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.
Spoil the mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day (Sun, May 11) in Joburg with our guide to all things fabulous.
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, May 8 – Wed, May 14, 2025)
Thu, May 8 – Sun, May 18 – From art to antiques, fashion to designer finds, it's the ultimate hunt for the extraordinary at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers' Autumn Wunderkammer auction.Thu, May 8 – It’s not your average Thursday with lineup of DJs to usher in the weekend at The Thursday Affair, happening at The Greenhouse, Sandton.
Thu, May 8 – Keyes Art Mile's galleries and restaurants stay open late to bring you Keyes Art Night – enjoy new exhibitions, tasty eats, and live music.
Thu, May 8 – Enjoy hits from Brandy, Beyoncé, TLC, and more at Strictly Soul with DJ Akio and special guests at La Parada in Rosebank.
Thu, May 8 – Sun, Jun 1 – Sharp, witty drama and fiery debate as The Good White storms the Market Theatre, confronting South Africa’s promises of equality and the messy realities still unfolding.
Thu, May 8 and Fri, May 9 – It's a mind-bending journey through space with Hidden Giants, a science-meets-art production exploring one of the greatest mysteries of our universe, black holes, at Joburg Theatre for two nights only.
Fri, May 9 – Sip, shop, and soak up all that Parkhurst has to offer at the Sip & Shop Night Market on 4th Avenue with bubbly and beautiful finds, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Sat, May 10 – Dance all night as Ultra South Africa lands with a mega international DJ line-up and massive party atmosphere at Expo Centre, Nasrec.
Sat, May 10 – Playful art activities, monoprinting, puppet-making, Lego storytelling, and more in a joyful, interactive space at Play Africa’s Creative Arts Play Day at Constitution Hill.
Sat, May 10 – Step into The Backends, an ultra-curated hidden groove, for an intimate night of signature drinks and magnetic beats from Slade, NKLY, Baby Whitz, Kahlo Greed, and MasegoRizzle at Worlds End Bar, Greenside.
Sun, May 11 – DJ Maphorisa leads the charge at Jerk X Jollof: Johannesburg’s “Rough Dance” takeover at Mea Culpa, in Kew, with a stacked DJ lineup.
Sun, May 11 – Music, culture, and community collide for a day of connection, creativity, and self-expression at The Sole Purpose Experience at Democracy Bar.
Sun, May 11 – Feel every note and let your heart soar at the 8th Annual Joburg Choral Festival, where local, provincial, and national choirs unite at the Joburg Theatre.
Until Sun, Jun 15 – A moonlit circus of love, longing, and breathtaking acrobatics at Malo and the Moon Maiden, The Cirk’s magical new show at Cresta Shopping Centre.
What's happening at The Troyeville
and Sawubona Music Jam. Photo: Supplied.
Sun, May 11 – Head to The Troyeville for The Lucky Dube Experience: an unforgettable afternoon of reggae roots with Thami Kiet and Sawubona Music Jam, plus gritty blues-rock from The Black Cat Bones shaking the rooftop.
Hot tickets
Fri, May 16 – Sun, May 25 – Experience the glitz, glamour, and iconic tunes from Sinatra to Gaga with Swingin' Las Vegas at The Teatro at Montecasino with the Johannesburg Big Band and SA’s finest stars.
Fri, May 23 – Sun, May 25 – Art fair booths from Africa's leading galleries and includes unique exhibition spaces designed by curators and artists at the third edition of RMB Latitudes Art Fair at Shepstone Gardens.
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