A guide to socialising in Sandton Central

As South Africa’s cosmopolitan centre of commerce, culture and tourism, Sandton Central is infinitely social. There’s always a host of special events on the go for the entertainment and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.

With its wide variety of shopping, restaurant, hotels and conferencing venues, as well as cultural and sporting attractions, Sandton Central is also a hotspot for regular events.

Here’s a short guide to the best regular events in Sandton Central that take place on particular days of the week, whether weekly or once a month.

Browse authentic African goods in the heart of Sandton Central every day with beautifully crafted African masks, trinkets, beadwork and expertly carved wooden African animals and other curios. Along Maude Street, at the corner of Gwen Lane.

There are 11 screens to choose from at Sandton Ster-Kinekor movie complex showing the latest box office gold, offbeat indie films and family movies on show every day. Sandton City. https://www.sterkinekor.com

The best in live entertainment awaits you at The Theatre on the Square. From drama to comedy and plays to stand-up as well as beautiful live music, there’s always a show to delight you. Normally, performances take place from Tuesdays to Fridays, at 8.15pm, and Saturdays at 6pm and 8.15pm.Shop 121 Nelson Mandela Square (formerly Sandton Square) between The Butcher Shop and Grill and the Sandton Library. Please call the theatre on 011 883 8606 to confirm show times.

Happy hour is from 5pm to 6pm every weekday at Skye Bar, one of the best spots for sundowners with its expansive views of Sandton and an inspiring cocktail menu. Why is the hour happy? Skye Bar offers buy-one-get-one-free on all beers, local spirits, ciders and even soft drinks. On the ninth floor of the Holiday Inn, Sandton, Rivonia Road, this luxurious bar is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and the city lights come to life while catching up with friends, family, colleagues or clients. This sundowner happy hour runs all year, from Monday to Friday, until 15 December 2019. Holiday Inn Sandton, 132 Rivonia Road. https://www.tsogosun.com/holiday-inn-sandton-rivonia-road/offers/happy-hour

Enjoy the delights of the lovely Crafted Gin trolley on the pool deck of Radisson Blue Gautrain Hotel from Monday to Thursday between 5pm to 7pm at only R60. Cnr Rivonia Road and West Street. Call 011 286 1000 or visit radissonblu.com/hotelsandton-johannesburg

Thursday is date night at Maximillien Restaurant. Whether you surprise your significant other, or schedule some quality time, date night is always a good idea. Dining starts at 7pm, and the R495 cost per couple includes a complimentary bottle of house wine. DaVinci Hotel and Suites, Upper Level, Legacy Corner Mall, Corner 5th and Maude Street, Sandton. Book at bit.ly/2MIxkwE

Foot-tapping live music is on the menu every Friday. Enjoy Dining with a Difference at Maximillien Restaurant with SOUL TONE BAND. Dinner is served from 7pm. DaVinci Hotel and Suites, Upper Level, Legacy Corner Mall, Corner 5th and Maude Street, Sandton. For reservations: bit.ly/2CdH7WL

Join Maximillien Restaurant for its Sparkling Saturdays and indulge in a 5-Star breakfast with gorgeous bubbly between 11am and 1pm for only R175 per person. DaVinci Hotel and Suites, Upper Level, Legacy Corner Mall, Corner 5th and Maude Street, Sandton. Bookings essential: 011 292 7000.

Spellbinding stories are yours to take home and enjoy at The Friends of Sandton Library monthly Grand Book Sale. There are always hundreds of fresh books on display, with 90% of them at R20 only! The sale usually takes place on the weekend that falls after the 25th of each month, from 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday. Sandton Library, Nelson Mandela Square. Donations of books, which can be collected from your home, are very much appreciated. Contact Keith Elliot at kje@telkomsa.net or phone 011 8026054.

Critical Mass is a monthly social cycling event, hosted on the streets of Sandton for all - young and old that love your bicycles and just love the joy of riding them in a social environment. On the second-last Friday of each month it departs from Benmore Centre, for a 10km cycle to the Zone at Rosebank Mall, where it takes a 45-minute refreshment break, followed by a 6km return to Benmore Centre. Departure is 6.30pm for 7pm sharp. Riders can meet in the lower ground parking B of the Benmore Centre from 5.30pm onwards for a bit of socialising before the start. Thanks to Benmore Centre, Critical Mass participants park for free! Cnr Grayston Drive & Benmore Road. https://www.facebook.com/criticalmasssandton

Sandton Central is full of brilliant and compassionate people who want to make our world a better place to live. The city’s monthly volunteer clean-up day is all about communities working together to make things better. The Sandton Central monthly Clean-UP takes place on the second-last Friday and Saturday of the month. Joburg’s A Re Sebetseng campaign is focused on cleaning the city, but also welcomes any volunteerism that improves the city.  Everyone - residents, businesses, charities and other organisations - can get involved. Visit sandtoncentral.com, click on the link for ‘council information’ and scroll down to the ‘downloads’ section where you will find the A Re Sebetseng registration and commitment forms. Complete the forms and return them to Elaine Jack at Elaine.Jack@cwexcellerate.com.