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A guide to the best things to do and places to go this weekend in Johannesburg, from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.

Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this weekend? We’ve got you!
September’s first weekend is packed with reasons to get out and explore Johannesburg. You could spend the weekend eating and drinking, catching a show, exploring somewhere new or doing very little at all. From the city centre to the suburbs and township, here’s our guide to the weekend in and around Johannesburg.
Weekend weather
The weather isn’t exactly playing along this weekend, with an 80% chance of showers across Johannesburg from Friday through Sunday. Rain aside, it’s looking pretty cool out there, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C overnight to around 20 °C during the day. You’ll want an umbrella and a warm layer, and perhaps a Plan B for when the rain inevitably makes an appearance.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Johannesburg North
Friday night needs a soundtrack and this is where to find it. We Love RnB’s Spring Edition brings a heavy dose of nostalgia, with classic R&B favourites and a long playlist guaranteed to have the whole room singing along. It’s ideal if you want a chilled evening out and reasons to hit the dance floor. One throwback turns into another and before long the whole room is singing along. You might as well stay until the end.
Joburg’s big music day is back so you can spend your Saturday with great music from some of South Africa’s biggest artists. Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small and DJ Zinhle and more local favourites share the stage.
There’s also food, fashion and other experiences to check out. You might arrive planning to see one or two acts and end up staying until the end. Bring your friends and make a day of it.
No art degrees required for this one, just turn up and see what catches your eye. This year’s edition brings together galleries and creatives from across the continent, with large-scale installations, photography, talks and walkabouts all on the programme. It’s a good chance to see what’s making waves in contemporary African art and discover an artist worth keeping an eye on. Across its specialised sections, the fair has plenty to offer whether you're a curious first-timer or a connoisseur.
Open Stage is a relaxed Friday night showcase where comedians, musicians and other performers get their moment at the mic. It’s deliberately casual so you can settle in with a drink, enjoy the talent and cheer on the performers trying something new. You never know who might take the mic or what they’ll bring and that’s what makes it fun. A performer you’ve never heard of could end up being the highlight of your evening.
Johannesburg Central
If all you need for a good Saturday is a solid groove and somewhere to settle in, In-Tune is worth a look. Expect soulful sounds and deep grooves from a carefully curated line-up featuring Nutty Nys, Deniece Marz and Mr. 55 at &Friends. Ease into the afternoon and let the night unfold with good tunes, a relaxed atmosphere.
Add a little more meaning to your Saturday night with this thoughtful experience. Song, dance, drama and poetry integrate in Echoes of Heritage Reimagined to explore South African traditions and the cultural importance of cattle in indigenous African societies.
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With multiple South African languages, traditional sounds and dance all part of the mix, the production offers a colourful celebration of cultural history. You might leave smiling, reminiscing about your experience and humming one of the songs on the way home.
Johannesburg West
Local talent, lively performances at an affordable price make Roodepoort Dance Festival a solid weekend choice. Young emerging dancers take centre stage at this long running festival, bringing a mix of styles, giving audiences plenty to take in throughout the festival. From contemporary to classical or simply enjoy watching a great performance, there’s something here to keep you engaged.
Take the break from the city and spend the day among the vines. Casalinga hosts more than 40 wine estates and vendors at Grooves & Vineyards, with a relaxed weekend of wine, food and live music on the cards.
There’s a beer tent, picnic-style seating and a dedicated kids’ zone, so you can settle in and enjoy the day without a packed itinerary. Take your time, try something new, there’s no need for rushing from one tasting to the next.
Johannesburg South
This one is worth wrapping up warm and heading out for on Saturday. FNB Stadium hosts the third Test of Rugby’s greatest rivalry as the Springboks take on the All Blacks with the series level at 1-1. Expect a packed stadium, plenty of noise and the kind of tension that builds with every tackle and try.
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There’s lots of action to get into with the Springbok Women facing New Zealand Women before the main event kicks off. Even if you’re not usually glued to rugby, the atmosphere alone makes this one worth exploring.
Kaizer vs Siwelele FC brings Betway Premiership action to the stands, with the crowd and atmosphere making up a big part of the experience.
There’ll be chants, cheers and unmistakable tension from the stands as the two sides battle it out on the pitch. Make your way to Dobsonville Stadium for local football, a buzzing crowd and unpredictable moments that make match day worth experiencing.
Beyond Jozi
Get ready for a big night of comedy as Bafunny Bafunny brings some of South Africa’s comedians together under one roof for a night of stories and jokes. The show features a mix of established names and rising acts, making it a good pick for an evening spent switching off and having a good time. With comedy this big, expect personality from the stage, with each comedian bringing their own style.
There’s plenty to keep you busy at The Picnic Club’s Spring Picnic, from good food and live music to simply settling and enjoying the day. Smuts House in Irene sets the scene for a relaxed day of live music, thrift finds and the Springboks vs All Blacks match on the big screen. Get to experience live performances from Jack Parrow, Koos Kombuis, Loufi and many others before the Springboks take over the big screen. All you really need is a picnic basket, good company and a free Saturday to enjoy it at your own pace.
Some Sundays call for good energy, positive vibes and something a little different. Oncemore Six heads to the Big Top Arena for an uplifting afternoon of gospel music, live worship and songs you’ll know by heart. His distinctive voice and gospel sounds have earned Oncemore Six a strong following, with live shows that invite crowds to sing, praise and enjoy the moment together. It’s an easy way to slow down and close the weekend on a high note.
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