If there is one family event to lock into the calendar this May, make it The Magical Marble Family Fest. Taking place at James & Ethel Gray Park in Johannesburg on 9 and 10 May 2026, this two-day experience is shaping up to be one of Gauteng’s biggest family drawcards, bringing together live entertainment, larger-than-life activities, immersive play spaces, and magical moments for every generation.
Created by the team behind The Luxurious Marble Circus, The Magical Marble Family Fest promises a full-scale world of wonder designed for babies, kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike. Think 40 000 square metres of festival grounds, 35+ spectacular spaces, 22+ adventurous activities, 11+ curious characters, 2 humongous stages, and 12 000 Explorers expected across the weekend. In other words, this is not your average family outing. It is a proper festival experience, built for families to spend the whole day exploring, playing, eating, dancing, and making memories together.
A major reason to book now is the entertainment line-up, which has serious all-ages appeal. Across the weekend, families can look forward to performances from Jeremy Loops, GoodLuck, Mi Casa, DJ Fresh, Sun El Musician, DJ Zinhle, Babalwa M, Zee Nxumalo, Laura Zimmermann x Lyam Cruz, plus Dubai’s young DJ sensation Ethan English and nostalgic crowd-pleaser Vin Groovin. From throwback sing-alongs and live band energy to amapiano, afro house, EDM, and family favourites, the programme has been designed so that kids, teens, and adults all get their moment.
Adding more star power is Anele Mgudlwa, who takes on the role of Fairy Godmother of the Explorers. She will help guide families through the wonder-filled weekend, alongside her real-life son, Alakhe, adding warmth, humour, and a real sense of family connection to the event.
Beyond the line-up, the real magic is in the sheer variety of things to do. Families can move between the Magical Marble Main Stage and the Forest Stage, then dive into creative zones, hands-on activities, and high-energy adventures across the grounds. Expect jumping castles, giant games, Nerf action, creative craft spaces, face painting, temporary tattoos, bead bars, jewellery-making, terrariums, caricatures, and plenty of “I made this!” moments. There is also a custom-built Carousel of Dreams, magical food and refreshment spaces, a safe, sensory-rich toddler area, and dedicated entertainment zones for older kids and teens.
And because this is a true all-ages festival, there is something for everyone. Little ones can enjoy soft play, character moments, and story-rich spaces. Older kids and teens can explore gaming, sport-tech, and dance into the night. Adults can settle in for the music, food, and festive atmosphere while still enjoying the day alongside their children. It is that rare kind of event where the whole family can be entertained at once.
There is also an extra reason to plan for Sunday: it is Mother’s Day, and the festival will include special touches to celebrate moms and minders throughout the experience. That makes this an easy win for families looking for a Mother’s Day outing that feels fun, memorable, and genuinely different from the usual lunch booking.
With ticket options for Baby Explorers, Young Explorers, Experienced Explorers, Grand Explorers, and Family Suites, there is something to suit every family setup. Prices start at free for under-2s, with Young Explorers at R400, Grand Explorers at R750, Experienced Explorers at R950, and Explorers’ Suites from R2000 per person.
The bottom line: if you are in Joburg or anywhere in Gauteng and want to give the family a proper day out this May, this is the one to book. The Magical Marble Family Fest has the talent, the scale, the activities, and the atmosphere to make it one of the season’s biggest must-do events. Tickets are on sale now via Howler.
About The Magical Marble Family Fest
Created by the team behind the Luxurious Marble Circus, in partnership with Investec, the Magical Marble Family Fest is delighted to open another first chapter in this Grand Collaboration.
Together, Grid Worldwide, G&G – The Goosebumps Company, The Marble Group, Investec, and brand collaborators are shaping an experience that invites families into something truly Out of the Ordinary. A wonder-filled world where imagination leads the way, magical moments are around every corner and families find fu together.