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If your weekend is still wide open, Johannesburg has a few things worth adding to the diary. From Friday night through Sunday, Johannesburg is serving up live music, comedy, outdoor cinema and a few plans for when you want to take things easy.
Saturday has the big plans covered, with Back to the City, throwback R&B, live shows and a movie night under the stars. Sunday is more of a slow-down kind of day, with classical music and experimental film on the agenda. Here’s what’s happening in and around Johannesburg this weekend.
Weekend Weather
The forecast is doing us a favour this weekend, with temperatures climbing to 27°C from Friday to Sunday. Friday looks sunny, Saturday a little cloudier, and Sunday brings the sunshine back. Early risers can expect temperatures of around 15°C to 16°C, so you might want to throw on a light jacket before heading out. So, once you’ve made it through the cooler mornings, the rest of the weekend is looking good for exploring the city.
Friday
- Min: 15 °C
- Max: 27 °C
- Weather conditions: Sunny
Saturday
- Min: 16 °C
- Max: 27 °C
- Weather conditions: Cloudy
Sunday
- Min: 15 °C
- Max: 27 °C
- Weather conditions: Sunny
Johannesburg North
Afrika Mkhize
- Friday 9 October, 6pm
- Location: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge
- Cost: R400 via Quicket
Friday nights don’t always have to mean loud bars and packed dance floors. Afrika Mkhize heads to Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge for an evening of jazz, bringing his skills as a pianist, composer and arranger to the stage.
The set brings soulful melodies, polished arrangements and Mkhize’s own flavour, backed by years of experience performing alongside some of the country’s biggest jazz names. If jazz is more your scene, this one deserves a spot on your weekend list.
House of Throwbacks
- Friday 9 October, 6pm
- Location: Maracana, Sandton, 58 Weirda Valley
- Cost: R90 - R120 via Howler
If the ’90s and early 2000s still have a firm grip on your playlist, you’ll want to know about this one. Get ready for a trip down memory lane as House of Throwbacks lands at Maracanã in Sandton with ’90s hip-hop and R&B, plus 2000s pop and house.
Leave the new releases at home. House of Throwbacks is all about the songs you grew up with, from era-defining hits to tracks made for the dance floor. The theme is “dress to impress” so consider this your reason to finally wear that outfit. Come for the throwbacks and stay when the DJ plays the song you thought you’d forgotten.
u&me: at the theatre
- Friday 9 October - Saturday 10 October, 6pm
- Location: Artistry, 22 Fredman Dr, Sandown, Sandton
- Cost: R280 - R360 via Webtickets
Part live music, part storytelling, u&me sees Una Rams bring his personal stories to Artistry, alongside music and conversation. Some of the material draws from his own love story with actress Ntando Rambani, giving the show a more intimate feel. Rams is joined by guest performers Phila Dlozi, David Mmbi and Thando Zide, adding their own voices to the evening.
MOVE FAST
- Saturday 10 October, 8pm
- Location: 78a Avenue, 4th Ave, Melville
- Cost: R80 via Quicket
Something new is landing in Melville. MOVE FAST launches with a femme-forward night of breakbeat, UKG and house, featuring sets from Gem, Karmerr, Lightbeams and KingTash. The lineup brings four different sounds together, with sets designed to keep the room moving from start to finish.
The night comes with a clear zero-tolerance stance on homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, harassment and discrimination, keeping the focus firmly on creating an inclusive space. All that’s left is to pick an outfit and make your way to 78a Avenue.
Absa L’Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair
- Saturday 10 October, 10am
- Location: Mall of Africa, Midrand
- Cost: Adults from R175 on Howler, free entrance for children under 12
After two successful editions, the Absa L’Atelier Art and Lifestyle Fair is back for its third leg and the event is definitely levelling up.
This year’s headliner is the internationally acclaimed Msaki, who is also a visual artist. She shares the stage with the equally celebrated Soweto Gospel Choir and Elaine in an afternoon where art, fashion, music, culture and lifestyle converge.
Riaad Moosa - The Best Medicine
- Saturday 10 October, 8pm and Sunday 11 October, 3pm
- Location: Grand Pavilion at the River Venue, Centurion (Saturday) and Qurtuba Convention Centre, Sandton Sunday
- Cost: R250 Gold ticket, R350 Platinum ticket via Blu Blood
South African comedian and qualified medical doctor Riaad Moosa brings The Best Medicine to Qurtuba in Sandton this Sunday afternoon. The comedy show is hosted by Moosa, bringing together some of South Africa’s established comedians and newer performers, with relatable stories and the kind of spontaneous moments that keep a comedy show feeling fresh. The start time also means you can catch the show and still have the rest of your evening free.
Everybody Loves Sundays
- Sunday 11 October, 1pm
- Location: Maracana, 58 Wierda Rd E, Weirda Valley, Sandton
- Cost: R199 - R299 via Quicket
There’s no rule saying Sunday has to mean an early night. Some people spend the final day of the weekend recovering, while others would rather keep the music going. Held at Maracanã in Sandton, Everybody Loves Sundays leans into deep, soulful and uplifting house music, giving the afternoon with a little more energy.
Instead lazying around on the couch or slaving over the stove for a traditional Sunday lunch, head to Sandton and spend the afternoon with deep house playing throughout the event. If you’re not quite ready to slow down for the weekend, this is one to keep on your radar.
JMS Presents JP Sylvestre with the Odeon Quartet
- Sunday 11 October, 3pm
- Location: Wits Linder Auditorium
- Cost: R375 via Quicket
Classical music takes centre stage at Wits Linder Auditorium, with pianist JP Sylvestre performing alongside the Odeion String Quartet. The programme includes works by Cesar Franck and Antonin Dvorak, bringing together two composers whose music becomes part of the classic. If your Sunday could use a change of pace, this is a chance to hear these works brought life on stage.
Johannesburg Central
Back to the City Festival 2026
- Saturday 10 October, 12pm
- Location: Mary FitzGerald Square, Newtown
- Cost: R200 - R1 000 General admission, R1 500 via Webtickets
It’s 20 years of Back to the City, and this year’s edition is marking the milestone with the theme “Against All Odds”. US rapper Ab-Soul joins Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village on the international line-up, alongside Cassper Nyovest, Blxckie, Stogie T, Big Zulu, Tuks and many other local acts.
Back to the City started as a grassroots gathering under the M1 and has since grown into a major celebration of South African hip-hop, with graffiti, sneaker culture, DJ sets and MC battles all part of the day. With its mix of live performances, street culture and activities beyond the main stage, there’s more to the festival than just music.
Untitled Basement presents: Vimbs Mavimbs Late Bloomer
- Saturday 10 October, 6pm
- Location: 7 Reserve St, Braamfontein
- Cost: R250 via Quicket
There’s no rush in finding your sound, as Late Bloomer makes clear. The South African double bassist and composer brings the project to Untitled Basement, marking its first live presentation in South Africa since its release earlier this year.
Nearly two decades of learning, collaboration and performing in Europe have shaped the project, giving listeners a sense of how his music has developed. The journey began at the Welcome Soweto School of Music in Pimville, eventually taking him to stages and collaborations beyond South Africa. Now Late Bloomer brings those experiences together in a live setting.
Miriam Altman - The Butterfly Project Live in Johannesburg
- Saturday 10 October, 7pm
- Location: Wits Theatre Complex, 24 Station St, Braamfontein
- Cost: R200 Students, R350 Adults via Quicket
Don’t let the name fool you. The Butterfly Project is Miriam Altman’s debut album, and she’s bringing it to Wits Theatre for a live performance centred on transformation, resilience and renewal. Her sound moves between contemporary jazz, soul, poetry and African rhythms, with a South African ensemble joining her on stage. Expect powerful vocals, rhythmic grooves and storytelling as Altman brings her debut album to the stage.
The Joburg Underground Film Festival: Night Three
- Sunday 11 October, 4pm
- Location: The Bioscope at 44 Stanley
- Cost: R100 via Tixsa
If you like your films a little more unusual, make your way to The Bioscope for the final night of the Joburg Underground Film Festival. Three experimental shorts are on the programme, taking viewers from Spain and the US to a South African, Dutch and Qatari collaboration.
It’s a chance to see work that sits outside the mainstream and gives filmmakers room to play with form and storytelling. There’s also a post-screening Q&A, which means the conversation doesn’t end when the films do. Consider this one when you’re in the mood for cinema that gives you something to chew on afterwards.
Johannesburg West
Nightflix Movie Night
- Saturday 10 October, 5pm
- Location: Riverstone Lodge, Cnr R114 & N14 Offramp, Muldersdrift
- Cost: R99 - R199 via Quicket
Two films, an outdoor setting and a night under the stars? Sign us up. From animated adventure to nostalgic romance, Nightflix brings Disney’s animated The Lion King and The Notebook to Riverstone Lodge in Muldersdrift. Watch one, or stay for both. With The Lion King and The Notebook on the bill, there’s a little something for different movie tastes, while the lodge setting gives the evening a more relaxed feel. If your usual cinema trip feels a little predictable, this offers a change of scenery, with two nostalgic favourites under the stars.
Dark-Sky Stargazing with Vic’s Telescopes @ Kloof Rus
- Saturday 10 October, 6:30pm
- Location: Portion 51, Rietfontein 522, Krugersdorp
- Cost: R180 via Quicket
Leave the city lights behind and spend an evening exploring the night sky in Krugersdorp. Vic’s Telescopes brings its stargazing experience to Kloof Rus, where telescopes will give visitors a closer look at celestial objects. It’s a fun option for astronomy fans, curious minds or anyone after something different from the usual Saturday plans. Look up, get curious and see what the night sky has in store.
Johannesburg South
Tebza Tobetsa's 5th Annual RnB & Soul All White Picnic
- Saturday 10 October, 11am
- Location: Soweto Equestrian Centre, Moroka
- Cost: R150 to R350 on Webtickets
Join locals for an afternoon of community, style, and soulful sing-alongs at the annual RnB & Soul All White All White Picnic in Soweto. This one promises to be a nostalgic yet laid-back outdoor music experience where fans can indulge in some of the classics that made them fall in love with this genre.
Put on your best white or off white outfit and convene with fellow music lovers at the Soweto Equestrian Centre on Saturday 10 October and get lost in a slow jam or three. Cooler boxes are allowed inside the venue until 3pm.
Stance District ‘26
- Saturday 10 October, 2pm
- Location: 20036 Forbes Road, Meadowlands East
- Cost: R50 - R100 via Computicket
Got a soft spot for a beautifully modified car? Stance District ’26 is bringing car lovers together in Meadowlands for an afternoon dedicated to customised rides and automotive culture. Take a closer look at the builds, compare your favourites and chat to fellow enthusiasts about the work that goes into each one. It’s as much about the people and passion behind the cars as it is about what’s on display. Bring your crew, take your camera and see which build gets your vote. If cars are your thing, you’ll want to have this one on your weekend radar.
Beyond Jozi
Francois van Coke & Vriende 2026
- Friday 9 October, 8pm
- Location: SunBet Arena Time Square
- Cost: R295 - R445 via Ticketmaster
He first made his mark with the punk energy of Fokofpolisiekar before taking that sound into a solo career, becoming one of Afrikaans rock’s best-known names along the way. Guest artists will join Van Coke throughout “Vriende”, giving the set a mix of old favourites and newer collaborations.
It gives longtime fans familiar hits to sing along to while introducing newer listeners to his catalogue. When the older Fokofpolisiekar songs come up, expect the crowd to know every word, particularly those who grew up with that era of South African rock.
Vodacom Bulls vs 10bet Lions
- Saturday 10 October, 1:30pm
- Location: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
- Cost: R50 - R250 via Ticketpro
Bulls vs Lions is one of those fixtures that comes with its own history. The teams know each other well, and local bragging rights make the contest about more than just the log.
Loftus Versfeld can get seriously loud on match day, with these two sides going head to head on the field. Wear your team colours, bring your loudest voice and get ready to join in with the crowd. It’s a good choice if you want your rugby with a bit of rivalry and atmosphere around it.
Zola 7 Legacy Tour at New Orleans Carnival City
- Saturday 10 October, 4pm
- Location: New Orleans Carnival City
- Cost: R200 via Computicket
Still know the words to Zola 7’s classics? Then this one should be on your radar. The Zola 7 Legacy Tour heads to New Orleans Carnival City for a celebration of the music, stories and influence that made him one of South Africa’s most recognisable voices. Revisit the songs that helped shape Mzansi’s hip-hop scene and hear them alongside fellow fans. Whether you’ve followed his career for years or are discovering his music now, the show is a chance to experience why his work continues to resonate. Come for the music and celebrate one of Mzansi’s most distinctive voices.
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