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

There's no shortage of things to get up to in Johannesburg this weekend, with the action stretching from the city centre to the townships and beyond. Soweto has a soulful house birthday celebration and a fashion showcase on the calendar, while Tembisa gets its own moment in the spotlight with a festival dedicated to the kota. Elsewhere, Lira brings her Afro-soul catalogue to Fourways, Jullian Gomes revisits Late Dreamer in an unplugged performance, and comedy and live jazz round out the line-up. If you're still figuring out your weekend plans, here's where to start. 

Weekend weather

Johannesburg is in for a rainy weekend, with temperatures ranging from a low of 10 °C to a high of 30 °C. Showers are forecast throughout, so if you're heading to an outdoor event, a rain jacket or umbrella should make it onto your checklist. You can still make the most of the city's weekend offerings, just keep an eye on the skies and be ready for a change in the weather. 

Friday

• Min: 18 °C
• Max: 30 °C
• Weather conditions: Rainy

Saturday

• Min: 17 °C
• Max: 27 °C
• Weather conditions: Rainy

Sunday

• Min: 10 °C
• Max: 25 °C
• Weather conditions: Rainy

Johannesburg North

 

Dalisu Ndlazi

• Friday 6 November, 6pm

• Location: Sankayi Jazz Room, Green Park Corner Lower Road, Morningside

• Cost: R400 via Quicket

Sankayi Jazz Room welcomes bassist Dalisu Ndlazi for The Culmination, an evening of live jazz built around the people, relationships and experiences that have shaped his musical journey. The performance brings personal stories to the stage through layered rhythms, improvisation and expressive arrangements, giving audiences a closer look at the ideas behind his music. Ndlazi, who also tours internationally with pianist Nduduzo Makhathini's Trio, will put his bass playing at the centre of the evening, drawing on his experience in contemporary South African jazz.

 

Gin & Fruits Xperience 14th Edition

• Saturday 7 November, 3pm

• Location: The Straight & Shop FF14, Witkoppen Rd, Fourways

• Cost: Free Xperience, R200 two tickets & 2 cocktails via Quicket

The Gin & Fruits Xperience returns to Fourways for its 14th edition, bringing together local gin brands, food vendors and clothing labels at The Straight. EGS Radio will handle the music, with DJs Simmy, Soulounge and Sisanda on the line-up. Visitors can sample different gin and juice combinations, grab something to eat from the food stalls and browse locally made clothing while the DJs take over. If you've been meaning to try some of the local gin brands on the market, this is a good opportunity to do so. Entry is free, while a R200 deal includes two tickets and two cocktails. 

Lira In The Park - JHB

• Sunday 8 November, 12pm

• Location: 4ways Farmers Market

• Cost: R350 via Howler

Lira takes centre stage at Fourways Farmers Market for a concert celebrating the music that has made her one of South Africa's leading Afro-soul artists. With songs such as Feel Good, Rise Again and Something Inside So Strong in her catalogue, fans can look forward to singing along to some of her best-known tracks and hearing the stories behind the music that has connected with audiences over the years. What makes the show worth catching is the opportunity to experience Lira's vocal range and stage presence in a full concert setting, with her blend of soul, R&B and African influences coming together in one performance. For longtime fans, it's a chance to reconnect with the music, while those discovering her catalogue can get a taste of what makes her such a celebrated performer. 

Johannesburg West

 

Big Banger Comedy hosted by Skhumba

• Friday 6 November - Saturday 7 November, Various Times

• Location: Silverstar Centre, Silverstar Casino, R28, Muldersdrift

• Cost: R250 - R350 via Webtickets

Skhumba is hosting Big Banger Comedy at Silverstar, joined by Celeste Ntuli, Loyiso Gola and Ntosh Madlingozi. Ntuli, often called the queen of Zulu comedy, is known for turning everyday experiences into hilarious stories, while Gola has built a following for his satirical take on politics and South African public life. Madlingozi rounds out the line-up, giving audiences another comedic voice to discover. Your problems will still be there on Sunday, so you might as well give yourself a night off.

SunUp: Party Like It’s Your Birthday

• Saturday 7 November, 8am

• Location: Vicky’s Veganry, The Pirates Club, 25 Braeside Road, Greenside

• Cost: R190 - R215 via Quicket

Birthday celebrations are getting an early start at Vicky’s Veganry in Greenside, where SunUp is hosting a birthday-themed gathering with yoga, conscious dance and music. Titled Party Like It’s Your Birthday, the session will be led by SunUp co-founder Via Henderson, with DJ Mandy on the decks. You don't need to be a yoga expert or have your best dance moves rehearsed, as the activities are open to all experience levels. The celebrations will wrap up with birthday cake and a few surprises. Bring your yoga mat and get ready to stretch, move and dance your way into Saturday.

 

Sunset Music Series presents Msaki & Thando Zide

• Saturday 7 November, 1pm

• Location: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcom Road, Poortview, Roodepoort

• Cost: R195 via Webtickets

Msaki and Thando Zide are sharing the stage for a Sunset Music Series concert, bringing together two South African artists with a musical connection beyond this booking. Msaki features on Usana, from Zide’s debut album Ku Ngawe, a song that explores the tenderness of protecting one’s inner child. Msaki is known for her soulful vocals and thoughtful songwriting, while Zide draws on Afro-soul, jazz and R&B to tell stories about love, identity and personal growth. Their shared track gives fans a reason to listen out for the chemistry between the two artists live, while the individual performances offer a chance to hear songs from Zide’s recent album alongside Msaki’s distinctive catalogue. If Usana has been on repeat, this is an opportunity to hear the two voices behind it share the same stage.

Johannesburg Central

 

Jullian Gomes - Late Dreamer

• Friday 6 November, 6pm

• Location: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve Street

• Cost: R500 via Quicket

Remember Late Dreamer? Jullian Gomes is giving his much-loved 2016 album a fresh spin with a special unplugged show at Untitled Basement, marking 10 years since its release. Instead of the familiar deep house and electronic production, the album's tracks will get a new treatment, with vocals, keys and horns taking the music in a different direction. Gomes is bringing back some of the original voices behind the album, including Bonj, Kabomo and Sio, alongside a group of talented musicians to rework the songs for the occasion. So, if you've had these tracks on repeat over the years, here's your chance to hear them reimagined with fresh arrangements and the voices that made the album special. 

Steve Dyer Live at Jozi Gold Brewing Company

• Saturday 7 November, 6:30pm

• Location: 81 De Korte St, Braamfontein

• Cost: R350 via Quicket

Steve Dyer is bringing an evening of live jazz to Jozi Gold Brewing Company in Braamfontein, giving music lovers a chance to experience one of South Africa's respected saxophonists and composers up close. With a career spanning several decades, Dyer has built a distinctive sound that draws on African musical traditions, contemporary jazz and soulful storytelling. Audiences can look forward to expressive saxophone playing, rich musical arrangements and the improvisation that makes live jazz such an engaging experience. The venue also adds to the occasion. Jozi Gold occupies the former home of The Orbit Jazz Club, a space that holds an important place in Johannesburg's jazz history. 

Johannesburg South

 

Soweto Fashion Week 2026

• Friday 6 November - Saturday 7 November, 6pm

• Location: Blue Theatre at Soweto Theatre

• Cost: R150 General, R600 VIP via Webtickets

Soweto Fashion Week brings its Spring/Summer 2026 showcase to the Blue Theatre at Soweto Theatre, with two evenings dedicated to South African fashion and design. The runway will feature collections from emerging designers and established labels, giving audiences a look at the ideas, craftsmanship and styles shaping the local fashion scene. Friday's line-up includes Mbobo Movement, known for its patchwork and denim designs, alongside Precious Lulu Couture and KwaZulu Fashion Hut. Saturday brings singer Wanda Baloyi's clothing label Wanda Wear to the runway, as well as television presenter Ayanda Nhlapo's House of Ayanda. From streetwear to contemporary African fashion, the showcase puts the spotlight on designers creating their own space in the industry and gives audiences a chance to see their latest collections up close. 

London Soulful Session - All White Party Birthday Celebration

• Sunday 8 November, 12pm

• Location: The Wash, 07901 Armitage St, Orlando West

• Cost: R50 - R100 via Webtickets

The London Soulful Session takes over The Wash in Soweto for its All White Party Birthday Celebration, with DJs Sfiso, Mr Hams and Bonny handling the soulful house selection. The venue, known for its car wash and braai setup, brings a familiar township hangout feel to the occasion, giving guests a spot to grab food and drinks while enjoying the music. An all-white dress code ties the birthday theme together, so put some thought into your outfit before heading out for a Sunday session of soulful house. 

Beyond Jozi

 

Tembisa Kota Festival

• Saturday 7 November, 10am

• Location: Transnet School of Rail, Esselen Park, Tembisa

• Cost: R110 Children, R150 Student, R200 Adults via Computicket

Tembisa is putting the spotlight on one of kasi’s most loved food creations, with a festival dedicated to the kota and the people who make it. Vendors from across the region will serve up their own takes on the quarter-loaf, from the classic combination of slap chips, polony and cheese to loaded versions packed with extra fillings and sauces. The food is the main draw, but the music is just as big, with Sjava, Big Zulu and DJ Maphorisa among the artists on the line-up. It’s a chance to discover new kota spots in one place while supporting the local vendors turning this street-food staple into a thriving business. Come prepared to make some difficult decisions, because your favourite kota spot might have some competition.

A Tribute to Smokie & Credence Clearwater Revival

• Saturday 7 November, 7pm

• Location: Mardi Gras - Carnival City, Cnr Century Road & Elsburg Rd

• Cost: R200 - R250 via Webtickets

Dust off your classic rock playlist because Gareth James and his band are bringing a tribute to Smokie and Creedence Clearwater Revival to Carnival City's Mardi Gras Theatre. The show celebrates two bands whose music has travelled across generations, with a set featuring Smokie's Living Next Door to Alice and Mexican Girl, alongside CCR favourites such as Proud Mary and Bad Moon Rising. From Smokie's melodic rock sound to CCR's bluesy, country-tinged classics, the performance moves between two distinctive sounds from the golden era of rock. It's a good one for those who grew up with these records and anyone who still knows every word when the chorus kicks in.

Fancy winning a trip to Zanzibar, some cash or other cool prizes? Take The Great Big SA Lifestyle Survey and you could be a winner!

Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city.

TIME OUT JOHANNESBURG RECOMMENDS:

📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
📢 Latest news from Johannesburg