Out and About in Johannesburg: Things to do this weekend

There’s a specific magic to Johannesburg in mid-April. The city has officially swapped its summer thunderstorms for that golden, late-afternoon glow.

While the pace might feel more relaxed, the cultural calendar is doing anything but cooling off. We are officially in the heart of festival season, where the mild autumn afternoons provide the perfect backdrop for open-air celebrations.

From the stage to the streets, this is what's hot and happening in Johannesburg this weekend.

Johannesburg North

An intimate night wth Claptone

• Friday, 17 April | 7 pm – 3 am
• Location: The Marc, 129 Rivonia Road,  Sandown, Sandton
• Cost: R1000 via Howler

Zioux hosts a rare Johannesburg appearance by German tech-house sensation Claptone on Friday, bringing his signature deep house sound to an intimate Sandton setting for one night only. With just 300 seats available, expect a close-up, immersive experience paired with Zioux’s elevated food and drinks.

Fundamentals FUN-Day 

• Sunday, 19 April | 11 am – 3 pm
• Location: The View Boutique Hotel, Auckland Park
• Cost: R280 via Quicket

Fundamentals FUN-Day by Fundamentals Skincare brings a playful twist to self-care, blending skincare consultations with carnival rides, creative workshops, and hands-on experiences in one vibrant event. From DIY scrubs to self-defence sessions and indulgent treats, expect a feel-good day of glow-ups, good vibes, and interactive fun.

The K-POP Market 

• Saturday, 18 April | 12 pm – 3 pm
• Location: Market Kokoro, Fourways
• Cost: R52 via Quicket

K-pop fans can dive into a vibrant afternoon at THE K-POP MARKET, hosted by KOCO at Market Kokoro on Saturday. Expect a curated selection of albums, photocards, merch, and Korean snacks in a relaxed, community-driven space perfect for collectors and casual fans alike.

Barry Hilton's 'Audience Unplugged’

• Sunday, 19 April | 6 pm – 8 pm
• Location: Hotel Sky, F150 West Street, Corner of West Street and Maude St, Sandton
• Cost: R250 via Quicket

Comedian Barry Hilton is bringing the laughs to Hotel Sky with his latest show, Audience Unplugged, an interactive experience where audience suggestions spark the comedy, and no two performances are ever the same.

Pantry x The Marc pop-up

• Sunday, 19 April | 6 pm – 8 pm
• Location: The Marc, 129 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton
• Cost: No entry fee

Pantry by Marble is making its mark at The Marc in Sandton with an exciting new pop-up. Guests can enjoy Pantry’s famous freshly made pizzas, along with fan favourites such as sandwiches, salads, and a selection of freshly baked sweet treats and pastries.

Meet me at The London

• Friday, 17 April and Saturday, 18 April | 8 pm – 4 am
• Location: The London, 160 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank
• Cost: R150 on Howler

The newest addition to the Johannesburg nightlife scene, LONDON, lights up Rosebank this weekend for an electrifying all-night experience, running from 8 pm to 4 am. Featuring a packed lineup including Xduppy, DJ Kamzza, Isiko, Josh Hincks and more, the club promises high-energy sounds and a vibrant dancefloor in one of Johannesburg’s premier nightlife spaces.

CARNIVALE at the Greenhouse

• Saturday, 18 April | 4 pm – 1:30 am
• Location: The Greenhouse Sandton, Gwen Lane, Sandton 
• Cost: R150 via Howler

Step into a vibrant, high-energy night at CARNIVALE at The Greenhouse Sandton, featuring electrifying sets from Kyle Cassim and more. From sunset through sunrise, expect immersive beats, bold visuals, and a carnival-inspired atmosphere in the heart of Sandton.

West Rand

A Concert for Water

• Sunday, 19 April | 10 am – 6 pm
• Location: 24 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
• Cost: R80-R650 via Howler 

A Concert for Water comes to Nirox Sculpture Park on 19 April 2026, closing the global Soil & Water project with a powerful day of music, art, and reflection on humanity’s deep connection to water. Curated by Rob Allan and featuring leading artists including Paul Hanmer and Thandi Ntuli, the event blends live performance and storytelling in a scenic amphitheatre to inspire collective awareness and action around one of Earth’s most vital resources. 

Gin pairing: A Spellbound Gin & Gastronomy Experience 

• Saturday, 18 April | 3 pm – 6 pm
• Location: Chef Jacques, 283 Honeydew Rd W, North Riding AH, Roodepoort
• Cost: R375 via Quicket

If gin, food, and a touch of magic pique your interest, you are in luck. Hosted by The Witches’ Brew, your ticket includes a welcome drink as well as a four-pairing experience. Each gin is complemented by a dish created by Chef Jacques, ending on a sweet note, of course – think calamari, crispy pork belly, and an apple rose tartan.

East Rand

Boxing 5 Presents: Big Guns 

• Saturday, 18 April | Doors open 5:30 pm 
• Location: Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Century Rd, Elsburg Road, Carnival City, Brakpan
• Cost: R275 via Webtickets 

Champion Chris Thompson is back in the ring, defending his crown against Shaun Potgieter in a SA Heavyweight Title rematch. Two heavyweights, one ring… but only one can walk out as SA Heavyweight Champion.

Midrand

International Day of Creativity and Innovation

• Saturday, 18 April | 9 am - 3 pm 
• Location: City Centre Steyn City, Midrand
• Cost: Free book via Quicket

Community, celebration, and creativity are at the heart of the latest event by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Browse thousands of hand-knit blankets, all created with the mission of knitting the nation together by providing warmth and comfort and second chances to those in need. Food, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase.

Johannesburg Central 

ODE SOUL

• Friday, 17 April | 6 pm till late
• Location: Jozi Gold Brewing Company, 81 De Korte Street, Braamfontein 
• Cost: R150 via Howler 

Your favourite soul experience returns to Jozi Gold Brewing Company on Friday, bringing a rich blend of live neo-soul, jazz, and R&B in an intimate, high-energy setting. Curated by Imisebenzi Emihle, this 18+ event promises smooth sounds, vibrant vibes, and a night made for unforgettable memories.

Hooked on Cinema

• Friday, 17 April | 9 pm – 9:30 pm
• Location: The Bioscope Independent Cinema, Braamfontein Werf
• Cost: R250 on Howler

Get creative at Hooked on Cinema at The Bioscope Independent Cinema on Friday night, where you can crochet while enjoying a screening of Marty Supreme in a relaxed, community-driven setting. Your ticket includes a full DIY crochet kit and popcorn, making this cosy, cool way to learn something new. 

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