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 unusual 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 including ballet, theatre and opera if that's your style. 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 from which to choose.
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 14 – Wed, May 20, 2026)
Wed, May 13 – Sun, May 17 – Get up close with creepy-crawlies, curious plants, and wild survival tactics at Yebo Gogga Yebo amaBlomo 2026 at Wits University, Braamfontein, a hands-on science adventure exploring the weird and wonderful world of food, water and life on Earth.Sat, May 16 – Sun, May 17 – Experience Shakespeare with a fierce Joburg twist as Dada Masilo’s Hamlet returns to the Market Theatre, blending contemporary dance, ballet and raw theatrical energy in a powerful reimagining of the classic tragedy.
Sat, May 16 – Swap the club for collective listening at Listening Spaces Vol. VII at Bridge Books in Marshalltown, where Richard Strauss’ sweeping An Alpine Symphony soundtracks an afternoon of deep listening and conversation.
Sat, May 16 – Cruise through Joburg with Girls On Bikes as the social cycling crew rolls through Rosebank, Illovo and Sandton for a beginner-friendly morning ride filled with fresh air and good company.
Sat, May 16 – Sip Palomas and soundtrack the day with comedian Loyiso Gola at a special birthday edition of Cocktails and Playlists at Mamakashaka & Friends, where guests are invited to add their own songs.
Sat, May 16 and Sun, May 17 – Step inside the world of Crystal Birch and go from wearing to making, as you shape your own one-of-a-kind hat in a hands-on millinery workshop guided by one of South Africa’s most distinctive designers. Youth/kids workshop takes place on Sat, May 16 and adult workshop on Sun, May 17.
Sun, May 17 – Refresh your wardrobe and home with unique finds at Dress for Less and Car Boot sales at the Rosebank Sunday Market.
Sun, May 17 – Join The Trinity Session and Tyrone Harriers for a 21KM inner-city run through Johannesburg, tracing public art stories across Parktown, Constitutional Hill, Hillbrow, Berea, Ferreirasdorp, Selby and Braamfontein. Free to join and starting sharp at 06:30 from and returning to Croft & Co, Parkview. For more information, please contact tyroneharriers.mailer@gmail.com.
Until Sat, May 16 – Get lost in nearly 8,000 treasures at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers’ Autumn Wunderkammer, where art, antiques and curiosities come together at the Russell Kaplan Auctioneers in Ferndale, from mid-century design and vintage fashion to rare finds waiting to be discovered.
Until Sun, May 31 – Experience the power of Sarafina! at Soweto Theatre, a moving revival of the iconic musical blending song, dance and resistance in a story of courage, youth and freedom.
Until Sun, Jun 14 – Experience a dazzling blend of couture, aerial performance and storytelling as Behind the Crimson Door by Gert-Johan Coetzee and The Cirk takes you on an adventure of dreams and courage at Cresta Shopping Centre.
Ongoing – It's cinema on a whole new scale: next-level picture, sound and spectacle via IMAX with Laser at Ster-Kinekor at The Zone @ Rosebank.
Hot tickets
Fri, May 22 – Sat, May 23 – Step into the future of African music at Africa Rising Music Conference 2026, where artists, innovators and industry leaders converge at Constitution Hill for two days of talks, workshops and performances.
Fri, May 22 – Sun, May 24 – Explore Africa’s leading galleries, curated exhibitions, art, local wines, fashion and food at the fourth edition of RMB Latitudes at Shepstone Gardens.
Sat, May 23 – Bassline Fest returns for its 20-year celebration of “Say Africa” at Bassline Fest, bringing Ami Faku, Vusi Mahlasela, Yugen Blakrok and more to Constitution Hill.
Sat, May 23 – Once Upon A Time In Joburg, an R&B festival experience bringing the artists you thought you’d only ever stream to life on stage for true genre lovers in Joburg.
Fri, May 29 – Sun, May 31 – From Aeropress to pour-over and everything in between, the Jo’burg Coffee Festival takes over Fourways Mall with South Africa’s biggest celebration of speciality coffee.
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