Welcome to Johannesburg, a city bursting with energy and a vibrant spirit. Joburg offers an array of exciting activities and experiences for everyone, whether you're new to the city (check out our list of best Joburg tours and experiences) or a nature admirer (visit Joburg's most beautiful parks). If you love to shop for unusual items, see our round-up of Joburg's best markets.
Joburg's galleries are always active, with new shows opening weekly. You can read our exhibitions guide here. If you're a jazz lover, check out our list of places to listen to jazz in Joburg. For movie lovers, there are many cinemas in the city, plus stage productions including ballet, theatre and opera if that's your style. And if you have kids or want to find family-friendly activities (check out our fun Gauteng attractions for families guide), there are plenty of options from which to choose.
For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, explore our events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletter published every Thursday morning. Follow us on Instagram, where we publish daily updates on events in our Instagram stories.
Note: While we update this information regularly, Johannesburg is an ever-changing city, so make sure to click on links, follow our booking advice, and if in doubt, call ahead, as venues do not always communicate changes.
Our top picks for the week ahead (Thu, May 7 – Wed, May 13, 2026)
Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 10 – A rare celebration of jazz, classical and piano mastery unfolds at the Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival, featuring Thandi Ntuli, Bokani Dyer, Hilton Schilder and more at Chris Seabrooke Music Hall, Wits University in Braamfontein.Fri, May 8 – Africa’s biggest R&B party lands in Joburg as Strictly Soul takes over Katy’s Palace Bar, spinning everything from TLC and Beyoncé to SZA and Tems for a smooth night of classics and new-school favourites.
Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 31 – Experience the power of Sarafina! at Soweto Theatre, a moving revival of the iconic musical blending song, dance and resistance in a story of courage, youth and freedom.
Fri, May 8 – Friends & Familia returns to Mamakashaka and Friends in Braamfontein, kicking off a warm winter series of soulful selections, deep cuts and extended DJ sets.
Sat, May 9 – Soak up sunshine, street food, craft drinks and live music at the Field Market at Field & Study Park in Parkmore.
Sat, May 9 – Sun, May 10 – Enjoy magic, music, food and family fun 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. (Please note: Saturday is sold out.)
Sat, May 9 – Experience a living legend as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse brings his timeless Afro-pop and jazz brilliance to Jozi Gold Brewing Company in Braamfontein.
Sat, May 9 – Get hands-on with blooms at a Flower Arrangement Session at Artwave at 44 Stanley, Milpark, where you’ll create your own mini-bouquet in this beginner-friendly workshop.
Sat, May 9 – No dust, just magic gathering for an Afrikaburn-inspired night made for those who missed it and those who still feel it at 8, The Night Club at Rosebank Quarter.
Sun, May 10 – Refresh your wardrobe at Dress for Less Sundays at the Rosebank Sunday Market.
Tue, May 12 – Sip bubbles, soak up live jazz and get first access to rare finds at the opening of the Autumn Wunderkammer with Russell Kaplan and Bisoux at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers, Randburg. RSVP by Fri, May 8.
Until Sun, Jun 14 – Experience a dazzling blend of couture, aerial performance and storytelling as Behind the Crimson Door by Gert-Johan Coetzee and The Cirk takes you on an adventure of dreams and courage at Cresta Shopping Centre.
Ongoing – It's cinema on a whole new scale: next-level picture, sound and spectacle via IMAX with Laser at Ster-Kinekor at The Zone @ Rosebank.
Hot tickets
Fri, May 29 – Sun, May 31 – From Aeropress to pour-over and everything in between, the Jo’burg Coffee Festival takes over Fourways Mall with South Africa’s biggest celebration of speciality coffee.
Thu, Jun 11 – Sun, Jun 14 – Step into the mystery of the universe with Dark Matter by Universe On Stage, a live science-meets-spectacle experience blending storytelling, piano and cinematic projection at Joburg Theatre.
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