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 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 29 – Wed, Jun 4, 2025)
Thu, May 29 – Dive into the sensual, the shadowy, and the sizzling with Kivuli & Nuru: The Afrodisiacs Collection by HOLAAfrica – queer African erotica that whispers, moans, and celebrates intimacy at Lange De Moun Mon in Observatory.Thu, May 29 – Sat, May 31 – It's designer décor dreams at the St Leger & Viney annual fabric sale in Kramerville, with luxe prints, wallpapers, mystery grab bags, and fabric from just R29 a metre.
Fri, May 30 – Sun, Jun 1 – Celebrate the art of the perfect brew with top roasters, global cuppings, and barista battles at the Specialty Coffee Expo at Fourways Mall.
Fri, May 30 – Flame-grilled bites, fire DJ sets, and family cookout energy turn up the heat with Off the Grill at Kitchener’s in Braamfontein.
Fri, May 30 – Bring the chaos, the coffee, and your most competitive crew for a night of board games and belly laughs with Venturo's Games Night at Staying Sane in Parkhurst.
Fri, May 30 – Sun, Jun 15 – Honour the power of youth, protest, and South Africa’s ‘she-roes’ when the iconic musical Sarafina! returns to the Joburg Theatre.
Fri, May 30 – Company Culture's Maison Nights returns to Club A.M. in Newtown with a genre-hopping ride from 3-Step to Afro Tech and a fire lineup to keep you dancing till late.
Sat, May 31 – Get inspired with fresh voices, film, and energy at Huemxn's Culture Zine Workshop at Breezeblock Café, Brixton.
Sat, May 31 – Sip, sway, and swing into the season with fine wine, artisanal eats, and the smooth sounds of Craig Urbani at the Food & Wine Festival at St Andrew’s School For Girls in Bedfordview.
Sat, May 31 – Sun, Jun 1 – Over 150 top local creatives, live music, craft workshops, artisanal eats at The Linden Market’s 10th anniversary winter edition in the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
Sat, May 31 – Discover the storied history of the legendary Sophiatown with Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's walking tour and self-drive tour: Kofifi, Triomf, Little Harlem – The Many Names of Sophiatown.
Sat, May 31 – The Clueless Lovers Club pairs five local wines with four soulful singers at Sound Cellar, an intimate music and wine experience at The Arthouse in Melville.
Sun, Jun 1 – Move with purpose at Movement That Matters' soulful Pilates session at Nuru House Studio at 44 Stanley. Led by Shoneze Ramsammy, this morning of mindful movement supports education through the Remi Foundation.
Sat, Jun 1 – Breathe in the beats at Blume: Sunset Nectar, where music, colour, and community come together under the Joburg sky at City Beach Club in Braamfontein.
Until Sat, Jun 7 – Get ready for a fierce and witty emotional rollercoaster, and a bold take on marriage, with A Doll’s House Part 2 at Theatre on the Square in Sandton.
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.
First weekend of the month
Sat, May 31 – 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, Jun 1 – Refresh your wardrobe at Dress for Less at the Rosebank Sunday Market.
Sun, Jun 1 – The Firs in Rosebank becomes a hunting ground for unusual collectables and other little treasures at The Firs Antique Fair.
Sun, Jun 1 – Thrift shopping, kids' crafts, and mocktails at the latest edition of First Sunday at Victoria Yards.
Hot tickets
Photo: Dlala Nje via Instagram.
Sat, Jun 7 – Bring the Rio heat with bold flavours, big beats, and Brazilian-style bingo madness at Boogie Bingo at Hotel Sky Sandton.
Sun, Jun 8 – Climb 948 stairs, conquer Ponte Tower, and celebrate Joburg grit with the ultimate sky-high challenge and Afro-cosmopolitan breakfast at the Dlala Nje Ponte Challenge.
