The best music festivals in and around Johannesburg

• Saturday, 5 September, 12pm
• Location: Germiston Lake, 06 Rand Airport Road, Airport Park
• Cost: R200 - R250 via Howler

The Old School Picnic is back at Germiston Lake, bringing together lovers of old-school R&B, house classics and timeless throwback hits for a full day of music. Alongside a lineup of top DJs, festivalgoers can expect food and drink vendors, live entertainment and a vibrant outdoor setting at Germiston Lake. With a focus on nostalgia, music and community, The Old School Picnic offers music lovers a relaxed day of classic sounds in the open air. 

• Sunday, 6 September, 12pm
• Location: 4ways Farmers Market, Stone House Gardens
• Cost: R350 via Howler

After a series of sold-out shows, Msaki In The Park returns to Johannesburg for an afternoon of live music under the open sky. The scenic surroundings of 4Ways Farmers Market allows guests to enjoy an intimate performance by the acclaimed singer while making the most of food stalls, bars and plenty of space to settle in for the afternoon. With soulful live music, a relaxed picnic atmosphere and plenty of food and drinks on offer, it’s an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

• Wednesday, 16 September, 9am
• Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
• Cost: R300 - R325 via Howler

Just a one-hour drive from Johannesburg, Lentedag has grown into one of South Africa’s biggest and longest-running student music festivals. Celebrating its 24th edition, Lentedag returns with five stages, a 100-metre main bar, eye-catching festival decor, interactive games and a full day of live entertainment. The 2026 line-up has yet to be announced, but the previous editions featured artists such as Focalistic, Kamo Mphela, Spoegwolf and Van Pletzen. Popular with students and music lovers alike, Lentedag delivers live music, a social atmosphere and plenty to keep festivalgoers entertained.

• Friday, 25 September to Saturday, 26 September, 6:30pm
• Sandton Convention Centre
• Cost: R1 150 Day Pass, R2 250 Weekend Pass via Ticketmaster 

One of Johannesburg’s premier jazz events, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns for its 27th edition with two evenings celebrating the best of local and international jazz. Each year, the Sandton Convention Centre comes alive with multiple stages, acclaimed jazz artists and once-off collaborations that have become the hallmark of the event. Whether you’re returning year after year or attending for the first time, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is a festival worth experiencing.

• Saturday, 3 October, 10am
• Location: Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
• Cost: R300 via Howler

Homecoming Africa marks its 10th anniversary with a lineup featuring A-Reece, Kelvin Momo, 25K, Ch’cco, Dlala Thukzin and Blxckie. Inspired by the year it all began, this year’s edition revisits 2016 with live music, two stages and immersive experiences that celebrate the era’s music, fashion and culture. The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens once again hosts Homecoming Africa with a star-studded lineup and full day of outdoor entertainment.

• Sunday, 4 October, 12pm
• Montecasino Outdoor Events Arena
• Cost: R699 via Quicket 

In The City brings the energy of Rocking the Daisies to Johannesburg, pairing international artists with some of South Africa’s most exciting acts. American rapper Isaiah Rashad, known for introspective lyricism and genre-blending sound, headlines this year’s edition with a supporting line-up of South African artists set to be announced. Expect a day of live music, excellent food and an energetic festival atmosphere that showcases the best of local and international talent.

• Saturday, 10 October, 12pm
• Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown
• Cost: R200 to R2 000 via Webtickets 

Back to the City Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, returning to Newtown for its largest edition yet. The festival showcases more than 100 artists, DJs, graffiti artists, producers and streetwear brands, turning Newton into a vibrant celebration of hip-hop culture. Alongside the music, the festival features MC and DJ battles, graffiti showcases, basketball games, skateboarding, streetwear, food stalls and interactive activities. 

• Saturday, 28 November, 12pm
• Huddle Park, Johannesburg
• Cost: R695 general, R1,950 VIP, R6,950 VVIP via Webtickets

Now in its third year, Oskido’s Big Day Out returns with another celebration of South African music and culture. Making use of two stages for the first time, Oskido’s Big Day Out fills Huddle Park with performances across house, amapiano, hip-hop, kwaito and other genres. Liquideep, Brothers of Peace (B.O.P) and Mdu Masilela are among the first artists confirmed, with more artists expected to be announced in the coming months. The experience extends beyond the music, with food, fashion, lifestyle experiences and premium hospitality adding the day’s programme. 

• Saturday, 28 November, 4pm
• Location: Old Park Station, 140 Carr St, Newtown, Johannesburg
• Cost: R600 - R700 via Holwer

Piano People Johannesburg 2026 has unveiled its first lineup announcement with Uncle Waffles and Focalistic among the artists confirmed for the 2026 edition at Old Park Station. Following successful sold-out events in London, New York and Cape Town, Piano People arrived in Johannesburg with world-class production, innovative stage design and a lineup celebrating amapiano. The first lineup announcement is just the beginning, with more artists expected to be revealed ahead of the festival’s Johannesburg edition.

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