The year is coming to and end and it’s time to welcome 2018 with open arms. But first, let’s give 2017 a formal farewell by attending one of Johannesburg’s most swinging parties. Crack open that bubbly and start making your New Year’s resolutions. Read on to learn all about the best ways to kick off the new year in Jozi, South Africa’s beloved hip city.
Nothing’s quite as festive as watching the skyline of Johannesburg from a rooftop party. This is where Living Room’s Island Styling party in Maboneng comes in handy. The rooftop bar is noted for its urban decor meets tropical island feel with potted palm trees surrounding the partiers. Bartenders will happily bust out their collection of bubblies including Montpellier and Veuve Clicquot (perfect on a NYE night). Take your mixed cocktails and head over to the balcony to enjoy the sparkling night view of Maboneng district.
If a quirky-themed event is more your thing, you’ll love A Mad Hatter’s New Year’s Eve party at EB Social Kitchen and Bar, located in the heart of Sandton. It’s not enough that partiers will delight in the restaurant’s bohemian decor of golden Moroccan tiles, industrial-like exposed beams, mid-century furnishing and a large book collection, but the event centers around Lewis Carroll’s most popular classic, Alice in Wonderland. Attendees will get to sip on literary-themed concoctions and a five-course dinner. Once the clock strikes midnight, celebrate with a glass of Méthode Cap Classique to get the party started.
Another gathering with its own kitschy schtick is the long-awaited Afropunk, where big name acts will headline the event. A-list musicians like Petite Noir and Laura Mvula as well as other supporting bands will perform non-stop for two days at Constitution Hall on December 30th and 31st. Unfortunately, Solange won’t be performing at the event anymore, but don’t let that stop you. The concert focuses on African culture and its influence in today’s music, art and fashion. Expect to find murals with tribal touches and multiple vendors selling their best goods such as jewelry and organic shea butter while offering services like henna designs. Come hungry, there will be plenty of food trucks with their own niche menus.
For nature lovers and those who love to mingle with the locals, Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers New Year Camp might be more your speed. Soweto is adjacent to Johannesburg and attendees are invited to pitch their own tents at Orlando West for a temporary pop-up hippie commune. The four-day long event will have everything from yoga courses, cycling tours, outdoor movies, bonfires and a swimming pool at the campground. For those who wish to not use a tent, cottages on the premises can be rented (though it’s advised to book them as soon as possible as they’ll be booked fast). On New Year’s Eve night, campers will gather under the stars to watch the stunning fireworks show while a live DJ drops some beats. The event starts on December 28th before ending on January 2nd.
Wine lovers, you’ll want to go to Sandton for the Wine Not New Years at Levelthree Premium Venue, where you’ll sip on various wines with live entertainment. Beer drinkers, don’t fret — there’s plenty of craft brews available at this venue. The wines are brought in from various wineries throughout South Africa and this is a fantastic opportunity to taste some fresh wine that the country is famous for. Go easy on the drinks, you’ll want to spend your final night in 2017 showing off your best moves on the dance floor. And remember, by sunset, head up to the rooftop to enjoy the stunning view of Jozi’s skyline.
For a touch of Las Vegas, you can’t go wrong with Tsogo Sun’s Divas Who Rock New Years Eve at Gold Reef City. The Barnyard Theater will have several talented female singers who will do impersonations of iconic divas from Janis Joplin, to Lady Gaga, to Whitney Houston, to Aretha Franklin. The singers will belt out the best tunes from each classic female musician before stopping to join together for a midnight countdown (with a bubbly in hand, of course).
Stay tuned for tomorrow, as we will have the best New Year’s Eve 2017 events in Cape Town, too.
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