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.
Looking to treat yourself or someone special? Here’s your guide to celebrating love in Joburg this Valentine’s Day.
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, Feb 12 – Wed, Feb 18, 2026)
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.Fri, Feb 13 – Head for the dancefloor as Paradisco’s Love Sensation Edition comes to Joburg for a night of feel-good disco, house, and everything in between at Katy’s Palace Bar, Kramerville.
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 The Ground Venue in Muldersdrift.
Sat, Feb 14 – Dress up for delicate treats at the Rand Club's Valentine’s Day High Tea in Marshalltown – a refined afternoon perfect for Valentine’s, Gal-entines, or Pal-entines.
Sat, Feb 14 – Fall in love with music all over again as the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Valentine’s Gala Concert brings classics, swoon-worthy performances, and a touch of ballroom magic to Linder Auditorium.
Sat, Feb 14 – Catch your favourite films under the stars at Outdoor Movie Nights: Soweto Edition at the Soweto Equestrian Centre.
Sat, Feb 14 – Feel the love and the beat as Raving in Johannesburg, a community-chosen DJ line-up, light ups Club A.M. in Newtown.
Sat, Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day turns blue with denim customisations, coffee tastings, cocktail sampling and more at Denim, Coffee & Cocktails at Arts on Main in Maboneng.
Sat, Feb 14 – Celebrate the sonics of love with Soulplay’s first birthday Valentine’s Edition with classic soul, R&B, jazz grooves, and house beats under the Joburg sun at Victoria Yards.
Until Sun, Feb 15 – Go back to 1930s Joburg with Marabi at the Market Theatre in Newtown. A powerful story of love, family, and the city’s musical heartbeat – part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Tue, Feb 17 – Where words meet flavour at Scrabble Night at The Library Food Club in Birdhaven, pairing classic gameplay with Peruvian-inspired bites and a signature Pisco cocktail.
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.
Until Sun, Feb 22 – Experience the magic of Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking show that brings music and dance to the stage at The Teatro at Montecasino.
Every Sat and Sun – Cuddle and interact with puppies and dogs at Woodrock Animal Rescue's Parktown North Pop-Pup at Nine Yards.
Ongoing – Relive movie magic with Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema. High-octane thrills, iconic rom-coms, and chilling classics hit the big screen for just R50.
What's happening at The Troyeville
Sat, Feb 14 – Lee Cole brings his signature pop, R&B, and soul grooves, while Sweetie turns up the smooth, soulful sounds for a night of romance at The Hangout at The Troyeville.
Sun, Feb 15 – Rock your Sunday with Watershed, Tondi Rams, and Chris van der Linde live at The Troyeville.
Sun, Feb 22 – Get ready for an eclectic afternoon in Troyeville as BCUC bring Afro-psychedelic future pop, Sri Gaura Lila share sacred sounds, and Cath Grenfell spins a fresh DJ set.
Sun, Mar 1 – Double the groove at The Troyeville as The Black Cat Bones bring their blues-infused, dance-inducing rock, and L8 Antique serve up African rhythms and jazz improvisation.
Hot tickets
Sat, Feb 21 – South African jazz artist Carlo Mombelli joins forces with Msaki, Kyle Shepherd, Marcus Wyatt, and Jonno Sweetman for a night of genre-blending brilliance with Mombelli’s Chapter 7 at Wits Theatre, Braamfontein.
Thu, Feb 26 – Thu, Mar 19 – Experience the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Summer Symphony Season at the Linder Auditorium, four unforgettable nights of world-class classical music that’ll leave you inspired and enchanted.
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.
Sat, Feb 28 – Sun, Mar 1 – Celebrate queer joy, art, music, wellness, and good food at Queertopia, a weekend festival bringing communities together at Constitution Hill, Braamfontein.
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