Freedom Day Weekend in Joburg

26 Apr 2023

Marking South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the Freedom Day public holiday celebrates South Africa's successful fight for freedom and democracy. This year Freedom Day falls on a Thursday, followed by Worker's Day on Monday, May 1. If you've decided to spend the weekend in Joburg, there's no shortage of cool parties, festivals and other fun events. Here's our guide to some of the best. For a full list of all that's happening head to our weekly events guide.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Thu Apr 27 – The Freedom Day edition of Soweto Storytelling at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers will tell stories from the heart of Soweto with spoken word by Soweto-born musician Makhafula Vilakazi.
Thu, Apr 27 – Enjoy free admission to Constitution Hill on public holidays and tour a symbol of South Africa's fight for democracy.
Thu, Apr 27 – The Bioscope will host a special screening of Mandela In Chicago, a documentary that explores Nelson Mandela’s visit to Chicago in 1993 before he was elected President of South Africa in the 1994 elections.

MARKETS AND SHOPPING

Thu, Apr 27 – Spend the day at the Bryanston Market, browse the food stalls and visit other vendors or catch an early dance workout with Secret Sunrise. Check out our review here.
Thu, Apr 27 – Free your taste buds, and experience unique street food flavours with the Freedom Edition of StrEATS and Beats at Victoria Yards.
Fri, Apr 28 – Sat, Apr 29 – Our favourite shoe pop-up heads to Kramerville. Shop new Blu Betty shoe designs and accessories at Katy’s Palace Bar.
Sat, Apr 29 – Explore thrifted finds at The Playground Market’s thrift pop-up shop in Braamfontein.
Sun, Apr 30 – Show love for Africa’s diversity at the Afro Night Market at the AGOG Gallery.
Fri, Apr 28 – Sun, Apr 30 – Head to Fourways Farmers Market to explore clothing stalls, a wide variety of local and international street food stalls, bars and live music.

GET INTO YOUR GROOVE

Wed, Apr 26 – Groove at Prime CPT's pre-public holiday party at Hallmark House.
Sun, Apr 30 – Head to The Bioscope for their special '20 in 5' edition of their Sunday Comedy Night where 20 comedians will go for five minutes of rapid-fire comedy.
Until Sun, May, 14 – Pieter-Dirk Uys brings the personal to the stage in his one-man show The Echo of a Noise at Montecasino.