Out and About in Johannesburg: Things to do this Freedom Day long weekend

Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in a strobe-lit crowd at Nasrec or find a quiet corner for a long, boozy lunch, this Freedom Day long weekend is officially the peak of the Joburg autumn season.

With Monday, April 27, giving us that extra day of grace, creating a welcome long-weekend vibe, the city is shifting into high gear, from soul-stirring heritage tours at Constitution Hill to high-energy dancefloors in Sandton and Midrand.

If your ideal long weekend involves sipping artisanal wines, tucking into a legendary kota, or catching house music royalty, our weekly guide has the best of Jozi covered from North to South.

Here is your ultimate guide to what’s happening in Johannesburg this long weekend.

Johannesburg Central

Wine 44

• Sunday, 26 April | 11 am – 4 pm
• Location: 44 Stanley, 44 Stanley Avenue, Braamfontein Werf
• Cost: R450 via Quicket

Sip your way through the Endless Summer Edition of Wine 44 at 44 Stanley, where over 15 standout winemakers pour unlimited tastings in a laid-back, autumn setting. Taking place on 26 April, this vibrant, family-friendly event blends fresh seasonal releases with great food from the precinct’s restaurants for the ultimate Sunday outing.

One Long Table 

• Saturday, 25 April | 3 pm – 6 pm
• Location: Shared with confirmed guests 
• Cost: R2500 via Howler

One Long Table returns to Johannesburg on Saturday with a beautifully curated dining experience that blends African tradition, storytelling, and contemporary luxury around a shared table. More than just a meal, this intimate gathering invites guests (21+) to slow down, connect, and celebrate through food, music, and meaningful conversation. If you're looking for an elevated afternoon out, this is it. 

Jozi Kota Festival 

• Saturday, 25 April | 10 am – 10 pm
• Location: The Station, Carr Street & Miriam Makeba Street, Newtown
• Cost: R50 via Computicket

Dig into Jozi’s favourite street food at the Jozi Kota Festival, taking over The Station in Newtown on Saturday for a full day of flavour and fun. Expect everything from your classic kota to the more creative expressions, plus live music and family-friendly vibes; it’s a high-energy celebration of local culture running from morning to night.

Constitution Hill: Free for All

• Monday, 27 April | 9 am – 5 pm
• Location: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein
• Cost: Free via Webtickets

Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy, and to mark the occasion, all tours will be free. Once a prison and military fort, the site held renowned figures like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Fatima Meer. Today, it’s home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which upholds the rights of all citizens. Taking a tour is a great way to get a deeper understanding of our history, how far we’ve come, and how much further we still have to go.

Johannesburg North

Craft Beer Garden and Kids Fun Park

• Saturday, 25 April | 10 am – 7 pm
• Location: The Old Edwardian Society, 11th 9th Ave, Houghton Estate
• Cost: R100 via Quicket

Kick back at the Craft Beer Garden at The Old Edwardian Society, where your entry includes a complimentary draught or G&T, plus the chance to win big in a lively raffle (the prize is a wheelbarrow of booze). With 50+ vendors, live music, and a dedicated kids’ fun park, it’s an easygoing, family-friendly Saturday out. 

CRAZY WHITE BOY at the Greenhouse

• Sunday, 26 April | 4 pm – 6 am
• Location: The Greenhouse Sandton, 6 Gwen Lane & Fredman
• Cost: R150 via Howler

End your weekend on a high at CRAZY WHITE BOY at The Greenhouse Sandton, on Sunday. With a public holiday on the horizon, expect a high-energy Sandton session of nonstop music, flowing drinks, and a packed dancefloor that carries well into sunrise.

Tales from the Zoo Lake

• Saturday, 25 April | From 10 am
• Location: Sakhumzi Restaurant, 1 Prince of Wales Drive, Parkview
• Cost: From R190 via Quicket

Beyond the fountain and colourful rowboats, Zoo Lake stands as a living part of South Africa’s history, the only multi-racial park in Johannesburg during apartheid. Guided by Karen Curry, this leisurely walking tour explores the much-loved green space through a tapestry of stories, bringing Zoo Lake’s past and present to life.

Deep In The City – Open Air Festival

• Sunday, 26 April | 12 pm – 10 pm
• Location: Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways
• Cost: From R300, limited tickets available via Howler

Deep In The City is a celebration of South Africa’s deep house scene. This highly anticipated festival brings together the country’s finest sounds, culture, and energy. There are limited tickets left, so don’t miss out.

Johannesburg West

Groover's Prayer Picnic

• Saturday, 25 April | 12 pm – 12 am
• Location: Toadbury Hall Country Hotel, Plot 64 Beyers Naude Exit, Lanseria, Krugersdorp
• Cost: R450 via Howler

Dress in rich auburn tones for the Groovers Prayer Picnic Experience at Toadbury Hall Country Hotel, this Saturday, where lush gardens and 360-degree views set the scene for a stylish day-to-night picnic party. With live DJs, an unplugged acoustic stage, curated picnic baskets and food vendors, this gathering is all about good music, great company, and laid-back luxury.

Johannesburg East 

The Old School Picnic

• Saturday, 25 April | 12 pm – 12 am
• Location: Wild Waters Complex, 1 Margaret Avenue, Boksburg
• Cost: R300 via Howler

Step into SA’s ultimate nostalgia celebration at The Old School Picnic at Wild Waters Complex this Saturday, dedicated to classic RnB and house vibes. Local legends Boom Shaka are headlining this one, so expect a full day of feel-good throwbacks, picnic energy, and a lively crowd coming together for one of the country’s biggest old-school music gatherings. 

House Your Sunday at Beer Bar Bedfordview

• Sunday, 26 April | 1 pm – 11 pm
• Location: Beer Bar, 43 Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview
• Cost: Free, bookings via Howler

Wrap up your weekend in style at House your Sunday at Beer Bar in Bedfordview, this Sunday from 1 pm. With a heavyweight lineup including Soulfreakah, DJ Christos, Ralf Gum and more, expect deep grooves, golden-hour energy, and a perfect way to close out your weekend.

Midrand

The Official Ultra South Africa After-party

• Saturday, 25 April | 12 pm – 12 am
• Location: Truth Nightclub, 677 James Crescent, Halfway House, Midrand
• Cost: R150 

The Official Ultra South Africa After-Party takes over Truth Nightclub, where the Ultra energy continues long after the main event wraps. Expect a late-night session of heavy-hitting sets from Chunda Munki, Ricardo Da Costa, Tristan Urwin and more, plus packed dancefloors from 22:00 until sunrise, with discounted entry for Ultra ticket holders and full throttle vibes for everyone else ready to finish the weekend properly.

Johannesburg South

Visit the Apartheid Museum

• Tuesday to Sunday | 9 am – 5 pm
• Location: The Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg South
• Cost: Free entry for all South Africans on Monday, 27 April

One of the best ways to understand a country and its people is by examining the past and the events that have shaped the present. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum offers an immersive journey through the history of apartheid, showcasing powerful lived experiences through film footage, photographs, text panels, and artefacts. The museum also features dedicated exhibitions on Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

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.