Note: This is a working guide which we will update regularly. Check back for new events.
September 2025
HERITAGE WEEKEND WITH THE JOHANNESBURG HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Celebrate Joburg’s rich history with a weekend of expertly guided walking, bus, and house tours led by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF). On Sat, Sep 13 and Sun, Sep 14, explore Fordsburg, the newly reopened Johannesburg City Library, Herbert Baker homes, the city’s struggle history in Ferreirasdorp, and much more. A highlight of the event is the Big Book & Map Sale, running all weekend at The Holy Family College in Parktown, with proceeds going towards JHF’s ongoing preservation work. Book your tickets here, or get them on the day.
SUNSET MUSIC SERIES AT WALTER SISULU
The Sunset Music Series runs from Sun, Sep 14 – Sun, Oct 26 at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort. There’s no better way to spend a golden afternoon than at this much-loved concert series. Set against lush lawns and the backdrop of the waterfall, the event brings together a star-studded line-up including Mango Groove, Spoegwolf, and Mi Casa, making it one of the city’s most anticipated musical gatherings. Book your tickets here.
UJ'S REVOLUTION OF WORDS
Experience the transformative power of language at Revolution of Words, a bold theatre production that bridges the historic richness of South African poetry with the urgent voices of today. Revolution of Words invites audiences into a space where poetry cements its place as both witness and catalyst. Performances run at the UJ Bunting Theatre from Tue, Sep 16 – Sat, Sep 20. Book here.
JOHANNESBURG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA'S SYMPHONIC JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s (JPO) Symphonic Jazz Festival returns to the Linder Auditorium for one night only on Wed, Sep 24, 2025. Celebrating 50 years of South African jazz, the evening reimagines iconic local songs through sweeping orchestral and big band arrangements. For this special performance, the JPO joins forces with the acclaimed ZAR Jazz Orchestra, led by Marcus Wyatt, in the final instalment of the SA Songbook Series (Volume 3). Grab your tickets here.
STANDARD BANK JOY OF JAZZ
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns with its 26th edition, and Joburg is ready to swing. For over 20 years, this festival has brought global icons and local legends together, making it a true highlight of the country’s music calendar. Taking place from Fri, Sep 26 – Sun, Sep 28, this year's event promises big performances like Grammy-winner Esperanza Spalding and the acclaimed Thandi Ntuli, and that unmistakable spirit that captures the very best of the global jazz community. Get your tickets.
LA BELLA – I AM WOMAN BY THE CIRK
Back by popular demand! A display of incredible athleticism, grace, and agility, this sultry production by entertainment and performance company The Cirk titled La Bella – I am Woman, is a captivating tale of womanhood in collaboration with dance school La Rouge. See this production at The Cirk's theatre space at Cresta Shopping Centre from Fri, Aug 22 – Sat, Sep 27, 2025. Book now.
JOZI MY JOZI WALKS: A WEEKEND OF COMMUNITY-LED WALKING TOURS
#JoziMyJoziWalks 2025 invites you to step into the city’s everyday stories with a series of 15 walking tours all around Joburg on Sat, Sep 27 and Sun, Sep 28, 2025. These community-led walking tours bring Joburgers together with activists, heritage specialists, and local guides to uncover the people and places that shape our neighbourhoods. Each walk is a chance to see the city through fresh eyes, spark conversations about its past and present, and imagine new possibilities for its future. Spaces are limited. Secure your spot here.
THE LINDEN MARKET'S SPRING EDITION
The Linden Market returns with a spring edition at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia on Sat, Sep 27 and Sun, Sep 28. This year marks 10 years of stalls filled with proudly South African fashion, food, and design, alongside live music and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that has made the market one of Joburg’s favourite weekends out. Book tickets.
More events to look out for in September
Fri, Sep 19 – Sat, Sep 20 – Jeremy loops x Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Teatro
Sat, Sep 20 – The University Choirs Concert at the UJ Sanlam Auditorium
Wed, Sep 24 – Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K
October/November 2025
#JACARANDAINYOURPOCKET
Each year, October heralds Johannesburg In Your Pocket’s #JacarandaInYourPocket photo competition and event series. From early October, the purple blooms start to appear on trees throughout Johannesburg and Pretoria, and by the time the month is in full swing, a purple cloak has settled over these cities. It’s the perfect opportunity for us to showcase Joburg at its most beautiful and to encourage people to explore this city they call home. Keep an eye out for the details (follow us on Instagram at @johannesburginyourpocket to be the first to know). We promise another bumper year filled with a profusion of purple, loads of good cheer, and helicopters!
Here's our guide to where to find the best jacaranda views in Joburg and Pretoria.
PICKnPAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Johannesburg takes place on Sat, Oct 4 and Sun, Oct 5 at The Wanderers Club. Celebrate the start of summer with award-winning South African wines paired with delicious food and live music. Visitors can explore wines from around 50 top estates, enjoy gourmet canapés in the Tasting Room, or join a hands-on mixology masterclass at the Liquor Mixology Theatre. For a relaxed experience, pre-book a picnic bag to enjoy on the lawns in between all the excitement. Grab your tickets here.
DESIGN WEEK SOUTH AFRICA
Design Week South Africa 2025 runs from Thu, Oct 9 – Sun, Oct 12 and celebrates the creativity, innovation, and impact of South African design. The platform brings designers, makers, and the public together to explore new ideas, engage with the local design world, and inspire the next generation of creative leaders. From exhibitions and talks to interactive experiences, Design Week shines a spotlight on the ingenuity and cultural richness of South African design. Follow @designweeksouthafrica on Instagram for updates.
BACK TO THE CITY FESTIVAL
As Africa’s biggest hip-hop and street culture festival, Back to the City lights up Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown every year, with well-known MCs, beatboxers, rappers, and dancers performing throughout the day. The festivities on Sat, Oct 11 kick off with the Hip Hop Summit, empowering artists with workshops on publishing, funding, and entrepreneurship, before the city comes alive with music, art, and pure street energy. Expect an explosive lineup headlined by international star Lupe Fiasco, 100 artists, 20 DJs, 40 graffiti artists, MC and DJ battles, skateboarding, basketball, fashion stalls, food vendors, and more across multiple zones. Don't miss it!
KLINK: ART AND WINE EXPERIENCE AT 223 JAN SMUTS CREATIVE HUB
What happens when you combine an art gallery with a wine festival? You can find out by heading to one of our favourite venues in Rosebank, 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub, for an art, wine, and design experience on Sat, Oct 11. Hosted by Candice Berman Gallery in collaboration with Slow Wine Co. and Slow Gold, this event features wine from more than 10 boutique South African wineries, exclusive gallery tours, interactive artist activations, delectable food stalls, and live entertainment. Get your tickets here.
JOZI BOOK FAIR
The Jozi Book Fair takes place on Fri, Oct 24 and Sat, Oct 25. The fair addresses the challenges of reading and writing in all of South Africa’s languages, reflecting the legacies of apartheid and ongoing social inequality, while creating opportunities for readers and writers to celebrate their mother tongues. This year’s theme, “Rebuild Community, Solidarity and Friendships,” invites visitors of all ages to explore books, art, and storytelling that inspire social engagement. The full programme and list of exhibitors will be announced closer to the event. Follow @jozibookfair on Instagram.
STANDARD BANK WINEX
WineX 2025 comes to Johannesburg for three nights of world-class wine, bringing the best of South Africa’s vineyards to the city. From Wed, Oct 29 – Fri, Oct 31, visitors can explore over 120 exhibitors, meet award-winning South African winemakers, and enjoy gourmet treats between tastings. With more than 700 wines on offer, including a selection of international offerings, it’s the perfect place to discover new favourites, toast with friends, and raise a glass to the best the wine world has to offer. Book your tickets here.
HALLOWEEN IN JOBURG
No need to be afraid – keep a lookout for our Halloween feature to see what spooky season in Joburg has in store this year on and around Fri, 31 Oct.
RAMFEST x HALLOWEEN
Halloween continues into November with Ramfest's killer Halloween edition in Pretoria on Sat, Nov 1, bringing an electrifying lineup headlined by international acts The Devil Wears Prada and Bongloard. Expect a night of heavy riffs, mosh pits, and pure chaos as local and global talents light up the stage for South Africa’s biggest alternative party. Costumes, loud music, and spin kicks guaranteed. Tickets are available here.
More events to look out for in October/November
Fri, Oct 3 – Sun, Nov 9 – Chicago The Musical at the Teatro
Sun, Oct 5 – In The City featuring Summer Walker, Mereba and Jessie Reyez
Fri, Oct 3 – Sun, Oct 12 – The Spring Season of Dance with the Joburg Ballet
Fri, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 12 – Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival
Sat, Oct 11 – Travis Scott at FNB Stadium
Sun, Oct 26 – Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg
Fri, Oct 31 – Wed, Dec 24 – Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio pantomime
December 2025
MELROSE ARCH DESTINATION CHRISTMAS
An annual family favourite, Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch runs from Mon, Nov 24 – Wed, Dec 31. Celebrate the season with the Christmas lights switch-on, festive markets, live performances from the Drakensberg Boys Choir and Jeppe Pipe Band, Santa and elves, the Jameson Whisky glass tree, and the Pringles x Fanta Playground for kids. Stroll the sparkling precinct, enjoy snacks and treats, and shop extended hours at over 100 retailers for the ultimate festive experience.
DEEP IN THE CITY
Deep In The City returns on Sun, Dec 14, celebrating Africa’s house music culture. Inspired by the world’s most iconic dance floors, the event brings together South Africa’s top DJs, like DJ Fresh and and Mr Joe, to create an unforgettable experience for house music fans. Get your tickets here.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT JOHANNESBURG ZOO
The Festival of Lights returns to the Johannesburg Zoo this December. Explore enchanting illuminated animal displays, enjoy live classical music and performances, browse a food and craft night market, and take in rides and nocturnal animal sightings along a beautifully lit trail. Dates to be announced.
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