The What's On in and around East London is the only print magazine, digital magazine and social media platforms actively showcasing what is happening around our city.
To advertise your business in this magazine, please email info@thewhatson.co.za
MAY 2026
CLICK HERE TO READ THE MAY WHAT'S ON ONLINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/ssybm/kjfv/
EVERY THURSDAY: Kids Trail Run at Hillcrest Trails, Corner of Hillcrest and Coad Roads, Beacon Bay, from 5.15pm.
EVERY THURSDAY: Karaoke Thursday at Legends Creative Club, Berea from 6pm to 8.30pm. WA: 065 573 9365.
PARKRUNS EVERY SATURDAY: Kidd's Beach, Orient Beach, Sunrise On Sea.
4-15 May
East London Port Rex Lions Music Eisteddfod will take place from 4 – 15 May 2026! Follow their facebook page for more info.
5 May 2026
The Quiet Arrangement. In stillness, there is movement. In the ordinary, there is depth. An art exhibition that explores observation, time and form. Bringing together works that reflect on objects we often overlook, revealing their beauty, symbolism, and presence through artistic practice. CVD Art Gallery. 12 Jarvis Road, Cnr Barkley Rd, Berea. WhatsApp: 074 298 1582.
7 May 2026
Ihambo Yengoma featuring Andile Yenana & Dumza Maswana, House 87, Kugompo City, East London, at 7pm. A live music performance by two acclaimed artists. Tickets: R300 via Quicket, R350 at the door.
8 May 2026
Alumni Padel: Silver Lynx Social at Gonubie Sports Club from 6pm to 8pm. A social padel event for alumni with a ‘Once a Lynx, Always a Lynx’ theme. RSVP via Google Form, enquiries via email events@lilyfontein.co.za.
8 May 2026
Manana - Mending Broken Hearts Tour. Manana brings his first-ever nationwide theatre tour! Spanning his entire career, from debut EP In the Beginning Was the End to 2025’s OBHM: Full Stop. Tracing a powerful arc of love, loss and healing, the show features rare and intimate performances, some for the final time. This will be an evening crafted with one purpose: to mend broken hearts. Guild Theatre. Book on Webtickets or Pick n Pay.
8 May 2026
Blink-182 Tribute Band Live at The Circle, Gonubie starting at 6pm. Featuring guest bands Undead Generation, Emmzie and Quinton Tarr.
8 May 2026
Charity Golf Day at East London Golf Club. 4 Ball Alliance, R1600 per four ball. Proceeds go to Clean Slate Ministry.
9 May 2026
HE WHO SENT ME Tour is a powerful live concert experience from multi-award-winning Afro-soul artist Zuko S.A., blending soulful music, personal storytelling, and purpose-driven themes into an immersive full-band performance. Rooted in spiritual awareness and empowerment, the tour is designed to uplift and inspire reminding audiences of their identity in God and the strength within them. Guild Theatre, 6pm till late. Tickets on Webtickets or Pick n Pay, R350.
9 May 2026
Mother’s Day Tea, West Bank Baptist Church, 2pm. Finger snacks & sweet treats. Tickets R60. Contact Denise 066 329 1149.
9 May 2026
Mother’s Day Cookie Decorating Workshop at Madison’s Market Café from 8am to 11am. Includes meal, drink, treat, small gift and lucky draw ticket. Cost is R400 per person. Contact 076 846 8737.
9 May 2026
Gonubie Primary School Colour Dash at Gonubie Primary School starting at 2pm. A fun, colourful run open to everyone.
9 May 2026
Mercedes-Benz Expo 2026 at Kei Mouth Motorcycle Museum starting at 10am. A family-friendly vehicle showcase with free entry. Contact 066 399 2210.
9 May 2026
Locals & Legends Live Music Event starting at 4pm at Bay Collective, Spargs Centre, Beacon Bay. Get ready for a full day filled of incredible LIVE MUSIC with some of EL’s best local talent entertaining us.
10 May 2026
Wings for Life World Run, global charity run event taking place on 10 May 2026. Run for those who can’t, supporting spinal cord research. Join via the app or participate locally. More info at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
14 May 2026
Living Legends – Seasons. Brigham Young University brings an electrifying celebration of Latin American, Native American & South Pacific culture to South Africa, packed with powerful dance, music, colour & storytelling. Guild Theatre, 19:00.
043 743 0704.
15 May 2026
Buggers Golf NPC 3rd Annual Charity Golf Day at East London Golf Club, Bunkers Hill. A Betterball Scramble Drive supporting youth development. Contact 043 743 9212 or 073 505 3097.
16 May 2026
Golf Day Church Maintenance Fundraiser at Gonubie Golf Club. A Betterball Stableford competition with prizes. Contact 082 717 5503.
16 May 2026
Boy Mum Community Lunch Brunch (International Boy Child Day) at Hamilton Club, 5 Cleveland Rd Selbourne, East London (next to Joan Harrison Swimming Pool) at 12pm. Ticket: R250. Contact 078 738 8385 / 083 684 0168 / 071 871 3806.
16 May 2026
Mac’s Familia East London Day Jol at Midnight Club, Amalinda from 10am till late. Live music, games, prizes and food stalls. Contact 068 607 4970 or 082 303 7920.
16 May 2026
SAICE Amathole Branch Regional Bridge Building Competition & Market Day at Portrex Technical High School starting at 10am. Contact 072 838 4664.
17 May 2026
The Beatles & Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Show at Bonza Bay Bowling Club from 12pm to 6pm. Entry R100. Contact 082 457 7368 / 073 367 7095 / 073 371 9942.
20–22 May 2026
Africa Agricultural Indaba at East London ICC, Quigney. A major agricultural event. Contact 043 743 8438.
21-31 May 2026
Umtiza Arts Festival. More info from the Guild Theatre on 043 743 0704.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083286404127
24 May 2026
The Avaia Market at Thistlewoods, Gonubie from 10am to 2pm. A family-friendly market with over 60 vendors. Free entry
29 May 2026
Pinecreek Night Market at Pinecreek Restaurant & Farmstall from 17h30 to 20h30. Live music, stalls and kids’ activities. Contact 062 256 4901.
30 May 2026
UMTIZA FAMILY MARKET FESTIVAL at the East London Museum and Guild Theatre gardens. Pony rides, Jumping castles, Bubble House, Face painting, Henna hand art, Art sessions with kids, Sweet treats - cake, candy floss, Food trucks, Amazing craft, deli items and speciality stalls. Watch the Selborne vs Grey Bloem rugby next door on the Selborne fields. 9am to 2pm.
30 May 2026
FAB FARM QUEST is coming to town! Get ready for the zaniest farmyard adventure of the year, inspired by the book by Lori-Ann Preston! Join Deedee and her colourful cast of farm friends at the East London Museum for an interactive quest full of laughs, surprises, and oink-tastic fun. Perfect for ages 3–9, but little siblings and grown-ups will love it too.
Hourly quests: 9AM / 10AM / 11AM / 12PM / 1PM
East London Museum
R80 per person | BOOKING ESSENTIAL
WhatsApp Jen to book your spot: 074 538 4438
Part of the 10th UMTIZA Arts Festival 2026. Limited spots available.
30 May 2026
Bootsale Car Boot Sale at NG Kerk Gonubie, 23 Jabela Street, from 08:00 to 12:00. Price R150. Contact Linda de Waal 083 233 8956.
30 May 2026
Stirling Primary School Games Day from 9am to 3pm. Games, food stalls, rides and more.
30 May 2026
Annual Chilli Festival at The Croquet Club, East London Golf Club from 10am to 6pm. Food stalls, chilli products, competitions, festive music and more. Free entry.
30 MAY 2026
KENNERSLEY PARK FUN WALK – “TURQUOISE TOGETHER”
Distances: 5km | 1.5km Kiddies Walk
Venue: Kennersley Park, Beacon Bay
Start: 08:00
Entry: R50 adults | R20 kids
https://www.facebook.com/Kennersley
6 June 2026
Winter Community Market at the NG Kerk Gardens, Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay from 9am to 1pm. Over 70 quality stalls, food stalls and tea garden.
9 / 10 June 2026
One-on-One Skincare Checkup at Lime Fusion Vincent with 45-minute slots between 9am and 3pm. Cost R120. Contact 073 227 0887.
SAVE THE DATE: UMTIZA ARTS FESTIVAL 2026 21-31 MAY 2026
Bookings open for certain shows.
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1587947428
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4 May 2026 15:53 local time
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4 May 2026 15:53 local time
Nahoon, East London, 5241, South Africa
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4 May 2026 15:53 local time
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4 May 2026 15:53 local time