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Wirestock | Johannesburg, South Africa – September 28, 2013: A group of African women in traditional garb costumes performing dances at a festival
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Events: What’s on in Johannesburg

Johannesburg's event calendar is hotting up with live music, fun events and theatre galore. Here's what's hot and not to be missed in the City of Gold!

Liesl Bartlett
Written by: Poelano Malema
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From live music under city lights to art fairs, food markets, theatre, and cultural festivals – Johannesburg is alive with events that celebrate its creativity, diversity, and unstoppable energy. Whether you’re into jazz at sunset, rooftop parties, cutting-edge exhibitions, or family-friendly weekend plans, our curated guide brings you the best of what’s happening in the City of Gold. Stay plugged in and never miss a moment.

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What's on in Johannesburg

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events

Sip, swirl, and savour the best of the Cape Winelands at the Ground CRU Wine Festival – Winter Edition, taking place on the 5th & 6th of July 2025 at the stunning Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift.

From 11:00 to 17:00, guests will enjoy a curated wine tasting experience featuring top-tier South African wineries, food stalls bursting with winter flavours, live music, and fun kids' activities—making it the perfect day out for wine lovers and families alike.

Each ticket includes:

  • A branded Ground CRU wine glass

  • Tastings at all wine stands

  • Access to exclusive cellar pricing

Whether you're a seasoned sipper or a curious newcomer, Ground CRU is your chance to taste, engage, interact, and stock up on your favourite wines—just in time for winter.

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events

Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience at the Le Petit Chef In The Footsteps Of Marco Polo event in Johannesburg.

The 'smallest chef in the world' will bring the internationally acclaimed culinary experience to the Blueberry Hill Hotel in Honeydew.

The 3-D experience, where guests get to 'travel' with the smallest chef in the world, as he explores various cuisines and flavors in different countries around the world, offers a unique dining experience.

Guests get to enjoy a six-course gourmet dining experience. Not only do guests get to induldge in mouth-watering dishes, but there is also entertainment galore. From storytelling to live perfomances.

Be sure not to miss it. 

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  • Things to do

Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, Bluey is coming to South Africa for its ever theatre show.

Watch Bluey live at the Teatro at Montecasino from 9-20 July. 

The characters would be bought to life by world- class puppeteers and not only will you experience the live performances, but you will also get to meet Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad after the show. The show will run for 50 minutes. 

The show will also feature new music from the show. 

Tickets range from R200 to R900. 

  • Things to do

South Africa’s double Emmy-nominated ventriloquist Conrad Koch is back on stage – and yes, Chester Missing will be there too. Alongside the sharp-tongued puppet, audiences can expect a few new characters, including a rat who thinks he’s a celebrity chef (meet Gordon Ratsy), DJ Hoodie and Mr Dixon, among others.

Running for four nights at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino (10-13 July), the show dives into everything from global politics and celebrity nonsense to the chaos of social media and the everyday absurdities of life in South Africa.

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  • Things to do

Food Show South Africa, one of the continent’s largest food and beverage expos, is coming to Johannesburg this July at the Gallagher Convention Centre. Taking place over three days, from 16 to 18 July, the event will feature more than 150 exhibitors and attract over 8,000 industry professionals. 

Designed to accelerate growth in Africa’s food and beverage sector, the show offers attendees the chance to explore the latest market trends and innovative marketing strategies.

It also provides a platform for food producers and retailers to showcase their products to a highly engaged audience.

  • Things to do

Decorex Africa, the pinnacle event of the 2025 African design calendar, is returning to the Sandton Convention Centre from 24 to 27 July. This four-day celebration of design, innovation, and creativity will showcase over 300 exhibitors across five distinct halls, all under the theme 'The Future of Living.’ 

Whether you're an industry professional or a design enthusiast, this is the place to be for cutting-edge trends and fresh ideas. 

Best of all, entry is free for children under 12, and convenient parking is available at the venue.

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  • Things to do

Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of jazz at the Business Premium Jazz Festival. The concert will take place at the Big Top Arena on Saturday, 2 August 2025 at 19h00 at Carnival City. 

The line-up will feature an all female line-up in honour of Women's Month. Lira and Amanda Black are amongst some of artists that will be performing. 

Prepare for a night of music, sistahood and great vibes. 

Tickets cost R500. 

  • Things to do

The Good Life Show, Africa’s premier event dedicated to food, drink, and conscious living, is coming to Johannesburg.

Hosted at the Kyalami International Convention Centre from 1 to 3 August, this three-day event will showcase hundreds of plant-based, free-from, natural, organic, wellness, and sustainable products available for sampling and purchase.

Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibitors, attend informative talks and demonstrations, and experience the latest trends in health-conscious and eco-friendly living.

Convenient parking will be available on-site for R25.

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  • Things to do

Mark your calendars: from 30 to 31 August, the Hey Neighbour Festival returns to Legends Adventure Farm just outside Pretoria, bringing two days of high-energy performances, global music icons, and vibrant summer-festival vibes.

Set to be one of the biggest music events near Johannesburg this year, the festival boasts a stellar line-up featuring international superstars like Doja Cat, Central Cee, and Leon Thomas, alongside top local talent.

  • Things to do

The Festival of Motoring has evolved into the largest industry-supported automotive show in South Africa – and across the continent. It returns to Johannesburg this August at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre.

Running from 29 to 31 August, this three-day event will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing a wide array of automotive products, services, lifestyle offerings, and custom vehicles.

Attendees can also enjoy food, entertainment, and more than 10,000 test drives led by professional drivers.

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  • Things to do
  • Festivals

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, for its most ambitious edition yet — three full days of genre-defining performances, global icons, bold collaborations, and an elevated celebration of jazz’s enduring legacy.

With over 60 artists from 15 countries across four stages, this year’s festival puts a spotlight on powerful women in jazz, visionary Pan-African sounds, and cutting-edge global talent. Highlights include Esperanza Spalding, Lakecia Benjamin, Oumou Sangaré, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thandi Ntuli, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Amanda Black, Tresor, and a full showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners.

From soul-stirring solo sets to orchestral grandeur, audiences will experience an immersive musical journey rooted in African heritage and shaped by contemporary voices from across the world.

Tickets are available at TICKETMASTER,

  • R1 350 – Day Pass

  • R2 250 – 2-Day Pass (Fri & Sat or Sat & Sun)

  • R3 250 – Full Weekend Pass

Standard Bank cardholders enjoy up to 15% off (limited to 2 tickets per person, subject to availability; T&Cs apply). Hospitality packages also available on the Joy of Jazz website

  • Things to do

CHICAGO is back – and it's bolder, sassier, and more sensational than ever!

Step into the dazzling world of the roaring 1920s with this electrifying, jazz-soaked musical that tells a riveting tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz.

Featuring seductive choreography, iconic music, and razor-sharp wit, CHICAGO brings its signature razzle-dazzle to the Teatro at Montecasino from 3 October to 9 November.

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  • Things to do

Multi-award-winning international star Travis Scott will be hitting the stage in Johannesburg later this year. 

The rapper would be performing in Johannesburg as part of his Circus Maximus World Tour. 

His show will take place on 11 October 2025 at the First National Bank Stadium, which has a capacity of over 90,000. 

The musician has also announced that he would be performing in India, South Korea, China and Japan. The shows will take place from October until November across the different countries.

Travis' world tour started in October 2023. 

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