Dream. Create & Live.
Durban, 18 May: The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show - KZN’s favourite lifestyle event is gearing up to welcome visitors to its 2026 edition on 27 June until 5 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
“The theme this year is Dream, Create, and Live,” says the Show’s new director Lara Bezuidenhout. “The halls will be filled to the brim with craftsmen, designers, decorators, DIYers and experts who’ll show visitors how to create what they’re dreaming, and curate it all to design a home and lifestyle that’s tailored just for them. Whether one is searching for the latest international design trends, discovering exciting new products, finding local gems that won't break the bank, or simply be entertained, we have something for everyone.”
“Don’t come alone - it’s a fabulous family outing, it’s school holidays, and there’s a wide range of cool to crazy entertainment for little to later ages,” enthuses Bezuidenhout. For youngsters there is a massive play area devoted to over life-size inflatables, and Peter Pan and Tinkerbell will be in Neverland. Around every corner, there’ll be somebody on stilts, juggling, somebody else wearing something wild and wacky, a hip-hop street-dancing duo, and Dolly with her Trolley, part AI, part human. There are illuminated Living Lamps, exquisite Blossoming Beauties, and the exotic Outdoor Butterflies.
Make it a day out – or an evening – visit the cool Gin Garden, with live music from favourite musicians; ice-cream vendors and Sophie’s Café for sweet treats and savoury; round-the-world flavours like Lawmans for Mexican, smoked deliciousness from Ole Smoki, and the biggest, best burgers in town from Filthy Moustache. Something edible and quaffable for absolutely everybody, everywhere.
“We have many interactive highlights at this year’s Show…whether you love to cook and can’t wait for celeb chefs and new recipes in the Hirsch Test Kitchen, or visit Edgars’ House of Red and learn from their skilled masterclasses on fashion and beauty.”
There are ideas and opportunities to breathe new life into your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom with young creatives, experienced decorators, furniture designers, top local brands, fresh ideas and bold concepts. “If you can dream it, the Show’s experts can do it…or you can DIY it yourself,” says Bezuidenhout. “That’s why we are excited to welcome Builders this year who can help advise visitors on their own approach to DIY. They will have their latest products, new brands and old, and as much advice as one can gather in a visit. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, they’re there to lend a hand flipping that dream into a professional project.”
As usual there are fabulous competitions to be won: There’s R100 000’s worth of premium camping gear, great escapes and outdoor kit, all from Khakibush magazine. At Hirsch’s Nintendo Activation Area, visitors can meet Mario and Luigi, and if they score the fastest lap time on the Mario Kart game, a Nintendo console or merchandise goodies valued at R12,500 could be theirs. Then an iconic Porsche 911 will be on display at Hirsch’s, and visitors stand a chance to win Hirsch’s big surprise from Porsche and Smeg, a Smeg Porsche appliance and Porsche merchandise hamper.
On both Show Saturdays, witness the fun with shortlisted contestants setting the place on fire for The BraaiBoss Challenge, the search for SA’s ultimate Braai Boss.
Shopping, learning, consulting, socialising, interacting with those in the know about homes, gardens, and everything in between…that’s what this year’s Show’s really about, all under one massive roof. The stage is being set to Dream, Create, Live – diarise it. June 27 to July 5.
Good to Know
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
Parking: Secure Parking available at Centrum opposite DEC /Workshop / ICC
Dates: 27 June to 5 July 2026
Show times: Daily 10am – 9pm. Sundays 10am – 8pm
Tickets available from Quicket.
