Make a plan of it

Mark's Mushroom Meanders

Wana Farm, next to Hebron Haven Hotel, Dargle · 10:30 for 11:00 (about 2 hours)

A guided fungi walk with citizen mycologist Mark Henstock and the Dargle Conservancy. Proceeds support the conservancy's education and conservation work. Limited to 20 people.

R250 per person (1–3), R200 (groups of 4+), R150 children 12 and under

The Eland Trail

Mount Park, District Road 132, Dargle

A trail event over three distances through riverine forest, grassland and farmland with views of the Inhlosane range.

CBR Midlands Banger Rally

The Nottingham Road Hotel, Nottingham Road

The Cannonball Run banger rally returns to Nottingham Road. Spectators are welcome to come and see the cars.

WESSA Ultra Trail Festival

WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, 1 Karkloof Road, Howick · Starts from 03:00 (100 km) to 07:45 (5.85 km)

Trail races from 5.85 km to 100 km marking WESSA's centenary, with four races serving as the KZN Trail Championships.

Vusi Mahlasela & Guy Buttery live

Schlesinger Theatre, Michaelhouse, Balgowan · Sat 18:00, Sun 14:00

Singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela and acoustic guitarist Guy Buttery perform together on stage for the first time.

R250

Midlands Meander BIG Walk for CANSA

Fordoun Hotel & Spa, Nottingham Road · Registration 08:30, start 09:00

Walks of 3.5, 5 or 10 km through the Midlands in support of CANSA.

R120, children under 12 R60

Netphlix: Sophie Joans

The Old Mushroom Farm, 11 Karkloof Road, Howick · 16:00

Comedian Sophie Joans in an hour of live performance about what makes a good story, by way of the shows we stream.

Balgowan Trail Run

Michaelhouse, R103, Balgowan · Registration from 06:00; starts 06:30 (21 km), 07:00 (11 km), 07:30 (6 km)

Loop trail runs of 6, 11 and 21 km through grassland and plantation on the Michaelhouse reserve, hosted by the Balgowan Conservancy with Michaelhouse and KZN Trail Running. The route climbs to a hilltop viewpoint looking across to Midmar Dam and iNhlosane.

The Midlands Adventure

Waterwoods Equestrian Estate, Nottingham Road · Fri welcome braai; rides and trail runs Sat and Sun

A weekend of gravel riding, mountain biking and trail running, with one- and two-day ride options and 5, 10 and 15 km trail runs on the Saturday. Non-riders can join yoga and Pilates sessions and a Sunday riverside bird-watching walk.

Trail run R120–R250; Sunday ride R330–R480; two-day ride R3 000 (standard entry to 25 Oct, late fees after)

Capital-K Open Water Swim

Midmar Dam, Howick · Starts 07:30 (3 km) to 12:00 (500 m fun swim)

Open-water swims of 3 km and 1 km, plus a 500 m fun swim for all ages, at Midmar Dam. The event raises funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Online entry R295–R345; Midmar gate fee R80 adults, R40 children 3–12

Christmas Trail Run

Groundcover Leather Co., Curry’s Post · Registration from 06:00; starts 06:30 (10 km), 07:00 (6 km), 07:15 (Santa Dash)

An end-of-year trail run on 10 km and 6 km loops through grassland, farmland and pockets of forest, with a 3 km Santa Dash for children. Festive dress is encouraged.

aQuellé Midmar Mile

Midmar Dam, Howick · Sat first start 08:15, Sun first start 08:30

The 54th edition of the open-water swim across Midmar Dam, run as eight events over two days for individual age groups, families and teams.