Instead of doing the same old family outing of movies and popcorn, why not buy tickets to the Rand Show for roughly the same amount? You get access to an entire day of top-class and free entertainment with hours of fun, and activities ranging from shopping to eating!

What to expect?

For adrenaline junkies, get ready for big bangs, jets and tanks with the SANDF! They will be presenting an explosive arena display from the 25th – 28th of March. Expect fighter jets, helicopters, simulated explosions and gun fire! The SANDF will also be presenting a gigantic 10,000 sqm exhibition of equipment and vehicles for the entire duration of the Rand Show.

Then from the 2nd – 3rd of April, prepare for the Rand Show’s SA’s Strongest Man 2016! This is where the giants of the SA Strongman Union will go head-to-head in a number of brutal challenges and Go Country! You can also expect a whip-cracking Western weekend display of horsemanship, mounted archery, cowboy songs and Western games.

If you’re more inclined towards science and technology, the lab will be open throughout the duration of the Rand Show. You can look forward to two science stages that will be presenting non-stop science action with the Naked Scientist from the 25th – 28th March, and the Kalahari Scientist and the Nutty Scientists for the entire 10 days. For those with a keen eye, there’s also the Edudome Mobile Planetarium that exhibits fossils and other amazing inventions.

Avoid the boredom and inject some fun into your kids’ holiday. Take them to the daily Bazillion Bubbles workshop where they can also enter giant-bubble blowing competitions, be part of the giant soccer action zone by Spanish Football League LaLiga, or enjoy the trampoline displays in Trampoline Fun Land! The younger kids can have some fun in the dirt by the gardening workshops in the gardening pavilion, or fun with sweet treats at the Making and Baking workshops in the food hall. For all the kids, there’s a fun fair, however, the rides are not included in the entry ticket.

Visit the animal kingdom and watch Border collies herding a flock of sheep. Like your milk? Then don’t miss “The Milking Lane” theatre production and milking demonstration. In Old McDonalds Farmyard, you also get to pet and feed farm animals. And for the brave hearts, there will be a display of reptiles everyday!

In the Man Cave all motoring enthusiasts can see displays of classic cars, hot rods, and sports cars to name a few. Enthusiasts can choose to take part in public challenges and tournaments in the Cuesportfever pool exhibition zone. You can also look forward to daily guest appearances by local sporting luminaries at the Sporting Legends stage. To catch sound and performance challenges, get to the Fueled Fanatics Arena just outside on Terrace 2 from the 25th – 28th of March and from the 2nd – 3rd of April.

There are also a variety of performances to look forward to such as Mr and Miss Rand Show on the 27th of March and Extreme Bodies on the 2nd of April. This will be held on the outdoor Spice of Life Stage which will also be presenting a continuous line-up of singers and variety acts.

If you’re crafty, then you’ll love this. Everyday you can immerse yourself in free crafting and DIY. There are also gifting workshops at the Home Living Hall; gardening workshops, fruit and vegetable carving classes in the Go Green Gardening Pavilion; and makeovers, beauty and health demonstrations in the Fashion & Beauty Hall.

The Food Stage will be calling for all foodies to indulge in food demonstrations and workshops, including cake icing as well as decoration workshops in the Bakers Chefs Theatre. All this and so much more Easter Holiday fun awaits at the Rand Show!

When Was it?

Good Friday, 25 March, to Sunday, 3 April 2016.

Gates open daily at 09:00. Ticket booths and gates close at 18:00. The show itself closes at 19:00, but the fun fair remains open until 20:00.

Where Was it?

Johannesburg Expo Centre, Rand Show Road, Nasrec.

Ticket Costs?

Tickets were available at the gates or through TicketPro (www.ticketpros.co.za). Adults payed R 150 at the gates or R120 through TicketPro.

R50 for pensioners over 65 (no further midweek discount)
ŸR50 for teens aged 13–16 (no further midweek discount)
ŸR20 for kids aged 6–12 (no further midweek discount)
ŸNo charge for children under 6 (no further midweek discount)

Open-air parking was R20 per car.

Please note: Entrance tickets give visitors free entry to the Rand Show’s top attractions, as well as the opportunity to win in a number of great competitions. Rides and refreshments are charged separately.

For more information, visit www.randshow.co.za