What's on in Johannesburg this July!

Seeing as Nelson Mandela Day falls on a Saturday (18 July) this year, you can dedicate your 67 minutes to any worthy cause. 

The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series also officially kicks off on Sunday, 19 July, with the Mandela Day Walk & Run, taking place at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. Otherwise, check out your local events guides for fundraisers happening in your area.

As for the rest of July, it’s pretty much hardcore stuff, from The Rocky Horror Show to the Gin & Fruits Xperience, depending on what your idea of hardcore is. The iconic 702 My Jozi Walk the Talk is happening this month. If you haven’t registered yet, you could always sit this one out as a spectator.

Oh, and then we have the annual Kwa Ngubo Winter Festival in Soweto. Jazz lyricist Ncesh Nonxishi will be taking centre stage. Don’t forget your toastie blanket and headphones.

Johannesburg North

Richard OBriens The Rocky Horror Show

• Wednesday, 1 July - Sunday, 16 August, 3pm, 2pm, 6pm, 7:30pm and 8pm
• Location: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways 
• Cost: R200 - R495, bookings via Webtickets

Outrageous humour. Unforgettable music. Boundary-breaking spirit. Welcome to the Rocky Horror Show! If you’re a fan of doing the ‘Time Warp’, you’ll absolutely love the brand new production, presented by Pieter Toerien with The Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy.

Irreplaceably Human - Johannesburg

• Wednesday, 22 July, 8:30am - 6pm
• Location: Standard Bank Rosebank, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank 
• Cost: From R850, bookings via Quicket

The second Women in Finance Network Conference is an inspiring full-day experience exploring the courage, adaptability, leadership, and human connection that define the future. Keynote speakers include Rachel Kolisi, Dr Vumile Msweli, and Zanele Njapha.

“Dear Michael”

• Saturday, 4 July, noon
• Location: Inanda Club (The Glass House), Forrest Rd & 6th Ave, Inanda, Sandton 
• Cost: R100 - R1300, bookings via Webtickets

A refined daytime experience, “Dear Michael” is a luxury brunch listening affair designed for those who appreciate the golden era of 80s and 90s R&B. Oh, for the hardcore MJ fans, the curated soundtrack celebrates the timeless music and artistry of the King of Pop.

Johannesburg Central

Gin & Fruits Xperience 12th Edition

• Saturday, 25 July, 1pm - 1am
• Location: Weed Lovers Market, Marshalltown, 7 Loveday St, Marshalltown 
• Cost: Free

Pull up for the 12th edition of the Gin & Fruits Xperience at Weed Lovers Market. It’s all about good vibes, the alternative music scene, and locally-produced goodies. A collaboration with EGS Radio will see a stellar DJ line-up from Roodepoort and Soweto.

702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk 2026

• Sunday, 26 July, start time 7am
• Location: Ellis Park Stadium, Staib St, New Doornfontein 
• Cost: Spectators get free entry

The 702 My Jozi Walk the Talk will see thousands of Joburgers take to the streets of the central business district. Initially established to encourage people to see the positive transformation taking place in the city, the event has morphed into an iconic family day. It’s a celebration of Joburg’s culture and supports inner-city revitalization and the homeless community.

Time Out Tip: Keep an eye out for Mazda’s Japanese heritage, an immersive world of colour, a surprise live grand piano performance, and a giant bubble field. 

Midrand 

Sweat & Sound

• Saturday, 4 July, 2pm
• Location: The Venue at Midrand, 128 Richards Dr, Halfway House 
• Cost: R300 - R350, bookings via Webtickets

Is it a party? Is it a gym? Is it an excuse to leave the house and become a functioning member of society for a few hours? It’s all of the above! SWEAT & SOUND is a space where fitness, music, and energy meet culture to move people physically and emotionally. 

Christmas In July

• Sunday, 19 July, 10am - 1pm
• Location: Riversands Farm Village, Rose Rd, Knopjeslaagte
• Cost: From R50, bookings via Quicket

Get ready for a festive walk in support of Friends of Free Wildlife. Come dressed as Father Christmas or one of his helpers! Three scenic trail routes, a sweet treat, and a medal for all participants. How’s that for some mid-year holiday cheer?

Soweto

Kwa Ngubo Winter Festival

• Sunday, 4 July, 2pm - 9pm
• Location: Pela Extension, Emdeni South 
• Cost: From R50, bookings via Quicket

The annual Kwa Ngubo Winter Festival will see one of our generation’s most beloved storytellers, Ncesh Nonxishi, tell her stories through music. The jazz artist’s mesmerising voice will keep the audience warm, along with some delicious homemade soup.

Johannesburg South 

Secret Sunrise JHB: Mandela Day

• Saturday, 11 July, 8:30am - 9:30am
• Location: Mall of the South, Corner of Swartkoppies Road and Ext 12 Road, Aspen Lakes
• Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket

How about dancing for unity on Mandel Day? Dress up in bright colours and big smiles, and if you still have that vuvuzela, bring it along. No speeches. No seriousness. Just music and movement.

Joburg Golden July

• Saturday, 25 July - Sunday, 26 July, 9am - 2am
• Location: Turffontein Race Course, 14 Turf Club Street, West Turffontein
• Cost: From R650, bookings via Howler

Nothing screams money like the Joburg Golden July. The premier lifestyle, fashion, and horse racing festival blends elite thoroughbred racing and high fashion during the day with music concerts at night.

East Rand

Noot vir Nood Koorfees

• Friday, 24 July, 7pm - 9pm
• Location: Kempton Kruin, 30 Fiskaal St, Glen Marais, Kempton Park 
• Cost: From R100, bookings via Quicket

Join the East Rand Youth Choir for an inspiring evening of choral music at Noot vir Nood Koorfees, a special fundraising concert. Proceeds from the concert will support the valuable work of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).