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Head here for a full run-down of art exhibitions and art events, and remember to bookmark these pages. For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, explore our events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletter published every Thursday morning. Follow us on Instagram where we publish daily updates on events in our Instagram stories.
Note: While we update this information regularly, Johannesburg is an ever-changing city, so make sure to click on links, follow our booking advice, and if in doubt, call ahead, as venues do not always communicate changes.
Our top picks
MUSIC LOVERS
Sat, May 11 – Thandiswa Mazwai debuts her new album Sankofa and remembers 20 years of Zabalaza, with a special show at Carnival City.
Sat, May 11 – Singer Hlengiwe Pearl takes you on an intimate musical journey alongside the Mara Jazz Band at Joburg's newest jazz spot, Mara Lounge.
Sun, May 12 – Head to the rooftop of The Troyeville and treat yourself and loved ones to vibrant views of the city and a captivating live performance by soulful singer Robin Auld.
FOODIES
Sat, May 11 – Have a full sensory experience indulging in the food featured in the film Mamma Mia at Taste The Movie SA at Hyatt House Sandton.
KIDS
Sat, May 11 – Play with colour at Play Africa's Mono-Printing and experience painting on canvas, creative arts and so much more at the Children's Museum at Constitution Hill.
Sun, May 12 – A lovely way to spend Mother's Day with some Mother's Day card making from 11:00 and Mother's Day biscuit decorating from 14:00 at Joy Jozi.
MARKETS
Fri, May 10 – Every second Friday of the month, Prison Break Market goes dark and transforms into a lively night market with fantastic food, fire pits, live music, and more.
PARTY PEOPLE
Fri, May 10 – Dress up like the swinging 60s to Smoking Kills' The Dive That Shagged Me party in Melville.
OUTDOORS & ENVIRONMENT
Fri, May 10 – Sustainable Talk Series continues with a discussion on scaling circular economy solutions in cities at Victoria Yards. Hosted by So Creative Summit in partnership with Business and Arts South Africa, British Council, and Goethe-Institut.
Sat, May 11 – Explore Nascot Manor in Fourways with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's Fords and Flowers in Fourways Tour.
Sun, May 12 – Start or end your hike with a nature-inspired poetry reading and open mic session at Melville Koppies with Rabbie Wrote.
ON STAGE
Until Sat, May 11 – Internationally acclaimed one-woman play, My Left Breast, makes its South African debut tackling cancer, sexuality, death and motherhood starring actress Shannon Esra at Theatre on the Square. (No under 16s)
Until Sun, May 12 – Step into the dangerous world of South African politics with The Brothers, Number One and a Weekend Special at the Market Theatre.
Until Sun, May 19 – The Cirk's Worlds Away – A Journey to Circusland takes you on an aerial and acrobatic adventure through different realms, where you'll discover love, light, and purpose.
Coming Up
Fri, May 17 and Sun, May 19 – Enjoy a mix of beloved classics and flamboyance inspired by Liberace; performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Jonathan Roxmouth in Candelabra Classics.
Sat, May 18 – Join the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation public protest to reopen the Johannesburg Ciy Library at Beyers Naude Square.
Markets, fairs, and festivals
See our round-up of Joburg's best markets.
Sat, May 11 – Shop a little simpler in Sandton with the Field Market at Field & Study Park.
Coming up
Sat, Jun 1 – Sun, Jun 2 – Find goodies that will make winter much brighter at The Linden Market's winter edition at the Johannesburg Botanical Garden in Emmerentia.
Sat, Jul 6 – For antique books, maps, and other treats, be sure to visit the Book, Antiques and Artisanal Faire at Rand Club.
Art fairs and exhibitions
Joburg's galleries are always at full tilt, with all-new shows opening weekly. Read our exhibitions guide here.
Coming up
Fri, May 24 – Sun, May 26 – RMB Latitudes 2024 art fair takes place at the beautiful Shepstone Gardens again this year. Not to be missed. Book now; tickets get snapped up quickly.
Sat, May 25 – Sun, May 26 – Contra.Joburg is one of the biggest open studio events, where you can see artists' works-in-progress and finished pieces in their studios.
Fri, Sep 6 – Sun, Sep 8 – Mark your diaries for FNB Art Joburg taking place at Sandton Convention Centre.
Go outdoors
Take a walk with an experienced guide. Use our list of best Joburg tours and experiences or visit one of Joburg's beautiful parks.
Every Tues – Fri – Put on running shoes and join Let The People Run for training. All are welcome
Every Fri from 18:00 – Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome at Maboneng City Riders' Chasing the Sunset rides.
Every Sat from 05:00 – Start your day early and ride with urban cycling club, Banditz Bicycle Club.
Coming up
Sat, May 18 – Get to know Parkhurst, which boasts three homes by Sir Herbert Baker [An English architect with a big impact on South African architecture] with Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's Campbell Road - Classic Parktown with a twist Tour.
Sun, May 19 – Horticulture fans can view some of the best gardens in the city with Gardens of the Golden City’s Summer Gardens 2024 featuring Shepstone Gardens.
Fun with food and drinks
Every Fri – Sun from 10:00 – 13:00 – Grab a bite of Vietnamese street food with the Bahn Mi Sandwich Bar at Yardbird Deli.
Every Sat from 13:00 – Mamakashaka and Friends host a cool afternoon in Braamfontein with cocktails and curated playlists by you.
Sat, May 11 – Kanpai in Rosebank hosts a lunch, wine and paint in honour of Mother's Day with a menu filled with Japanese-inspired food.
Coming up
Fri, May 17 – Sat, May 18 – Enjoy the best of bubbly with The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival at Sandton's Inanda Polo Club.
Sat, May 25 – Escape to the countryside near the Magalies to enjoy a farm-inspired, four-course meal with Owlswood Long Table Experience at Owlswood Farm.
Sat, Jun 1 – Have a taste of Burgundy, France in Blairgowrie with Mr Pants Burgundy Invasion. A must for wine lovers.
Tue, Jun 11 – It's a mix of the Mediterranean with Italian food and Greek wine pairing at Dolci Café's Italy Meets Greece in Craighall Park.
Sat, Jun 15 – Mon, Jun 17 – Discover the best braaier in SA and more at the ultimate culinary extravaganza, the Mzansi Food and Drink Show at Kyalami Convention Centre.
For the kids
Every Fri and Sat from 18:00 – Join the family-friendly party at Joy Jozi, with great music and delicious food.Coming up
Fri, Jun 28 – Sun, Jun 30 – Join Paw Patrol Live as part of the Race to Rescue tour at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace.
Comedy
Every Sun – The Bioscope hosts Bioscope Sundays, where you can laugh away any signs of the upcoming Monday blues.For the night owls
Every Wed – Join the fun at the Supersized Bar Night with Sir James van der Merwe and Katy’s Palace.Every Wed from 19:00 until midnight – Rosebank's barbershop earns the "bar" in its name as Bar Ber Black Sheep becomes party central.
Every Fri – Techno heads get lost in the hottest EDM at TOYTOY's weekly night residency at the And Club in Newtown.
Every Fri – Ease into the weekend with wine and hip-hop at Mamakashaka and Friends’ Wine Down.
Coming up
Thu, May 16 – Head to Africa's biggest R&B party, Strictly Soul, at La Parada in Rosebank.
On stage
Until Sat, May 11 – Mamma Mia promises a delightful musical with a new look at the Teatro at Montecasino.
Coming up
Fri, May 10 – Sun, May 26 – Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre welcomes back Paul Slabolepszy's The Return of Elvis du Pisanie, a journey of self-discovery.
Thu, May 16 – Sun, May 19 – Naledi pursues her dream role as Sarafina amidst challenges in Sho't Left Broadway, presented by the National School of the Arts and showing at the Soweto Theatre.
Wed, May 29 – Sun, Jun 30 – For the first time in SA, catch Agatha Christie's courtroom classic Witness for the Prosecution at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.
Music and concerts
See our list of where to listen to jazz in Joburg.
Sat, May 18 – Groove to the African rhythm of the Marimba in celebration of Africa month with Live in the Beat: Marimba Jam at Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni.
Sat, May 25 – Celebrate Africa Day and the return of Lira to the stage at the Bassline Fest at Constitution Hill.
Sun, May 26 – The UK's Blue Lab Beats and saxophonist Camilla George headline The Afro Diaspora Connection at Constitution Hill.
Mon, May 27 – Tue, May 28 – Honour 30 years of democracy and music with performances, panels and workshops at the fourth edition of the Africa Rising Music Conference at Newtown Junction.
Thu, May 30 May – Sun, Jun 2 – Drakensberg Boys' Choir heads back to Joburg to host Music in the City 2024 on the Nelson Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre.
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