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

Johannesburg is making a strong case for getting out of the house this weekend. There are familiar sounds, fresh voices, a little friendly competition and a few occasions that call for something different from your usual Saturday plans. The city's entertainment scene is spreading across neighbourhoods, with something for the music lovers, culture enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy being where the action is. We've rounded up what's worth having on your radar. 

Weekend weather

Johannesburg is in for a wet weekend, with rain forecast from Friday through to Sunday. While Friday looks set to be warmer, Saturday and Sunday will bring cooler conditions. If you're planning to spend time outdoors, keep an umbrella close and be prepared for a few rainy interruptions to your weekend plans. 

Friday 

• Min: 17 °C 

• Max: 29 °C

• Weather conditions: Rainy

Saturday

• Min: 15 °C

• Max: 22 °C

• Weather conditions: Rainy

Sunday 

• Min: 14 °C

• Max: 21 °C

• Weather conditions: Rainy

Johannesburg North

 

Mi Casa Live

• Saturday 14 November, 2pm

• Location: Maracana, 58 Wierda Rd, Sandton

• Cost: R250 - R500 via Howler 

The moment Jika comes on, good luck keeping your feet still. Mi Casa's J'Something, Dr Duda and Mo-T are heading to Maracana in Sandton, bringing the group's winning combination of house, pop and jazz to the afternoon. J'Something handles the vocals, Dr Duda keeps things moving behind the decks, while Mo-T adds his signature trumpet flair. With years of hits under their belts, the trio knows how to get a crowd singing along.

 

Linden CPF Comedy Show

• Saturday 14 November, 7pm

• Location: The Whirlwind Theatre, Randburg

• Cost: R180 Pensioners, R200 Adults via Quicket

The Linden CPF is bringing three comedians with very different approaches to the stage at The Whirlwind Theatre. Chris Forrest is known for his deadpan delivery and jokes about family life, Al Prodgers keeps his comedy clean and often gets the audience involved, while Richelieu Beaunoir brings his roast comedy experience to the line-up. The show is also a fundraiser for the Linden CPF, so you'll be getting your laughs while contributing to the organisation's community work. It's a good mix of comedy styles, and you won't be hearing the same kind of jokes from all three performers. 

Bazwaana

• Saturday 14 November, 6pm

• Location: Sankayi Jazz Room, Morningside

• Cost: R400 via Quicket

After more than two decades away from the group, Adam Howard, Bez Roberts and Jimmy Mngwandi are returning as Bazwaana. The trio released their SAMA-nominated album Newtown Breeze in 2005, and now they're giving longtime fans a chance to revisit that chapter of their musical journey. There's a documentary crew filming the performance too, capturing the story behind their comeback. For longtime fans, it's a rare opportunity to revisit the music and see what the three musicians have been working towards after all these years.

  

Lovers and Friends Joburg

• Saturday 14 November, 6pm

• Location: La Salud Kitchen and Lounge

• Cost: R150 via Quicket

Lovers and Friends Joburg is taking a slightly different route with its music selection. Alongside R&B and Afro-soul, the night will introduce partygoers to Konpa, Kizomba and Zouk, three dance styles with roots in the Caribbean and Africa. International artist Kabeyah will take to the stage, while DJ Paizonho handles the decks. There will also be dance sessions for those who aren't familiar with the steps, so you won't have to spend the evening trying to figure them out by watching everyone else. And despite the name, you don't need to bring a lover. A friend, or even just yourself, will do. 

Strictly Soul

• Saturday 14 November, 7pm

• Location: La Parada Rosebank

• Cost: R219,50 - R272,50 via Fixr

The best soul nights are about more than just playing a few good records. Strictly Soul brings together people who appreciate the genre, its rich musical history and the artists behind some of its most memorable songs. Taking place at La Parada Rosebank, the event is a chance to revisit songs you know and love, discover new favourites and enjoy an evening of singing along and dancing with fellow soul enthusiasts. For anyone who misses the days when great vocals, memorable lyrics and timeless melodies ruled the dance floor, this is a night worth making time for.

Secret Sunrise JHB: Sunday Sizzle

• Sunday 15 November, 8:30am

• Location: 4 Ways Farmers Market

• Cost: R125 Children, R150 Adults via Quicket

Farmers markets aren't usually where you'd go to dance, but Secret Sunrise JHB is bringing a different kind of Sunday morning to Fourways Farmers Market. The experience combines music, movement and a little bit of fun, with participants given wireless headphones and guided through a feel-good dance session by facilitators. Everyone listens to the same music through their headphones, dancing, singing and moving at their own pace without the need for loudspeakers. It's a fun way to get moving, shake off the morning sleepiness and sing along to your favourite tunes. No dance experience is needed, just grab your headphones and join in.

Globe Summers: Frank Casino Special

• Sunday 15 November, 2pm

• Location: Maracana, 58 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley

• Cost: R250 - R350 via Howler

Frank Casino is taking over Sunday at Maracana in Sandton as Globe Summers brings the rapper to the stage for a special afternoon session. Known for his sharp lyricism and unmistakable delivery, he'll be the main attraction at this edition of the event. Get ready to rap along and watch Frank Casino doing what he does best on stage. His supporting cast consists of hip-hop heavyweights such Stogie T, 25K and Flvme so hip-hop fans, this is one you don’t want to miss. 

Johannesburg West

 

Worship Night: Brendan Peyper & Allan

• Friday 13 November, 7pm

• Location: Syringa Park, Avianto Estate

• Cost: Free via Quicket

Brendan Peyper and worship music might not be the pairing his country music fans are used to, but that's what's happening at Syringa Park. He'll be joining Allan for an evening that puts the focus on faith, with the two leading the gathering through worship. The setting is a little different from the usual concert venue, too, with the event taking place at Avianto Estate. Bring along family or friends who enjoy these gatherings, and remember to book your free ticket through Quicket before arriving. 

Moon & Stargazing with Vic’s Telescopes @ Kloof Rus

• Saturday 14 November, 7:30pm

• Location: Kloof Rus, Portion 51, Rietfontein 522, Krugersdorp

• Cost: R180 via Quicket

When was the last time you properly looked at the night sky? At Kloof Rus, astronomy enthusiast Vicus Cruywagen will be guiding visitors through the stars, planets and other sights that are often difficult to see without specialist equipment. The highlight is getting a closer look at the Moon and planets through powerful telescopes, with Saturn's rings among the sights to look out for. It's an outing that should appeal to curious adults and children alike, particularly those who have a long list of questions about space. Bring a picnic blanket, something to snack on and your curiosity. 

Johannesburg Central

Heartseekers Con 2026

• Friday 13 November - Saturday 14 November, 9am

• Location: 41 Juta St, Johannesburg

• Cost: R150 Day, R250 Both days via Quicket

Creative people, this one's for you. Heatseekers Con 2026 is bringing together filmmakers, musicians, designers, entrepreneurs and other people working in the creative industries for two days of ideas, conversations and practical sessions. The programme is split across two days, with Friday focusing on the business behind creative work through workshops, industry discussions and a pitch competition. Saturday turns the attention to storytelling, live performances and conversations with people making their mark in the industry. If you're trying to find your feet in film, music or another creative field, there's something useful in hearing how others are building their careers, finding opportunities and getting their work out there. And you don't have to be a creative professional to enjoy it. A little curiosity about how the industry works will do. 

First Drafts 

• Friday 13 November, 5:30pm

• Location: The Forge, 87 De Korte St, Braamfontein

• Cost: R50 Performer, R90 General via Quicket

Not everything needs to be polished before it deserves an audience. That's the idea behind First Drafts, a creative gathering at The Forge in Braamfontein where writers, poets and performers can share work while it's still taking shape. The evening brings together spoken word, poetry, storytelling and live music, giving audiences a look at ideas and performances in their early stages. You can also put your name down to perform if you've been sitting on a poem, story or piece of writing that you'd like to share. It's an interesting one for anyone who enjoys discovering local talent and hearing work that hasn't yet made its way onto a big stage.

South African Star Awards

• Saturday 14 November, 5pm

• Location: space.com at Joburg Theatre

• Cost: R250 via Webtickets

The South African Star Awards is putting the spotlight on the people making things happen in the country's entertainment industry. The ceremony at Joburg Theatre brings together artists, performers and other creative professionals for an evening of award presentations and live entertainment. Beyond the trophies, it's an opportunity to see some of the talent and work shaping South Africa's entertainment scene receive recognition. 

The Brotherhood of Great Hearts Live

• Saturday 14 November, 6:30pm

• Location: Jozi Gold Brewing Company, 81 De Korte St, Braamfontein

• Cost: R200 via Quicket

The Brotherhood of Great Hearts brings a thoughtful side of South African jazz to Jozi Gold Brewing Company. The group draws on ideas from the Black Consciousness movement, using its music to explore freedom, identity, equality and the country's past. But this isn't a history lesson set to music. The performance brings those ideas into the present through original compositions and jazz, giving the audience something to listen to beyond the instruments themselves. 

Johannesburg South

South Africa vs Kenya

• Friday 13 November, 6pm

• Location: Orlando Amstel Arena

• Cost: R40 Children 5-12 years, R100 General via Ticketpro 

Bafana Bafana are back on home soil for an AFCON 2027 qualifier, with former South African striker Benni McCarthy now leading the Kenyan side. His return to face the country where he made his name adds an interesting subplot to the fixture. South Africa will be keen to build on their winning start to the qualifying campaign, but McCarthy will be hoping to spoil the home crowd's evening. With both sides having something to prove, there should be an interesting contest at Orlando.  

Msaki and Jess Clegg, Live at Gold Reef City

• Friday 13 November, 7pm

• Location: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City

• Cost: R350 - R700 via Webtickets

Msaki and Jesse Clegg are bringing their Entropy project to the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City. The six-track release explores some difficult but familiar parts of life, including heartbreak, grief, love and the challenge of starting over. The songs came out of a friendship between the two musicians, which grew during a period of major personal changes for both. The project also has a visual element, with a series of connected music videos following a love story. For anyone who enjoys getting to know the stories behind an album, there's more to Entropy than just the songs.

Sgetz Presents Denim and White Picnic

• Saturday 14 November, 12pm

• Location: Kwa Lichaba Chesanyama, 8033 Xorile St, Orlando West

• Cost: R80 via Webtickets

Sgetz's Denim and White Picnic brings another reason to spend Saturday in Orlando West, where Soweto's local music and social scene will take centre stage. Ashby ‘Strawberry King’, Khosi and Blaqsoul are on the line-up, giving local performers a platform in a neighbourhood with a strong entertainment culture. The picnic also gives the day a more relaxed feel than your usual club night, with Kwa Lichaba Chesanyama providing the setting. And there's a dress code to follow, so this is the time to pull out that denim and white combination you've been saving. 

Beyond Jozi

Season Finale Kyalami

• Friday 13 November - Saturday 14 November, 7am

• Location: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit

• Cost: R150 - R200 via Computicket

Kyalami’s season finale is a big date on the local racing calendar, with the Southern African Endurance Series bringing its final championship battle to the circuit. The weekend centres on the Nine Hours of Kyalami, where endurance teams will compete for the national title, alongside motorcycle races, historic cars and other categories. For fans who usually follow one type of motorsport, it’s a chance to see how different racing classes compare on the same track. There’s also a fan zone and activities for children, making it an outing that can work for the whole family.

 

Ben Vino Wine Festival

• Saturday 14 November, 10am

• Location: Emperors Palace

• Cost: R285 via Howler

The Ben Vino Wine Festival brings together 25 South African wine estates at Emperors Palace, with more than 200 wines available to taste. You can sample bottles from well-known names such as Spier, Vergelegen and Beau Constantia, making it a good way to discover wines beyond the labels you usually reach for. There’s food to go with the tastings, including Greek street food, pizza, cheese and charcuterie platters. Rewind will also be playing music from the 1970s to the 2000s, adding a nostalgic touch to the day. 

The Mlindo Live Carnival Experience

• Saturday 14 November, 7pm

• Location: Big Top Arena - Carnival City, Cnr Century Road & Elsburg Rd, Brakpan

• Cost: R250 - R900 via Webtickets

If AmaBlesser still gets you singing along the moment it comes on, you know the assignment. Mlindo the Vocalist is taking over the Big Top Arena for a carnival-style concert, bringing his band along and digging into the songs that have had South Africans hooked since his breakout. From Macala to Bamthathile, there should be a few familiar favourites to sing at the top of your lungs. And if you’ve only ever heard Mlindo through your speakers, it’s time to see what those songs sound like with the man himself on stage.

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