The best music festivals in and around Johannesburg

• Saturday, 1 August, 12pm
• Huddle Park, 121 Club St, Linksfield
• Cost: R350 - R2 500 via Webtickets 

Scatterlings Music Festival makes its debut this year, bringing a fresh addition to Johannesburg’s growing festival calendar. Honouring the legacy of Johnny Clegg, the festival shines a spotlight on South African music, culture and storytelling through a diverse mix of iconic performers and rising stars, under the curation of Jesse Clegg and Msaki. With performances by Zakes Bantwini, Sjava, Sun-El Musician, Simmy, Msaki, Tresor, Jesse Clegg, J’Something, Zolani Mahola, Sminofu and more, the festival promises to deliver a full day of live performances in the heart of Johannesburg. At its heart, Scatterlings is about more than the music, it’s about celebrating the people, stories and sounds that make South African music so distinctive. 

• Saturday, 29 August, 11am
• Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia
• Cost: R195 - R245 kids, R295 -R345 adults via Webtickets 

Celebrate Women’s Month with a day of live music at one of Johannesburg’s biggest outdoor music festivals. Tribute to Women brings together some of South Africa’s biggest names, featuring Mafikizolo, Msaki, Sjava, Nomfundo Moh and Busiswa, blending amapiano, Afro-pop, soul and dance music for a day of honouring the women of South Africa.

• Saturday, 29 August, 1pm
• Maracana, 58 Wierda Road East, Wierda Valley, Sandton
• Cost: R199 - R249 general admission, R349 - R449 VIP via Howler

Afrobiza Music Festival combines the spirit of Ibiza with the sounds of Afro house and Afro-tech for a day of music in Johannesburg. Hosted at Maracana in Sandton, the festival features an open-air line-up of local and international artists from day to night. Sun-El Musician, NaakMusiQ, MORDA, Kususa, Nurogroove and MCK lead this year’s line-up, with food, cocktails and entertainment completing the festival experience.

• Saturday, 29 August, 6pm
• La Salud Kitchen and Lounge
• Cost: R150 general, R200 Couples, R350 VIP via Quicket 

Fans of nostalgic singalongs, smooth R&B and feel-good Afro sounds, Lovers & Friends Joburg promises to be an unforgettable night of music. After a successful sold-out debut, Lovers & Friends Joburg returns with another two-floor celebration of music, culture and connection at La Salud Kitchen and Lounge. The soundtrack moves effortlessly between Konpa, Kizomba, Zouk, Afrosoul and R&B, with live performances and DJs keeping the dance floor buzzing throughout the event. With its intimate festival setting and feel good atmosphere, Lovers & Friends is the perfect place to dance, connect and discover new music.

• Sunday, 30 August, 10am
• Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia
• Cost: R395 kids, R595 - R695 adults via Howler 

Returning for another year, one of Johannesburg’s best-loved music festivals once again brings together music lovers for a day packed with live music and celebration. Marks Park once again plays host to Parklive Jozi, where international acts and some of South Africa’s biggest names share the stage together. Headlined by New Zealand soul artist TEEKS, the festival also features Nasty C, Matthew Mole, Good Neighbours, Elaine, Will Linley, Rowlene, Neon Dreams, with more artists still to be announced. Alongside the star-studded line-up, Parklive Jozi is known for its gourmet food stalls, refreshing drinks and a relaxed outdoor setting, making it one of Johannesburg’s favourite festival experiences.