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Wirestock | Johannesburg, South Africa – September 28, 2013: A group of African women in traditional garb costumes performing dances at a festival
Wirestock

Events: What’s on in Johannesburg

Johannesburg's event calendar is hotting up with live music, fun events and theatre galore. Here's what's hot and not to be missed in the City of Gold!

Liesl Bartlett
Written by: Poelano Malema
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From live music under city lights to art fairs, food markets, theatre, and cultural festivals – Johannesburg is alive with events that celebrate its creativity, diversity, and unstoppable energy. Whether you’re into jazz at sunset, rooftop parties, cutting-edge exhibitions, or family-friendly weekend plans, our curated guide brings you the best of what’s happening in the City of Gold. Stay plugged in and never miss a moment.

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What's on in Johannesburg

Earthdance Johannesburg 2025

Join the global Earthdance peace gathering with a weekend of music, nature, and connection. This year’s theme celebrates fire and the solar eclipse, which will arrive on Spring Day. Expect live DJs, stunning visuals, healing spaces, shaded camping, and community vibes.

The event takes place from Friday, 19 September, to Sunday, 21 September, at Fun Valley Pleasure Resort, Walkerville. Tickets start at R375. All include camping. No under 18s. No own alcohol or glass.

For VIP glamping and Tentnation bookings, contact Cody on 082 925 6800. 

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The DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on 20 and 21 September for its 12th edition, promising another unforgettable weekend of world-class entertainment, culinary delights, and bold creative expression.

Festivalgoers can look forward to a feast of flavours, electrifying live performances, striking fashion, and vibrant art installations.

This year’s star-studded lineup features Grammy Award-winning Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Lira, and many more.

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Linden Market is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a vibrant Spring Edition on Saturday, 27, and Sunday, 28 September at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, promising a weekend filled with artisanal treasures, live music, and a festive atmosphere. Over 150 hand-picked vendors will showcase a wide array of fashion, décor, art, jewellery, skincare, and more. Set in a family-friendly environment, the market welcomes children under 12 free of charge, while general admission is R60.

Restaurant Week

Food lovers, mark your calendars – Restaurant Week is back from 26 September to 2 November, dishing up bold flavours and irresistible deals at some of South Africa’s top dining destinations.

While the official lineup of participating restaurants is still under wraps, word on the street is that Proud Mary is on the list, so if it’s been on your must-try list, now’s the time.

Keep an eye on Restaurant Week’s social media for the full list of participating restaurants.

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Canada-born singer and songwriter Jamie Fine returns to South Africa for her much-anticipated If This Is It Tour. Catch her live on 27 September at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, where she’ll deliver a soulful performance in a calming setting, the perfect backdrop for a relaxing family picnic and a day of great music.

This family-friendly event includes a Kids Zone with free entry for children aged 14 and under. Expect plenty of fun with games, inflatables, and jumping castles to keep the kids entertained all day.

Time Out Tip: Park and Ride services are available for R50 extra.

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  • Festivals

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, for its most ambitious edition yet — three full days of genre-defining performances, global icons, bold collaborations, and an elevated celebration of jazz’s enduring legacy.

With over 60 artists from 15 countries across four stages, this year’s festival puts a spotlight on powerful women in jazz, visionary Pan-African sounds, and cutting-edge global talent. Highlights include Esperanza Spalding, Lakecia Benjamin, Oumou Sangaré, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thandi Ntuli, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Amanda Black, Tresor, and a full showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners.

From soul-stirring solo sets to orchestral grandeur, audiences will experience an immersive musical journey rooted in African heritage and shaped by contemporary voices from across the world.

Tickets are available at TICKETMASTER,

  • R1 350 – Day Pass

  • R2 250 – 2-Day Pass (Fri & Sat or Sat & Sun)

  • R3 250 – Full Weekend Pass

Standard Bank cardholders enjoy up to 15% off (limited to 2 tickets per person, subject to availability; T&Cs apply). Hospitality packages also available on the Joy of Jazz website

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The world’s smallest chef is back – serving up bold flavours with a meaningful twist. On 3 October at the Blueberry Hill Hotel, in partnership with Mrs South Africa, this one-night-only fundraising event will support the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Guests will be treated to an unforgettable six-course immersive dining experience by Le Petit Chef, where storytelling meets fine dining. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go directly to CANSA, helping to make a real difference in the fight against cancer.

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A celebration of one of Joburg’s most beloved street foods, the Jozi Kota Festival is back and bigger than ever! Taking place at FNB Stadium on 4 October, this vibrant event serves up more than just delicious kotas loaded with bold fillings and creative twists.

Expect a full weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment, and non-stop fun for all ages, plus, of course, mouth-watering kotas that capture the true flavour of Jozi!

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Awaken the senses and ignite the imagination – step into a whimsical world beyond words at the Luxurious Marble Circus at Ground the Venue. This two-day spectacle of opulence, taking place on 4 and 5 October, promises an extraglamorous experience like no other, where food, fashion, and music come together to enchant every sense.

The stellar lineup features musical icons including Kabza De Small, Mi Casa, and the Soweto Gospel Choir, alongside electrifying performances from the Thrillified Trampolining Tumblers, the Rhythmicacious Ringmaster, J’Something, the captivating Luxurious Marble Dancifiers, and more.

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CHICAGO is back – and it's bolder, sassier, and more sensational than ever!

Step into the dazzling world of the roaring 1920s with this electrifying, jazz-soaked musical that tells a riveting tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz.

Featuring seductive choreography, iconic music, and razor-sharp wit, CHICAGO brings its signature razzle-dazzle to the Teatro at Montecasino from 3 October to 9 November.

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Multi-award-winning international star Travis Scott will be hitting the stage in Johannesburg later this year. 

The rapper would be performing in Johannesburg as part of his Circus Maximus World Tour. 

His show will take place on 11 October 2025 at the First National Bank Stadium, which has a capacity of over 90,000. 

The musician has also announced that he would be performing in India, South Korea, China and Japan. The shows will take place from October until November across the different countries.

Travis' world tour started in October 2023. 

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Calling all beauty enthusiasts! The Africa International Hair and Beauty Fair (AIHBF) 2025 is coming to the Sandton Convention Centre on 12 and 13 October, with an exclusive Gala Dinner on 11 October. 

This premier event brings together style, culture, and innovation, celebrating the vibrant worlds of hair, beauty, fashion, and wellness. 

Attendees can look forward to live demonstrations by industry experts, cutting-edge product showcases, and the exciting finals of the Ultimate Hair, Beauty, and Nail Competitions – all under one roof.

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Two-time Grammy Award-winner Gregory Porter is set to captivate Jozi with an unforgettable evening of timeless jazz, rich vocals, and soul-stirring storytelling, as part of his ‘Love is King Tour’.

Renowned for his velvety voice and heartfelt performances, Porter brings his signature blend of jazz and soul to the stage for a one-night-only concert experience at the DP World Wanderers Stadium on 15 November, promising to be both moving and memorable.

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