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Out and About in Johannesburg: Best things to do this weekend

A guide to the best things to do and places to go this weekend in Johannesburg, from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 27 September.

Nhlalala Mthembi
Written by
Nhlalala Mthembi
City Expert, Time Out Johannesburg
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Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this weekend! We’ve got you!

The Heritage Day long weekend gives you one more day to get out of the house, try something new and see what’s happening across Johannesburg. From a night at the theatre or a comedy show to live music, sport, food festivals and family days out, there’s a good mix of things happening around the city.

Planning a family day out, meeting up with friends or simply looking for something different to do? Here are some events to add to your long-weekend plans. 

Weekend weather

It should be a warmer long weekend, with highs of around 25 °C during the day and cooler temperatures of about 13 °C in the mornings and evenings. Mostly cloudy skies are on the cards, with comfortable temperatures for getting out and about in Johannesburg. It might not be the sunniest forecast, but with no rain expected, the long weekend is still looking good.   

Thursday

  • Min: 13 °C
  • Max: 24 °C
  • Weather conditions: Cloudy

Friday

  • Min: 13 °C
  • Max: 23 °C
  • Weather conditions: Cloudy

Saturday

  • Min: 13 °C
  • Max: 23 °C
  • Weather conditions: Cloudy

Sunday 

  • Min: 15 °C
  • Max: 25 °C
  • Weather conditions: Cloudy

Johannesburg North

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026

  • Friday 25 - Saturday 26 September, 6:30pm
  • Location: Sandton Convention Centre
  • Cost: R1 150 Day Pass, R2 250 Weekend Pass via Ticketmaster

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns to Sandton for two nights of performances, with a line-up that brings together established South African jazz artists and international names, such as Grammy award winner Manana and Ola Onbule, as well as international and local legends Angelique Kidjo and Thandiswa Mazwai respectively. 

The programme spans contemporary and Afro-jazz, soul, traditional jazz, with different sounds such as RnB and gospel taking over the festival’s four stages throughout both evenings. It’s a chance to experience live jazz at a festival that brings various genres together under one roof.   

ICYMI: Find the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz stage that fits your personality

With four stages and two nights of jazz, soul, African sounds and international stars, here’s your guide to making the most of Joy of Jazz 2026.
Joy of JazzWith four stages and two nights of jazz, soul, African sounds and international stars, here’s your guide to making the most of Joy of Jazz 2026.

My Father’s Son - Mo Vawda 

  • Friday 25 September, 8pm
  • Location: Hotel Sky, 150 West Street, Sandton
  • Cost: R160 via Quicket

In My Father’s Son, Mo Vawda turns his relationship with his late father into the starting point for a stand-up show at Hotel Sky. The comedian reflects on family, culture, identity and the lessons that have stayed with him, using humour to revisit the experiences that helped shape who he is today. It’s an intimate take on a subject many people can relate to, told through Vawda’s own experiences. 

Rather than sticking to the usual stand-up formula, Vawda uses the stage to revisit a part of his life that has clearly left its mark. The result is a show that balances laughs with moments of reflection, without losing sight of what brought the audience there in the first place: comedy. 

My Father’s Son
Instagram: samoka_saMy Father’s Son live at Hotel Sky

The Block Party 

  • Saturday 26 September, 12am
  • Location: 72 Grant Ave Norwood
  • Cost: R200 via Quicket

Hush Money in Norwood is getting a Caribbean-inspired takeover as The Block Party brings bashment, dancehall, soca and Caribbean-influenced Afrobeats to the city. 

The event is billed as South Africa’s first authentic Caribbean rave, with Caribbean Islands inspired dancers, food and drinks amplifying the essence of that part of the world. It’s a long-form celebration that starts during the day and carries through into the night, rather than the usual few hours on a dance floor. 

Hush Money Norwood
Instagram: hushmoneynorwoodHush Money

South Africa vs Australia - Pink Day 

  • Sunday, 27 September, 10am
  • Location: DP World Wanderers Stadium
  • Cost: R150 via Cricket South Africa

The Proteas take on Australia at the Wanderers for the annual Pink Day ODI, one of the fixtures on the cricket calendar with a focus beyond the game itself. The occasion raises awareness and funds for breast cancer care, with fans encouraged to get behind the campaign as the stadium turns pink.

For cricket fans, it’s an opportunity to catch an international match while supporting an initiative that has become a familiar part of the Wanderers calendar. 

South Africa vs Australia - Pink Day
Facebook: Cricket South AfricaSouth Africa vs Australia - Pink Day

Radisson Blu x Artjamming Sandton - Spring Sip & Paint Experience 

  • Saturday 26 September, 1pm
  • Location: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
  • Cost: R420 - R450 via Quicket

Head to the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel for an afternoon with Artjamming Sandton, where the Spring Sip & Paint Experience combines art with drinks in a relaxed setting. You’ll get your own canvas and the chance to put your own spin on the session, whether you’re naturally artistic or just there to have some fun. It’s an easy option for a Saturday catch-up with friends or a more creative date. 

Sip and Paint Event. Tasting of national wines
Alfonso SolerSip and paint event

Johannesburg East

Sagra 2026 - Italian Festival

  • Sunday 27 September, 9am
  • Location: Italian Sporting Club, Bedfordview
  • Cost: R90 children, R120 phase 2 via Quicket

Sagra brings a taste of Italy to Bedfordview for a Sunday of food, entertainment and community at the Italian Sporting Club. The festival also features market stalls and a showcase of Italian cars and motorcycles, so there’s something beyond the food to keep you occupied. If you’re looking to experience a different kind of culture after Heritage Day, this might be the Sunday outing for you. 

Italian flag flying against a vibrant blue sky, symbolising national pride and identity
Ulrick Trappschuh | PexelsItalian flag flying against a vibrant blue sky

Johannesburg Central

Die Ander Dogter 

  • Thursday 24 September - Sunday 27 September, Various Times
  • Location: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre
  • Cost: R250 via Webtickets

In Die Ander Dogter, Sandra Prinsloo takes to the stage as a woman confronting the discovery of a sister who died before her birth. The Afrikaans production is based on Annie Ernaux’s L’autre fille and explores the questions that follow when you discover a part of your own history that changes your understanding of your family. The result is an intimate production that gives the audience lots to think about after the curtain falls. 

Die Ander Dogter
Facebook: Joburg TheatreDie Ander Dogter

Carmen: The Ballet 

  • Friday 25 September - Sunday 4 October Various Times
  • Location: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre
  • Cost: R260 - R800 via Webtickets

Bizet’s iconic Carmen gets a ballet treatment at Joburg Theatre, with dance, music and dramatic staging bringing its famous characters to life. At the centre is Carmen, whose free-spirited nature sets off a chain of jealousy and desire as the men around her become increasingly caught up in her world. This is one to consider if you’d rather spend an evening with classical theatre than at a loud festival.  

Carmen the baleet is a favourite among classical opera fans around the world and the production is currently on stage in Johannesburg.
Joburg BalletCarmen the baleet is a favourite among classical opera fans around the world and the production is currently on stage in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg West

The Luxurious Marble Circus 

  • Saturday 26 September - Sunday 27 September, 12pm
  • Location: GROUND The Venue
  • Cost: R1 250 - R1 450 Day Pass, R 1 750 Weekend Pass via Howler

Food, fashion and music come together at The Luxurious Marble Circus, a two-day festival at GROUND The Venue. Shimza, DJ Kent and Dwson are among the artists on the programme, with live performances and DJs providing the soundtrack while guests bring their best festival looks. With its emphasis on dressing up and the social side of the event, it’s aimed at those who like their music outings to come with a little more style.  

The Luxurious Marble Circus festival
Instagram: The Luxurious Marble CircusThe Luxurious Marble Circus

Johannesburg South

Comic Con Africa

  • Thursday 24 September - Sunday 27 September, 9am
  • Location: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec
  • Cost: R270 Day Pass, R750 Weekend Pass via Howler

The Johannesburg Expo Centre becomes a meeting point for pop-culture fans as Comic Con Africa returns for four days. Alongside comics, anime and gaming, visitors can check out cosplay competitions, artist showcases, e-sports and appearances from local and international guests. 

It’s a chance to spend the day exploring different parts of fandom in one place, whether you arrive in costume or simply want to see what the convention is all about. 

Comic Con Africa Cosplayers
Comic Con AfricaComic Con Africa

Beyond Jozi

Goldilocks and the Three Bears 

  • Thursday 24 September, 10am - Saturday 26 September, Various Times
  • Location: Irene Village Theatre
  • Cost: R130 via Quicket

Goldilocks heads to the Irene Village Theatre in a family-friendly production of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The story follows her unexpected visit to the bears’ home, from the too-hot porridge to the too-small bed, bringing a familiar tale to life on stage. It’s a good introduction to theatre for younger audiences and an easy option for a day out with the kids. 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Facebook: Pretoria Youth TheatreGoldilocks and the Three Bears

WeLove RnB

  • Friday 25 September, 8pm
  • Location: Moonshine Menlyn, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen
  • Cost: R250 via Howler

WeLove RnB brings a full night of R&B to Moonshine Menlyn, with the playlist moving from slow jams and nostalgic favourites to more upbeat dancefloor tracks. Rather than mixing genres, the event keeps the focus firmly on R&B, giving fans a night built around the sounds they already know and love. Come for the throwbacks, stay for the newer tracks and sing along when the familiar ones come on. 

WeLove RnB
Instagram: welovernb.saWeLove RnB

Merafong Kids Colour Fest and Picnic

  • Saturday 26 September, 11am
  • Location: Carltonville Sports Complex
  • Cost: R90 - R450 via Computicket

The Carltonville Sports Complex is getting a colourful makeover for the Merafong Kids Colour Fest and Picnic. The event gives younger visitors the chance to get involved in colour-fest activities, while the picnic format lets families settle in and enjoy the day at their own pace. It’s a simple outdoor option for parents looking for something the kids can actively take part in. 

A joyful family walking in a park, carrying a picnic basket and a ball on a sunny day.
Kampus production | PexelsA joyful family walking in a park, carrying a picnic basket and a ball on a sunny day.

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