Adventure At Your Fingertips
Discover the hottest spots to eat, play, and vibe in Joburg.
Your ultimate guide to the City of Gold.
Joburg's Most Popular Places
Joburg's Social Buzz Board
Blogs: Read the Latest Finds
View All
Upcoming Events and Shows Heading To Joburg
Looking for something fun to do in Johannesburg? You've come to the right place. From blockbuster theatre productions and live music concerts to foodie festivals, family-friendly outings, sporting events, markets, and cultural experiences, there's always something happening in and around the city. Whether you're planning your weekend or filling your calendar for the weeks ahead, here's our roundup of the best upcoming events in Joburg that you won't want to miss.Ongoing EventsLe Petit Chef: Au NaturelDate: Until 10 October 2026Le Petit Chef Au Naturel is a one-of-a-kind dinner party entertainment experience. Using 4K 3D projection technology perfectly synchronized with 360° motion graphics and outstanding audio design, Le Petit Chef transports guests into his virtual 3D worlds filled with amazing objects and surprising effects that take you back to the root of all flavour. Expect a magical mix of fragrances, textures, and flavours transforming monotony into intrigue. Get your tickets here.Click here to read more.August 2026Cape Ballet Africa Presents Swan LakeDate: From 7 August 2026Experience one of the world's most beloved ballets when Cape Ballet Africa presents Swan Lake at the Teatro at Montecasino this August. Audiences can look forward to breathtaking choreography, Tchaikovsky's iconic score, exquisite costumes, and world-class performances from South Africa's newest professional ballet company. Whether you're a lifelong ballet enthusiast or experiencing this timeless classic for the first time, Swan Lake promises an unforgettable evening of elegance, romance, and spectacular dance. While it's a short drive from Pretoria, this is one cultural event well worth travelling for.Click here to read more.Gabbata Winter FestivalDate: 29 August 2026The Gabbata Lodge Winter Festival is well worth the short drive from Johannesburg if you're looking for a day packed with live entertainment and family fun. Taking place on 29 August 2026 just outside Pretoria, the festival features performances by Refentse, Ruan Jordaan, and Swerwer, alongside a live screening of the Springboks vs All Blacks Test. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food vendors, lifestyle and craft stalls, a beer tent, children's entertainment, and a relaxed bushveld atmosphere, making it an ideal winter outing for families and groups of friends. Get your tickets here.Click here to read more.Parklive Jozi 2026Date: 30 August 2026Parklive Festival returns to Marks Park in Emmarentia for a full day of live music, gourmet street food, and craft drinks. This year’s line-up brings together major local acts and international talent, including TEEKS, Good Neighbours, Nasty C, Elaine, Matthew Mole, Will Linley, Neon Dreams, and Rowlene, with more artists still to be announced. The festival runs from 11:00 to 20:00 and welcomes all ages; children under five enter free when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Free, secure parking is available at the venue. Get your tickets here.September 2026947 Joburg Day 2026Date: 5 September 2026947 Joburg Day returns to Crocodile Creek Polo Club in Lanseria for what promises to be one of the city’s biggest family days out this spring. The all-South African line-up includes Lordkez, Locnville, Sun-El Musician, DJ Zinhle, Will Linley, Cassper Nyovest, Zee Nxumalo, Mi Casa, Kabza De Small, and MÖRDA with the Soweto Gospel Choir. Gates open at 09:00, with general-access, children’s, and premium Chill Zone tickets available. Festivalgoers may bring picnic baskets, camp chairs, blankets, and soft cooler bags, subject to the event’s restrictions. Children aged three to 12 require a children’s ticket and must be accompanied by an adult, while the Chill Zone is reserved for guests aged 18 and older. Get your tickets here.Modern Marketing Expo 2026Date: 8 to 10 September 2026Marketing professionals, creatives, and business owners can discover the latest branding and marketing technologies at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The free Modern Marketing Expo features live demonstrations covering AI content tools, promotional products, signage, printing, digital experiences, and retail marketing. Visitors can also attend the Modern Marketing Power Hour and Change 1 Woman networking sessions. The expo runs from 09:00 to 17:00 daily, and free online registration is required.Click here to read more.Scorpion Kings LIVEDate: 19 September 2026DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small bring Scorpion Kings LIVE to FNB Stadium for their biggest production yet, celebrating the unity, culture, and global rise of Amapiano. Following a landmark 2025 show that attracted more than 50,000 fans, the duo and their special guests are preparing a world-class stadium spectacle for an anticipated audience of 80,000. Gates open at 12:00, followed by a pre-show from 14:00 to 18:00 and the main performance from 18:00. Tickets range from R400 to R1,500, although several seated sections have already sold out. No children under 14 will be admitted, and identification will be required at the entrance. Get your tickets here.Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026Date: 19 and 20 September 2026It may take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, but AAD 2026 is well worth the drive from Joburg. The two public air-show days promise aerobatic displays, parachute drops, helicopter demonstrations, static aircraft, and military vehicles taking on the mobility track. Families can also visit the Youth Pavilion for flight simulators, model building, virtual aviation, and other hands-on activities. Gates open at 06:00, with the show running from 08:00 to 17:00 on both days. Online tickets cost R270 for adults and R130 for children and pensioners, with free parking available at the base. Book through Ticketpro.Click here to read more.Comic Con Africa 2026Date: 24 to 27 September 2026Comic Con Africa returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec for four packed days celebrating comics, gaming, film, television, cosplay, and wider pop culture. Visitors can look forward to international celebrities, comic-book artists, industry guests, esports, free-to-play gaming competitions, daily casual cosplay contests, Artist Alley, main-stage entertainment, and an extensive marketplace filled with collectibles, graphic novels, apparel, and gaming merchandise. The convention runs from 09:00 on Thursday until 18:00 on Sunday. Children aged five and younger enter free, while anyone under 16 must attend with an adult aged 21 or older. Photo opportunities, autographs, and other add-ons do not include festival admission, so a separate day or four-day pass is required. Get your tickets here.Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026Date: 25 and 26 September 2026The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns to the Sandton Convention Centre for its 27th edition, bringing international jazz luminaries and leading South African musicians together across four stages. Headliners include five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo and acclaimed American saxophonist and composer Kamasi Washington, alongside an extensive programme of collaborations, tributes, and contemporary interpretations of jazz. Friday’s doors open at 17:00, while Saturday’s open at 16:00, with performances beginning at 18:30 and continuing until midnight on both nights. A one-day pass costs R1,250, while a weekend pass costs R2,250 and includes access to all four stages. With road closures expected around the convention centre, festivalgoers should consider using the Gautrain or the available park-and-ride service. Get your tickets here.October 2026Spring Fiesta 2026Date: 3 October 2026Spring Fiesta returns to the Wild Waters Complex in Ekurhuleni for another high-energy celebration of South African dance music and festival culture. Presented by Soul Candi, the event runs from midday on Saturday until 01:00 on Sunday, giving revellers 13 hours to welcome the warmer season on the dance floor. The artist line-up is still to be announced, but the festival is known for bringing together leading names in house, Amapiano, hip-hop, and Afro-tech across multiple stages. No guests under 18 will be admitted. Parking is available, although organisers recommend using a ride-hailing service. Get your tickets here.In the City JHB Presents Isaiah RashadDate: 4 October 2026Rapper Isaiah Rashad makes his Johannesburg debut at Montecasino’s Outdoor Events Arena. Known for his introspective writing, relaxed delivery, and jazz-inflected Southern hip-hop sound, Rashad will perform favourites from Cilvia Demo, The Sun’s Tirade, and The House Is Burning, alongside music from his 2026 release, It’s Been Awful. The adults-only event runs from 12:00 to 22:00, with tickets starting at R599. Get your tickets here.Back to the City FestivalDate: 10 October 2026Back to the City returns to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown for a landmark 20th-anniversary celebration of South African hip-hop and youth culture. The festival programme includes approximately 100 artists, 30 DJs, 40 graffiti artists, MC and DJ battles, skateboarding, basketball, gaming, street fashion, food, and independent clothing stalls. The 2026 edition also commemorates 50 years since the June 16 Youth Uprising and 140 years of Johannesburg. General admission currently starts at R400, with tickets and updates available through the Back to the City Festival website.MAMMA MIA! The MusicalDate: From 16 October 2026The global smash-hit MAMMA MIA! returns to the Teatro at Montecasino for a feel-good celebration of love, friendship, family, and ABBA’s irresistible music. Set on a sun-soaked Greek island, the story follows a bride-to-be whose search for her father brings three men from her mother’s past back into their lives. Audiences can sing along to favourites including Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Take a Chance on Me, and, of course, Mamma Mia. The Johannesburg season includes evening performances and selected weekend matinees, with tickets priced from approximately R250 to R580. The production carries an age restriction of three and older. Get your tickets here.NE-YO Live in PretoriaDate: 18 October 2026Three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B star NE-YO performs at SunBet Arena, Time Square. Fans can look forward to favourites including So Sick, Closer, Because of You, Miss Independent, and Sexy Love. The Pretoria venue is close enough for Joburg audiences to make an evening of this rare South African performance. Tickets range from R950 to R2,950, excluding booking fees. Get your tickets here.Joburg Cider Festival 2026Date: 24 October 2026Toast to spring at the Joburg Cider Festival, taking place at Toadbury Hall on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Gather your friends for a relaxed outdoor celebration filled with craft cider, delicious food, and live entertainment. Visitors can explore a unique selection of ciders in the showcase tasting zone, meet participating brands, and enjoy interactive activations throughout the day. Gourmet bites and food pairings will complement the drinks, while Toadbury Hall’s picturesque country setting creates the ideal atmosphere for an easy-going spring outing. Get your tickets here.Click here to read more.November 2026Jill Scott: To Whom This May Concern World TourDate: 7 November 2026Three-time Grammy Award-winning neo-soul icon Jill Scott performs at SunBet Arena, Time Square. Backed by a full live band, Scott will draw on more than two decades of music, including favourites such as A Long Walk, Golden, and He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat). The tour also supports her long-awaited sixth studio album, her first full-length release in more than a decade. The show starts at 20:00, with tickets available from R860. Get your tickets here.December 2026J. Cole: The Fall-Off TourDate: Saturday, 12 December 2026Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole brings The Fall-Off Tour to FNB Stadium for the final performance of his extensive global run and his first return to the region in a decade. Supporting his seventh studio album, The Fall Off, the tour marks Cole’s first solo headline outing in five years and travels through more than 50 cities across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Doors open at 16:00, with the show beginning at 18:00. Standing-ticket holders must be older than 12 and at least 1.2 metres tall. Fans should purchase only through the authorised Ticketmaster link, as tickets from secondary resale sites may be refused at the venue. Get your tickets here.Limp Bizkit Live At FNB StadiumDate: 13 December 2026Fred Durst is coming to Johannesburg. Limp Bizkit have confirmed a headline show at FNB Stadium on 13 December 2026, presented by Big Concerts, bringing one of the most influential bands of the nu-metal era to South African fans for what is shaping up to be one of the year's biggest rock concerts. Get your tickets here.Click here to read more.Kehlani Live in PretoriaDate: 15 December 2026Two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Kehlani brings The Kehlani World Tour to SunBet Arena, Time Square. Joined by special guest Destin Conrad, Kehlani will perform music from her acclaimed catalogue, including the hit Folded. Doors open at 18:00, and the show starts at 20:00. Tickets start at R800. Get your tickets here.Brandy Live in South AfricaDate: 17 and 18 December 2026Pretoria is calling R&B fans this December as multi-platinum superstar Brandy brings the All White Soul Sessions Concert Tour Experience to SunBet Arena at Time Square. Affectionately known as “The Vocal Bible”, the Grammy-winning singer will draw on a career spanning more than three decades, with timeless hits including “The Boy Is Mine”, “Have You Ever?”, “Almost Doesn’t Count”, “Full Moon”, and “Never Say Never”. Both performances begin at 18:00, and tickets range from R950 to R2,850. It may not be in Joburg, but for the opportunity to see one of contemporary R&B’s most influential voices live, the drive to Pretoria should be well worth it. Get your tickets here.
Read more →
AAD 2026 Brings Africa’s Biggest Aerospace and Defence Showc...
Aircraft roaring overhead, parachutists descending from the sky, and military vehicles taking on the mobility track: Africa Aerospace and Defence returns to Air Force Base Waterkloof from 16 to 20 September 2026.Five Days of Aerospace, Technology, and Live ActionFew Pretoria events can compete with Africa Aerospace and Defence for sheer scale. Better known as AAD, the biennial exhibition combines an international aerospace and defence trade show with two public air-show days, bringing industry professionals, aviation enthusiasts, and families together at Air Force Base Waterkloof.The 13th edition takes place from Wednesday, 16 September to Sunday, 20 September 2026. The first three days are reserved for registered trade visitors and media, while the general public can attend the air shows on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September.AAD describes the event as Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo to combine a trade exhibition with an air show. That distinction matters. This is not simply an afternoon of aircraft performing overhead. Across its five-day programme, AAD covers developments in air, land, and maritime technology, while the public weekend brings the machinery out of the exhibition environment and into live demonstrations.What to Expect at the AAD Air ShowThe public programme is built around world-class aerial displays, with aircraft demonstrating speed, precision, and manoeuvrability above Waterkloof.The broader programme is expected to include aerobatic displays, parachute drops, helicopter demonstrations, static aircraft, and displays from major participants in the aviation and defence sectors. Back on the ground, mobility demonstrations will give visitors an opportunity to watch military vehicles tackle a purpose-built track.The noise, scale, and proximity are a large part of the experience. You can inspect aircraft and defence technology on display before looking skywards as the flying programme gets under way. It is the kind of event that rewards arriving early, finding a good viewing position, and staying for the full day rather than attempting a quick visit.AAD’s previous edition attracted 37,007 members of the public, alongside 259 exhibitors from 30 countries and almost 23,000 trade visitors. Those numbers give some idea of the crowds expected at Waterkloof in September.Activities for Young Aviation FansThe aircraft may be the initial attraction for younger visitors, but AAD has also built a substantial educational offering around the public weekend.The Youth Pavilion is expected to feature interactive activities such as flight simulators, virtual aviation, plastic-model building, target shooting, first aid, and crime-scene investigation. Its purpose is not simply to keep children occupied between displays. The programme introduces young visitors to the range of science, engineering, technology, and practical careers connected to aviation and defence.The Trade ExhibitionFor professionals, the event begins several days before the public arrives. The trade exhibition runs from Wednesday, 16 September to Friday, 18 September and is restricted to registered trade visitors and media.This side of AAD brings together manufacturers, government representatives, official delegations, innovators, and decision-makers working across aerospace, security, and defence. Exhibits cover air, sea, and land technologies, including aircraft, unmanned systems, surveillance equipment, vehicles, and related technical services.The exhibition is accompanied by conferencing, industry discussions, innovation platforms, and networking opportunities. Trade visitors must register separately through the AAD website; a public air-show ticket does not provide access to the trade-only days.What You Can BringPublic air-show days run from 08:00 to 17:00, with gates opening from 06:00. Arriving early is sensible, particularly if you want to find a suitable viewing position before the flying programme begins.Visitors may bring camping chairs, picnic baskets, and soft-sided coolers containing snacks. Plastic bottles are permitted, but glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited. Food stalls and a beer garden will be available inside the venue.The prohibited-items list also includes gazebos, umbrellas, tents, blankets, braais, firearms, knives, laser devices, radio transmitters, remote-controlled devices, bicycles, scooters, pets, air horns, and flammable items. Check the complete visitor information and venue rules before packing.September sunshine at an airfield can be unforgiving, even when the Pretoria morning begins cold. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and carry a warm layer for the early start. Ear protection is also worth considering, particularly for babies and younger children, as some displays can be extremely loud.Tickets and ParkingOnline public-day tickets are currently listed at R270 for adults and R130 for children and pensioners. Tickets purchased at the venue are listed at R300 for adults and R140 for children and pensioners. Prices and availability may change, so confirm them through Ticketpro before booking.Saturday and Sunday require separate tickets. Book through the Saturday Ticketpro page or the Sunday Ticketpro page.Free visitor parking is available at the base, while designated wheelchair parking will be provided at Gate 5. With tens of thousands of people likely to attend across the weekend, allow additional time for traffic, security checks, parking, and the walk to the public areas.Whether you follow every development in military aviation or simply want to see what happens when some of the world’s most impressive aircraft take over the Pretoria sky, AAD 2026 promises a weekend that will be difficult to ignore. You will hear it long before you reach the gates.Event DetailsTrade exhibition: Wednesday, 16 to Friday, 18 September 2026Public air shows: Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 September 2026Public hours: 08:00–17:00; gates open at 06:00Venue: Air Force Base Waterkloof, 72 Solomon Mahlangu Drive, PretoriaOnline tickets: Adults R270; children and pensioners R130On-site tickets: Adults R300; children and pensioners R140Parking: Free visitor parking; wheelchair parking at Gate 5Website: aadexpo.co.za
Read more →
Craft Cider and Spring Sunshine at the Joburg Cider Festival
Joburg’s warmer weather deserves a proper welcome. The Joburg Cider Festival is bringing craft pours, gourmet food, live entertainment, and an easy-going outdoor atmosphere to Toadbury Hall on Saturday, 24 October 2026.A Spring Day Built Around Good CiderThere is a particular point in the Joburg calendar when spending an entire afternoon outdoors starts to feel like the only sensible plan. The winter layers have finally been packed away, the days are warmer, and the city is ready to make the most of spring. The Joburg Cider Festival arrives at exactly the right moment.Taking place at Toadbury Hall on Saturday, 24 October 2026, the festival invites cider fans and curious newcomers to spend the day sampling drinks, discovering different brands, enjoying live entertainment, and working through a selection of food pairings and gourmet bites.The mood is firmly social. Gather a group of friends, bring the picnic energy, and settle in for an afternoon that does not need to be rushed. It should work equally well as a relaxed weekend outing, a casual birthday celebration, or an alternative team social for colleagues who have had enough of sitting around another restaurant table.What to Expect at the Joburg Cider FestivalCider is the obvious centrepiece, but the festival is designed as more than a straightforward tasting session. Visitors can look forward to a varied selection of ciders, a showcase tasting zone, and brand activations that offer an opportunity to explore different styles and producers.If your experience of cider begins and ends with the same familiar bottle ordered at the pub, this is a useful chance to broaden the conversation. Cider can range from crisp and dry to fruit-forward and sweeter, with differences in production, ingredients, and flavour making the tasting process far more interesting than newcomers might expect.The showcase format also gives guests an opportunity to speak to participating brands, compare pours, and find something new without having to commit immediately to a full serving.Food will form an important part of the day, with gourmet bites and pairings intended to complement the cider selection. Rather than treating food as an afterthought between drinks, the festival promises combinations that allow visitors to experience how different cider styles work alongside savoury, rich, sweet, and spicy flavours.Live entertainment and activations will keep the atmosphere moving between tastings. Expect the pace of an outdoor social festival rather than a formal, silent tasting: this is a day for conversation, music, food, and enjoying the venue as much as analysing what is in your glass.A Country Setting Close to the CityThe choice of venue gives the festival much of its appeal. Toadbury Hall is a country hotel and events estate in Elandsdrift, near Muldersdrift, offering gardens and outdoor spaces that feel considerably further from Johannesburg than the drive suggests.Its lawns and countryside atmosphere make it particularly well suited to a spring festival built around picnic-style socialising. There is room to step away from the busiest tasting areas, find a comfortable spot, and turn the event into a full afternoon rather than a quick stop.Before You GoTickets are available through Webtickets. Check the booking page for the latest ticket prices, entry times, package inclusions, and admission conditions before purchasing.Because the event promotes picnic vibes, it is tempting to arrive with the contents of your kitchen and half the camping aisle. Check the festival’s rules before packing, particularly regarding outside food, drinks, chairs, blankets, glassware, and umbrellas. “Picnic atmosphere” does not necessarily mean every outside item will be allowed into the venue.Spring weather in Gauteng can also change quickly. Sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes are sensible additions, while a light jacket may be useful if the programme continues into the cooler evening.Most importantly, plan the trip home before the first tasting. Arrange a designated driver, use a ride-hailing service, or organise group transport if you intend to sample widely. Toadbury Hall sits outside Joburg’s central entertainment districts, so leaving the transport decision until the end of the festival is unlikely to be your finest idea.The Joburg Cider Festival has the ingredients for an uncomplicated spring outing: a beautiful outdoor venue, drinks worth exploring, food designed for sharing, and enough entertainment to keep the afternoon moving. Bring your people, arrive curious, and toast to the warmer months properly.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 11:00 to 23:00Venue: Toadbury Hall, Plot 64, Beyers Naudé Drive Extension, ElandsdriftTickets: Available from Webtickets
Read more →