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At Time Out South Africa, we make it our mission to help you find the best of your city - but this week it's hitting a bit differently.
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Our communities across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town are gathering and refusing to be silent. We're adding our voice by sharing this round-up of memorials and vigils taking place near you: More than a movement of mourning: Where women can find support.
We believe everybody deserves to move freely, and most importantly, safely! We encourage you to take action, remain aware and support each other for a safer South Africa for all, especially our women.
Out and About in and around Johannesburg: Best things to do this weekend
Wondering what to do in Johannesburg this weekend? You’re in the right place. The city has another busy few days ahead, with live music, comedy, theatre, sport, parties and a few good spots to settle in for a drink.
From a night out in Rosebank to a cultural afternoon in Soweto or a laid-back evening under the stars, there’s something for every kind of weekend plan. Here’s your guide to what’s happening around Johannesburg this weekend.
Weekend weather
The forecast is looking a little gloomy this weekend, with cloudy skies and rain expected around Johannesburg. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. It should reach around 20°C during the day, but mornings and evenings will be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C. If you’re planning to be out and about, pack an umbrella and a warm layer, especially for anything happening outdoors.
Friday
- Min: 11 °C
- Max: 20 °C
- Weather conditions: Rainy
Saturday
- Min: 10 °C
- Max: 20 °C
- Weather conditions: Cloudy
Sunday
- Min: 10 °C
- Max: 17 °C
- Weather conditions: Rainy
Johannesburg North
CareerBuild Comedy Show
- Friday 18 September, 5:30pm
- Location: Syringa Cafe, 46 Tin Rd, Broomhof, Randburg
- Cost: R375 via Quicket
A Friday night that combines dinner and comedy is hard to argue with, and this one also comes with a little something extra. The CareerBuild Comedy Show heads to Syringa Café in Bromhof with King Nqoba, Rae du Plooy and Gino Fernandez on the line-up, while guests can tuck into a spit braai, sides and dessert before the show begins.
The real draw, though, is what the evening is supporting. CareerBuild supporst young South Africans through career guidance, mentorship and skills development, giving the comedy show a purpose beyond simply getting people together for a night out. You’ll get an evening of laughs and a proper meal, while your ticket helps contribute toward youth development. A Friday night that does a little more than entertain you.
Wine Holds A Vintage. A Journal Holds A Life.
- Friday 18 September, 4:30pm
- Location: 44 Stanley, Johannesburg
- Cost: R250 via Webtickets
If you like your wine experiences with a little more to them, Wine Holds a Vintage. A Journal Holds a Life brings an afternoon of wine and storytelling to 44 Stanley. Josh Raats of Raats Family Wines joins the African Journal Club for a wine experience centred around personal stories, human connection and reflection
Your ticket gets you a bottle of Raats wine, Raats family’s winemaking journey and a guided African Journal Club experience. It’s a good option if you’re in the mood for a Friday afternoon that feels a little different from simply heading out for drinks. You’ll get the wine, the stories and a bottle to take home with you afterwards.
Spring Carnival
- Saturday 19 September, 9pm
- Location: Marcana, 58 Weirda Rd East, Sandton
- Cost: R200 - R5 000 via Howler
If you’re in the mood for a Saturday night out, Spring Carnival is taking over Maracana in Sandton with a late-night party. Things get going from 9pm, so this one is for anyone who’d rather stay on the dancefloor than call it a night early. For a Saturday of dressing up, catching up with friends and dancing until late, Spring Carnival makes a good pick. There are a few ticket options to choose from, ranging from standard entry to more premium packages depending on how you want to spend the night.
Tribute to Tiyo Soga
- Saturday 19 September, 7pm
- Location: Rhema Bible Church North, Randburg
- Cost: R300 - R500 via Webtickets
Tiyo Soga, a pioneering figure in South African history, is celebrated in Tribute to Tiyo Soga, an evening exploring the life and legacy of the country’s first Black ordained minister. The programme uses music and performance to revisit his story and contribution, offering audiences a chance to experience an important part of South Africa’s history through the arts
This is a good one for anyone who enjoys performances that leave you with something to take away afterwards. Instead of another straightforward concert, the evening gives you a chance to reflect on the life and legacy of a man whose influence stretched far beyond the church.
Whisky Experience at The Firs
- When: Friday 18 September, 6pm
- Location: The Firs of Rosebank
- Cost: R390 general admission, R1500 VIP via WhiskyBrothers & Co
If whisky is your drink of choice, The Whisky Experience is giving you a good reason to spend Friday evening at The Firs in Rosebank. More than 70 whiskies from over 30 brands will be available to explore, with tasting stations offering the chance to compare different styles and perhaps find a new favourite along the way.
Those looking to get a little more serious about their whisky expertise can book the Glenlivet masterclass. There’s also VIP tickets that offer a more elite experience. You don’t need to be able to name every item on the shelf to enjoy the event. Come curious, be experimental in your tastings and you might just leave with a new favourite.
Open House
- Sunday 20 September, 12pm
- Location: Urban Playground, Rosebank Mall
- Cost: R100 - R200 via Howler
Sunday plans could take you to Urban Playground in Rosebank Mall for Open House. It’s a chance to spend the weekend with house music in a more social setting, with the session stretching from the afternoon into the evening. You can settle in and stay awhile or come through later when you’re ready to join in. House heads who like to squeeze every last bit out of the weekend should have this one on their radar.
Johannesburg West
Stargazing with Vic’s Telescopes @ Casalinga
- Thursday 17 September - Saturday 19 September, 7pm
- Location: Casalinga, Muldersdrift
- Cost: R180 via Quicket
Need a break from the city for a few hours? Casalinga in Muldersdrift is swapping the usual Friday-night plans for an evening under the stars with Vic’s Telescopes. Powerful telescopes will give guests a closer look at the Moon, Venus, star clusters and constellations, with Vicus Cruywagen on hand to explain what’s up above.
Make a night of it at Casalinga by grabbing something to eat or drink before settling in for the stargazing, and enjoy the rare chance to slow down and simply look up for a while. With cooler temperatures and rain expected this weekend, though, you’ll want to dress warmly for the occasion.
Rooderpoort Dance Festival
- Friday 18 September, 3:30pm & 6:30pm
- Location: Main Theatre at Roodepoort Theatre
- Cost: R125 via Webtickets
The Roodepoort Dance Festival puts young dancers from across the city under the spotlight, continuing its long-running celebration of local dance talent. Expect a programme that sways between ballet, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, tap, Spanish dance and musical theatre, making this a good pick if you enjoy seeing different styles share the same stage.
Having been part of Roodepoort’s arts calendar for decades, the festival has become a familiar fixture for dance lovers. There’s something very special about watching young dancers step onto the stage, having their moment in the spotlight. There are two shows to choose from, giving you a little flexibility when planning your weekend.
Johannesburg Central
Soweto String Quartet Music Experience
- Sunday 20 September, 5pm
- Location: Untitled Basement, 1 Reserve St, Johannesburg
- Cost: R350 via Quicket
Trade the Sunday couch session for live music as the Soweto String Quartet heads to Untitled Basement. Their music brings classical strings together with kwela, mbaqanga and African jazz, resulting in a distinctive sound shaped by several South African musical traditions. For music lovers, the intimate setting at Untitled Basement is part of the appeal. You’re close enough to feel part of the performance, the venue is well suited to intimate live shows, and there’s something rather lovely about spending the final night of the weekend listening to live music instead of sitting at home scrolling through your phone.
Johannesburg South
Bedroom Chats
- Wednesday 16 September - Sunday 20 September, Various Times
- Location: Blue Theatre at Soweto Theatre
- Cost: R100 via Webtickets
There’s trouble behind closed doors in Bedroom Chats, a drama about Abigail and George, a couple whose marriage of almost 20 years has slowly turned into a cycle of resentment, routine and frustration. Things take a much darker turn when they both start secretly plotting to get rid of each other, with their plans eventually colliding in tragic fashion.
The play takes an unfiltered look at the less glamorous side of long-term relationships, touching on money, dependence and the things couples avoid saying until they can no longer be ignored. It’s intimate, dark and uncomfortable in all the right places, making it a strong choice for anyone who enjoys theatre that stays with you after the show.
Beyond Jozi
2026 St Mary’s DSG Pretoria Proudly presents: Fiesta
- Saturday 19 September, 10am
- Location: St Mary’s DSG, Duxbury Rd, Hillcrest, Pretoria
- Cost: R275 - R355 via Webtickets
Need a weekend plan that works for both kids and adults? Fiesta 2026 is heading to St Mary’s DSG in Pretoria with food trucks, market stalls, live music and family entertainment filling the day. With DJ Zinhle headlining, the grown-ups have a good reason to make a day of it too.
Bring the family along for a day out at the school, with a mix of stalls, food and entertainment to keep both kids and adults busy. You can browse the market, grab a bite to eat and settle in for the entertainment while the younger ones enjoy everything the family-friendly event has to offer. It’s the kind of outing where you can arrive without too much of a plan and simply spend the day together.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
- Saturday 19 September, 3pm
- Location: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
- Cost: R80 via Computicket
Loftus Versfeld is the place to be for football fans as Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for a FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash. It’s a chance to see an international club fixture without leaving Pretoria, with Sundowns looking to use the home crowd to their advantage.
If you’re the kind of football fan who enjoys the atmosphere as much as the game itself, this is a good one to experience with friends. Watching Sundowns in a packed Loftus Versfeld is an experience in itself, and having an international opponent in town should add another layer to the occasion.
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