When you think of Joburg nightlife what do you imagine? Jazzy, vibrant Newtown comes immediately to mind for us. This historic suburb has tons to offer entertainment seekers. For both local city slickers and tourists, Newtown is a never-ending hive of excitement. If you’ve never explored this side of town before, make sure to get out to Newtown as soon as you can.
Image sourced from Newtown Junction Mall on Facebook.[/caption]
Photograph by Rod Taylor.[/caption]
The Workers' Museum.[/caption]
What Are You Looking For?
Family Fun Nightlife Cultural Entertainment
Family Fun
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is one of Newtown’s biggest family-friendly attractions. This dedicated edutainment centre offers aspiring scientists the opportunity to learn more about electricity, engineering, medicine and much more. Bring your budding astrophysicist to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre as soon as possible. It’s tons of fun with a whole lot of learning, too. Visit the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.Museum Africa
Just across the Mary Fitzgerald Square lies Museum Africa. If you’ve never visited this world class African museum, you’ve been missing out. Take a journey through the Stone Age in Africa, and onto the modern age, uncovering all of mankind’s discoveries along the way. Museum Africa holds a treasure trove of ancient and modern artefacts, including a heart-wrenching photographic exhibition documenting some of the most significant events of the Apartheid era. Museum Africa is an absolute must-visit. Visit Museum Africa.Ster-Kinekor Cinemas
Looking for a little light-hearted entertainment in Newtown? Head on over to Ster-Kinekor cinemas at Newtown Junction Mall. Immerse yourself in the wonder of movie magic and enjoy a day out at the cinema with the kids. Whether you're an action fan, thriller fundi or fantasy fanatic, there's sure to be something up your alley at Ster-Kinekor cinemas. This is also the ideal place to bring a date for a fun night out. Dine out at one of Newtown Junction's fabulous restaurants before your movie. It's sure to woo your date and score you a few extra brownie points. Visit Ster-Kinekor Cinemas. [caption id="attachment_134620" align="alignnone" width="660"] Image sourced from Newtown Junction Mall on Facebook.[/caption]
Nightlife
Carfax
Carfax is the place to be on a Friday night in Newtown. This former industrial loft plays host to some of the best parties, art exhibitions and live music events in the city. Downstairs you'll find the super cool basement club where SA's top DJs often showcase their talents. Upstairs is the eclectic art studio and exhibition space where you can mingle with some of the most creative minds in the city. Carfax is the ultimate party venue, so don't miss out on their epic events. You'll see Newtown in a whole new light after a night spent here. Visit Carfax.Niki’s Oasis Jazz Restaurant
Newtown has a strong affiliation with jazz culture. Come and experience the rare Newtown jazz vibe at Niki's Oasis Jazz Restaurant. Here you can enjoy a hearty, homestyle meal while soaking up the sounds of the inner city. This is where artists, writers, musicians and dreamers meet, so don't miss out on the chance to experience Newtown jazz culture first hand. Visit Niki's Oasis Jazz Restaurant.Bassline
Bassline is a live music and events offering situated in Newtown. Established in 1994, it is one of Newtown's most significant historic cultural centres having hosted over 3,200 concerts. As times have changed and evolved, Bassline has adapted to become a mobile events company. They produce and promote a variety of music concerts in Newtown and around Johannesburg, including the popular Bassline Festival held annually on Africa Day at Mary Fitzgerald Square. To keep up to date with their events, follow them on Instagram. Visit Bassline. [caption id="attachment_134622" align="alignnone" width="660"] Photograph by Rod Taylor.[/caption]
Cultural Entertainment
The Market Theatre
The Market Theatre is synonymous with Newtown's multicultural history. As one of the few theatres in Johannesburg to allow mixed race audiences during Apartheid, the Market Theatre is a cultural treasure trove. For over 40 years, this has been the home of protest theatre in Johannesburg. If you've never visited the Market Theatre, you've certainly been missing out. Book yourself a ticket to one of their shows to experience the history, the culture, and the magic of theatre all in one evening. Visit the Market Theatre.The Market Photo Workshop
The Market Photo Workshop has been training and exhibiting aspiring photographers since 1989. Established by renowned photographer David Goldblatt, this training centre and gallery is at the heart of Newtown's cultural district. The student gallery is open to the public for viewing and there are often special events held at the gallery. Pop by on your next trip into Newtown to see the work of great photo journalists, artists and cultural practitioners on display. Visit the Market Photo Workshop.The Workers' Museum
Last, but certainly not least on this list is the Workers' Museum. Situated just adjacent to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, this museum highlights the struggles of some of the most marginalised members of our society. Explore the history of migrant workers in South Africa at this tiny, but immensely significant museum. It shouldn't take you longer than an hour to make your way through the compound, so you can still make your way around Newtown after your visit. It's a pit-stop well worth making, so don't skip it. Visit the Workers' Museum. [caption id="attachment_134626" align="alignnone" width="660"] The Workers' Museum.[/caption]
