Where to celebrate Heritage Month in Joburg

22 Sep 2023

Folklore Festival at the National School of Arts. Photo: Folklore Festival via Instagram.

LYFE concert at Constitution Hill. Photo: YFM via Instagram,

Bubbly & Oyster Day at Indaba Hotel. Photo: Indaba Hotel via Instagram.

Spring Camp at Leboland. Photo: Lebo's Soweto Backpackers via Facebook.

On September 24 South Africa celebrates the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage with the annual Heritage Day public holiday.

It's a day that has its origins in the post-1994 flush of the Rainbow Nation that sought to create unity in diversity. Today it means different things to South Africans – from dressing in traditional finery to firing up a braai. Whether Heritage Day for you is about being at home with family or setting out to explore the city, this is always a feel-good, celebratory holiday, especially as its timing coincides with springtime.

This year Heritage Day falls on a Sunday but there are plenty of events happening throughout September to add to the calendar, hence Heritage Month. Here's a look at the highlights.

Authentic experiences

Fri, Sep 22 – Mon, Sep 25 – It's time for Spring Camp at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers where you can immerse yourself in culture and heritage with a weekend-long camping event.
Sun, Sep 24 – Take advantage of free entrance to Constitution Hill on Heritage Day; book online via web tickets here.
Sun, Sep 24 – Historical posters, banners, t-shirts and two specially commissioned films are on display in Time to Act at the Apartheid Museum; a retrospective exhibition celebrating 40 years of the United Democratic Front (UDF). For the show's launch, visitors can enjoy free entrance to the museum this Heritage Day, with live music, food stalls and special guest speakers from 11:00 – 17:00.
Sun, Oct 29 – 2022 Sasol New Signatures winner Mondli Mbele's exhibition 'Ingoma Yothando' (Song of Love) is on show alongside the 2023 winners at the Pretoria Art Musuem.
125 years of Johannesburg history on display in a new exhibition at St John's College.

On stage

Thu, Sep 21 – Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates South Africa’s jazz heritage with their one-night-only Symphonic Jazz Concert at Linder Auditorium.
Until Sat, Sep 24 – Watch a feminist reimagining of Can Themba's acclaimed short story The Suit at Joburg Theatre.

Festivals and markets

Fri, Sep 22 – Mon, Sep 25 – Join the four-day ComicCon Africa 2022 pop culture festival.
Mon, Sep 25 – Get up and move for Secret Sunrise at the Bryanston Market.
Sat, Sep 23 – Sun, Sep 24 – DSTV Delicious Festival is back with major acts, gourmet food, and a wine market.
Sat, Sep 30 – Watch local talent at the LYFE concert presented by YFM at Constitution Hill.
Sat, Sep 30 – Dance to the sounds of the continent at AfroFuture Fest.

In the lap of luxury

Sun, Sep 24 – Enjoy a five-course meal experience at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Sun, Sep 24 – Experience the finer things with a bubbly and oyster pairing at Indaba Hotel.

Hit the road

Sat, Sep 23 – Join Joburg Heritage Foundation for a tour of Lindfield House.
Sun, Sep 24 – Grab your mates for the Absa Run Your City Series, which takes road running to another level.