Note: This is a working guide which we will update regularly. Check back for new events.
October/November 2025
#JACARANDAINYOURPOCKET
Each year, October heralds Johannesburg In Your Pocket’s #JacarandaInYourPocket photo competition and event series. From early October, the purple blooms start to appear on trees throughout Johannesburg and Pretoria, and by the time the month is in full swing, a purple cloak has settled over these cities. It’s the perfect opportunity for us to showcase Joburg at its most beautiful and to encourage people to explore this city they call home.
This year, we're celebrating the city in bloom with a series of unique #JacarandaInYourPocket experiences. On Wed, Oct 22, join us for a free, 5km run with Benchwarmers beneath the purple canopy through Saxonwold and The Parks. Sat, Oct 25 is a jam-packed, jacarand-filled day of helicopter flips and breakfast at Four Sesons Hotel The Westcliff; a creative tote bag painting session at Studio Artwave at 44 Stanley; and a bloom-spotting rooftop tour with Microadventure Tours and City Sighseeing. Find out more and book here.
Follow us on Instagram at @johannesburginyourpocket for updates.
JOBURG BALLET'S SPRING SEASON OF DANCE
From Fri, Oct 3 – Sun, Oct 12, Joburg Ballet’s Spring Season of Dance takes over Joburg Theatre with three dazzling programmes that celebrate the dance form's past, present, and future. The season opens with the SANDT Spring Gala, featuring guest artists from London’s Royal Ballet in a one-night-only showcase of classical and contemporary brilliance. Then, don't miss the world premiere of Celestial Bodies, an innovative fusion of dance, live music, and cosmic storytelling in collaboration with Universe on Stage. The season concludes with First Light, a luminous mixed bill blending beloved classics with bold new works from emerging choreographers. Find out more and book here.
PICK N PAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Johannesburg takes place on Sat, Oct 4 and Sun, Oct 5 at The Wanderers Club. Celebrate the start of summer with award-winning South African wines paired with delicious food and live music. Visitors can explore wines from around 50 top estates, enjoy gourmet canapés in the Tasting Room, or join a hands-on mixology masterclass at the Liquor Mixology Theatre. For a relaxed experience, pre-book a picnic bag to enjoy on the lawns in between all the excitement. Grab your tickets here.
LIVE MUSIC AND SPRING PARTIES AT THE TROYEVILLE
The Troyeville’s rooftop stage and skyline views set the scene for a packed October lineup of parties and live music. The month kicks off with the long-awaited return of Picnic's Spring Break (Sat, Oct 4), a day-to-night celebration of house, rave, and electro. Cantrel’s Nirvana Tribute (Sun, Oct 5) brings the sky down with grunge classics, followed by a high-energy show from rapper and vocalist Anzo (Fri, Oct 10) and an exciting set from the folk-pop band Georgetown and electronic beats from Apple Gule (Sun, Oct 12). Rock fans can look forward to Shadowclub and Later Alligator (Fri, Oct 19), before Boo! and Kat & Wolf (Sat, Oct 26) close the month with a night of avant-pop music. A full food and drinks menu is available, and secure parking is provided.
DESIGN WEEK SOUTH AFRICA
Design Week South Africa 2025 runs from Thu, Oct 9 – Sun, Oct 12 and celebrates the creativity, innovation, and impact of South African design. The platform brings designers, makers, and the public together to explore new ideas, engage with the local design world, and inspire the next generation of creative leaders. From exhibitions and talks to interactive experiences, Design Week shines a spotlight on the ingenuity and cultural richness of South African design. Follow @designweeksouthafrica on Instagram for updates.
BACK TO THE CITY FESTIVAL
As Africa’s biggest hip-hop and street culture festival, Back to the City lights up Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown every year, with well-known MCs, beatboxers, rappers, and dancers performing throughout the day. The festivities on Sat, Oct 11 kick off with the Hip Hop Summit, empowering artists with workshops on publishing, funding, and entrepreneurship, before the city comes alive with music, art, and pure street energy. Expect an explosive lineup headlined by international star Lupe Fiasco, 100 artists, 20 DJs, 40 graffiti artists, MC and DJ battles, skateboarding, basketball, fashion stalls, food vendors, and more across multiple zones. Don't miss it!
FAK'UGESI AFRICAN DIGITAL INNOVATION FESTIVAL
The annual Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival returns from Thu, Oct 9 – Sun, Oct 12, for its 12th edition, charging the city with the theme #PowerSurge. More than just a festival, Fak’ugesi is a rallying call for Africa’s digital creators to take charge of their narratives, spark new connections, and showcase innovation powered and inspired by our own stories. Happening at venues across the Braamfontein precinct, expect immersive exhibitions, video games, both virtual and extended realities, films, masterclasses, performances, and talks. Book your tickets here.
SUNSET MUSIC SERIES AT WALTER SISULU NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
This October, the Sunset Music Series runs from Sat, Oct 11 – Sun, Oct 26, at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort. There’s no better way to spend a golden afternoon than at this much-loved concert series. Set against lush lawns and the backdrop of the waterfall, the event brings together a star-studded line-up including Mi Casa, Spoegwolf, and Zonke & Simmy, making it one of the city’s most anticipated musical gatherings. Book your tickets here.
EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
From Thu, Oct 9 – Sun, Oct 19, the European Film Festival returns to Johannesburg with screenings split between The Bioscope and Nu Metro Hyde Park (and at The Labia in Cape Town). Showcasing 10 contemporary films from across Europe under the theme Cinematic Journeys Without Borders, the 2025 lineup spans intimate family dramas, psychological thrillers, and sweeping emotional odysseys. Not all titles screen at both Joburg venues, so check the full schedule and book accordingly.
Photo via European Film Festival website.
KLINK: ART AND WINE EXPERIENCE AT 223 JAN SMUTS CREATIVE HUB
What happens when you combine an art gallery with a wine festival? You can find out by heading to one of our favourite venues in Rosebank, 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub, for an art, wine, and design experience on Sat, Oct 11. Hosted by Candice Berman Gallery in collaboration with Slow Wine Co. and Slow Gold, this event features wine from more than 10 boutique South African wineries, exclusive gallery tours, interactive artist activations, delectable food stalls, and live entertainment. Get your tickets here.
JOZI BOOK FAIR
The Jozi Book Fair takes place on Fri, Oct 24 and Sat, Oct 25. The fair addresses the challenges of reading and writing in all of South Africa’s languages, reflecting the legacies of apartheid and ongoing social inequality, while creating opportunities for readers and writers to celebrate their mother tongues. This year’s theme, “Rebuild Community, Solidarity and Friendships,” invites visitors of all ages to explore books, art, and storytelling that inspire social engagement. The full programme and list of exhibitors will be announced closer to the event. Follow @jozibookfair on Instagram.
STANDARD BANK WINEX
WineX 2025 comes to Johannesburg for three nights of world-class wine, bringing the best of South Africa’s vineyards to the city. From Wed, Oct 29 – Fri, Oct 31, visitors can explore over 120 exhibitors, meet award-winning South African winemakers, and enjoy gourmet treats between tastings. With more than 700 wines on offer, including a selection of international offerings, it’s the perfect place to discover new favourites, toast with friends, and raise a glass to the best the wine world has to offer. Book your tickets here.
HALLOWEEN IN JOBURG
No need to be afraid – keep a lookout for our Halloween feature to see what spooky season in Joburg has in store this year on and around Fri, 31 Oct.
RAMFEST x HALLOWEEN
Halloween continues into November with Ramfest's killer Halloween edition in Pretoria on Sat, Nov 1, bringing an electrifying lineup headlined by international acts The Devil Wears Prada and Bongloard. Expect a night of heavy riffs, mosh pits, and pure chaos as local and global talents light up the stage for South Africa’s biggest alternative party. Costumes, loud music, and spin kicks guaranteed. Tickets are available here.
THE LINDEN MARKET'S FESTIVE EDITION
The last Linden Market of the year takes place on the weekend of Sat, Nov 29 and Sun, Nov 30. We're excited for the festive edition of the market, which is celebrating a decade of bringing local makers, small businesses, and market lovers together. Set against the leafy backdrop of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia, this beloved pop-up features over 100 stalls brimming with handmade gifts, sustainable goods, and artisanal treats. Expect live music, craft workshops, and plenty of creative fun for kids. It’s the ultimate destination for festive shopping and community cheer.
More events to look out for in October/November
Fri, Oct 3 – Sun, Nov 9 – Chicago The Musical at the Teatro
Sun, Oct 5 – In The City featuring Summer Walker, Mereba, and Jessie Reyez
Sat, Oct 11 – Travis Scott at FNB Stadium
Sun, Oct 26 – Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg
Fri, Oct 31 – Wed, Dec 24 – Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio pantomime
December 2025
MELROSE ARCH DESTINATION CHRISTMAS
An annual family favourite, Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch runs from Mon, Nov 24 – Wed, Dec 31. Celebrate the season with the Christmas lights switch-on, festive markets, live performances from the Drakensberg Boys Choir and Jeppe Pipe Band, Santa and elves, the Jameson Whisky glass tree, and the Pringles x Fanta Playground for kids. Stroll the sparkling precinct, enjoy snacks and treats, and shop extended hours at over 100 retailers for the ultimate festive experience.
SUNSET MUSIC SERIES: PRIME CIRCLE, LEE COLE, AND TREE63
The Sunset Music Series bids 2025 farewell on Sat, Dec 6 with something truly special: a generational celebration of South African rock as Prime Circle marks an incredible 25 years on stage. Joining them are two powerhouse acts: Tree63, one of South Africa’s most beloved rock bands, and Lee Cole, the award-winning pop star behind some of the country’s biggest recent hits. Together, the three acts promise an unforgettable blend of rock, pop, and soaring ballads that anyone can dance to. Book here.
DEEP IN THE CITY
Deep In The City returns on Sun, Dec 14, celebrating Africa’s house music culture. Inspired by the world’s most iconic dance floors, the event brings together South Africa’s top DJs, like DJ Fresh and Mr Joe, to create an unforgettable experience for house music fans. Get your tickets here.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT JOHANNESBURG ZOO
The Festival of Lights returns to the Johannesburg Zoo this December. Explore enchanting illuminated animal displays, enjoy live classical music and performances, browse a food and craft night market, and take in rides and nocturnal animal sightings along a beautifully lit trail. Dates to be announced.
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