Festivals are taking over Joburg! Start planning your festival season in the city with our list of must-attend festivals taking place in 2026. Be sure to visit this page often; we're constantly updating it with new and exciting announcements and festival dates.
Petals With Purpose: Dahlia Festival
Date: 28 - 29 March 2026
Head out for a weekend that’s all sunshine at Petals with Purpose: Dahlia Festival in Magaliesburg. Rows of dahlias in every colour you can think of, the smell of good food drifting through the air, and a glass of wine waiting for you between strolls. There’ll be gardening talks, local treats, and plenty of photo-worthy moments among the flowers. It's a perfect little outdoor escape that does us Joburgers so much good.
The Rand Show
Date: 2 – 6 April 2026
This one's a Joburg classic for a reason! The Rand Show is back at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, and it’s bigger, louder and more fun than ever. Food stalls, live music, funfair rides, and shopping galore. There's plenty going on here to keep both you and the kids busy. Get your tickets for Joburg’s ultimate family day out!
Hop into Easter with the Return of The Scoop Shop at Eastgate
Date: 1-6 April 2026
Eastgate Shopping Centre is bringing back one of its most-loved seasonal experiences this Easter, with Woolworths joining as the official product brand partner for 2026. Following the sweetest debut last year, The Scoop Shop will return to the Strelitzia Court from Wednesday, 1 April to Monday, 6 April, inviting families to step into a whimsical, ice cream-inspired world filled with sweet treats and playful Easter activities. The activation will run daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Easter Fun Awaits at Melrose Arch Playground
Date: 3-6 April
This Easter, the Piazza at Melrose Arch transforms into a vibrant playground where little adventurers can play, explore and delight in every moment - all part of a day out designed for the whole family. In partnership with Clamber Club, the Melrose Arch Easter Playground returns from 3 - 6 April with four days of active outdoor fun for children aged 1- 8 and 10 - 13. From Egg & Spoon Races and The Bunny Track to an Easter Scavenger Hunt and Ten Pin Bowling, there is no shortage of excitement across the Piazza.
An obstacle course, a soft pond play area and face painting add colour and energy to the festivities, while the Trampoline Bungee experience (maximum weight 120kg) delivers high-flying thrills for those who like their fun with a little altitude.
To find out more, visit https://melrosearch.co.za/upcoming-events
Joburg’s Hottest Stage Ignites: Must-See New Lineup This Season
Date: 5 April - 1 August 2026
Joburg's hottest stage is on fire - Theatre of Marcellus drops a show lineup you can't ignore!
From soul-stirring local legends to high-energy acts, Emperors Palace's iconic Theatre of Marcellus is serving up something extraordinary this Easter season. To check out the list of events and to buy tickets, visit https://theatreofmarcellus.co.za/.
Falace In Wonderland Returns to Hotel Sky Sandton for Four Shows Only
Date: 20 & 21 March, 4 & 11 April 202
Packed with naughty humour, dazzling dance numbers and a soundtrack of unforgettable noughties hits from artists including Madonna, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, Falace in Wonderland blends comedy, music and theatrical flair into a bold reimagining of a familiar tale. Expect big personalities, clever storytelling, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as Alice navigates the curious world of dating in Wonderland. Falace in Wonderland takes place at the Infinity Auditorium at Hotel Sky Sandton. Buy your tickets HERE.
WGRUV Dance Company to Debut JUXTAPOSE This April
Date: 9-12 April 2026
Johannesburg-based dance company WGRUV (pronounced “W-Groove” - taken from the family name of founder Holly Gruver) will begin with their 2026 season with returns to the Roodepoort Theatre from 9 - 12 April 2026 and the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex from 30 April - 2 May with a brand new show: “JUXTAPOSE”. Tickets to the show can be bought HERE.
Jozi Kota Festival 2026
Date: 25 April 2026
The Jozi Kota Festival is bringing all Kasi Kota flavours to an event you absolutely can't miss. This is a deliciously jam-packed festival, with kota taking the limelight. There's a pumping musical line-up, a section just for the kids, and the guarantee of an incredible time.
AfrikaBurn
Date: 27 April – 3 May 2026
This isn’t your average festival. AfrikaBurn is a wild, creative playground in the Tankwa Karoo where art, fire and self-expression reign supreme. What's it all about? Massive sculptures, eccentric outfits and a community of people who believe in making magic from dust. Leave your comfort zone at home and dive into the desert dream.
The Big Fat Greek Festival
Date: 9 May 2026
Time to dig out your stretchy clothes and comfy dancing shoes...you're going to be shouting “Opa!” all Saturday. The Big Fat Greek Festival is back, and honestly, no one throws a party quite like the Greeks. Expect plates piled high with souvlaki and spanakopita, wine flowing like conversation at a family lunch, and music that’ll have you reconsidering your nationality. There’ll be belly dancers, bouzouki beats, tremendous amounts of food, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Come find out why Greek parties are famous.
The Magical Marble Family Fest
Date: 9 May 2026
From the creators of the roaringly successful Luxurious Marble Circus comes a new world of wonder, laughter, and play. The Magical Marble Family Fest is unfolding at James & Ethel Gray Park in Melrose. There'll be music, food, and magic for families of every kind. Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a festival that's likely to become one of the most iconic in Joburg.
Share the Warmth This Easter with Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
Date: 26 March - 31 May 2026
Blending comforting culinary experiences with a heartfelt community initiative, the Share The Warmth This Easter campaign places a blanket drive at its core, encouraging guests to donate new or gently used blankets to support those in need during the colder months ahead. Donations can be dropped off at the hotel reception until the end of May 2026, and these blankets will be distributed to those in need to keep warm.
Cape Ballet Africa brings Swan Lake to Montecasino in August
Date: 7 - 21 August 2026
The world’s most loved ballet comes to Johannesburg as Global Star Events and Cape Ballet Africa present the legendary Swan Lake at the Teatro, Montecasino from 7 August for a strictly limited season. This follows the resounding sell-out success of The Nutcracker in the same venue in December 2025. Tickets for Swan Lake are on sale at webtickets.co.za.
