What to get up to during the long weekend and April school holidays

The long weekend is upon us and if you are looking for something to do during the long weekend and school holidays, Nelson Mandela Bay got you covered with music, art exhibitions, markets, a festival, big sport events, adventurous activities as well as Easter egg hunts, high teas and special Sunday lunches!

Music, Entertainment & Art:

10 March to 6th of April: Port Elizabeth in the good old days (Photography Exhibition)
Step back in time and visit Bob Binnell's photography exhibition. The photographer says, “It is important that we remember our past. In this exhibition people will be able to see how Port Elizabeth has change over the years, both positively and negatively.” Exhibition is open from 09:00 to 17:00 (weekdays), and entrance is free. For more information, click here.

29 March: Bobby van Jaarsveld
Afrikaans singer, Bobby van Jaarsveld, will be performing at the Boardwalk's Amphitheatre. For tickets and more information, click here.

30 March: Flipside Takover Tour
Flipside is TAKING OVER one venue per city, 10 cities, from March to May 2018 and on the 30th of March you can expect mind blowing beats, quality thumping sound, full venues, an awesome vibe and exclusive music never been heard before at the Roof Garden Bar. DJ line up: Lady Lea, Chunda Munki, Austin Cassim, Kyle Cassim and DJ Abby Nurock. For more information, click here. 

30 March: Loyiso Bala Back for Easter
Loyisa is known for his smooth R&B voice and has performed alongside the likes of John Legend and Elton John. He will perform at the Word of Faith Christian Centre on Friday, 19h00. Tickets are R50 person. For more information, click here.

31 March to 1 April: Uitenhage Easter Picnic
Head to Willow Dam for the Uitenhage Easter Picnic, a picnic that will be a real treat for the ears with a House and Kwaito session (DJ Fingers, DJ Tembs (GoGo), Sir LSG, Kanunu, Durban Gogo. Pitchblack, Alaska, Mavusana), Hip Hop (Frank Casino, J Molly, Guerilla32, DJ Slique, DJ Capital), some local Uitenhage performances (DJ Cute, Fura, Khabzela, Masx, Yoza) and an Afrosoul Session (Sands (tiggi), Ginger, Neo-sax player, Em`o soul shock, Soul 2soul). For more information, click here. 

Markets

3 April: 2 for 1 Tuesday
Experience Port Elizabeth's food truck cafeteria at Chicky's Yard. Buy one meal from your favourite food truck and get another one for FREE! You can look forward to Foongs, Ukutya4africa Pizzas, The Burger Guys, Wafelbak, Taco Mia, micoffee and Richmond Hill Brewing Co. There will also be two live DJs, Subtrakshun (18:00 to 19:00) and Woli Nativ (19:00 to 20:30).

4 April: Back to Earth Market
Enjoy live music, handcrafted jewellery, biltong, ladies clothing, toys, antiques and collectables, foodtrucks, deli products, cakes and more at the Back to Earth Market at Old Grey Sports Club. 

7 April: Lady Slipper Farmers Market
Support our local farmers and visit the Lady Slipper Farmers Market from 08:00 to 12:00; indulge in a big breakfast and shop for veggies, home-cooked jams, rusks and more. 

Festivals

30 March to 2 April: Splash Festival
Join in on the fun and add the Bay's annual Splash Festival to your weekend's schedule. The festival will feature beach volleyball (Volleyball SA will host their national event at the festival), jet ski races, deep sea angling, an Easter egg hunt for the kids and  one of the biggest highlights include Cassper Nyovest ft Nokwazi; he will be live on the 1st of April at Wells Estate. Festivalgoers can also look forward to Asanda Bam, Brown Sugar, DJ Picasso and Dan Patlansky to name a few. There will be a variety of food stalls, a fairground and entertainment for the children.
To find out more, visit the festival's website. 

Easter Activities

30 March to 2 April: Easter at the Boardwalk
On the 30th and 31st of March the Magic Company will treat the kiddies to free rides between 10:00 and 11:00. There will be a fun Easter egg hunt on the 2nd of April on the Hotel's lawn with fantastic prizes up for grabs. And while you are at the Boardwalk, why not enjoy the arcade games, ten pin bowling, go-karting, watching a movie or grabbing a bite to eat? For more information, click here. 

31 March: Easter High Tea at The Beach Hotel
You will be spoilt for choice with sweet and savoury treats during the high tea; bring along your loved ones to share this special moment. R150 per person. For more information, click here.

31 March: Easter Egg Hunt at SANCCOB
Bring the kids and join SANCCOB for an Easter egg hunt; the cost is R60 per child and this includes an Easter package and a visit to the penguins. For more information, click here.

1 April: Annual Easter Spit Braai at the German Club
Young and old is welcome to join the German Club's annual spit braai; there will be live music, a jumping castle and pool to use. For more information on where to get your tickets, click here. 

1 April: The Big Boma Easter Picnic
Experience Easter at the Boma and indulge in their picnic baskets that will be filled with all that is delicious. There will also be Easter games and activities for the kids. For more information, click here.

1 April: Easter Sunday Lunch at Hacklewood Hill Country House
Come hungry and feast on Hacklewood Hill Country House's 3-course Easter Lunch, R320 per person. For more information, click here.

1 April: Easter Sunday Lunch at The Beach Hotel
Spoil yourself and book a spot at The Beach Hotel's Easter Buffet Lunch, R245 per person. For more information, click here.

Spaces are limited for all the food-related events. Remember to book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Sports

30 March to 2 April: Volkswagen Nelson Mandela Bay Surf Pro presented by Billabong
Go and watch South Africa's best battle it out for valuable QS points as they look to kick-start their QS careers and build towards making the Championship tour. Go down to the beach for great surfing, music, food stalls and a festival of wave riding. For more information, click here.

31 March: Nedbank last 8: Kaizer Chiefs vs Baroka FC
Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup quarterfinal tie against Baroka FC will be played in Port Elizabeth at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 20:15, tickets are between R15 and R60 per person and can be bought here.

6 April: Guinness Pro 14, Southern Kings Pro 14 vs Munster
Come support the Kings as they take on some of the best clubs in Europe. For more information, click here.

Adventure

Helicopter Flip
Baywest Mall together with Helicopter Pilot Training Centre and E'scape Airtours will be offering helicopter flips during Easter Weekend! The prices for a heli flip start at R300 per person for a 6-8 minute flight and it goes up to R2500 if you want to view the Bay from above for a whole hour (there are also 14, 20, 25 and 30 minute flights available). Bookings are essential, you can send an e-mail to admin@helipilot.co.za or contact them at 041 581 0327.

Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre
Everyone's favourite indoor climbing centre will be open during the long weekend and school holidays.  During the Easter Weekend you can go climb (or hang) on Friday from 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00 and Monday from 09:00 to 21:00.

31 March, Blue Moon Walk with SANCCOB
Join SANCCOB on Saturday 31 March to watch the blue full moon rise and the sun set! Ticket sales will start at 16:30 and there will be a short welcome talk at 17:20 and the walk will start at 17h30. Sunset is at 18:14 and moon rise is at 18:34. The cost is R50 for adults and R30 for pensioners and children. Bring a torch in case a cloud blocks the moonlight! The walk is from SANCCOB to the Cape Recife Lighthouse and the distance for the round trip is about 4 kilometers. For more information, click here.

Don't forget about...

There are still numerous things you can get up to during the long weekend such as a visit to Kragga Kamma Game Park or Addo Elephant National Park, sunrise at Shark Rock Pier, sunset at Schoenmakerskop, a movie and perhaps some ice skating at Baywest, a hiking trail in Cape Recife, some birdwatching in the Swartkops Estuary, a cruise and some sandboarding on the Sundays River, a zipline or giant swing at Addo Adrenalin or a bicycle or skateboard or segway ride along the beach front.  

What will you get up to during the long weekend?