Where to celebrate Africa Day 2025 in Joburg

19 May 2025

Hillbrow comes alive at the Hey Hillbrow! Let's Dlala! street parade. Photo: Mark Straw.

Dance the night away to he sounds of the continent at Gbedu Nights. Photo: Gbedu Nights via Instagram.

Kganyapa and Ayanda of Exotically Divine Pulse, the warm heart beating at the Drill Hall. Photo: Supplied.

Africa Day is commemorated every year on May 25 across the continent. While Africa Day is not a public holiday in South Africa, it is still actively celebrated across Joburg with various festivals, exhibitions, and events happening throughout the month. Here are five great Africa Day events to look forward to in Joburg this year.

INALA: The Homecoming

Thu, May 22, 2025
After touring the globe and charming royalty, the Grammy-nominated musical, INALA, finally comes home. Presented by Sisters Grimm, this one-night gala honours South African heritage with choreography by Mark Baldwin OBE, vocals from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the voice of Ndaba Mandela at Joburg Theatre. It's a cultural landmark taking a bow on its own soil.

The event starts at 19:30. Tickets are R80 – R400 per person and can be booked here.

Gbedu Nights

Fri, May 23, 2025
Dance through the continent's diverse sounds at Gbedu Nights at Democracy Bar, with Afrobeats, Afrohouse, Bongo, Dancehall, Kuduro, and more celebrating Africa’s rich rhythms.

The event starts at 18:00. Tickets are R150 per person and can be booked here.

Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala!

Sat, May 24, 2025
Hillbrow’s getting loud, proud, and playful as the sixth edition Hey Hillbrow! Let's Dlala! This joyful street parade brings aerial acrobatics, brass band grooves, and public performance back to the streets. Led by the Ezase Vaal Brass Band, with dazzling acrobatic acts by The Cirk and a line-up of live music, it’s a celebration of the dreamers, reclaimers, and everyday heroes of Hillbrow.

The parade starts at 10:00 from the Windybrow Theatre and it's free.

African Cause Meal

Sun, May 25, 2025
Celebrate Africa Day with Exotically Divine Pulse's Africa Day: African Cause Meal, where soulful food meets radical community care. Cook, connect, and honour the land with a shared plant-based meal at Bekezela Settlement – a heritage site with a story to tell. Bring your hands, your heart, or a bag of veg – all energy is welcome.

Food donations are especially appreciated. Drop-offs can be made at Drill Hall, 16 Twist Street by Sat, May 24, 2025. For more information, contact +27 79 227 8712.

The event starts at 11:00 and entrance is free.

Africa Day Lifestyle & Wine Fair

Sun, May 25, 2025
Le Vin wine bar brings the flavour this Africa Day with a soulful swirl of local wine, live music, and Afro-inspired bites at their Africa Day Lifestyle & Wine Fair. It’s part market, part concert, part wine-down – and all about celebrating the continent’s creativity. From artisan stalls to rhythm-filled sets, this is where taste meets talent.

The event starts at 13:00. Tickets are from R350 – R600 per person and can be booked here.