What to Do in Durban in November 2026: Triathlon, Theatre and French Wine
DURBAN · Culture
TinMan Durban takes over the beachfront on 8 November, and a French wine evening follows in Umhlanga on 26 November. Thirteen confirmed events, day by day.
DURBAN — This is the monthly culture and events guide for expats, digital nomads and long-stay visitors, with things to do in Durban November 2026 listed in date order. Every card was checked against the organiser or Webtickets, a South African online ticket seller.
Wednesday 4 November is a one-off public holiday for the local government elections, so expect shops, banks and transport to run on holiday hours. Rand prices are converted at about R16.6 per US$ (RT, a financial-data provider, 25 October 2026).
1 to 8 November: Theatre, Music and the Beachfront Race
Sunday 1 November, 14:00
How to Cook Your Husband
Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Road, Umbilo · R180 (about US$11)
The Rhumbelow is a community-run cabaret theatre in Umbilo, and this Sunday matinee is part of a run that began on 31 October. You can bring a picnic basket or buy food at the venue, and doors open 90 minutes before the show.
Saturday 7 November, 10:00
Durban Doek & Slay
Motown Club, Durban · R150–R250 (about US$9–US$15)
This is a ladies-only daytime celebration with live artists and DJs. The organisers ask guests to follow a denim and white dress code, so plan your outfit ahead.
Saturday 7 November, 19:00
Nathi Mankayi: The Buyelekhaya Tour
Opera Theatre, The Playhouse Company, Anton Lembede Street, Durban Central · Price not published
The Playhouse Company is Durban’s main performing arts complex. Mankayi, an Afro-soul singer, plays a stripped-back concert with a live band, and tickets are sold through Webtickets.
Saturday 7 November, 19:30, and Sunday 8 November, 14:00
You Asked for It – 4! The Reals
Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Road, Umbilo · R180–R220 (about US$11–US$13)
The organiser says booking is essential for this two-show weekend. Choose the Sunday afternoon show if you prefer to be home before dark.
Sunday 8 November, from 07:00
TinMan Durban
Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment, Durban beachfront · from R180 (about US$11)
TinMan is a South African multisport series, and this round includes a 10 km run and several triathlon distances. Race-day registration is at the Suncoast Sundeck from 05:45 to 07:00, so arrive early.
14 and 15 November: Outdoors, Music and a Half Marathon
Saturday 14 November, 09:00 to 18:00, and Sunday 15 November, 09:00 to 16:00
Great Outdoors Expo 2026
Durban Exhibition Centre, 11 Walnut Road, Durban Central · R40–R100 (about US$2.40–US$6)
An outdoor, camping and 4×4 trade show with gear to inspect in person. Go on Saturday if you want the longer opening hours.
Saturday 14 November, 16:00
The R&B Movement: 4th Anniversary Outdoor Experience
Cappello Umhlanga, Umhlanga · R250 (about US$15)
Umhlanga is a seaside suburb north of Durban. The event was postponed from an earlier date to 14 November, and the organisers promise DJs playing R&B from the early 1990s to today.
Saturday 14 November, 16:00
Henry Ate at DoughPamine
DoughPamine, Slow Roads Collective, Salt Rock · R350 (about US$21)
Salt Rock is a coastal town on the North Coast. The organisers invite guests to bring picnic gear, cooler boxes, and their own food and drinks for a backyard evening.
Sunday 15 November, early morning start
Umhlanga Rocks Half-Marathon 2026
Oceans Mall, Umhlanga · Entry fee not published
The race offers 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km distances. Check the running calendar listing and the organiser before you travel, because entries and fees were still to be confirmed.
25 to 29 November: Comedy, French Wine and Saturday Shows
Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 November, 19:30, and Sunday 29 November, 14:00
Schlep with Beryl Cohen: Lilly Slaptsilli
Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Road, Umbilo · R280 (about US$17)
This run of five shows is sold with allocated seating at tables of eight. Alcohol may not be brought in, but a bar and food are available.
Thursday 26 November, 17:30
Beaujolais Nouveau 2026: A French Celebration in Durban
Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga · R650 (about US$39)
Beaujolais Nouveau is a young French red wine released each November. The ticket covers the wine while stocks last, canapés, a buffet dinner, live music and a DJ, and a charity raffle is planned.
Saturday 28 November, 17:00
The Somnyama Show: Durban Third Edition
The Villa, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Point, Durban · R150–R250 (about US$9–US$15)
This is an early-evening show in the Point area of Durban. Book ahead on Webtickets, then allow time for evening traffic.
Saturday 28 November, 20:00
Two and a Half Charous
playTSOGO Globe, Suncoast, Durban beachfront · R100–R300 (about US$6–US$18)
Pair this with the earlier Somnyama Show if you want a full Saturday out. The Globe is inside the Suncoast complex, where the beachfront parking fills quickly on show nights.
Planning Your Durban in November
South Africa has no regular national public holiday in November, but the President declared Wednesday 4 November 2026 a public holiday for the local government elections. Check opening hours for that day before you plan an errand or a trip.
Webtickets sells most of the events above, and the Rhumbelow Theatre also lists its shows on its own events page. Prices shown are the lowest and highest published on the day of checking and can change as shows sell out.
Getting around at night is easiest by ride-hailing app or pre-booked taxi, especially between the beachfront, Umbilo and Umhlanga. On Sunday 8 November parts of the beachfront near the TinMan course may be busy, so leave extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest event in Durban in November 2026?
TinMan Durban on Sunday 8 November is the largest single event, a multisport race at the Suncoast beachfront starting at 07:00. Entry starts at R180 (about US$11).
Where can I buy tickets for Durban events in November 2026?
Webtickets, a South African online ticket seller, lists most events in this guide, including the Rhumbelow Theatre shows, TinMan Durban and the Great Outdoors Expo. Some events may also sell at the venue.
Is there a public holiday in Durban in November 2026?
Yes, one. President Ramaphosa declared Wednesday 4 November 2026 a public holiday for the local government elections. South Africa has no regular national public holiday in November.
What can I do in Durban on Saturday 14 November 2026?
The Great Outdoors Expo runs from 09:00 to 18:00 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. At 16:00 there are two music events: the R&B Movement anniversary in Umhlanga and Henry Ate in Salt Rock.
Sources: Webtickets Durban and KZN events, Great Outdoors Expo, How to Cook Your Husband, You Asked for It – 4!, Schlep with Beryl Cohen, TinMan Durban, Beaujolais Nouveau, Visit Durban, Running Calendar, South African Government News Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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