Out and About in Johannesburg: Things to do this weekend

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to clear your calendar, this is it. From the soulful "Casa Amor" vibes taking over Sandton to a swamp-themed rave in Strijdompark, Johannesburg is leaning into its eclectic best this weekend. Whether you’re looking to catch Canadian indie royalty Billy Raffoul in an intimate setting or want to mark Earth Hour with a starlit picnic at the Botanical Gardens, the city’s North and surrounding hubs are packed with reasons to get out.

From deep house marathons to family-friendly autumn markets, here is where you need to be:

Johannesburg North

We Love RnB – Casa Amor Edition

• Friday, March 27, from 6 pm
• Maracanã, Sandton
• Tickets from R400 on Howler

Get ready for South Africa’s biggest RnB link-up this Friday as the "Casa Amor" edition of We Love R&B brings soulful rhythms and nostalgic sing-alongs to Sandton’s vibrant Maracanã. Expect a polished atmosphere and a perfectly curated setlist ranging from slow-burning throwback classics to the smoothest new-school hits.

Johannesburg North

Billy Raffoul’s Homebody Tour

• Friday, March 27, from 7:00 pm
• Sognange, Strijdompark
• Tickets from R250 on Webtickets

Canadian singer-songwriter Billy Raffoul returns to South Africa with "The Homebody Tour," bringing his signature raspy vocals to the Sognange stage this Friday. Fans can expect an intimate evening of soulful performances that blend emotional new material with the heartfelt acoustic classics that first defined his sound.

Johannesburg North

Vintage Lounge

• Sunday, 28 March, from 12.00 pm 
• Radisson RED, Rosebank
• Tickets from R120 on Howler

Elevate your Saturday at the Radisson RED’s rooftop for the March edition of Vintage Lounge, a curated monthly experience blending refined alternative grooves with deep house beats. As the sun sets over Rosebank, you can expect a sophisticated atmosphere soundtracked by a lineup featuring Juss Banks, Didi Lifestyle, and the Alternative Groove Sessionists.

Johannesburg North

Linden Market Autumn Edition

• Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 9 am to 4:30 pm
• The Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia 
• Tickets from R60 on Quicket

Celebrate the change of season at The Linden Market Autumn Edition this weekend, featuring over 150 local artisans, live music, and delicious street food at the beautiful Emmarentia Botanical Gardens. This family-friendly (and pet-friendly!) weekend offers creative workshops and unique handmade finds, making it the perfect local escape.

Johannesburg North

Shrek Rave

• Friday, March 27, from 8.30 pm 
• Sognage, Strydompark
• Tickets from R350 on Howler

Embrace your inner ogre on Friday night as the Shrek Rave returns to Sognage for a night of swamp-themed bangers, techno, and "I'm A Believer" sing-alongs. This high-energy event features crazy performers, themed drinks, and Shrek visuals, kicking off at 20:30 for an unforgettable 18+ party experience

West Rand

Earth Hour: Family Outdoor Movie Night 

• Saturday 28 March from 8 pm 
• Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort
• Tickets are R50 at Webtickets

Celebrate Earth Hour with an outdoor screening of the animated favourite The Lorax. Hosted by WWF South Africa on Saturday at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, the evening promises a relaxed picnic-style movie experience under the stars. Bring blankets, enjoy food stalls and settle in for a feel-good night celebrating nature. 

East Rand

Sunset Sessions

• Friday, March 20, from 6 pm
• The View, Bedfordview
• Tickets from R150 on Howler

Experience the launch of Sunset Sessions at Beer Bar Bedfordview on Saturday, featuring an impressive lineup including Citizen Deep, Kyle Cassim, and Essential Groove. This free-entry event kicks off at noon and promises the ultimate lifestyle vibe, though booking is essential to secure your spot for the debut.

Midrand 

Stay True Sounds

• Saturday, March 28, from 8 pm 
• Truth Nightclub, Midrand
• Tickets from R350 on Truth website

Stay True Sounds makes its highly anticipated return to Truth on Saturday, featuring a powerhouse 100% local lineup on the main floor, including legends like Culoe De Song, Julian Gomes, and Kid Fonque. Starting from 4 pm, this deep house and underground electronic celebration spans three dancefloors for a full-scale immersion into South Africa's premier club culture. 

For more things to do, check out Events: What's on in Johannesburg

Heading to Cape Town for the weekend? Check out what's happening in the Mother City.

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