Events this weekend and beyond

Wow! We have actually made it to the end of the year. I cannot tell you how very excited I am to be compiling the final events guide for 2024.

I’ll definitely be back early next year, so don’t worry, you can always count on me and us to tell you what to do or where to go.

Personally, I’m loving all the end of year events, the beach bashes, the tribute shows, the Christmas markets, the club nights. I love all of it and I hope you all do too.

This is the right time to rest, to socialise, to lie in the sun, to open a cold one or even to make a few resolutions, quit some habit, walk or run. It’s up to you.

This Weekend

This Friday there will be a Johnny Cash Tribute Show at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre. Join singer Riaan Smit as he transports you through Cash’s greatest hits such as ‘Ring of Fire’ and ‘Folsom Prison Blues’. Tickets range from N$200 to N$600, with a ‘black tie’ dress code.

This Saturday, take part in the Santa Run/Walk at Swakopmund from 07h30 for the 10km route and 07h40 for the 5km route.

Dress up as Father Christmas, an elf or your favourite holiday character and join in on the fun. Entry fees start at N$100 and 50% of the proceeds will be going towards water safety programmes. The Mole Beach parking area is the starting point.

Also on Saturday, catch South African duo ShakesXLes live at Club Naps at Swakopmund. Joining the line up are The Rhythm, Groovetainment, Mwifi, Fishy and Kevi. Doors open from 19h00.

If you are in Windhoek on Saturday though, why not enjoy Bottomless Bubbles at Studio Pub & Grill for N$250 per person between 13h00 and 17h00? There will also be live DJs and food on sale.

The Namibia Craft Centre at the Old Breweries in Windhoek has been having a massive Christmas Market since the start of the month, and this weekend it will come to an end. If you’ve missed out, the fun continues Friday through Sunday with an Omba Gallery Exhibition as well as other goodies for sale. It opens from 09h00, with free entry.

Recurring

Sing as loud and as off key as you want at Karaoke: Wednesdays at Mynt Nightclub, Thursdays at Tipsy Rabbit Hole, or Saturdays at Isabel’s Table.

Every week is the Sunday Market at the Village Garden from 09h00 to 15h00. There you can enjoy the stalls, kiddies activities, live music, food and drinks.

There is a weekly substance abuse support group on Thursdays from 18h00 at the CCN Building at Eros. These sessions are hosted free of charge by Saffron Psychological Services.

Beyond 30

The Sound of Summer annual beach bash is coming back to Langstrand, Walvis Bay, for their 2024 edition on Saturday, 28 December, featuring local and international acts, including YD Fresh, Mapiiano, Tumi Mohamed, A Gulp’s Worth, Abby Nurock, Dean Fuel and others. The party starts at noon. Experience passes for N$499 and platinum passes for N$1 385 are available online. This is a cashless event.

On Tuesday 31 December, say goodbye to 2024 at Mercure Hotel’s family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Tickets are going for N$485 for adults, which includes a lamb spit braai, drinks, entertainment, and sparkling wine. The N$225 kiddies ticket covers a buffet, juice, face painting, jumping castles, arts and crafts, popcorn, a ‘Candy Land’ and a movie night.

On Friday and Saturday, 14 and 15 March 2025, there will be a 2-day sales conference at Goodfella’s in Windhoek for entrepreneurs, business owners, realtors, and motor industry-focused individuals to transform their game with South African sales coach Francois le Roux. It will feature masterclasses, workshops, and networking opportunities. Tickets are available online for N$5 595. Both sessions begin at 09h00.

• Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer, and social commentator. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.