Every Friday I list all the events happening in Durbs for the weekend. This weekend I’ve compiled a special list for the Durban July after parties as there are just so many. But before I list those, let me just round-up all the non racing-related events you can attend, if hoofing it is not your thing:

• Shongweni & Essenwood will be happening as usual, on Saturday morning. Both have delicious breakfast options to be nommed.
• The i heart market is happening on Saturday too.
• Garden & Home show will be wrapping up this weekend, so if you haven’t checked out its offerings, you still have a chance
• Rainbow Young Performers Project 2013 at the Elizabeth Sneddon theatre called ‘Can You Feel it?’ is getting rave reviews and worth a watch for sure

Right, and now for all the parties that have nothing to do with horses and more about the show ponies 😉

Preparties Friday night:

• Moyo is having a preparty at a secret location (it’s secret so I’m not sure where it is. Presumably they will reveal on their FB page)
• Dj Cleo and a few others will be mixing up the beats at Origin
• The BAT Centre is also pumping up the vibes (do people say that or did I just make that up to sound relevant?) with Zookey Sarling from Gagasi FM
• DJ Fresh and more will be at Empyre from 9pm

During or at the July:

• G&G Live Marquee will host the 5Fm DJs and whatever else R1595 a ticket can get you. Which better be a lot.
• Babylon Hair on Cowey Road is hosting a shindig
• Joe Kools will be having a Durban Takeover party
• Miller Boomtown Marquee will be hosting their annual celebration of excess and sequins with tickets ranging from R550 to over R2500. It’s going to have a 40 meter bar. Forty. Meters. I’m so there 😛
• Other marquees include the 5-hour Energy marquee, Afrotainment Marquee, and, this really does deserve a mention for originality: the first ever gospel party at a horse racing event at the AKMG marquee.

Durban July After Parties:

• The People’s Park at the stadium will be hosting the Fact Durban Rocks party from 6pm to 6am with various live acts
• Moyo at Ushaka will be hosting the Red Carpet afterparty from 8 till late
• 5fm will be throwing out the doof-doofs with the likes of Locnville, Roger Goode and more at the Wavehouse

After the After Party Parties (previously known as Sunday):

• Good Sundae at Kingspark with more DJs and style, cover is R200
• Pop Bottles in association with Vuzu and all the hottest DJs (they are everywhere at once, you guys are really going to make them work for their money this weekend) at Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga. Cover is R150

Happy hangovers and broken stilettos, folks!