Johannesburg

To do in Joburg – weekly events guide

18 Apr 2024

Joburg is abuzz this week with a tapestry of events to pique every interest. Fashionistas wanting the latest trends, fresh off the runway can head to SA Fashion Week at the Mall of Africa. For those who appreciate a different kind of fashion, there’s a Slow Fashion Festival at 44 Stanley. Speaking of going green, there are sustainable city talks and second-hand book sales to explore. The stage also comes alive with mesmerizing aerial acrobatics, captivating musicals, and side-splitting comedy acts

Head here for a full run-down of art exhibitions and art events, and remember to bookmark these pages. 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

GOING GREEN
Thu, Apr 18 – Join the discussion on sustainable cities at Circular neighbourhoods and healthy cities: A talk at Goethe-Institut that promotes physical, mental, economic, and social well-being for all.

FOR THE KIDS
Sat, Apr 20 – Enjoy a family night out by watching Sing 2 at Smile Foundation's Family Under The Stars at the Virgin Active Old Eds Sports Ground in Houghton. 

FOR THE PARTY PEOPLE
Sat, Apr 20 
Picnic&Thrift team up with Bad Manors to celebrate all things sporty with their Blokecore Bash before their next market.
Sat, Apr 20 – Travel from Joburg to Ibiza with Maracanã's Afrobiza Music Festival playing the best Afrohouse and Afrotech.

BOOKWORMS
Sat, Apr 20 
– Sun, Apr 21 – Pick up some good books for a good cause at Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's Mega Book Sale at Holy Family College.
Sat, Apr 20 – Bridge Books host their first book launch in their Brixton store with Wake Up, This Is Joburg by Tanya Zack and Mark Lewis

COMEDY LOVERS
Every Sun 
– The Bioscope hosts Bioscope Sundays, where you can laugh away any signs of the upcoming Monday blues.

FASHIONISTAS
Thu, Apr 18 – Sat, Apr 20 
– SA Fashion Week remains the top showcase of local talent from both up-and-coming and well-known designers. Over three days, 1o shows feature more than 30 collections at Mall of Africa.
Sat, Apr 20 – Head to Twyg's Slow Fashion Festival at 44 Stanley, set to be packed with fun and fashionable workshops, talks, and activities.

ON STAGE
Until Sun, May 5 – Spring Awakening delves into the lives of adolescent students discovering their sexual identities within strict societal norms at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.
Until Sun, May 19 – The Cirk's Worlds Away – A Journey to Circusland takes you on an aerial and acrobatic adventure through different realms, where you'll discover love, light, and purpose.
 
An interstellar adventure featuring breathtaking aerial acrobatics at The Cirk's Worlds Away – A Journey to Circusland. Photo: Supplied.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Sun, Apr 21 – Experience the panoramic views of Joburg from the rooftop of the historic The Troyeville as you enjoy an exciting performance by Jasper Dan.
Fri, May 17 and Sun, May 19 – Enjoy a mix of beloved classics and flamboyance inspired by Liberace; performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Jonathan Roxmouth in Candelabra Classics.

Markets, fairs, and festivals 

See our round-up of Joburg's best markets.
 

Every Sat until Sat, Apr 27 – Learn the Japanese art of bonsai, origami, furoshiki [gift wrapping], ikebana [flower arranging], and more with The House of Suntory masterclasses in Hyde Park.
Sat, Apr 27 The Geek and Alternative Market at Garden on 4th in Linden will be filled with goodies for lovers of all things geek, alternative and goth. 

Coming up
Wed, May 1 – Sun, May 5 –  KAMERS/Makers returns to Joburg for its first winter show of the year with over 150 small businesses, designers, and makers at St David's Marist.
Fri, May 10 – Every second Friday of the month, Prison Break Market goes dark and transforms into a lively night market with fantastic food, fire pits, live music, and more.
Sat, Jul 6 – For antique books, maps, and other treats, be sure to visit the Book, Antiques and Artisanal Faire at Rand Club.

Art fairs and exhibitions 

Joburg's galleries are always at full tilt, with all-new shows opening weekly. Read our exhibitions guide here.

Coming up 
Fri, May 24 – Sun, May 26 RMB Latitudes 2024 art fair takes place at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens again this year. Not to be missed. Book now; tickets get snapped up quickly. 
Fri, Sep 6 Sun, Sep 8 – Mark your diaries for FNB Art Joburg taking place at Sandton Convention Centre.

Go outdoors

Take a walk with an experienced guide. Use our list of best Joburg tours and experiences or visit one of Joburg's beautiful parks

Every Sat and Sun from 09:00 until Sun, May 5 – Enjoy the taste of your own hand-picked raspberries at Field Berry Farm
Every Fri from 18:00 – Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome at Maboneng City Riders' Chasing the Sunset rides.
Every Sat from 05:00 – Start your day early and ride with urban cycling club, Banditz Bicycle Club.
Every Sat – The newly revamped The Playground in Braamfontein opens rain or shine, boasting a brand-new City Beach Club and rooftop basketball court.

Coming up
Sun, May 19 – Horticulture fans can view some of the best gardens in the city with Gardens of the Golden City’s Summer Gardens 2024 featuring Shepstone Gardens.
 
Enjoy a day out in the sun before winter sets in at The Maslow Sunday Society Picnic. Photo: Sun International via Instagram.
 

Fun with food and drinks 

Every Fri – Sun from 10:00 – 13:00 – Grab a bite of Vietnamese street food with the Bahn Mi Sandwich Bar at Yardbird Deli.
Every Sat from 13:00Mamakashaka and Friends host a cool afternoon in Braamfontein with cocktails and curated playlists by you.
Until Fri, Apr 26 – Immerse yourself in the spirits of Japan with The House of Suntory drinks tastings in Hyde Park.
 
Taking food to new heights at the Jozi Kota Festival. Photo: Jozi Kota Festival via Instagram.

Coming up
Sat, Apr 27 – It's all things kasi at the Jozi Kota Festival at The Station in Newtown.
Thu, May 2 – Go on a Mexican culinary journey with Orinoco's First Thursday cooking demo at Prison Break Market.
Sun, May 5 – Taste the last of summer with a blanket, bubbly, and snacks at The Maslow Sunday Society Picnic.
Sat, May 11 – Have a full sensory experience indulging in the food featured in the film you're watching at Taste The Movie SA at Hyatt House Sandton.
Fri, May 17 – Sat, May 18 – Enjoy the best of bubbly with The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival at Sandton's Inanda Polo Club.
Sat, May 25 – Escape to the countryside near the Magalies to enjoy a farm-inspired, four-course meal with Owlswood Long Table Experience at Owlswood Farm.
Sat, Jun 15 – Mon, Jun 17 – Discover the best braaier in SA and more at the ultimate culinary extravaganza, the Mzansi Food and Drink Show at Kyalami Convention Centre.

For the kids

Until Sun, Apr 21 People’s Theatre's heart-warming fairytale and action-packed Disney adventure My Son Pinocchio Jr comes just in time for the school holidays.
Every Fri and Sat from 18:00 – Join the family-friendly party at Joy Jozi, with great music and delicious food.

Coming up
Fri, Jun 28 – Sun, Jun 30 – Join Paw Patrol Live as part of the Race to Rescue tour at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor's Palace.

Book lovers

Fri, Apr 26 – Test your book knowledge with Exclusive Books' General Knowledge Book Quiz at Melrose Arch.

For the night owls

Every ​​​​Wed – Join the fun at the Supersized Bar Night with Sir James van der Merwe and Katy’s Palace.
Every Wed from 19:00 until midnight – Rosebank's barbershop earns the "bar" in its name as Bar Ber Black Sheep becomes party central.
Every Fri – Techno heads get lost in the hottest EDM at TOYTOY's weekly night residency at the And Club in Newtown.
Every Fri – Ease into the weekend with wine and hip-hop at Mamakashaka and FriendsWine Down.

On stage

Until Sat, Apr 20 – A funny and poignant look at the balancing act of family and career in Your Perfect Life at Sandton's Theatre on the Square
Until Sat, May 11 – Mamma Mia promises a delightful musical with a new look at the Teatro at Montecasino.
Sat, Apr 20 – Sun, May 12 – Step into the dangerous world of South African politics with The Brothers, Number One and a Weekend Special at the Market Theatre.

Coming up
Tue, Apr 23 – Sat, May 4 – A witty and fast-paced dark comedy about the battle of wills between two businessmen in Brent Palmer’s award-winning King George at the Theatre on the Square.
Tue, Apr 23 – Fri, Apr 26 – Joburg Moves presents a rich array of performances that celebrate dance inspired by Joburg’s diverse dance companies, choreographers, artists, and organisations at the UJ Arts & Culture Centre.
Fri, May 10 – Sun, May 26 – Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre welcomes back Paul Slabolepszy's The Return of Elvis du Pisanie, a journey of self-discovery.
Wed, May 29 – Sun, Jun 30 – For the first time in SA, catch Agatha Christie's courtroom classic Witness for the Prosecution at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.

Music and concerts 

Experience a mesmerising performance of U.S. R&B singer, Mereba, In The City Festival. Photo: Mereba via Instagram.

See our list of where to listen to jazz in Joburg.

Sat, Apr 20 – English electronic duo from the '80s Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark takes on Marks Park for their greatest hits. 

Coming up
Fri, Apr 26 – Be thoroughly entertained by Operatic Opulence featuring Jozi Opera and the Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburgconducted by Kutlwano Masote at Killarney Country Club.
Sat, Apr 27 – Join Zakes Bantwini and friends like MiCasa, Scorpion Kings, and Kelvin Momo at  Sikelela Festival at Constitution Hill.
Sat, May 4 – In The City Festival returns to Joburg with U.S. R&B singers Mereba and Jordan Ward, along with other local talents.
Sat, May 11 – Thandiswa Mazwai debuts her new album Sankofa and remembers 20 years of Zabalaza, with a special show at Carnival City.
Sun, May 12 – Lira performs a cameo with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra at MOM – A Concert Celebrating Mothers at Nirox Sculpture Park.
Sat, May 25 – Celebrate Africa Day and the return of Lira to the stage at the Bassline Fest at Constitution Hill.
Thu, May 30 May – Sun, Jun 2 – Drakensberg Boys' Choir heads back to Joburg to host Music in the City 2024 on the Nelson Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.

If you're looking for things to see this week, see our weekly art round-up. For our latest updates, follow us on Instagram

Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre & Studio

Montecasino Casino and Entertainment Centre, cnr Montecasino Blvd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways

The Teatro at Montecasino

Montecasino Casino and Entertainment Complex, Cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways

Carnival City

Cnr Century and Elsburg Rd, Brakpan
/johannesburg/carnival-city_143914v

Holy Family College

40 Oxford Rd, Parktown
/johannesburg/holy-family-college_147210v

St David's Marist

36 Rivonia Rd, Inanda
/johannesburg/st-davids-marist_152818v

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top