifts my spirits. Or maybe its the soothing twang of country singers.
Though, should you need a little break from the office we have some events down below that might interest you! This week isn’t as busy as last week was but there’s a rather interesting event that would definitely appeal to the ladies.
She Means Business  – Wednesday, 12 June, @ 8AM
Stories are powerful. They have the potential to inspire us, make us laugh, make us thoughtful and also allow us to connect with someone.
The She Means Business Series is a platform for female entrepreneurs to support, celebrate and encourage one another. Join our storytellers as they share their #MyStartUP stories on their entrepreneurial journey.
* Are you looking for purposeful conversation among like-minded women? * Do you believe in the power of collaboration? * Are you looking to build meaningful connections? * Would you like to gain insight from our storytellers and guest speaker? * Are you passionate about your growth and empowerment? * Are you looking for invaluable support, advice and inspiration?
Definitely check out their Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/events/290564535220296/
Be Human Family Market | Saturday, 15 June @ 9AM
The Be Human Family Market takes place every Saturday on Middelwater Farm.
The market opens from 09h00 until 16h00 and they have a wide variety of food stalls in their food court, dishing up anything from gourmet waffles, Wagyu burgers, liver kebabs to traditional sosaties, chicken wings and meatball and halloumi skewers. Their bar area serves craft beer, gin on tap or your preferred local brew.
From loads of kiddies activities and game drives to the farm deli, the Be Human Family Market caterers for everyone and there is so much to do for a great Saturday out.
For a detailed look at all of their activities go visit
Sidenote: The food stalls don’t have card facilities available, and they don’t have an ATM on site either. So don’t forget to pack some cash money if you want to buy some food to snack on đ
So those are the events that caught our eye for this week, one is a business seminar, and the other is a fun activity you can do with family and friends.
