Here’s our pick of what to look out for in 2026 in Joburg. Bookmark this tab and check back for updates.
Monthly and recurring favourites in 2026
Every first Thursday – Explore galleries, the latest exhibitions, live music, night markets, and Joburg’s creative buzz as the city comes alive for First Thursdays.
Every Sunday – Catch live music, tasty Portuguese bites, and panoramic city views every week at The Hangout, The Troyeville’s rooftop hotspot.
First Saturday of the month – Brooklyn's Antique Fair in Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria is a trove of trinkets and treasures. It's a bit of a drive, but always worth it.
First Sunday of the month –The Firs in Rosebank becomes a hunting ground for unusual collectables and other little treasures at The Firs Antique Fair.
First two Sundays of the month – Refresh your wardrobe at Dress for Less at the Rosebank Sunday Market at Rosebank Mall.
First Sunday of the month – Fun workshops as well as thrift shopping, kids' crafts, and cocktails at First Sunday at Victoria Yards.
Every first and last Sunday of the month – Everyone is a DJ at Kōhī Sessions with a chance to spin your own vinyl at Kōhī, 44 Stanley.
First Sunday of the month – Things heat up at Father Coffee in Kramerville for Braai Day. Expect wines, fire cocktails, braai food, and DJ sets hotter than the grill.
Every six weeks – Go treasure hunting at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers in Ferndale, where eclectic antiques, art, and design gems go under the hammer, all in a fun gallery-like setting that turns bidding into an outing.
January/February 2026
As February rolls in, Joburg shakes off the January blues and the city comes alive with love, colour, and celebration. From romantic and heart-filled events for Valentine’s Day to the colourful sights and sounds of Chinese New Year, there’s a little something for everyone – whether you’re chasing sparks, culture, or just the city’s electric energy.
Thu, Feb 12 – Tue, Feb 16 – Joburg Ballet kicks off its 25th anniversary year with the timeless romance and drama of Giselle on stage at the Joburg Theatre.
Sat, Feb 14 – Lover’s Rock Festival is a soulful Valentine’s Day gathering celebrating love in all its forms, with music, food, picnics, markets, and a carnival at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift.
From Tue, Feb 17 – Celebrate Chinese New Year in Joburg with traditional festivities across the city as the Year of the Fire Horse kicks off. Check out our guide to Chinese Joburg for a glimpse into the city’s rich culture and traditions.
Sat, Feb 28 – Packed stands, bold team colours as one of Joburg’s biggest football rivalries as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates face off in the first Soweto Derby of 2026 at FNB Stadium.
Sat, Feb 28 – African heritage, sounds, and storytelling take centre stage at the inaugural Sankofa Heritage Festival as singer Thandiswa Mazwai marks 50 years of life and 30 years in music at Carnival City.
EXPECTED
– The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) brings back its Summer Season Concert Series to the Linder Auditorium, with an exciting mix of international and local talent. A must on the Joburg music calender. Keep an eye on JPO’s Facebook and Instagram for dates and tickets.
March 2026
March in Joburg is a month of reflection, rhythm, and resilience. As Human Rights Day on Sat, Mar 21 invites the city to remember the heroes who fought for freedom and equality, Joburg comes alive with conversations, music, art, and culture that honour the past while celebrating the creativity and energy of the present.
Sat, Mar 7 – Celebrate proudly South African sounds and community as KUNYE unites artists and fans for a global-minded music gathering at Huddle Park, Linksfield.
Thu, Mar 19 – Sun, Mar 22 – Big swings meet big beats as Calvin Harris, Black Coffee, GoldFish, and more turn LIV Golf South Africa into a four-day festival of world-class golf and dancefloor energy at Steyn City.
Sat, Mar 21 – Soak up smooth jazz, live performances, and nature as Malcolm Jiyani, Msaki, and more take over Jazz in the Lights at the Joburg Zoo in Parkview.
Thu, Mar 26 – Sun, Mar 29 – Four days of powerful conversations, art, film, music, and activism unfold at the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival, where social justice, inclusion, and creativity take centre stage at Constitution Hill.
Sat, Mar 28 – Sun, Mar 29 – Browse handmade finds, local design, and tasty treats as The Linden Market kicks off its autumn edition at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
EXPECTED
– As the cosmos flowers mark the shift into autumn in South Africa, the city bursts into pockets of white, pink, and lilac – one of Joburg’s most beloved seasonal moments. It’s also time for our annual #CosmosInYourPocket photo competition. At Johannesburg In Your Pocket, we love championing th city's natural beauty. Follow @johannesburginyourpocket for #CosmosInYourPocket competition details and related events.April 2026
April in Joburg is all about fun, flavours, and a little freedom. The city eases into autumn with crisp air and big energy, kicking off with Easter from Fri, Apr 3 – Sun, Apr 5 and wrapping up with Freedom Day on Mon, Apr 27. From food festivals to music, markets, and outdoor adventures, the city is buzzing with events that make it impossible to stay indoors.
Sat, Apr 25 – Dance all night to world-class beats as international and local DJs take over ULTRA South Africa at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Sun, Apr 26 – Get your fill of kasi kota flavours from all over Joburg as the annual Jozi Kota Festival takes over The Station in Newtown.
May 2026
May in Joburg is a mix of long weekends, love, and creativity. The month kicks off with Worker’s Day on May 1, giving the city a well-deserved pause, and before you know it, it’s time to spoil the special women in your life for Mother’s Day on Sun, May 10. The air may be colder, but the city is heating up with art, design, and plenty of weekly events that keep Joburg buzzing.
Sat, May 9 – Sun, May 10 – Magic, music, food, and family fun collide at The Magical Marble Family Fest, a joyful all-ages playground at James & Ethel Gray Park in Melrose, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Fri, May 22 – Sun, May 24 – Explore Africa’s leading galleries, curated exhibitions, art, local wines, fashion, and food at the fourth edition of RMB Latitudes at Shepstone Gardens.
June 2026
June in Joburg is all about keeping the winter chill at bay with warm energy and big excitement. From Youth Day on Tue, Jun 16, celebrating the spirit and creativity of the city’s young people, to Father’s Day on Sun, Jun 21, honouring the father figures who keep it all together, the city is buzzing with events, culture, and things to do that make even the coldest days feel lively.
EXPECTED
– Groove to jazz, pop, rock, soul, indie, funk, and slam poetry at Fête de la Musique Joburg, the city’s free festival giving emerging artists the spotlight and everyone a reason to move. Follow @fetedelamusiquejhb on Instagram for 2026 festival announcements and all the latest details.
July 2026
Creativity take centre stage in Joburg in July. From bold design and art exhibitions to film, music, décor, and the hustle of creative entrepreneurship, the city is buzzing with events that inspire, entertain, and showcase the talents shaping the city's cultural scene.
Thu, Jul 30 – Sun, Aug 2 – Explore bold design, creative décor, and inspired spaces as Decorex Joburg teams up with 100% Design Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre.
EXPECTED
– Art, music, fashion, and film take over Constitution Hill at the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, celebrating South African youth, creativity, and culture across three action-packed days. Follow @bashauhuru on Instagram for 2026 festival announcements and all the latest details.
August 2026
August in Joburg is all about celebrating creativity and the incredible women shaping the city. From Women’s Day on Sun, Aug 9 to events highlighting art, design, music, and culture throughout the month, Joburg buzzes with energy, inspiration, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
Sat, Aug 29 – Sun, Aug 30 – See Joburg’s art scene like never before by hopping between studios, meeting the artists, and watching creativity unfold at CONTRA.Joburg art festival.
EXPECTED
– Celebrate womanhood with powerhouse performances at R&B star Shekhinah’s Rosefest music festival. Follow @rosefest.za on Instagram for 2026 announcements and festival details.
September 2026
September in Joburg is blooming – spring has arrived, and so have the uptick in the city’s festivals, markets, art exhibitions, and live music. From Heritage Day celebrations on Thu, Sep 24 to comic book cosplay, creative explorations, and historical experiences, the city is is alive with colour and culture.
Fri, Sep 4 – Sun, Sep 6 – Dive into contemporary art, local culture, and city-wide creativity at FNB Art Joburg, one of the largest contemporary art fairs in Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Thu, Sep 24 – Sun, Sep 27 – Geek out, game on, and cosplay your heart out as Comic Con Africa takes over Nasrec Expo Centre with four days of comics, gaming, anime, and pop culture fun.
Sasol New Signatures winning exhibition For more than 30 years, the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition has provided a career-building platform for emerging artists, providing a space to launch their art to a local and global audience.
A number of entrants to the competition have built artistic careers from doing so. From exhibiting at the Venice Biennale in Italy and becoming a household name to moulding careers as artistic directors, curators, academics, arts administrators, gallerists or writers, Sasol New Signatures has become an aid in improving creative career prospects.
Its inclusivity is a drawcard. Emerging artists from anywhere in South Africa have the opportunity to showcase their talent thanks to the many collection points within each province. Not to mention that any artist who has not yet held a solo exhibition is allowed to enter. Whether you’re a student, mother, grandfather, or mid-career human looking to exit your accountant job and walk into the world of art (we’re looking at you Bev Butkow), any and all ages are welcome to enter. Success amounts to talent, regardless of your status, class, age, gender or anything in-between.
EXPECTED
– Feel the rhythm as Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns, with three days, multiple stages, and over 30 local and international performers bringing the city’s top jazz festival to life. Follow @joyofjazz on Instagram for announcements on the 2026 festival.
– The annual Brixton Light Festival illuminates the friendly Brixton neighbourhood and famous Sentech Tower in September in celebration of Brixton’s incredible creative spirit. Expect loads of lights, big installations and exhibitions, a night market, performances, and surprises throughout this family-friendly event, plus plenty of creative costumes in the parade. We'll let you know once this year's date is announced.
– Discover Joburg’s colourful stories on foot! Jozi My Jozi Walks takes you through neighbourhood tours, uncovering history, culture, and hidden gems across the city. Follow @johannesburginyourpocket and @jozi_my_jozi on Instagram for 2026 walk details.
– Step back in time and explore Joburg’s landmarks, architecture, and stories of struggle heroes at the annual Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) Heritage Weekend, complete with guided tours and a beloved book sale. Follow the @johannesburg_heritage on Instagram for all info on the upcoming 2026 Heritage Weekend.
– Discover fresh, fearless creativity at the Sasol New Signatures winning exhibition and awards, where South Africa’s most exciting emerging artists prove that talent, not titles, age, or background, is what truly gets you noticed. Follow the @sasolnewsignatures on Instagram for 2026 winners and exhibition dates.
October 2026
The city is out and about in October, from lively celebrations of South African Pride Month to the purple-hued jacaranda season. Expect rainbow-filled streets, hip-hop beats, innovative design, wine tastings, and of course, our own #JacarandaInYourPocket events. Things also get a little moody with Halloween month end.
Thu, Oct 8 – Sun, Oct 11 – Bold ideas, interactive experiences, and local design take centre stage all over the city at Design Week South Africa.
Sat, Oct 10 – Back to the City brings Africa’s biggest hip-hop and street culture festival to Mary Fitzgerald Square, with MCs, dancers, graffiti, skating, basketball, and a market.
Sun, Oct 18 – Celebrate your green space, big or small! From backyard jungles to windowsill herbs, Garden Day is all about connecting with nature, swapping plants, and enjoying the outdoors.
Wed, Oct 28 – Fri, Oct 30 – Sip and discover over 100 wines at Standard Bank WineX, with award-winning winemakers, gourmet treats, and world-class vineyards bringing the best of South Africa to Joburg.
EXPECTED
– Johannesburg Pride lights up Sandton with Africa’s biggest LGBTQI parade, colourful floats, dancing, and thousands celebrating love, pride, and community. Follow @jhbpride on Instagram for announcements and details about the 2026 parade.
– Immersive exhibitions, VR, films, performances, and masterclasses bring creativity, innovation, and local stories to life at Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival in Braamfontein. Keep an eye on @fakugesi on Instagram for 2026 dates.
– #JacarandaInYourPocket celebrates the city’s purple-hued streets and invites everyone to fall in love with their city all over again with photo fun and events all over the city in October. Make sure you’re following @johannesburginyourpocket on Instagram for all the details on the 2026 #JacarandaInYourPocket season.
– Indulge in two days of fine dining, music, fashion, and immersive experiences as The Luxurious Marble Circus transforms Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift into a feast for the senses. Folow @luxurious_marble_circus on Instagram for 2026 dates and programme.
– Kick off summer with award-winning South African wines, delicious food, and live music at the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival. Follow @picknpaywineandfoodfestival on Instgram for 2026 information.
November 2026
November is all about sunshine, long days, and getting outside. From marathons to alfresco festivals, music, and fashion, the city is alive.
EXPECTED
– Hit the streets of Soweto at the African Bank Soweto Marathon, Africa’s iconic long-distance race, with runners from around the world tackling hills, culture, and the spirit of the township. Follow @sowetomarathon on Instagram for 2026 announcements.
– From runway to real life, Soweto Fashion Week showcases South Africa’s boldest designers, beauty workshops, and live entertainment in the heart of the township. Follow @soweto_fashion_week on Instagram for 2026 dates.
December 2026
December in Joburg sparkles with twinkling lights, festive fun and holiday markets, and everyone shopping up a storm. From magical family-friendly experiences to dazzling nighttime events, December in Joburg feels extra special.
EXPECTED
– Step into a sparkling wonderland at Destination Christmas, where Melrose Arch lights up with dazzling displays, festive events, shopping, and dining for the whole family. Follow @melrosearch on Instagram for updates and the full programme for Destination Christmas.
– Food, fashion, live music, and the warmth of township life come alive at Makhelwane Festival in Orlando West, celebrating neighbours, community, and the creativity that makes Soweto unforgettable. Follow @makhelwanefest on Instagram for 2026 dates and the full lineup.
– Sparkle into the festive season at Joburg Zoo’s Festival of Lights, with dazzling displays, live music, theatre, dance, and a night market for the whole family to enjoy to close out the year. Follow @joburgparkszoo on Instagram for 2026 updates
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