An R&B party, a flamboyant symphony, and a library protest, this week in Joburg is all about expression – creative and otherwise. Here's what to look forward to in Joburg.
Head here for a full run-down of art exhibitions and art events, and remember to bookmark these pages. For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, explore our events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletter published every Thursday morning. Follow us on Instagram where we publish daily updates on events in our Instagram stories.
Note: While we update this information regularly, Johannesburg is an ever-changing city, so make sure to click on links, follow our booking advice, and if in doubt, call ahead, as venues do not always communicate changes.
Our top picks
FOR THE STAGE OR DANCEFLOOR
Fri, May 17 and Sun, May 19 – Enjoy a mix of beloved classics and flamboyance inspired by Liberace as performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Jonathan Roxmouth in Candelabra Classics.
FOR TREASURE SEEKERS
Until Sun, May 19 – Auction enthusiasts and treasure hunters can find an incredible range of eclectic items ranging from furniture to fashion at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers' Autumn Wunderkammer Auction.
FOR THE DRINKS CREW
Sat, May 18 – Sun, May 19 – Enjoy the best of bubbly with The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival at Sandton's Inanda Polo Club. Only Sunday tickets are available.
LUXE LIFE
Sat, May 25 – Sun, May 26 – Get home décor inspiration and the interactive Century HomeShow 2024 in Midrand.
ON STAGE
Until Sun, May 19 – The Cirk's Worlds Away – A Journey to Circusland takes you on an aerial and acrobatic adventure through different realms, where you'll discover love, light, and purpose.
Until Sun, May 26 – Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre welcomes back Paul Slabolepszy's The Return of Elvis du Pisanie, a journey of self-discovery.
Wed, May 29 – Sun, Jun 30 – For the first time in SA, catch Agatha Christie's courtroom classic Witness for the Prosecution at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.
HOT TICKETS
Fri, May 24 – Sun, May 26 – RMB Latitudes 2024 art fair takes place at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens again this year. Not to be missed. Book now; tickets get snapped up quickly.
Fri, May 24 – Sun, May 26 – Discover the best in a brew with fellow coffee enthusiasts and industry experts at The Specialty Coffee Expo at Fourways Mall.
Sat, May 25 – Sun, May 26 – Contra.Joburg is one of the biggest open studio events, where you can see artists' works-in-progress and finished pieces in their studios.
Sat, May 25 – Don't miss the chance to experience an incredible performance by award-winning singer-songwriter and composer Neill Solomon and Friends at the rooftop of The Troyeville.
Thu, May 30 – Thu, Jun 20 – Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra's popular Winter Symphony Season returns with performances by piano, oboe, and soprano soloists at Linder Auditorium.
Markets, fairs, and festivals
See our round-up of Joburg's best markets.
Sun, May 19 – The Craighall Market features over 60 vendors selling deli items, clothes, jewellery, plants, and more.
Coming up
Sat, Jun 1 – Sun, Jun 2 – Find goodies to make winter much brighter at The Linden Market's Winter Edition at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia.
Sat, Jul 6 – For antique books, maps, and other treats, visit the Book, Antiques and Artisanal Faire at Rand Club.
Art fairs and exhibitions
Joburg's galleries are always at full tilt, with all-new shows opening weekly. Read our exhibitions guide here.
Thu, May 16 – Fri, Jun 14 – A wonderful way to start an evening in Rosebank is to check out an exhibition opening; we suggest Scapeland at W17 Gallery. RSVP essential.
Coming up
Fri, Sep 6 – Sun, Sep 8 – Mark your diaries for FNB Art Joburg taking place at Sandton Convention Centre.
Get outdoors
Take a walk with an experienced guide. Use our list of best Joburg tours and experiences or visit one of Joburg's beautiful parks.
Every Tues – Fri – Put on your running shoes and join Let The People Run for training in Rosebank. All are welcome, just rock up and run.
Every Fri from 18:00 – Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome at Maboneng City Riders' Chasing the Sunset rides.
Every Sat from 05:00 – Start your day early and ride with urban cycling club, Banditz Bicycle Club.
Every Sat – The newly revamped The Playground in Braamfontein opens rain or shine, boasting a brand-new City Beach Club and rooftop basketball court.
Sun, May 19 – Horticulture fans can view some of the best gardens in the city with Gardens of the Golden City’s Summer Gardens 2024 featuring Shepstone Gardens.
Fun with food and drinks
Every Fri – Sun from 10:00 – 13:00 – Grab a bite of Vietnamese street food with the Bahn Mi Sandwich Bar at Yardbird Deli.
Every Sat from 13:00 – Mamakashaka and Friends host a cool afternoon in Braamfontein with cocktails and curated playlists by you.
Tue, May 21 – Maker of Blackwater Wines, Francis Haasbroek joins Acid Food & Wine Bar for their monthly Wine and Dine in Parktown North for an in-depth tasting and communal dinner.
Coming up
Sat, May 25 – Escape to the countryside near the Magalies to enjoy a farm-inspired, four-course meal with Owlswood Long Table Experience at Owlswood Farm.
Sat, May 25 – Make breakfast with buddies at Cook Mates & Brunch at The Cooking Studio in Olivedale.
Sat, Jun 1 – Have a taste of Burgundy, France in Blairgowrie with Mr Pants Burgundy Invasion. A must for wine lovers.
Tue, Jun 11 – It's a mix of the Mediterranean with Italian food and Greek wine pairing at Dolci Café's Italy Meets Greece in Craighall Park.
Sat, Jun 15 – Mon, Jun 17 – Discover the best braaier in SA and more at the ultimate culinary extravaganza, the Mzansi Food and Drink Show at Kyalami Convention Centre.
For the kids
Every Fri and Sat from 18:00 – Join the family-friendly party at Joy Jozi, with great music and delicious food.Coming up
Fri, Jun 28 – Sun, Jun 30 – Join Paw Patrol Live as part of the Race to Rescue tour at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace.
Comedy
Every Sun – The Bioscope hosts Bioscope Sundays, where you can laugh away any signs of the upcoming Monday blues.For the night owls
Every Wed – Join the fun at the Supersized Bar Night with Sir James van der Merwe and Katy’s Palace.
Every Wed from 19:00 until midnight – Rosebank's barbershop earns the "bar" in its name as Bar Ber Black Sheep becomes party central.
Every Fri – Techno heads get lost in the hottest EDM at TOYTOY's weekly night residency at the And Club in Newtown.
Every Fri – Ease into the weekend with wine and hip-hop at Mamakashaka and Friends’ Wine Down.
Music and concerts
See our list of where to listen to jazz in Joburg.
Sat, May 25 – Celebrate Africa Day and the return of Lira to the stage at the Bassline Fest at Constitution Hill.
Sun, May 26 – The UK's Blue Lab Beats and saxophonist Camilla George headline The Afro Diaspora Connection at Constitution Hill.
Mon, May 27 – Tue, May 28 – Honour 30 years of democracy and music with performances, panels and workshops at the fourth edition of the Africa Rising Music Conference at Newtown Junction.
Thu, May 30 May – Sun, Jun 2 – Drakensberg Boys' Choir heads back to Joburg to host Music in the City 2024 on the Nelson Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.
Thu, Jun 27 – Sat, Jun 29 – Music, film, creative conference, and a market are all happening at Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival at Constitution Hill.
Comments