The end of April is a special time for us in South Africa, especially in Johannesburg, as we celebrate Freedom Day. This year has particular significance as we commemorate 30 years of democracy. Amidst this celebratory spirit, the city comes alive with a plethora of events for every interest and passion. For more Freedom Day events, check out our Freedom Day guide.
Foodies can relish kasi [township] flavours at the Jozi Kota Festival or master the art of sushi-making. Dress up in your best red outfit for a colour-themed bash or bring along the family for a Harry Potter family quiz. Music lovers can enjoy a night at the opera. Then, theatregoers can witness captivating dance performances by Joburg Moves and embark on an enchanting journey with The Cirk's Worlds Away. Join the festivities and make the most of everything that Joburg has to offer.
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
FOR THE PARTY PEOPLEFri, Apr 26 – Delicious drinks, exceptional beats, and breathtaking views of the city skyline at Vintage Society at Kramerville's Levelthree Premium Venue.
Sun, Apr 28 – Whether it's lipstick, a T-shirt, or shoes, wear red for the next edition of Never Rush A Sunday at Mea Culpa in Kew.
SPORT FANS
Sat, Apr 27 – Enjoy pre-game lunch or match day drinks with friends while watching the Lions vs Munster rugby match at The Troyeville, just a couple hundred meters away from Emirates Airline Park stadium.
FASHIONISTAS
Sun, Apr 28 – Shop one-of-a-kind thrifts while sipping your favourite drinks at Ret Row Vintage and Jozi Vintage Plug's Thrift & Sip at Mamakasha and Friends.
BOOKWORMS
Thu, Apr 25 – Things may get verbose (in the best possible way!) as Bridge Books and Breezeblock Café host a poetry night.
Sat, Apr 27 – Bring the kids and test your knowledge with Exclusive Books' Harry Potter family quiz at Melrose Arch.
MUSIC LOVERS
Fri, Apr 26 – Celebrate freedom in song with Operatic Opulence featuring Jozi Opera and the Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburg, conducted 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.
FOODIES
Sat, Apr 27 – It's all things kasi at the Jozi Kota Festival at The Station in Newtown.
Sat, Apr 27 – Get hands-on with a sushi-making class with Simply Delectable Cooking School in Randpark Ridge.
ON STAGE
Until 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.
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.
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.
Sun, May 5 – Experience a solar-cooked dinner through an artistic food project with Egyptian artist duo Mina Nasr and Lamis Haggag, and Breezeblock chef Mantis Shabane in Brixton.
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.
Sat, Apr 27 – Get sporty at Picnic&Thrift's Blokecore Market with vintage and thrifted pieces at Rivonia Recreation Club.
Coming up
Sat, May 4 – Celebrate May the 4th (or force) with a Star Wars Cantina theme at the first Linden Night Shop on 4th Avenue.
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.
Sat, Apr 27 – Play or watch a game of hoops with some of the best views in the city at the Rooftop Basketball Court Experience at The Playground in Braamfontein.
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.
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 13:00 – Mamakashaka 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.
Sat, Apr 27 – Nomad Nights at Ethnic in Edenvale promises to be a night of adventure with a variety of music paired with food.
Sun, Apr 28 – Have Sunday lunch with a difference at The City Beach Club's Sunday Beach Braai in Braam.
Coming up
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
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, Emperors Palace.
Comedy
Every Sun – The Bioscope hosts Bioscope Sundays, where you can laugh away any signs of the upcoming Monday blues.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 Friends’ Wine Down.
On stage
Until 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.
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 Sat, May 11 – Mamma Mia promises a delightful musical with a new look at the Teatro at Montecasino.
Until 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
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.
Thu, May 16 – Sun, May 19 – Naledi pursues her dream role as Sarafina amidst challenges in Sho't Left Broadway, presented by the National School of the Arts and showing at the Soweto Theatre.
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
See our list of where to listen to jazz in Joburg.
Tue, Apr 30 – Blxckie and DBN GOGO are part of 20 artists, performing over three floors for one night of epic music at Confesstival at Maracanã.
Coming up
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.
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