Events to book for #JacarandaInYourPocket 2025

29 Sep 2025

Join the #JacarandaInYourPocket x Benchwarmers 5km run. Photo: Benchwarmers Runners Club on Instagram.

Joburg's jacarandas come out to play. Photo: Microadventure Tours.

Pretty bites among the blooms. Photo: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.

As soon as the jacarandas begin to bloom, we hit the streets to soak up the spectacle. Joburg’s already magnificent tree-lined avenues are transformed into a photogenic purple canopy that invites exploration, creativity, and a little adventure. #JacarandaInYourPocket is the annual lineup of events hosted by Johannesburg In Your Pocket and partners, celebrating everything from scenic walks and rooftop drinks to runs, arts and crafts, and helicopter flips.

The events also provide the perfect photo ops for our #JacarandaInYourPocket photography competition, giving you the chance to capture and share your celebration of the beauty on our doorstep – and to win fantastic prizes. Keep an eye on our Instagram @johannesburginyourpocket for the details.

Here’s a round-up of what’s coming up on Wed, Oct 22 – Sat, Oct 25, 2025. Spaces for these experiences are limited, so book your spots early to avoid disappointment.

1. 5km run with Benchwarmers

Run (or walk) under the purple canopies. Photo: Benchwarmers Runners Club on Instagram.

Sprint or stride out beneath Joburg’s famous purple canopy on the #JacarandaInYourPocket x
Benchwarmers 5km route through Saxonwold and The Parks on Wed, Oct 22 from 17:00 – 19:00. It starts at GardenFresh with something fruity and ends at Benchwarmers, where the evening’s yours to celebrate. Space is limited to 300 participants. It's free to attend, but RSVPs are essential. Book here.

2. Bloom-spotting rooftop experience with MicroAdventure Tours

Hop on the City Sightseeing bus for the jacaranda bloom-spotting experience. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

Jacarandas with a side of Champagne? Hosted by Kennedy Tembo of MicroAdventure Tours on Sat, Oct 25 from 14:00 – 18:00, this guided afternoon includes rooftop drinks at Alto234 in Sandton and a walk in The Wilds. You'll be whisked around to see the sights atop the City Sightseeing red bus, ending with sunset drinks at Epicure at ONE in Rosebank. Admission is R975 per person and limited to 55 people. Book here.

3. Jacaranda photowalk and helicopter flip

See Joburg's purple-lined streets from the skies. Photo: Clare Appleyard.

The jacaranda view you can’t beat. On Sat, Oct 25 from 07:00 – 11:00, start the day with coffee at Four Seasons The Westcliff, stroll the surrounding streets, then take to the skies for a five-minute helicopter flip with Baston Aviation. The morning ends at Flames restaurant with either breakfast or morning tea. The experience costs R2,350 per person and is limited to 50 people. Book here.

4. Tote bag painting with Studio Artwave

Join Studio Artwave for jacaranda-inspired tote bag painting. Photo: Studio Artwave on Facebook.

Let Joburg's purple season inspire you. Paint a jacaranda-inspired tote bag at Studio Artwave at 44 Stanley on Sat, Oct 25 from 10:30 – 13:30. All materials are included in this relaxed, social session. Enjoy a coffee from Bean There. Tickets are R475 per person, and this event is limited to 24 participants. Book here.

#JacarandaInYourPocket 2025

These events form part of our annual #jacarandainyourpocket photo competition and event series. Follow @johannesburginyourpocket on Instagram for updates.