[category]
[title]
The best things to do in and around Johannesburg this September from sporting action to dance extravaganzas and family fun!

Spring has sprung in Johannesburg and September brings along plenty of reasons to get out and explore the city. From major sporting fixtures and live music to contemporary dance experiences, theatre, food and pop culture, there’s something happening across the city throughout the month. Whether you’re planning a big day out, looking for something new to try or making plans for the Heritage Day long weekend, there are some events worth adding to your calendar.
The Springboks face the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, while 947 Joburg Day, Scorpion Kings Live and GRXXVY Escape bring plenty of music to the city. FNB Art Joburg, JOMBA! and the Shakespeare Schools Festival have culture covered, while Comic Con Africa, the Soweto Kota and The Luxurious Marble Circus offer plenty of reasons to get out and explore. Whatever your idea of a good Johannesburg day out, September has something worth getting out of the house for.
Check the calendar
FNB Art Joburg
FNB Art Joburg returns for its 19th edition with more than 100 artists and exhibitors from 19 African countries. You’ll find established galleries alongside bold installations, emerging artists and experimental work, offering a snapshot of what’s happening across the continent’s contemporary art scene. And you don’t have to know your art to enjoy it. Discover new artists and relish the work that catches you off guard.
Bafunny Bafunny: South African Festival of Comedy Live at SunBet Arena
South African comedy takes centre stage at SunBet Arena as Bafunny Bafunny brings some of the country’s most hilarious comics together for a night of stand-up and big laughs. Trevor Noah, Eugene Khoza and more familiar faces from the comedy scene are on the line-up, making this a chance to see some of South Africa’s top comedy talent in one place.
Music takes centre stage at 947 Joburg Day with Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small and DJ Zinhle among the top names on the line-up, alongside food, fashion, art and family-friendly entertainment. It’s the kind of event where you can spend the whole day outside, moving between live performances, good food and everything else happening around you. Make the most of the spring weather with loved ones and soak up the energy of a crowd of fellow Joburgers.
The Springboks and All Blacks go head-to-head in Johannesburg in one of rugby’s biggest rivalries. After two tests have set the tone, the series heads to FNB Stadium for another crucial encounter. If you’re a rugby fan, this is one to experience in person with an energised crowd and the kind of atmosphere you simply don’t get from watching at home.
View this post on Instagram
Got a soft spot for a good Kota? You’ll want to check this out. The ninth Soweto Kota Festival brings together more than 50 vendors, with live entertainment from DJ Lamiez and other artists, competitions, family activities and a host of Kota variations to keep you going. Bring your appetite, try a few different versions of the township favourites and settle in for a day of food, music and good vibes.
Get ready for four nights of contemporary dance as JOMBA! @ The Market Theatre brings artists from Africa and Europe to Johannesburg. The programme gets underway with HEROES, featuring Introdans,Uganda’s Joseph Tebandeke and Durban’s FLATFOOT DANCE, before moving on to work by South African choreographers Mamela Nyamaza and Vincent Mantsoe.
View this post on Instagram
Be immersed in expressive movement, strong storytelling and performances that dig into ideas around identity, belonging and human connection. It’s a great pick if you want to see contemporary African dance alongside international artists.
See Shakespeare through a younger lens at the 16th Shakespeare Schools Festival South Africa, where school and youth drama groups take on the classic in short, energetic productions. Instead of keeping Shakespeare in the classroom, the festival gives young performers the chance to make these classic stories their own, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the stage. This is a chance to support emerging talents while seeing some of Shakespeare’s beloved plays reimagined by the next generation of performers.
Oscar Mbo, Nasty C and Dlala Thukzin are among the artists on the GRXXVY Escape line-up, bringing a mix of Afro-house, amapiano and hip-hop to The River Cabin. The riverside venue sets the scene for a full day out, with food, drinks and lounge areas giving you plenty of reason to stick around between sets. It’s the sort of event where you can arrive earlier in the day and find yourself still there after the sun has gone down.
DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small are taking Scorpion Kings Live to FNB Stadium for the first time, bringing Amapiano to the stadium on a massive scale. Their 2025 show at Loftus Verveld attracted more than 50 000 fans and this time the duo are stepping things up with a full scale stadium production. Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere and be part of a huge live celebration with thousands of fans.
The Lauryn Hill Experience
Spend the evening with the music of Lauryn Hill at The Lauryn Hill Experience at the Untitled Basement.
The night features reworked versions of Lauryn Hill and The Fugees favourites alongside DJ sets adding to the atmosphere. Sing along to your favourite hits and hear them in a more intimate setting than a traditional concert, making this a good choice for anyone who wants a more relaxed way to revisit a few classics.
Four days of comics, gaming, cosplay and pop culture are coming to Johannesburg as Comic Con Africa returns with celebrity guests, competitions and interactive experiences throughout.
There’ll be plenty of familiar faces too, including Christopher Judge, Ian Cardoni and Alison Sealy-Smith, plus artists and creators from South Africa and beyond. You don’t have to be a hardcore fan to enjoy Comic Con because it started off as a niche and evolved into a full-fledged mainstream pop culture festival.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is back for another two night celebration of jazz with South African and international artists performing across four stages in Johannesburg. You’ll hear familiar names such as Floetry, Thandiswa Mazwai and Ibrahim Maalouf alongside fresh sounds, giving you plenty to discover across the weekend. Jazz fans will feel right at home, as will music fans in general because the four stages serve neo-soul, afro-pop, R&B, gospel and other genres.
Part food festival, part theatre and part spectacle, The Luxurious Marble Circus brings two days of music, fashion, food and immersive entertainment to GROUND The Venue featuring artists such as Shimza, DJ Kent and Sxncelo. Wander through the grounds, try something from Pantry, grab a cocktail and catch live performances.
View this post on Instagram
For something a little more luxurious, premium terraces and dining rooms pair fine dining with great views of the main stage. Dress up for the occasion and settle in for a weekend of glamour, theatre and entertainment that goes well beyond the ordinary.
Proteas vs Australia Pink Day ODI
The Proteas go up against Australia at the Wanderers for Pink Day, one of the biggest fixtures on the cricket calendar and a day dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer support. Alongside the cricket, fans can get into the spirit of the Pink Day by wearing pink and showing their support for the cause. It’s a day of cricket worth making a difference, combining the excitement of the match with the energy and togetherness of Pink Day.
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.
TIME OUT JOHANNESBURG RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
📢 Latest news from Johannesburg
Discover Time Out original video