Biggest events in Johannesburg this month you should not miss
Concert series, design fairs, cycling races, and food festivals—Johannesburg’s calendar stacks marquee events every month. Here’s what to prioritise right now.
Johannesburg's Event Calendar: What's Happening This Month
Johannesburg never sleeps when it comes to entertainment, culture, and community gatherings. Every month brings a fresh lineup of concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, food experiences, and sporting events that showcase the city's vibrant energy. Whether you're a long-time Joburger or someone exploring the city for the first time, knowing what's happening helps you make the most of your time and connect with what makes this city special.
Music and Live Performance Events
Johannesburg's music scene spans everything from intimate jazz sessions to massive outdoor concerts. The In The City Concert Series at Ellis Park Precinct regularly features multi-stage lineups blending amapiano, house, Afrobeat, and international acts. These events draw crowds from across Gauteng, creating an electric atmosphere where local DJs share stages with international headliners. Production values are high, with sponsor lounges, curated food courts featuring local chefs, and sound systems that do justice to the music.
For something more intimate, keep an eye on venues like The Bassline in Newtown, which hosts jazz evenings, or The Orbit in Braamfontein for experimental sounds. Many restaurants and bars also host live music nights – check social media pages of spots in Maboneng, Rosebank, or Sandton for weekly schedules.
Ticket Tips and Getting There
- General admission tickets often sell out first, so book early if you want the best prices. - VIP upgrades usually remain available longer but come at a premium. - Use the Gautrain to Park Station and take official event shuttles when available – parking at major venues fills up fast and can be expensive. - Follow event organisers on social media for last-minute ticket releases and special promotions.
Art and Culture Festivals
FNB Art Joburg at the Sandton Convention Centre stands as one of Africa's flagship contemporary art fairs. The event brings together blue-chip galleries, emerging artist booths, and daily talks with curators who map market trends and discuss the role of art in South African society. The 'Gallery Lab' section showcases experimental collectives pushing boundaries, while the main fair offers opportunities to view and purchase works from established and rising artists. Many corporate sponsors host client breakfasts before gates open, creating networking opportunities alongside cultural appreciation.
Beyond the major fair, Johannesburg's gallery scene stays active year-round. Areas like Parktown North, Rosebank, and Braamfontein host regular exhibition openings, artist talks, and gallery walks. These smaller events often feel more accessible and allow for deeper conversations with artists about their work and process.
Food Festivals and Culinary Experiences
The Soweto Kota Festival at Soweto Cricket Oval celebrates one of South Africa's most beloved street foods while showcasing innovation in the kitchen. Over 50 vendors remix the traditional kota – a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread filled with various ingredients – with gourmet fillings, creative combinations, and premium ingredients. The festival includes live DJs, comedy sets, and a dedicated kids' play zone, making it a family-friendly day out that supports local entrepreneurs.
Similar food festivals pop up throughout the year, from craft beer and gin tastings to international cuisine showcases. Many take place at markets, parks, or converted industrial spaces, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can sample diverse flavours while supporting small-scale food businesses.
Practical Festival Advice
- Bring cashless payment apps like SnapScan or Zapper – most vendors prefer these over cash. - Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure you get to try the most popular items before they sell out. - Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers – Highveld weather can shift from sunny to breezy, especially in the evenings. - Check if events are family-friendly or adults-only before bringing children.
Film and Cinema Events
The Joburg Film Festival transforms various cinemas and pop-up venues across Rosebank and other areas into hubs of cinematic discovery. The festival screens local and international films, hosts masterclasses with directors and producers, and includes networking labs where filmmakers connect with distributors and potential collaborators. Many sessions feature Q&A opportunities, giving audiences direct access to the creative minds behind the work.
If you're serious about film, consider a multi-day festival pass rather than booking individual screenings – the savings add up, and you'll have access to industry events that aren't available to single-ticket holders. Pack a notebook for the industry labs, which move quickly and often drop valuable information about funding opportunities, distribution channels, and production resources available in South Africa.
Sports and Active Events
Discovery 947 Ride Joburg represents one of the continent's biggest timed cycling events, drawing thousands of participants who circle the city on routes that showcase Johannesburg's diverse neighbourhoods. The companion expo features gear launches, wellness demonstrations, training workshops, and an SME village where fitness-tech startups and related businesses showcase their products. Road closures begin early – typically around 4 a.m. – so plan logistics carefully if you have staff working or need to navigate the area.
Beyond cycling, Johannesburg hosts running events, golf tournaments, cricket matches, and various fitness challenges throughout the year. Many combine physical activity with social causes, creating opportunities to stay active while supporting community initiatives.
Making the Most of Johannesburg's Event Scene
The key to enjoying Johannesburg's event calendar is planning ahead while staying flexible. Set calendar alerts for ticket releases from your favourite venues or event organisers – many Joburg events announce additional tickets or last-minute promotions 48 hours before showtime. Bring reusable water bottles to most venues, as many now have refill stations as part of sustainability initiatives.
Transport planning matters, especially for evening events. Share ride-hailing promo codes with friends or clients to encourage responsible travel, and always have a backup plan for getting home safely. For major events, consider booking accommodation nearby if you're coming from outside the city – this eliminates transport stress and lets you fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Why These Events Matter
Johannesburg's events do more than provide entertainment – they support local artists, chefs, musicians, and entrepreneurs while creating spaces where diverse communities come together. Attending these gatherings helps you understand the city's cultural pulse, discover new favourite spots, and connect with people who share your interests. Whether you're into music, art, food, film, or sports, there's something happening in Joburg this month that's worth your time. Check event websites, follow organisers on social media, and don't be afraid to try something new – that's often where the best experiences happen.