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 interesting 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 like ballet and opera. 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 to choose from.
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, Nov 13 – Wed, Nov 19 , 2025)
Thu, Nov 13 – Thu, Nov 20 – Let the music move you as the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Symphony Season brings world-class performances to the Linder Auditorium.Thu, Nov 13 – Toast to the festive season at Hyde Park Corner’s elegant Tree Lighting Ceremony with Swing City, Soweto Gospel Choir, Mzansi Ballet, and the sparkle of Moët & Chandon’s first Personalisation Pop-Up in South Africa.
Thu, Nov 13 – Sun, Nov 16 – Text Me When You Arrive hits the stage at POPArt Theatre in Greenside, serving raw, fearless theatre about survival, sisterhood, and truths we can’t ignore.
Sat, Nov 15 – Take in a slice of Joburg history at the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's Purple Haze from Bottom to Top Northcliff Ridge walk.
Sat, Nov 15 – Soak up sunshine, soul, and smooth sounds at The Lawns by Homie.Lover.Friend and The Dig Global at Mount Joy, Krugersdorp, where bossa, hip-hop, jazz, funk, and house set the perfect weekend rhythm.
Sat, Nov 15 – Saddle up for a ride through Joburg’s creative streets with Cycling Cnr’s bike ride, featuring brunch at Little Kitchener's and an open studio tour with artist Fhatuwani Mukheli.
Sat, Nov 15 – Feel the rhythm and lose yourself in the moment as DJ @desiree_rsa’s MMiNO returns home to Joburg with guest DJs for a no-phone night of deep connection and global sound.
Sat, Nov 15 – Sun, Nov 16 – Its colour and craft as Nigerian fashion label, Dye Lab takes over Yade at 44 Stanley with fresh hues, collab pieces, and reimagined classics made for summer.
Sat, Nov 15 – Catch the sunset, live tunes, and cocktails at the grand opening of the rooftop Veranda at The Bannister in Braamfontein.
Sun, Nov 16 – Lace up and join the Sunday Shuffle Vol. 14 at Mall of Africa with 5km and 10km routes, a live DJ, and all the post-run to keep you going for the rest of the week.
Sun, Nov 16 – Experience an intimate evening with the soul-stirring harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo live at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein.
Until Sat, Jan 31, 2026 – Go back in time to the Roaring Twenties with dazzling acrobats, swirling dancers, and jaw-dropping circus feats at Gatsby: A Cirque Extravaganza by The Cirk at Cresta Shopping Centre.
Ongoing – Relive movie magic with Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema. From Aladdin’s enchanted adventures to James Bond’s high-octane thrills, iconic rom-coms, and chilling classics hit the big screen for just R50.
What's happening at The Troyeville
Sun, Nov 16 – It's a reggae-filled afternoon at The Hangout at The Troyeville with soulful tributes by Lucky Dube Tribute Band ft. Sawubona Music Jam, Thami Kiet, Lluvia M. & Friends.
Sun, Nov 30 – End the month on a high note with a mix of alt-rock, jazz, and blues courtesy of Ashton Nyte, Will Rayz, and DJ Kerry-Anne at The Hangout at The Troyeville.
Hot tickets
Wed, Nov 19 – Sat, Nov 22 – Witness a powerful journey from childhood to survival in Far Gone, a Roots Mbili Theatre production at the Joburg Theatre, blending humour, poetry, and physical theatre to tell a story inspired by real-life events in Northern Uganda.
Thu, Nov 20 – Sat, Nov 22 – Catch Grammy-winning jazz artist Gregory Porter live at The Teatro at Montcasino with a velvet voice you won't forget.
Fri, Nov 21 – Sun, Nov 23 – Get into the festive spirit at Parkview Christmas Market at George Hay Park with artisan stalls, live music, bubbly, and a colourful kids’ zone for the whole family.
Sun, Nov 23 – Enjoy music, food, and good times at Kiss Kiss at Emmarentia Dam with Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo, Beatenberg, Bombshelter Beast, and more exciting acts and flavours to come.
Thu, Nov 27 – Sat, Nov 29 – Journey into the mysteries of the cosmos with The Black Hole Symphony, where science meets symphony in an out-of-this-world performance by Universe on Stage and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra at the Linder Auditorium, Parktown.
Sat, Nov 29 – Browse one-of-a-kind handmade items at IImbali Visual Literacy Project massive craft sale at The Bus Factory in Newtown.
Sat, Nov 29 – Sun, Nov 30 – The Linden Market (TLM) returns for a final 2025 edition perfect for gift shopping, with a focus on ethically sourced materials, sustainable goods, and artisanal creations.
Sun, Nov 30 – Celebrate African heritage and creativity at HughFest 2025 at Nirox Sculpture Park, featuring Shekhinah, The Soul Brothers, Mi Casa, Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba, The Brother Moves On, and iComplete.
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