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, theatre 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 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, Dec 4 – Wed, Dec 10, 2025)
Thu, Dec 4 – Raise your glass and explore over 40 whiskies from around the world at the Mini Whisky Festival at the Rand Club, where history, elegance, and exceptional drams come together for the perfect end-of-year treat.Fri, Dec 5 – Step into the next chapter of nightlife as Bad Manors lands in Newtown, serving devilish fun, and all the energy at Carfax.
Fri, Dec 5 – Ease into December with a day-into-night groove as FRIENDS & FAMILIA brings Gauteng’s sharpest selectors and effortless cool to Mamakashaka & Friends in Braamfontein.
Fri, Dec 5 – Embrace the chaos at Emo Night’s End of the World party at Democracy Bar in Illovo, where you dress for the apocalypse and your song requests fuel a night of perfectly melodramatic anthems.
Sat, Dec 6 – YFM’s LYFE takes over Marks Park in Emmarentia with a sun-soaked lineup featuring American R&B songstress Sabrina Claudio, local stars Lloyiso, Manana, and Y’s finest for a full day of fashion, music, and summer magic.
Sat, Dec 6 – Sun, Dec 7 – Get into the festive spirit with Picnic & Thrift's Thriftmas at Rivonia Recreation Club, where festive stalls, Christmas colours, and bargain-hunting fun come together for the ultimate end-of-year market.
Sat, Dec 6 – Enjoy big vocals, holiday cheer, and a truly joyful celebration with Johannesburg Queer Chorus at Joy to Joburg – A Dezemba Choral Special at UJ Arts Centre, Auckland Park
Sat, Dec 6 – Sun, Dec 7 – Celebrate bold, original storytelling at the 8th Annual South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF 2025) at The Bioscope at 44 Stanley, Milpark.
Sat, Dec 6 – Browse new and second-hand treasures, enjoy mince pies, and join Prof Kathy Munro in conversation about the perfect Christmas reads with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation’s Book Room launch at Northwards.
Sun, Dec 7 – Once Upon a Time in Joburg returns with another soulful R&B showcase at Marks Park, Emmarentia, featuring Canadian duo DVSN, UK singer Jaz Karis, and more, celebrating underrated artists with catalogues.
Sun, Dec 7 – Take on Johannesburg’s iconic Ponte Tower in the Ponte Stairs Challenge by Dlala Nje. Walk, run, or crawl up 948 stairs to the top for skyline views and breakfast.
Sun, Dec 7 – Be bold, bright, and unapologetically red with Pantone Sundays Fiery Red Edition at Kromdraai Creativity & Impact Hub.
Until Sun, Dec 7 – Laugh, gasp, and marvel at Afropocalypse as fourteen storytellers bring an African apocalypse to life with puppetry, physical comedy, and fables of hope at the Market Theatre, Newtown.
Wed, Dec 10 – Thu, Dec 11 – Feel the soul of South Africa with the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra as Voices of Home tour blends classical, jazz, and amapiano-inspired rhythms at Linder Auditorium.
Wed, Dec 10 – Tue, Dec 24 – Santa Land returns to Fourways Mall with The Jingle Bell Academy, inviting kids to cookie-decorate, chimney-scoot, letter-write, explore Christmas houses, and graduate with the ultimate Santa pic.
Until Sat, Dec 27, 2025 – Swing into festive fun at Mall of Africa as a Zootropolis-inspired mini golf adventure takes over Waterfall City Park with colourful obstacles, and school-holiday magic.
Until Sun, Jan 4, 2026 – Celebrate the season as Destination Christmas transforms Melrose Arch into a wonderland, with luminous lights and festive family activities.
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
Photo: Radio Kalahari Orkes via Facebook.
Sun, Dec 7 – Soak up stories, satire, and Cape-to-Kalahari melodies as Radio Kalahari Orkes lights up The Hangout at The Troyeville with its unmistakably South African sound.
First weekend of the month
Sat, Dec 6 – Brooklyn's Antique Fair in Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria is a trove of trinkets and treasures. It's a bit of a drive, but always worth it.
Sun, Dec 7 – Refresh your wardrobe at Dress for Less at the Rosebank Sunday Market.
Sun, Dec 7 – The Firs in Rosebank becomes a hunting ground for unusual collectables and other little treasures at The Firs Antique Fair.
Sun, Dec 7 – Flower folding, beading, and candle making workshops as well as thrift shopping, kids' crafts, and mocktails at the latest edition of First Sunday at Victoria Yards.
Sun, Dec 7 – Everyone is a DJ at Kōhī Sessions with a chance to spin your own vinyl at Kōhī, 44 Stanley.
Sun, Dec 7 – Things are heating up at Father Coffee in Kramerville for Braai Day. Expect wines, fire cocktails, braai food, and DJ sets hotter than the grill.
Hot tickets
Fri, Dec 12 – Sun, Dec 14 – Feel the heartbeat of Soweto at Makhelwane Festival in Orlando West, celebrating township culture, local creatives, and the true spirit of ubuntu.
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