The 8 best live music venues in Johannesburg

Located beneath Artivist, this intimate, moody space is the heart of Johannesburg’s cool indie scene and the spiritual home for progressive jazz, neo-soul, and experimental sounds. It’s an intimate, low-lit space that feels like a secret basement in London or New York, but with a distinctly Joburg pulse.

 It’s famous for its high-quality sound and "up-close-and-personal" performances. If you love discovering new sounds and artists, The Untitled Basement is the best place to find the next big thing in South African soul and experimental music.

Address: 7 Reserve St, Braamfontein.

Still the reigning champion of Rosebank’s nightlife, Katzy’s is the place for high-energy cover bands and a glamorous, cigar-lounge atmosphere. It’s consistent, upscale, and perfect for when you want to dance but keep it classy.

It features high-quality sound engineering and a rotating lineup of the city's best party bands (& DJs) and is consistently packed from Thursday to Saturday. Katzy’s is best for high-energy covers, R&B lovers, and a glamorous crowd.

Address: 17, Shop 2 The Firs, Hyatt Shopping Centre, 19 Biermann Ave, Rosebank.

The brainchild of J'Something, Artistry is where lifestyle meets legacy. Located in Sandton, Artistry is more of a "cultural platform" rather than just a venue. It offers a unique journey: dinner on the rooftop, an intimate live session in the middle-level theatre, and a wind-down in the street-level Listening Bar.

The biggest drawcard is the state-of-the-art theatre, which provides an incredibly crisp listening experience for acoustic sets and storytelling.

Their "Artistry Live" theatre sessions, which often feature surprise guest performers, bridge the gap between a high-end dinner and a raw, acoustic performance.

Address: 22 Fredman Dr, Sandown.

Located in Strydompark, Sognage is a massive converted warehouse that has become the beating heart of Joburg’s "alt" scene. From heavy metal and punk to drum and bass, Sognage is where you go when you want the music loud and the energy raw.

The professional-grade stage and lighting make every local gig feel like an international festival set, and their regular SON/\R nights, which showcase emerging local talent to industry pros. It’s gritty, loud, and unpretentious, exactly what a rock venue should be.

Address: 304 Tungsten Rd, Strydompark.

Located in Jabavu, this stylish café-bar is a hub for the modern Soweto creative. It’s a space where boom-bap, broken beat, and jazz converge in a vibrant, community-focused setting. It’s a cultural touchstone that feels authentically local while offering top-tier curation.

Native Rebels is also a restaurant, so you can tuck into delicious local cuisine and enjoy the soulful sounds of some of the city’s best jazz and soul artists. Look out for seasonal events like the Jazzuary closing ceremony (Jan 25), which features a full day of healing rhythms and jazzy house.

Address: Kadebe St, Jabavu, Soweto.

As one of the oldest bars in the city, The Radium Beerhall is a living piece of history. The walls are papered with decades of jazz posters, and the atmosphere is wonderfully nostalgic. It remains a crucial sanctuary for the city's jazz heritage. The famous first-Sunday-of-the-month show featuring the 19-piece jazz band, The Fat Sound.

Look out for their mid-week free music sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays for a more low-key, local vibe.

Address: 282 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove.

For those looking for a formal, majestic experience, the Linder Auditorium is unmatched. It is home to the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) and is widely considered to have the best acoustics in the country.

It’s a world-class venue for orchestral, choral, and grand piano performances. Look out for events like the Mozart Requiem by The Symphony Choir of Johannesburg happening in February, which promises to be a treat in a venue like this.

Address: 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown

Not your typical live music venue, Nirox Sculpture Park offers a musical experience you can’t get anywhere else: live performances set against the backdrop of world-class outdoor sculpture and rolling lawns.

The park regularly hosts live music events and is truly the ultimate "Sunday Funday" destination for families and art lovers. The drive out to the Cradle of Humankind also feels like a mini-holiday, and you’ll come back from the event just as refreshed.

Look out for The DJ Bob Jazz Club Summer Sessions, which happen at regular intervals, or the grand Concert for Love (happening this February 15).

Address: R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp.