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 21 – Wed, May 27, 2026)
Thu, May 21 – Give your wardrobe a stylish second life at Vintage with Love x Workshop 17 Thrift for Good at Workshop17 West Street, Sandton.Fri, May 22 – Let the spirit of RMB Latitudes spill into the night at Homie.Lover.Friend Soundlore III at The Naked Woolf, Rosebank, where art-fair energy moves into deep grooves and late-night rhythms.
Fri, May 22 – Sat, May 23 – Step into the future of African music at Africa Rising Music Conference 2026, where artists, innovators and industry leaders converge at Constitution Hill for two days of talks, workshops and performances.
Fri, May 22 – Sun, May 24 – Explore Africa’s leading galleries, curated exhibitions, art, local wines, fashion and food at the fourth edition of RMB Latitudes Art Fair at Shepstone Gardens in Mountain View. (Tickets for Friday are only available)
Fri, May 22 – Swap match commentary for dancefloor commentary at Duck Duck Goose Laduma! Party at Mamakashaka and Friends, getting in the spirit for the most-anticipated tournament in global sport.
Sat, May 23 – Taste your way through Africa Month with global flavours, art and culture at Taste of Cultures at Apartheid Museum, Ormonde.
Sat, May 23 – Stretch, twerk and soak up good energy at Sun Up at Waterfall City Park, where yoga, upbeat sounds and community spirit come together for a feel-good Africa Day morning under the Joburg sun.
Sat, May 23 – Bassline Fest returns for its 20-year celebration of “Say Africa” at Bassline Fest, bringing Ami Faku, Vusi Mahlasela, Yugen Blakrok and more to Constitution Hill.
Sat, May 23 – Celebrate Africa Day at Bryanston Market with a colourful mix of creativity, culture and community.
Sat, May 23 – Once Upon A Time In Joburg, an R&B festival experience bringing the artists you thought you’d only ever stream to life on stage for true genre lovers in Joburg.
Sat, May 23 – Replace screen time with sunshine and new connections at Socially Gathering’s all-female Park Walk at James & Ethel Gray Park, Melrose.
Sat, May 23 – Relive the golden era of kwaito as Boom Shaka brings the nostalgia, energy and iconic anthems to Untitled Basement, Braamfontein.
Sat, May 23 – Escape the cold and the noise at Jozi Silent Book Club at Studio Kairos, Dunkeld, where warm drinks, blankets and good books set the tone for a cosy morning of shared silence and slow reading.
Until Sun, May 24 – Get lost in nearly 8,000 treasures at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers’ Autumn Wunderkammer, with art, antiques, curiosities, mid-century design, vintage fashion and rare finds all waiting to be discovered.
Until 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.
Until Sun, Jun 14 – A dazzling blend of couture and aerial performance 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.
Sat, May 30 – Sun, May 31 – There's handmade finds, local design and tasty treats as The Linden Market hosts its winter edition at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia.
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