The South African youth account for the majority of our population and on the 16th of June it is national Youth Day in South Africa; a day commemorating the Soweto uprising of 1976.

This year Youth Day falls on a Friday and turns a normal weekend into a long weekend; and to add to the joy of sleeping in a bit, there are also numerous events – for young and old - in and around Nelson Mandela Bay honouring Youth Day. But if want to avoid the crowds and if you prefer a more secluded experience, you can always visit a reserve, have a gastronomic feast at one of the Bay’s eateries, go to a museum or put on your hiking shoes, tie those laces in double knots and head for a trail.

Here are a few things you can do during this long weekend in the Bay

The Day Before

If you are one of the lucky ones who doesn't need to go to work or school or class the next day, then why not get a head start on your weekend?

Good night market

Port Elizabeth’s favourite mid-week market with all its delicacies is back and this month it is just before Youth Day, ready to welcome the long weekend with open arms. Doors open at 17h00 and entrance fee is R20. 

A Dance Performance

Join Ian von Memerty, the King of Versatility, and his wife, Vivienne von Memerty, the Queen of Dance,  for their performance, Synergy. Together the couple take 26 years of life’s struggles and creative partnership and bring fresh insight into the SYNERGY that ignites when two people work as one. 

Jazz it up

Saxophonist, Cathy Del Mei, will entertain guests in The Boardwalk’s Tshawe Bar with a soulful performance where she effortlessly flits between music genres, from wing and jazz to pop and rock. 

A night out in town

Grap a few friends and commemorate the day that changed the course of South Africa’s history at the Roof Garden Bar. Attendees can look forward to New Hero and Stone-age Citizens; tickets are available at RVCA Store in Walmer Park. 
 

Over the long weekend

Go on an Instameet

Join the New Brighton Instameet this Saturday from 09h00 until 13h00! Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism will provide a shuttle to and from New Brighton; limited space is available, so send a direct message to @igersportelizabeth on Instagram should you wish to attend. You may convoy if there's no more space in the tourism shuttle. Click here to find out more. 

Watch a show

Elvis Blue is ready to charm audiences with a mix of new music and well-known hits at the Boardwalk on the 16th of June. Tickets are R100 p/p.

Get Festive

If under the water is where you prefer to be then join the 21st Wildside Dive Festival from 16-18 June. ProDive will be launching from Hobie Beach and you can also book your Noordheok dives online. This festival is one of South Africa’s top Dive Festivals and the goal for this year is 900 dives over three days. Go and experience the wonder of the Bay from down under. 

Be a Unicorn

The Unicorn Café and Salon has been charming visitors ever since it first opened its doors at the end of March 2017. It is a magical land of rainbows, colour, sprinkles, marshmallows, puffy clouds and of course, unicorns; come with the kids or be a kid yourself, and stay for a unicorn drink and something to eat. Kids can also enjoy a play park and a mini mani or pedi.
 

Get on your Bike

Head to the Baywest Mountain Bike Trails for a day of family fun.

Go for a Run

The Mazizi Msutu Youth Challenge leaves  from Dan-Qeqe Stadium  and runners can choose between 5km and 10km. 

Come hungry

Baakens Food Truck Friday should not be missed this Friday! Besides all the delicious (and inexpensive meals) the activities available for the kids will even entertain those a bit older, those a bit more adult; there will be jumping castles, pony rides thanks to Hillside Equestrian,  circus acts by FlameBurst, pedal go-karts, balloon-making and many more! Bring a picnic blanket, bring a camping chair and come have a relaxing Friday evening with some live music to set the mood.

Don’t forget about Father’s Day

Do you need an idea on how to treat your dad for Father’s Day?  Read how Kerryn Botha plans on spoiling her father. One thing is certain, there's an opportunity to treat your father around every corner of the Bay, take him on a boat ride, treat him for a beer hailing from one of our breweries or take him for a burger he'll never forget. 

But wait there’s more…

The possibilities are endless in Nelson Mandela Bay; whether you want to visit a museum, go have a picnic in one of our parks, explore the Heritage trail, stroll along the beach or just be one with nature.

The best thing you can do to ensure that you take advantage of all of the activities on offer in the Bay, is to get yourself a Nelson Mandela Bay Pass Card.

Just have a look at all the special offers, discounts and absolutely FREE experiences you can get when you purchase a pass > What You Get.

It is simply unpassable.

Don’t miss out on it.