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.
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 & 10 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.
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.
Mother's Day Lunch Buffet at Chief's Boma
Date: 10 May 2026
This Mother’s Day, step away from the predictable and treat the leading lady in your life to an extraordinary sensory journey. On Sunday, 10 May 2026, Chief’s Boma African Themed Restaurant invites you to celebrate Mom amidst the warm glow of African hospitality and the rich aromas of a world-class buffet.
Award-Winning Peeling Shadows Hits UJ Stage This May
Date: 19 - 30 May 2026
UJ Arts & Culture, in collaboration with The 3rd Theatre Collective, brings the award-winning Peeling Shadows to UJ Theatre this May. Directed by Joël Leonard and Sinenhlanhla Prince Mgeyi, the production blends live illustration, shadow theatre, and physical performance to create striking, ever-shifting visuals that unfold in real time. It’s a carefully crafted piece where how the story is told is just as powerful as what is revealed. Tickets are available via Quicket, so book your seat for this limited run.
The Vaal River Wine Expo Returns to Pont de Val
Date: 30 May 2026
The much-anticipated Vaal River Wine Expo returns on Saturday, 30 May 2026, marking an impressive 23 years of the Vaal River Meander Wine Route – Gauteng’s oldest and most celebrated wine route. Hosted at the picturesque Pont de Val from 12:00 to 17:00, this flagship event promises an unforgettable day of wine, entertainment, and riverside indulgence.
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.
The Jo’burg Coffee Festival launches this May as South Africa’s biggest celebration of coffee
Date: 29 - 31 May 2026
After years of remarkable growth and support, the event previously known as the Specialty Coffee Expo is entering an exciting new chapter as the Jo’burg Coffee Festival at Fourways Mall.
The festival experience has also been elevated, moving from the mall’s centre court to a larger, more vibrant rooftop setting designed to bring coffee lovers together in a lively atmosphere. Get your tickets here!
The Amazing Race Returns To Waterfall City
Date: 25 July 2025
Waterfall City’s most exciting adventure is back, and this time, it’s bringing the cold with it. Now in its third year, The Amazing Race Waterfall City has evolved into a high-energy, must-do event. Bigger, bolder, and more competitive than ever, this year’s edition introduces a new twist: winter. As temperatures drop, the challenge rises, pushing teams to stay sharp, move fast, and embrace the elements.
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.
