Arts Alive

Arts Alive, held every September since 1992, features a heady mix of dance, visual art, poetry and music at venues in the Joburg inner city. The main concert, held at the Johannesburg Stadium, headlines international superstars such as 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. Over 600 artists perform during the four-day festival, with most shows at various venues in Newtown. The ever-popular Jazz on the Lake is held on the final day.

Website: www.artsalive.co.za
Where: Johannesburg
When: September

The Soweto Festival

The vibrant Absa Soweto Festival takes place around September of everfy year. It host more than 400 exhibits such as hair and beauty, works by developing artists and crafters, fashion show, sports arena, a career village, food and wine stalls and a shebeen in the hall. The festival dates back to 1983, where it began as the Soweto Homemakers Fair, held in White City Jabavu.

When: September
Where: Soweto

WineX

For the eighth successive year, South Africa's biggest and best-known consumer wine event, RMB WineX, comes to Gauteng at the end of October. 1500 wines ' artefacts of the craft of nearly 250 producers ' will be available for tasting during the four nights of the show.

In a major innovation introduced last year, the event offers visitors a SHOP@SHOW facility - with home delivery for a nominal one-off charge.

Website: www.winex.co.za
When: October
Where: Sandton

Whisky Live Festival

Whisky lovers and wannabe whisky enthusiasts are given the opportunity to learn a thing or two every year at the FNB Whisky Live Festival.

Over 180 different whisky brands are on showcased with those attending having the opportunity to understand the difference between a Scotch, Irish, Rye and Bourbon whisky, getting to know the distilling process and understanding why the word is sometimes spelt with an 'e'.

Website: www.whiskylivefestival.co.za
When: November
Where: Sandton