With the seasons changing and the chill of winter finally giving way to warmer days, Johannesburg is coming alive in more ways than one. The city’s energy is rising with the temperature, and so is its festival scene.
From sun-soaked vibes to open-air concerts and flavour-packed food festivals, Joburg is turning up the heat with major music and lifestyle events happening every month until December. Whether you’re here for the beats, the bites, or the buzz, this is your guide to the city’s biggest festivals for summer 2025!
August
Comic Con Africa (August 28 – 31)
Four days of pure geek heaven at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Expect international comic book creators, celeb meet-and-greets, cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, anime screenings, and more. It’s the place where fandoms collide and Joburg’s creative spirit shines.
Tribute to Women (August 23)
This iconic Women’s Month celebration at Marks Park brings a soul-stirring lineup featuring Ami Faku, Mi Casa, Thandiswa Mazwai, and more. It’s not just a concert, it’s a celebration of music, resilience, and women who move the nation.
September
R&B Fest (September 5 – 6)
Smooth, sexy, and soulful, this two-day showcase of R&B at Marks Park features local icons and international stars, making it the go-to festival for slow jams under Joburg’s spring skies.
Groves & Vineyards (September 6 – 7)
Casalinga’s scenic gardens host this refined food and wine festival where great vintages meet artisanal food and laid-back live performances. It’s the perfect blend of country charm and city escape.
Corona Sunsets Festival (September 13)
Think golden-hour cocktails, beach-inspired vibes, and world-class DJs under the Highveld sky. At Casalinga, this globally loved festival nails that endless-summer energy Joburgers crave.
Delicious Festival (September 20 – 21)
Joburg’s ultimate food-and-music mashup returns to Kyalami. Expect top chefs plating gourmet dishes while big-name artists soundtrack your feasting. Past years have featured stars like Erykah Badu and Hugh Masekela; 2025 promises the same magic.
Ibiza on the Highveld (September 27)
Kromdraai Impact Hub transforms into a high-octane dance floor for a night inspired by Ibiza’s legendary club scene. International DJs bring the beats while festivalgoers lose themselves in the lights, energy, and freedom of the moment.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (September 26 – 28)
For over two decades, this festival has been Joburg’s jazz heartbeat. The Sandton Convention Centre fills with world-class musicians, from legendary performers to boundary-pushing young talent. Three days of jazz bliss await.
October
Luxurious Marble Circus (October 4 – 5)
Expect spectacle at Ground The Venue, where art, theatre, and music meet nightlife. With dazzling performances and immersive installations, it’s more than a party; it’s a fantasy world.
Jozi Kota Festival (October 4 – 5)
A celebration of one of Joburg’s favourite street eats, the Jozi Kota Festival serves up more than just delicious kinks and fillings. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and a dedicated kids’ zone, making it a feast for all ages. Whether you’re a foodie or just here for the vibes, this festival at FNB Stadium is a flavour-packed slice of Jozi culture.
Travis Scott Concert (October 11)
The rap superstar touches down at FNB Stadium with his "Circus Maximus World Tour." Expect pyrotechnics, massive visuals, and the high-energy chaos only Travis Scott can deliver.
Parklive Festival (October 18)
A Joburg staple at Marks Park, Parklive blends live music across genres with an outdoor food village that keeps festivalgoers fuelled between sets. It’s the definition of laid-back summer festival fun.
Joburg Gin Festival (October 25)
Gin takes centre stage at Syringa Park in Avianto Estate. Sample local craft distilleries, explore creative cocktails, and soak up live music with a G&T in hand.
November
Keinemusik Johannesburg (November 21)
Berlin’s coolest DJ collective lands at Old Park Station, bringing deep electronic grooves and an intimate, hypnotic atmosphere. If you’re serious about electronic music, this is one you don’t miss.
Citadelle (November 29 – 30)
Part music festival, part fashion show, part lifestyle showcase, Citadelle is Joburg’s answer to the ultra-modern urban fest with international house sensation Hugel headlining this inaugural event. Expect cutting-edge sounds, striking visuals, and a stylish crowd at Johannesburg Expo Centre.
December
Hey Neighbour Festival (TBC)
End the year on a high note with a lively, community-focused festival featuring music, food, and good vibes for everyone. Organisers of the Hey Neighbour Festival have confirmed the festival has been moved from August to December, with new dates and the lineup to be announced on September 30.
Joburg’s festival season is officially here, and it’s promising world-class acts, unforgettable nights, and enough sunshine vibes to carry us straight into 2026.
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