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A guide to the best things to do and places to go this weekend in Johannesburg, from Friday, 21 August to Sunday, 23 August.

Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this weekend? We’ve got you!
From cheering on the big sporting moments to experiencing a show and immersing yourself in creativity, another jam-packed Johannesburg weekend is upon us. Catch the big match at Ellis Park, book some theatre or slow things down with a Sunday spent browsing local finds. Elsewhere, you’ll find soulful live music, Women’s Month celebrations, basketball action and plenty of ways to discover something new. However, you like to spend your weekend, there’s plenty to get you out of the house.
Make the most of the weekend with our guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg this weekend.
It’s been a mostly dry week, but the weekend is looking warmer and more comfortable in Johannesburg. Temperatures will hover around 12 °C in the morning before climbing to a warm 24 °C later in the day. Sunny skies are on the cards for Friday and Sunday, with Saturday looking a little cloudier. Whatever the weather, there’s plenty happening. Start with a jacket, lose it as the day heats up and spend the weekend checking out the city’s concerts, shows and make the most of what’s happening across Johannesburg.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Channel your inner artist this Women’s Month at Messy Masterpieces, a relaxed painting session for anyone hungry for something new. No artistic expertise is required here as you’ll start with a pre-drawn canvas and follow a local artist’s step by step guidance. The ticket includes all your painting needs to paint and a bonus cappuccino. Grab a friend, get comfortable and spend the morning getting creative.
Experience the drama and romance of one of ballet’s most loved stories, brought to life through Tchaikovsky’s music and iconic choreography. With 50 performers, opulent costumes and visceral choreography, Cape Ballet Africa puts its own spin on Siegfried and Odette’s timeless tragedy. Due to popular demand, extra weekend performances have been added, but this weekend is your last chance to catch Swan Lake.
Jeppe High School for Boys brings Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the stage for a lively night of big numbers, colourful characters and a joyful night of musical theatre. From family betrayal to an unlikely rise to power, follow Joseph’s story in a production that gives a talented young cast its moment in the spotlight.
Witness the action unfold as South Africa’s top basketball teams go head to head in the National League playoffs, with a place in the championship final up for grabs. Both the women’s and men’s semi-finals are happening this weekend, so expect plenty of fast paced action and high stakes basketball. Big plays and a vibrant crowd make this worth checking out if you’re looking for something energising this weekend.
Looking for something with a bit more buzz this weekend? Rugby’s greatest rivalry invades Ellis Park as the Springboks tackle the All Blacks. Johannesburg gets the first test of this legendary rivalry, with the All Blacks returning for their first full South African tour in 30 years. The rugby is only part of it, with Ellis Park bringing plenty of atmosphere and matchday vines before kick-off begins. If you’re not able to watch the game live, grab a drink at your nearest bar to enjoy the game with Springbok fans.
ICYMI: South Africa, get ready for rugby's Greatest Rivalry showdown
Spend your Saturday night with Louis Mhlanga, one of Southern Africa’s respected guitarists at Jozi Gold Brewing Company. After more than five decades in music and collaborations with artists including Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Ray Phiri, Mhlanga brings a rich mix of African musical influences to the stage. Hear Mhlanga up close as he moves between songs from his latest album Living for the Living and music from across his career in an intimate live setting. If you would like to read more about what Mhlanga has in store for his performance this week, visit this link to find out more.
Three familiar voices return to the stage as Spha Mdlalose, Zoe Modiga and Titi Luzip reunite as BREW for the first time in four years. Three accomplished artists, plenty of harmony and a soulful take on familiar songs make this one for fans of intimate live music. The trio’s reunion is part of HER: Divas in Concert Women’s Month series, this one for anyone who enjoys intimate live shows and seeing great artists share a stage.
Pat Pillai brings the Cape Flats to Johannesburg in My Cape Town, a funny and personal journey through life in Rylands and Athlone during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Pillai connects the stories of his various characters through music, humour and the nostalgia of growing up in the Cape Flats. It’s a hilariously heartfelt piece of South African storytelling, offering a glimpse into the people, places and the daily moments that shaped Pillai’s childhood.
Slow things down this Sunday at From The Ground Market, where you can browse more than 35 local stalls, grab something to eat and listen to live music. There’s fruit and veg to take home, kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained and plenty of space to have a picnic. Bring the whole crew including your pets and make a morning of it instead of just stopping by to shop.
Some of Africa’s most influential women in music get their moment in the spotlight again, this time through a new generation of performers at Chapters of Her. The Soweto Theatre Youth Orchestra pays tribute to Miriam Makeba, Sophie Mgcina, Dorothy Masuka, Sylvia Mdunyelwa through a mix of music, poetry and storytelling looking at the lives and legacies behind their work. For Women’s Month, this is a chance to celebrate the women who helped shape South African music and the young performers keeping their lives alive.
Basketball comes to Soweto this weekend as the three city qualifiers battle at the Klipspruit Sports Centre for their spot at the World Final. 10 men and eight women have secured their places in the National Final and Saturday is the decider. This one promises to be a full day of sporting action, Kamo Mphela’s energetic live music, a public dunk contest and shooting challenge.
What sounds like an everyday safety check becomes something much darker in Text Me When You Arrive, a satirical take on the realities women face in South Africa. Three performers use humour, physical theatre and sharp social commentary to challenge the rules women are expected to follow for safety, while asking what online activism can really achieve. It’s a smart, thought-provoking night at the theatre that raises difficult questions without spelling out the answers.
It’s semi-final time as Mamelodi Sundowns meet Golden Arrows in the opening leg of their MTN8 clash. Sundowns have home advantage and will be aiming to make it count, while Arrows booked their semi-final spot by beating Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals. With everything to play, expect a tense afternoon, a vocal crowd and plenty of action from the first whistle.
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