gauteng
Antiques fair. The Melrose Arch Antiques Fair takes place on June 30 from 10am to 5pm and will focus on everything French. Entrances are off Corlett Drive and Atholl-Oaklands Road. Tel: (011) 880 2213.
Poetry reading. The Timbila Poetry Project is holding a poetry reading on June 30 at 1.30pm at the Yard of Ale, corner of Wolmarans and Rissik streets, Braamfontein. Tel: 084 354 0361.
Steam train ride. Take a steam train trip with the South African National Railway and Steam Museum on June 30. The train leaves from the museum site near Krugersdorp on the Randfontein Estate Gold Mine at noon and returns at 3pm. Booking is essential. Tel: (011) 888 1154/5.
western cape
Edutainment for kids. Iziko Museums of Cape Town is offering exciting workshops for kids around the theme of pirates and shipwrecks, treasures and sea life, at the South African Museum, Slave Lodge and Castle. Workshops cost R20 and run from July 4 to 20. Also, the Planetarium is offering a variety of shows throughout the school holidays, including Mark Shuttleworth in Space, 15BBC, The Sky Tonight and, for younger viewers, the exploits of the daring Morris Mouse in Tick-Tock: The Mouse and the Clock. Tel: (021) 481 3800.
Festival of fun. The Canal Walk Children’s Festival of Fun blasts off on June 29 and runs until July 21. Entertainment includes drama and magic workshops, a Find the Magic Wands competition, shows such as Well Done Noddy, and a book fair. For a full schedule of events, pick up a copy of the Canal Walk What’s On Guide from the information desk at the centre or Tel: 0860 10 11 65.
kwazulu-natal
House and garden show. The NBS House and Garden Show takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from June 28 to July 7. Tickets cost R25 for adults and R14 for students, scholars and pensioners. Children under 12 get in free. Tel: (031) 202 7622.
Weekend retreats. The Buddhist Retreat Centre is holding two weekend retreats in July: Looking With New Eyes will explore our true nature at both ancient and modern teachings of reality and runs from July 5 to 7 and Hell is Other People explores relationships and will be held from July 12 to 14. Tel: (039) 834 1863 or (031) 209 5995.