Sundays in Joburg were once synonymous with tranquillity and reflection, steeped in the tradition of rest, and family time. A day for a well-deserved lie-in, a sunrise jog or cycle, or taking advantage of quieter roads.

A traditional South African Sunday was once a sacred day marked by many faithful flocking to churches, seeking spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Afterwards, families gathered for brunches, braais or a seven-colour lunch.

Not so much in 2024. What was once a day reserved for only rest is now a rise in revelry. With the Joburg weekend starting on Thursday, you would imagine a steady petering out of energy by Sunday. But Joburg is no ordinary city and Sundays in the city have now emerged as the unexpected canvas for social gatherings, offering a new type of fellowship – groove.

It's more like a second Saturday, a chance to squeeze every last drop of indulgence and enjoyment from the weekend before the impending return to the grind of the work week. "Work hard, play hard” is a Joburg axiom. 

The initial signs of the emergence of the so-called 'Sunday groove' can be traced back to as early as 2017, thanks to events such as Until Until's Sunday Roast and Homecoming Events' Tshwanefontein. Sunday Roast, which initially began as a birthday celebration at Great Dane in Braamfontein in 2017, gradually evolved into a beloved monthly gathering. It recently marked its 50th and final edition on Sun, May 5, 2024. The day after each event, attendees would often express their happiness on social media, dubbing it "the happiest place on Earth”, which would become its tagline.

Although held in Pretoria, many Joburgers were willing to travel north to experience the party that is Tshwanefontein. Held on the last Sunday of each month at the African Beer Emporium in the 012 Central courtyard, Tshwanefontein showcased sounds from local acts alongside headliners, including Kelvin Momo and DBN GOGO. Its run continued until the beginning of 2023, leaving a lasting impact on Sunday groove in both cities. While those events have run their course, the Sunday groove scene continues to flourish with a plethora of vibrant parties to explore.

"We have ambitions in terms of the kind of artists we want to book, the places we want to go, the designs we want to bring to life, and the ideas we want to execute."  – Thubelihle Nkutha, Soundset Sunday

While there's no specific formula for a perfect Sunday groove, it's all about afternoon fun. Most parties start around lunchtime and end early enough for you to be home and ready for work. It's a great chance to wear your Sunday best and enjoy a laid-back and fun time with friends and even make some new ones. It's a delightful mix of music, fashion, food, venue, and ambience, with each event focusing on what they believe is the best, making each unique. In light of that, we have a few on our radar that make us want to spend our Sundays there and get our groove on...

'Sunday Groove Lite' at The Pantry 

We are naming this one ourselves. Since opening in Rosebank, The Pantry by Marble has attracted legions of fans who flock to this fancy 24-hour service station for gourmet treats such as delicious soft serve, pâtisserie, ready-to-go meals, and wood-fired pizza. Pantry has become a way of life in Joburg, a pre-party, after-party, and overall party spot. We wouldn't be surprised to hear it's next up as a wedding spot (jokes, we think?).

The Pantry, on Jan Smuts Avenue, is part of Keyes Art Mile.

Never Rush A Sunday

Often, great ideas start small, and that's precisely the case with Never Rush A Sunday. Ano Makunike, co-founder of Blank Spaces Records and organiser of Never Rush A Sunday, told us that the event was inspired by a playlist curated by a friend. It evolved, spurred by his business partner and close friend, Stephen Kent, and what began as a simple idea has blossomed into a bespoke experience tailored primarily for women, encompassing everything from carefully selected music and drinks to fashion.

Attendees can dress up for themes inspired by cultural references, usually represented by a designated colour or material. The last theme was Can I Call You Rose? which inspired many to wear pops of red. Music curation is another important aspect. In a party space dominated by electronic dance music from Afro-tech to amapiano, Never Rush A Sunday takes a more mellow approach, Makunike explains: “Whilst the Afro-tech and amapiano are great genres we get so much of that already that once a month it feels good to be at an event where you can hear some Spice Girls or or Mafikizolo. You get to hear the music we grew up to, your favourite sing-alongs, and without the pressure of having to know the latest dance challenge.”

The next Never Rush A Sunday is usually held on the last Sunday of every month. Keep an eye out on their Instagram for announcements of dates and themes.

SorBae Sundays

Soundset Sunday

Brunch On Sundays

Pantone Sundays

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