Events of the week - 12th to 18th October

October is here and this weekend is said to have some excellent weather all over the country. If you are driving around, there are loads of exciting events in your region that would make the weekend even more fantastic.

Oktober Bierfest Sandton is here

More than 200 years old and attracting more than five million people from around the globe to Germany each year the annual Oktoberfest in Munich has been a defining part of Bavarian culture and has grown to become the world’s largest festival. “Oktober Bierfest is a recreation of traditional Bavarian beer festivals,” says Andrew Douglas, Director of The Entertainment Group (TEG), producers of the event. Closely resembling the Oktoberfest in Munich, The Oktober Bierfest in Sandton, Johannesburg promises to be an authentic Bavarian festival complete with limited edition beers brewed exclusively for the event, German food and even Oompah bands!

Above: The Oktober Bierfest in Sandton is set to attract all the German enthusiasts out there. Photo: StudentBrew

Explore the Masterchef in you and eat while you learn

Watch and learn from the master Franck Dangereaux, who shares his cooking secrets in practical demonstrations at the Foodbarn Restaurant every Wednesday. Joining forces with Steenberg, Franck and The Foodbarn have launched a new winter menu special that offers a food and wine pairing menu.  The winter menu offers a 3, 4 or 5-course meal with the 5-course meal including both starters.

Costs are R165p/p for 3 courses, R185p/p for 4 courses, R215p/p for 5 course – this includes wine pairings.  Eat while you learn, all demonstrations are free with your dinner booking.

Above: Watch and learn from the master Franck Dangereaux at the Foodbarn Restaurant every Wednesday. Photo: Shereen

Delvara Hi- Tec Full Moon Hike

The Hi- Tec Full Moon Hike begins at the Dirtopia Trail Centre on Delvera farm offers a fun alternative to the Leeukop moon hike. The Vineyard Trail is 9,75km long and starts from the Trail Centre on Delvera farm and takes you through a Renosterveld Conservancy and Yellowwood forest to the top of Klapmutskop.

It takes about one hour to get to the top from the Trail Centre so get be there later than 17h00 (the earlier the better!), so that you make it in time for the sunset. You might just win a pair of Hi-Tec hiking shoes in a lucky draw!

Permits cost R50p/p and R20p/p for kids under 10 and include the shuttle – you will also get a map. Picnics must be booked and paid for at least two days before the event date.  They are made by Simonsberg Cafe on Delvera.

Above: The Delvera full moon hike offers an alternative to the Leeukop full moon hike.

Craving freshly made food?

If you live in or close to the vibey Mother City, you might be tired of hearing about health this and organic that, but the Earth Market is really something to consider if you want to enjoy a scrumptious meal in a relaxed environment. Flavoursome chorizo, homemade curry powder and yummy fudge are just some of the things you can enjoy at the Earth Market. This Cape Town Market is on every Wednesday from 3 pm to 8 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm at the South Palms Centre in Tokai Main Road, Tokai and every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm at the St George’s Mall in the Cape Town CBD (off Whale and Church street).

Above: The Earth Market offers only the freshest products. Photo: Alice Carrier

Bored in the Eastern Cape?

If you’ve been at one too many food markets, you might need to get rid of some fat that has been nestling around the hip area. Next weekend The Amatola 100km trail run, also known as the ‘Big Bafer’ starts at Maden Dam, 25 kilometres from King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape. The trail then follows the hiking trail across the Amatola Mountains to an overnight stop at Cata in the shadow of Geju peak. Registration is R575 per person and on the 15^th from 17:00 and 16^th till 05:30 at Maden Dam.

Above: The Amatola trail follows the hiking trail across the Amatola Mountains to an overnight stop at Cata in the shadow of Geju peak. Photo: Tim & Annette