Out and About in Johannesburg: Best things to do this long weekend

Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this long weekend? We’ve got you!

An extra day off means more time to explore the best of Johannesburg this Women’s Day long weekend. However you like to spend a long weekend, Johannesburg has you covered with theatre, comedy, football, live music, creative workshops and Women’s Day celebrations.

Make the most of the long weekend with our guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg this weekend.

ICYMI: The best Women’s Month specials worth booking in Johannesburg

Weekend weather

The Women’s Day long weekend is set to bring some of Johannesburg’s best winter weather. It will be warm enough to enjoy a day out, with sunshine and highs of 20 °C, although the brisk morning temperatures mean you’ll want to dress in layers. Take grandma’s advice about always packing a jacket, then make the most of the sunshine by exploring Johannesburg’s concerts, theatre productions and Women’s Day celebrations.

Friday  

• Min: 9 °C 
• Max: 20 °C
• Weather conditions: Sunny

Saturday

• Min: 8 °C
• Max: 19 °C
• Weather conditions: Slightly cloudy 

Sunday 

• Min: 10 °C
• Max: 20 °C
• Weather conditions: Sunny

Monday

• Min: 2 °C
• Max: 13 °C
• Weather conditions: Rainfall

Johannesburg North

Women's Day Edition Silent Disco 

• Sunday 9 August, 3pm
• Location: Radisson RED Rosebank
• Cost: R150 - R180 via Quicket 

Celebrate Women’s Day with rooftop views, music and dancing at Radisson RED Rosebank. With three live DJ channels to choose from, you can switch between amapiano, Afro house, 3-step and Lekompo, grab a pair of wireless headphones and curate your own soundtrack throughout the afternoon. Food and drinks will be on offer throughout the afternoon, it is an ideal way to spend the long weekend Sunday out with your friends and family.

The Brotherhood of the Great Hearts

• Friday, 7 August, 6pm
• Location: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Morningside
• Cost: R400 via Quicket 

If your perfect Friday night involves live jazz, The Brotherhood of the Great Hearts at the latest edition of the Sonkayi Jazz Series. With acclaimed musicians including Lesedi Ntsane, Tumi Mogorosi and Maxwell Baloyi, the group’s sound infuses original compositions with improvisations influenced by South Africa’s rich jazz tradition. Indulge in dinner and drinks before the performance begins.

More Than a Woman

• Sunday, 9 August, 9am
• Location: Artistry JHB, 22 Fredman Dr, Sandown, Sandton
• Cost: R550 via Quicket 

Looking for a different way to celebrate Women’s Day? More Than a Woman at Artistry focuses on mindfulness, movement and meaningful connection. A pilates session led by a qualified physiotherapist is followed by a women’s circle that brings people together to connect, reflect and meet new people. The morning concludes with a curated breakfast, and every guest takes home an equally well-thought out goodie.

National Women's Day Concert: Ida Pelliccioli – Introspections

• Sunday, 9 August, 3pm
• Location: 19 Woolston Rd, Westcliff, Randburg
• Cost: R200 via Quicket 

For a quieter Women’s Day celebration, spend the afternoon with acclaimed pianist Ida Pelliccioli who delivers her Introspections programme at Glenshiel. Pellicciol’s recital interweaves music by Gabriel Faure, Ferruccio Busoni, Jean Sibelius, Maurice Ravel and Leos Janacek for an afternoon of classical piano. Refreshments will be available during the interval, elevating the classical evening’s intimate feel.

Johannesburg Central

First Love 

• Friday, 7 August to Sunday, 9 August, 3:30pm & 7:30pm
• Location: Kippies, The Market Theatre, Newtown
• Cost: R100 via Webtickets  

Samuel Beckett’s sharp witted First Love takes centre stage as part of this year's Kippies Fringe programme, bringing one of the most must-see productions to audiences at The Market Theatre. Directed by Qondiswa James, the one-man production stars William Harding as a man who navigates grief, isolation and an unlikely romance after being forced to leave his family home. Combining humour with heartbreak, the play explores love, loneliness and loss through Beckett’s distinctive style.

Johannesburg East

The Hound Dogs

• Saturday, 8 August, 6pm
• Location: Bailey’s Bedfordview, 61 Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview
• Cost: R60 via Quicket 

Step back into the golden age of rock ‘n roll with The Hound Dogs who bring a night of timeless hits to Bailey’s Bedfordview. The setlist features classics by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Billy Idol, Neli Diamond and Smokie. It’s an easy pick for anyone looking to take a walk down memory lane in classic rock ‘n roll style.

Johannesburg West 

Women's Day Soul Therapy Picnic Celebration

• Saturday, 8 August, 12pm
• Location: Munsieville Sports Complex, 1109 Corane Street, Krugersdorp
• Cost: R200 via Webtickets 

There’s no shortage of live entertainment at this Women’s Day picnic at Munsieville Sports Complex in Krugersdorp. Returning for a momentous seventh edition, the Soul Therapy Picnic’s Jackets and Boots theme sets the tone for a relaxed day of live music, food and outdoor entertainment. Gospel star Lebo Sekgibeka leads a lineup that also includes Queen Nkosh, Ishmail Abrahams, DJ Ash, and local DJs.  The lineup promises to keep the music going well after sunset, making the Jackets and Boots a perfect fit.

Johannesburg South

Mzansi Unbound 

• Friday 7 August to Saturday, 8 August, 7pm
• Location: Gibson Kente Theatre at Soweto Theatre
• Cost: R200 via Webtickets

Back on home soil after performing at the 2026 World Cup, the Mzansi Youth Choir presents Mzansi Unbound, a new programme that honours South African music and culture. Audiences can look forward to a programme that moves effortlessly between township rhythms, gospel, reggae, African classics and contemporary favourites through choral performance, movement and storytelling.

Women's Day Pyrography Art Workshop

• Sunday, 9 August, 10am
• Location: Alliance Francaise of Soweto, 735 Ngwe St, Diepkloof
• Cost: 300 for a woman + guest, R100 per additional guest via Quicket  

Enjoy a creative Women's Day in a truly unique and creative way at the Alliance Francaise of Soweto’s Pyrography Art Workshop. This is where art meets connection and creative expression.

Did you know that the Solar and Chemical Technique is a distinctive form of pyrography using sunlight and chemical processes to create beautiful artwork on wood? Well, you do now. Whether you're a fresh beginner or a seasoned creative, this workshop is designed to give you a fun, relaxing, and rewarding Women’s Day experience.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Golden Arrows

• Sunday, 9 August, 6pm
• Location: FNB Stadium, Nasrec
• Cost: R100 via Computicket 

Kazier Chief begin their MTN8 campaign at FNB Stadium this weekend, as they take on Golden Arrows in a quarter-final clash. The winner secures a spot in the MTN8 semi-finals, making Kaizer Chiefs’ opening cup fixture at FNB Stadium even more significant. Even if you’re not a supporter of either team, this MTN8 clash with the much loved FNB Stadium atmosphere is an easy pick for football fans over the long weekend.

Beyond Jozi

Celeste N Da Big Dudes Comedy Special

• Saturday, 8 August, 8pm
• Location: Emperors Palace, Centre Couty, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park
• Cost: R250 - R450 via Webtickets 

Saturday night belongs to comedy as Celeste Ntuli returns with another instalment of Celeste N Da Big Dudes. Following three sold-out shows, the annual comedy special assembles some of South Africa’s best-known comedians, emerging talent and surprise guests under one roof. For anyone in the mood for the best medicine,  this lineup offers a hilarious way to enjoy the Women's Day long weekend.

Galpalooza Fest

• Sunday, 9 August, 12pm
• Location: Railways Cafe Irene, Pretoria
• Cost: R250 via Galpalooza 

Live music, art and creative talent take centre stage at Galpalooza Fest this Women’s Day. The fourth edition of the festival showcases women from South Africa’s music and creative industries through a programme of live performances, creative showcases and art exhibitions. With the public holiday the following day, there’s no need to rush home after the festival.

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