Events: What’s on in Johannesburg

With an all-female lineup, Shekhinah’s Rosefest is set to celebrate women and their contributions to South African music this Women’s Month. 

This ultimate girls’ day will be filled with community, empowerment, and incredible music on 9 August at Casalinga.

Time Out Tip: The festival is cashless.

The Rocky Horror Show is coming to the Pieter Toerien Main Theatre at Montecasino from 12 June to 16 August, featuring a great cast, dazzling performances, iconic costumes, and Craig Urbani returning to the role of the legendary Dr Frank-N-Furter.

This production is presented by Pieter Toerien Productions together with The Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy and directed by Steven Stead.

Presented by Cape Ballet Africa, Swan Lake arrives at the Teatro at Montecasino this August, running from 7 to 23 August. Set to Tchaikovsky’s powerful score, this timeless tale of love, magic, and sacrifice explores themes of passion, betrayal, and eternal devotion.

Branded as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, New Zealand will tour South Africa for the first time in 30 years, featuring an eight-match showdown. On 22 August, they’ll clash with the Springboks at Ellis Park Stadium in a guaranteed sell-out encounter.

Whether you live and breathe rugby or just want to be part of sporting history, this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

From 28 to 30 August, South Africa’s largest industry-supported auto show returns to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

Across three days of high-energy motoring action and family-friendly entertainment, the Festival of Motoring will host more than 100 exhibitors showcasing automotive products, custom vehicles, and the latest innovations in the industry, alongside food stalls and entertainment.

From Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026, the FNB Art Fair returns to the Sandton Convention Centre for its 19th edition. 

Divided into a range of curated sections, the fair showcases contemporary art through established galleries, large-scale installations, experimental practices, non-profit initiatives, and emerging talent. 

Wine, food, and music. What more could you ask for? On 5 and 6 September, Casalinga once again hosts Groves & Vineyards, bringing the Cape Winelands to Johannesburg.

With over 40 food and wine vendors, why book a flight to Cape Town when everything you need is right here in Jozi?

If your idea of a great weekend includes next-level food, wellness trends, free samples, and chef demos, this is a must-see event at the Sandton Convention Centre from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September.

Now in its sixth edition, the event offers access to 90+ expert talks, interactive experiences, chef demos, and wellness sessions, along with 250+ exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products from across Africa.

South Africa’s ultimate pop culture and gaming festival returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September.

From rare comic books and collectible memorabilia to world-renowned actors, celebrated comic book artists, and standout cosplayers, plus live Q&A sessions and autograph signings, this is a convention you won’t want to miss.

Missed out last year? We caught up with Misha Collins to talk fandom, longevity, and his first visit to South Africa.

Here we go again! Mamma Mia! The Musical returns to Teatro at Montecasino from 16 October to 22 November. Get ready to sing along to some of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, and Take a Chance on Me.

Set on a sun-soaked Greek island, the story celebrates young love, sisterhood, motherhood and dot, dot, dot (see what we did there).

Returning to Huddle Park in Linksfield on Saturday, 28 November, Oskido’s Big Day Out is showcasing some of South Africa’s finest talent, with  Brothers of Peace (BOP), Liquideep and Mdu headlining. 

Beyond the must-see lineup, festivalgoers can expect the ultimate festival experience, with a curated food zone, fun activations and plenty of photo opportunities.

J. Cole is set to light up Jozi on 12 December 2026, taking to the stage at FNB Stadium for his first performance in the region in over a decade.

The show marks the grand finale of the American rapper’s highly anticipated The Fall-Off Tour, making Johannesburg the final stop of the tour.