Main Street Sundays is turning Marshalltown into a playground

In a move to reimagine urban mobility and inner-city safety, a major stretch of Marshalltown will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, 12 April, as the Main Street Sundays initiative debuts in Johannesburg.

Inspired by the success of Bree Street Sundays in Cape Town, this open-street experiment aims to hand the city’s grid back to pedestrians, cyclists, and the local community. For one day, the stretch from 44 Main to Gandhi Square will transform from a transit corridor into a walkable cultural network, highlighting the city’s potential for a more accessible urban centre.

A cultural homecoming

The event also marks a significant moment for the city’s arts landscape. The Standard Bank Art Gallery will anchor the day’s activities by opening the JAG Homecoming Exhibition. This showcase brings the Johannesburg Art Gallery’s prestigious collection (usually housed in Joubert Park) into the heart of the financial district, creating an accessible Art Mile that extends to the Asisebenze Gallery near the Rand Club.

Along this route, the Urban Sketchers and a cohort of emerging local artists will occupy the pavement on Simmonds Street, turning the sidewalk into a live gallery and workspace.

Reclaiming urban space

The program, curated by the Jozi My Jozi team, focuses on multi-generational use of the street. Dedicated zones will be established to cater to different facets of city life:

• Active Mobility: The street will host skateboarding classes and demos by Skateistan, while the Banditz cycling crew will lead rides through the district.
• Literary & Wellness: A dedicated "Literary District" will feature Bridge Books and the Silent Book Club, positioned alongside a public wellness and yoga area.
• Youth Engagement: Play Africa will set up an interactive space that provides children with a safe, car-free environment to engage with the city.

Revitalising the High Street

Beyond the organised activities, the initiative is a boost for the historic High Street retailers. From Sadie’s Bistro to Nando’s, local eateries and retailers will extend their footprint onto the sidewalk, supported by a Makers' Market featuring local fashion and craft.

The soundscape for the day will be curated by DJ Osmic and a lineup of street performers, reinforcing the project’s goal: to demonstrate that when cars are removed, the city’s economic and social energy naturally fills the void.

Logistics for attendees

For those heading into the CBD, the City Red Bus will operate on a special loop with drop-offs along Marshall Street. Secure parking has been designated at 42 Parkade and the Standard Bank open area, though organisers encourage the use of e-hailing or cycling to align with the day’s "mobility" theme.

While the event is free to the public, registration is required for capacity management.

Essential details

• Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026
• Time: 10:00 – 17:00
• Location: Main Street, Marshalltown (Gandhi Square to Ntemi Piliso)
• Registration: jozimyjozi.com/main-street-sundays 

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