Port Elizabeth entertainment – casinos, cinemas & festivals
Posted on 11. Apr, 2010 by admin in Port Elizabeth
Despite only being a small city, there’s plenty going on in Port Elizabeth. From live events ranging from beauty contests to arts festivals, cinemas, theatres and all-inclusive entertainment complexes, you sure to find something that floats your boat here. There are also plenty of annual sporting events to take part in or watch, depending on how lively you’re feeling. Check out JF’s guide to Port Elizabeth entertainment.
Festivals and events in Port Elizabeth:
Eastern Cape Fashion Week
Eastern Cape Fashion week is held in Port Elizabeth at the beginning of September. The Boardwalk Conference Centre is the venue and the idea is to discover new models and fashion talent. The official launch of the event took place in July 2009 and it promises to be a jaw-dropping show of beautiful people and beautiful clothes.
Northern Arts Festival
Also taking place in September, the Northern Arts Festival happens at Van Der Kemps Kloof, Bethelsdorp, in the heart of the city. The festival celebrates local music and art talent and showcases touring celebrities. The streets are filled with exhibitions, musicians and food stalls and thousands turn up for the event.
The Collective Graduate Exhibition and Fashion Show
For a week in October, the Collective Graduate Exhibition and Fashion Shows brings a splash of colour to Port Elizabeth. Events take place at the Nelson Mandela University where the excellent work of its students is showcased. The event is attended by international collectors and designers as well as fashion professionals and photographers. It is seen as a chance for the most talented students to get their big break.
Miss Tropika
Miss Tropika is a one-day event held in December. A gaggle of beauties will take over the Vodacom Amphitheatre at the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World where they will be judged on their personalities, talents and how they look in skimpy clothing.
Sporting events in Port Elizabeth:
The Hansgrohe Masters of Water
Stage one of the three-stage Hansgrohe Master of Water competition will take place at Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth in December. The second and third stages are held in Cape Town and Durban respectively. Around 30 athletes from across South Africa volunteer to take part in the event which comes in two categories, beach and surf. Disciplines include, an iron man challenge, swimming, water skiing and surfing. There is also a competition for young life savers.
Amatola 100kms Trail Run
Also known as the Big Bafer, the Amatola 100kms Run starts at Maden Dam on October 16 and follows a path across the Amatola Mountians to Cata. The runners then rest for the night before a second day of pain, finally ending up at Hobbiton in Hogsback. The running trail is hilly and dense in vegetation with very technical sections. All food and equipment must be carried by the runners and only 50 of the fittest runners that apply can compete.
Aspen PE City Marathon
This 42kms run will take place on December 5, starting at Lorraine Primary School. Walking is permitted as this is one of the more relaxed Port Elizabeth sporting events. There is also a 10kms race on the same day.
Billabong Pro Surf Competition
The Billabong Pro surf Competition is held in Jeffreys Bay every July. It is the largest surf competition in Africa and people come from all over the world to take part and spectate. The vibe is super cool and the after parties are particularly fun. Definitely not one to be missed if you are in town at the right time.
Cinemas in Port Elizabeth:
Nu Metro
Shop 54, Walmer Park Shopping Centre, Main Road, Tel: +27 (0)41 367 1102, Email: Walmer@numetro.co.za
Nu Metro cinemas are a national chain which show all the latest releases. The cinema at Walmer Park has multiple screens.
Uptown Cinema
Corner of Rink Street and Park Drive, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 582 1428
Uptown Cinema is small and cosy. It has only two screens but shows some good films including art house cinema.
Ster Kinekor
The Bridge Shopping Mall, Cape Road, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 363 4341
Ster Kinekor cinema can be found in The Bridge shopping centre. It is a national chain cinema with Cinema Nouveau showing art house films and all the mainstream films.
Starz
Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, 2nd Avenue, Port Elizabeth. Tel: +27 (0)41 507 7777
Starz Cinema is at the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World. There are multiple screens here as well as a whole host of other attractions including restaurants, shops and of course a casino.
Theatres in Port Elizabeth:
The Barn Theatre
Potters Place, Saint Francis Street, Jeffreys Bay, Tel: +27 (0)42 293 2500
Regular music events are held at The Barn Theatre at Potters Place. The large orange building is unmissable with its blue roof. There is also a good restaurant here and a gift shop.
Port Elizabeth Opera House
Whites Road, Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 586 2256
There are a number of different performances taking place at Port Elizabeth Opera House on any given day of the week. There’s a whole variety of productions to be enjoy here and most of it is not opera.
Manville Open Air Theatre
St Georges Park, Park Drive, Port Elizabeth
The Summer Shakespearean Festival is held at the Manville Open Air Theatre in Port Elizabeth which provides a real treat for locals and visitors alike. The timeless classics are recreated in a number of different styles and the open-air experience really is unique.
Ford Little Theatre
Corner of Castle Hill Street and Belmont Terrace, Central Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth’s Ford Little Theatre is home of the annual Dance Festival as well as the Music and Drama Society. Small but perfectly formed productions are staged here.
The Savoy Theatre
Corner Stirk and Collett Street, Adcockvale, Tel: +27 (0)41 368 4598
The Savoy Theatre and Conference Centre stages plays and musicals in its beautiful theatre overlooking Algoa Bay. It is often known as the ‘Theatre with the view’.
Chaplin Cocktail Theatre (Uptown Theatres)
1 Rink Street, Central Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 582 1428
The Chaplin Cocktail Theatre hosts live theatre events and conferences.
Feather Market Centre
Corner of Baakens Street and Military Road, Central Port Elizabeth, Tel: +27 (0)41 585 5514
The Feather Market Centre in Port Elizabeth is a beautiful and stately building that plays host to glitzy cultural and business events. Concerts and productions of every kind and size play here.
Other entertainment in Port Elizabeth:
Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World
2nd Avenue, Port Elizabeth. Tel: +27 (0)41 507 7777
Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World is your one-stop shop for all things glitzy in Port Elizabeth. There are four hotels here as well as a convention centre, sports cafes, restaurants, shops an amphitheatre and a cinema. The casino has over 800 slot machines and 21 gaming tables.
Brookes Pavilion Entertainment Complex
Beach Road and Brooke’s Hill Drive, Summerstrand, Tel: +27 (0)41 583 4110
Brooke’s Pavilion and Entertainment Complex overlooks the ocean and is open until late at night. There is a whole host of bars, restaurants and clubs here offering late night entertainment.
Fire Klub
Tel: +27 (0)72 658 3006, Email: dorien@fireklub.co.za
The Fire Klub showcases original and local talent in the form of gigs and artistic performances. Concerts and shows take place on the first Saturday of every month at various venues in Nelson Mandela Bay including Toni’s Place and The Old Cash Store.
Four Winds Music
The Maritime Club, corner of Annerly Terrace and Cuyler Street
Tel: +27 (0)82 568 1755 begin, Email: listmaster@fourwindsfolkclub.co.za
Four Winds Music is a Folk Club that showcases some of Port Elizabeth’s best musical talent. They hold an open mike show every Sunday at the Maritime Club, and all music lovers are welcome.
Centrestage Productions
Tel: +27 (0)41 368 3093
Centrestage is an entertainment booking agency and music and production company. It puts on everything from comedy and cabaret at various venues throughout Port Elizabeth
