October in Johannesburg isn’t just spring, it’s Pride season, and we’re turning up the volume. Led by Pride of Africa, Pride Month 2025 is themed “Purely, Queerly, African”, and this year’s calendar is stacked with experiences that blend activism, art, music, and unapologetic queer joy.
Opening the month with sparkle and mystery, the SCRT Venue series returned last weekend with drag, visuals, DJs, MCs, fashion, and immersive queer artistry. This was Pride’s secret garden before the main parade energy kicks in. If you missed it, don't worry, there's still a whole month of celebrations to participate in.
emPOWERment Summit
Date: Friday, 10 October
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Sandton Hotel, Sandton
Tickets: Free and registration via Howler
At the Sandton Hotel, this daytime event focuses on youth, workplace inclusion, and trans rights. Panels, networking, and workshops with corporate allies make it a powerful space to learn, connect, and push for change.
Buddy’s Night Out at Katy’s Palace Bar
Date: Saturday, 11 October
Time: 6:00 pm – 2:00 am
Location: Katy’s Palace Bar, Sandton
Tickets: R150
Although not part of the formal Pride month calendar, Buddy’s Night Out returns this Pride Month with another unforgettable celebration of music, movement, and queer joy. Hosted at the iconic Katy’s Palace Bar, this inclusive party brings together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a night of dancing, laughter, and self-expression. Expect high-energy beats, dazzling looks, and electric vibes all night long. Tickets are officially sold out, but a handful will be available at the door, so grab your crew and join the fun while you can.
Queer Met Gala
Date: Saturday, 18 October
Time: 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Location: The Courtyard Hotel, Waterfall City
Tickets: Free
A night of glam, fashion, bold expression and performance. Think red-carpet energy meets radical queerness at The Courtyard Hotel, Waterfall City, as Johannesburg fully leans into its fabulous side for the 8th edition of the Queer Met Gala. The Mayoral team will attend as keynote speakers, underscoring the theme Purely, Queerly, African.
Johannesburg Pride March and Festival
Date: Saturday, 25 October
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm
Location: Katherine Street, Sandton
Tickets: Free
The heart of it all. Gates open at 10:00 AM in Sandton, the parade begins at 2:00 pm, and the celebration continues into the night across three stages: the Main Stage (free for all), the Orange Experience pod, and the Community Stage, which spotlights emerging voices. The Executive Mayor will join the march, and at 13:30, the South African National Anthem will be led by the Johannesburg Queer Chorus in a powerful moment of unity.
Johannesburg Pride After Party at MOTE Restaurant
Date: Saturday, 25 October
Time: 09:30 pm – 12:30 pm
Location: MOTE restaurant, Fourways
Tickets: From R100 on Webtickets.
When the march winds down, the celebrations keep going at the Johannesburg Pride After Party, a glamorous soirée for Joburg’s fashion-forward and fabulous. Hosted at MOTE Restaurant, this is where the city’s most stylish come to play. Dress code? Smart, stylish, and unapologetically extra. Expect high fashion, iconic moments, and a chance to mingle with the chicest crowd under the Jozi night sky. Book a table, sip something sparkling, and celebrate your truth in full colour.
Why Celebrate Here? Because Pride Month in Joburg isn’t just parades and selfies, it’s a movement. Under the “Purely, Queerly, African” banner, queer African identities will be centre stage, challenging narratives and building community. So mark your calendar, plan your outfit, and choose your moments, whether you dance, learn, march, or simply show up.
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