Nhlalala Mthembi

Few things beat spending a Sunday outdoors with live music, delicious food and Johannesburg’s crisp winter sunshine setting the scene for a laid-back day with friends and fellow festivalgoers. Year after year, Parklive has drawn music lovers to Marks Park in Emmarentia, solidifying its reputation as one of Johannesburg’s favourite outdoor music festivals. A fixture on Johannesburg’s live music calendar for more than a decade, Parklive Jozi has built a loyal following with its carefully curated mix of international artists, South African favourites and an easy-going outdoor festival experience. Back for its 13th edition on Sunday, 30 August, Parklive Jozi is promising to be another full day of live entertainment, delicious eats and a lively festival atmosphere.  Nhlalala Mthembi is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist. He writes about culture, entertainment, and lifestyle, with a particular interest in storytelling that highlights South African experiences. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg

A great meal doesn’t have to come with a hefty bill, and Johannesburg’s restaurant specials prove just that. Johannesburg’s restaurants are serving up weekly specials that make dining out more affordable, from two-for-one pizzas, half price pasta to cocktail happy hours.  So, whether you’re planning a quick lunch, after-work drinks or a date night, here’s where to find some of Johannesburg’s best food and drink deals. If you feel we’ve missed anything, please head over to our social pages and let us know - Facebook and Instagram. Let’s share the good deals with everyone. NB: Please note that these specials can change from time to time, and we have no control over if/when they do. We will do our best to keep the list as up to date as possible. Nhlalala Mthembi is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist. He writes about culture, entertainment, and lifestyle, with a particular interest in storytelling that highlights South African experiences. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Few cities celebrate live music quite like Johannesburg. From massive festivals headlined by global superstars to celebrations of jazz, amapiano, rock, electronic music and everything in between, Johannesburg’s festival calendar caters to every kind of music lover. More than just a chance to see your favourites live, Johannesburg’s music festivals bring people through unforgettable performances, electric atmospheres and a shared love of music. Here’s your guide to the best music festivals happening in Johannesburg. Nhlalala Mthembi is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist. He writes about culture, entertainment, and lifestyle, with a particular interest in storytelling that highlights South African experiences. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate the women in your life while making time for a little self-care. Across Johannesburg, restaurants, hotels and spas are celebrating Women’s Month throughout August with everything from special dining experiences and cocktail specials to luxury spa experiences.  However you choose to celebrate Johannesburg’s Women’s Month specials make it easy to enjoy everything from lunch dates, spa getaways, cocktails and afternoon tea. To help you make the most of Women’s Month, here’s our pick of Johannesburg’s top Women’s Month dining, spa and cocktail specials. Nhlalala Mthembi is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist. He writes about culture, entertainment, and lifestyle, with a particular interest in storytelling that highlights South African experiences. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city.

Norwood, tucked between Houghton, Orange Grove and Linksfield, is one of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs, known for its rich character and vibrant atmosphere. Unlike many Joburg neighbourhoods which are celebrated for shopping or nightlife, Norwood is best known for its food scene, cultural heritage and welcoming community. Grant Avenue is the beating heart of Norwood, where cafes, bakeries, restaurants and independent businesses line the pedestrian-friendly high street, reflecting Norwood’s multicultural identity.  Whether it’s brunch, a long lunch or dinner with friends. Norwood delivers all the atmosphere of its neighbouring suburbs, but at a slower, more relaxed pace. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Norwood. What is Norwood known for? Food is at the heart of Norwood’s appeal, making it one of Johannesburg’s best dining destinations. Norwood may have earned the nickname “Little Italy” thanks to the Italian community that settled here in the 1950s, but these days its dining scene reflects flavours from around the world.  Grant Avenue’s restaurant scene encompasses Norwood’s multicultural character, with everything from Middle Eastern eateries and Jewish delis to Ethiopian restaurants, Turkish cafes and beloved Italian favourites. Few streets in Johannesburg offer such a diverse mix of cuisines, all within easy walking distance. While food may draw visitors to Norwood, its tree-lined streets, heritage homes and welcoming community are just as much a part of

Diepkloof is one of Soweto’s oldest and most established suburbs. It’s where history is blended with a strong sense of community. It's also home to some of the township's best places to eat, alongside a lively nightlife that keeps the neighbourhood buzzing throughout the weekend. There’s certainly plenty to discover here. What is Diepkloof known for? Established in the late 1950s during the expansion of Soweto under apartheid, Diepkloof has grown far beyond its origins, emerging as a lively neighbourhood known for its local flavour, beloved eateries and vibrant nightlife. Today, generations of families still call Diepkloof home, while its popular restaurants and social scene continue to attract visitors from right across Johannesburg. Unlike some of Soweto’s better-known tourists hotspots, Diepkloof has an unmistakably local feel. Residential streets sit alongside busy shopping centres, neighbourhood cafes and family-run businesses that have served the community for years. Whether it’s grabbing breakfast on the go, enjoying a relaxed afternoon catching up with friends or spending the evening at the neighbourhood lounges and bars, there’s always something happening. Thanks to its central location, Diepkloof also offers easy access to the township’s best-known attractions and neighbouring suburbs. History remains woven into the fabric of Diepkloof, but the neighbourhood continues to evolve through its restaurants, cafes, nightlife and creative energy. Food is one of Diepkloof’s

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup hopes have come crashing down in the extra time minutes of their match against co-hosts Canada.  After earning a crucial draw against Czechia, Bafana Bafana headed into the final group-stage match knowing that a win would secure a place in the knockout stages. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. But it was not meant to be. Hardlines Bafana, you did us proud!  Still, the tournament showcasing the beautiful game continues. Here's where you can continue to catch all the World Cup action.

With its infectious energy, memorable songs and plenty of laughs, The Big Bad Musical is guaranteed to leave audiences smiling. Performed at Roodepoort Theatre, this clever production brings together well-known fairy-tale characters for a courtroom trial where the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand to share his side of the story in a musical packed with humour, catchy songs and unexpected twists. The production keeps its momentum throughout, making the most of its clever concept. Its brisk pacing, witty dialogue and irresistibly catchy songs make it impossible not to enjoy. The songs are one of the show’s biggest strengths, leaving me wishing there was a rewind button so I could hear them all over again. They're the kind of tunes that stay with you long after the final bow. Comedy that steals the show Comedy is where The Big Bad Musical truly shines. Its humour has broad appeal, delivering jokes that resonate with audiences of all ages without ever feeling forced. One of the show’s biggest laughs comes from one of the witnesses called to testify. She refuses to sit on an ordinary chair, insisting that she needs a tuffet (a small, low foot stool) instead, sending the courtroom into a frenzy as everyone tries to find a suitable seat. But was it the seat that mattered or the testimony!?  It’s a small but memorable moment that perfectly captures the show’s infectious sense of fun. The courtroom news reports are another inspired touch, hilariously summarising the day’s proceedings while

You can usually spot a boardroom collaboration a mile away. K Keed and Orish’s isn’t one of them. They’re connected by more than music. Both artists grew up in the same part of Gugulethu and their friendship naturally evolved into a creative partnership. Their first collaborative project landed in 2023, and judging by the response, a second was less a decision than a matter of time. They only had to post a snippet of the lead single to learn how much people were still interested in their sound. The audience made their feelings known, and the two took the energy straight back into the studio, which resulted in uMgaranto II. The project is a reflection of where they’ve come and what shaped them along the way without making their upbringing sound bigger than it was. Instead, they look at the details; what they watched after school, how they dressed, the friends they hung out with, the mischief they got up to and the moments they still laugh about years later. Growing up in Gugulethu means there’s already plenty they don’t have to explain to each other. They share the same references and the same understanding that growing up could be messy, chaotic and completely normal. To an outsider, some of their stories sound extreme. To them, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Gallo MusicK Keed is now based in Johannesburg and Orish is still in Cape Town but the creative partnership hasn't stopped thriving. That shared understanding carries over into the music. They’ve spent enough time

There’s no shortage of inspiring women to celebrate this Women’s Month. This year, I found myself wanting to look beyond the familiar names. I cast my lens on the women closer to home – the ones who seldom get the spotlight despite building businesses, creating opportunities and making a living from their skills, ideas and passions. One name that stood out was Sphelele Nozipho Chikowi, better known as Lele, the founder of Soweto-born fashion and lifestyle brand Ntozinhle Lifestyle.   Based in Orlando West, Ntozinhle spans fashion, accessories, beadwork and homeware with South African culture and tradition woven into its design. Translating to “beautiful things” in isiZulu, Ntozinhle is a fitting name for the handmade brand, which has been creating intricate designs since 2012. What stood out to me wasn’t simply what Ntozinhle sells but how the business was conceived, and the women whose work has shaped its story along the way.    The hands behind the beads  The pieces may be what catches your eye, but for Women’s Month, it’s the people behind them who make the brand worth a closer look.   Ntozinhle’s beadwork is made by around 50 women from KwaNdebele, while young leather artisans from Vosloorus also contribute to the brand’s work. The intricate designs don’t come together overnight; a feature on the website details how some pieces take days to complete. Instagram: ntozinhle_lifestyleNtozinhle Lifestyle's handcrafted pieces ALSO READ: The story behind Sweet Savannah: Mpha-C

Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this weekend? We’ve got you! From cheering on the big sporting moments to experiencing a show and immersing yourself in creativity, another jam-packed Johannesburg weekend is upon us. Catch the big match at Ellis Park, book some theatre or slow things down with a Sunday spent browsing local finds. Elsewhere, you’ll find soulful live music, Women’s Month celebrations, basketball action and plenty of ways to discover something new. However, you like to spend your weekend, there’s plenty to get you out of the house. Make the most of the weekend with our guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg this weekend. Weekend weather It’s been a mostly dry week, but the weekend is looking warmer and more comfortable in Johannesburg. Temperatures will hover around 12 °C in the morning before climbing to a warm 24 °C later in the day. Sunny skies are on the cards for Friday and Sunday, with Saturday looking a little cloudier. Whatever the weather, there’s plenty happening. Start with a jacket, lose it as the day heats up and spend the weekend checking out the city’s concerts, shows and make the most of what’s happening across Johannesburg. Friday  Min: 12 °C  Max: 23 °C Weather conditions: Sunny Saturday  Min: 13 °C Max: 24 °C Weather conditions: Cloudy  Sunday Min: 13 °C Max: 23 °C Weather conditions: Sunny Johannesburg North Messy Masterpieces Women’s Month Paint & Sip Saturday, 22 August, 10am Location: Pizza e Vino Leaping Frog, Mulba

Some artists have a moment. Amadodana Ase Wesile have had a four decade long journey. Now, after 41 years of making traditional gospel music, the group is entering a new chapter. There is plenty to celebrate and even more to look forward to. The group’s latest album, Monghali Mesia, won Best African Indigenous Faith Album at SAMA32, while Amadodana were also named Radio 2000’s Duo/Group of the Year.  For Amadodana, the awards are a reminder that staying true to their sound hasn’t stopped them from reaching new audiences. According to group member Siphiwo Maxhosa, the key to Amadodana’s longevity is simple: staying connected to their roots while paying attention to how the world is changing. “We think it is about relevance. It is understanding the environment under which we do this work of traditional gospel music; and also not forgetting where we come from.” he says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amadodana Ase Wesile Official (@amadodanaasewesileofficial) With their award-winning album Monghali Mesia, Amadodana continue to explore the  themes of faith, spirituality and Christian gospel tradition that has defined most of their music, while staying connected to the sound the group has developed.  The Radio 2000 award was an unexpected highlight for the group. Maxhosa says they were surprised to be recognised by a station with such a broad audience — another sign that their sound can connect with diverse groups.  They also want to play

Cars made way for people in Joburg’s Main Street on 9 August, as Main Street Sundays returned to Marshalltown.  A section of Johannesburg’s CBD was transformed into a car-free space with pedestrians, cyclists and skaters taking over the streets. The free event offered something for all ages with activities spread along the route, extending the experience to Gandhi Square. The latest edition followed April’s inaugural event, which brought more than 5000 people into the CBD and gave Joburgers another chance to experience Main Street differently. This time around, live music, food trucks and pop-up markets and kids’ activities brought Main Street to life without the usual traffic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Johannesburg (@timeout.johannesburg) ICYMI: The inaugural Main Street Sundays is a sun-drenched success So, when is the next Main Street Sunday? The next event date is yet to be confirmed. Jozi My Jozi will announce the next event date, programme and other details through its official channels in due course. The goal is to turn Main Street Sundays into a recurring city experience rather than an occasional event. Jozi My JoziYou can also shop at the market and if you get hungry, food vendors are galore. The vision is to create a programme with enough consistency for Joburgers, businesses, traders, creatives and visitors to plan ahead and get involved. Each edition, however, may have its own character and format. Rather t

After more than 50 years in music, Louis Mhlanga has learned as much from people as he has from music. Born in South Africa and raised in Zimbabwe, Mhlanga’s musical journey has taken him across Africa, working alongside icons like Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Busi Mhlongo and Miriam Makeba. His music transcends continental constraints as he has also collaborated with Al Jarreau (USA), Julian Sartorius (Switzerland) and Eric van der Western (Netherlands).  On Saturday 22 August, Mhlanga joins Jozi Gold Brewing Company’s intimate jazz series for an evening of live music. The session will showcase the musical education obtained through collaboration, where he’s picked up new rhythms, ideas and traditions. Travelling across the world has broadened Mhlanga’s perspective, giving him a deeper sense of how music can reflect a place and its people. He says he’s still learning and doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. “It’s been a learning process and it never stops,” he says. His respect for that ongoing learning is evidenced by how he talks about the musicians who came before him. For Mhlanga, those collaborations were about far more than performing side by side. He took lessons from more than just their music, picking up the importance of humility and respect from the way they lived and worked. Along the way, he grew more interested in the traditions behind Southern African music. The mbira and kora, as well as the rhythms and melodies handed down through generations, continue to ho

Looking for things to do in Johannesburg this weekend? We’ve got you! The week may have started on a wet and icy note, but Johannesburg is a city of vibrant people who refuse to let bad weather get in the way of their weekend. From high stakes sporting rivalries and live performances to comedy, theatre, wellness and good food, the city’s weekend calendar is designed to satisfy every palate. From the roar of the stands and the buzz of live music to comedy nights, there's a cocktail of events worth having on your weekend radar. Make the most of the weekend with our guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg this weekend. Weekend weather After days of heavy rain and even a sprinkling of snow in some parts of Johannesburg and surrounding areas, this weekend is expected to experience drier conditions. However, temperatures might remain chilly, dropping to 4 °C and rising to 17 °C during the day. So dress in layers, keep a jacket nearby for the crisp mornings and take advantage of the improved weather with Johannesburg’s line-up of concerts, theatre shows and winter events.  Friday   Min: 4 °C  Max: 14 °C Weather conditions: Sunny Saturday  Min: 4 °C Max: 15 °C Weather conditions: Sunny Sunday Min: 5 °C Max: 17 °C Weather conditions: Sunny Johannesburg north Worlds Away Friday, 14 August to Sunday, 16 August, Various times Location: The Cirk, Cresta Shopping Centre, Weltervreden Road and Beyers Naude, Randburg Cost: R200 - R300 via Koid  Enter a world of imagination wit

Tygers, clear your Sunday plans: Tyla is heading home to Joburg! Fresh from the release of her second album, A*POP, the two-time Grammy winner will take over Gold Reef City on Sunday, 16 August, for a special fan appreciation event presented in partnership with South African Tourism and powered by Absa.   Released on 24 July, A*POP sees Tyla continue shaping her signature “popiano” sound, mixing pop, R&B and amapiano with house influences. The album also keeps its South African roots firmly in place, featuring collaborations with MaWhoo, Babalwa M and Liquideep, alongside Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. The homecoming will give Tyla a chance to celebrate her new era with the hometown fans who supported her long before Water turned her into a global superstar.   “Whenever I’m home, I feel like myself again,” she says. “I love being surrounded by my people and my fans – it reminds me where I come from.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tyla (@tyla) How can fans attend Tyla’s Gold Reef City takeover? Tyla is giving away 1,000 tickets to Sunday's event. All fans need to do to enter and secure a free ticket is create a TikTok video using a song from A*POP, taking her official account and use the following hashtag: #APOPGOLDREEFCITY.  Sundays' event runs from 9am to 5pm, giving fans a full day of A*POP energy at one of Tyla’s favourite childhood hangouts! What you need to know about Sunday What: Tyla’s A*POP Takeover When: Sunday, August 16, from 9

Seasons change, and so is the Delicious Festival. After previously announcing dates in September 2026, organisers have confirmed that the festival will now return on 10 and 11 April 2027 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. “We’re still here. We’re simply turning the page,” the festival said in an announcement shared on its Instagram page. SuppliedA new era for the Delicious Festival with a brand new partnership and new dates. Organisers described the move as the dawn of a new era, with April set to become the festival’s new season, offering "more intention and more room to grow." The new dates follow the end of Delicious Festival’s 12-year partnership with DStv. Despite the departure of its longstanding headline sponsor, the independently owned and produced event is set to continue. A new broadcast partner Delicious has also announced the SABC as its official broadcast partner. Details of the agreement have not yet been revealed, including whether the 2027 festival will be broadcast live or which SABC platforms will carry the coverage. And what about the 2027 line-up? So far, the new dates come without any artist announcements. While the 2027 dates are confirmed, the festival has not yet announced the ticket prices or when sales will open. For anyone still expecting the festival this September, the answer is now clear: Delicious Festival will skip September and return in April 2027. The dates may be changing, but the location is staying put. The Delicious Festival will ret

Make your Saturday night in Johannesburg one to remember. This August, Johannesburg is giving jazz lovers plenty of reasons to spend an evening in their favourite city. Jazz at Jozi Gold in Braamfontein keeps the August groove going with three live performances at the Jozi Gold Brewing Company on De Korte Street, featuring the Abathwebuli Trio, jazz guitar legend Louis Mhlanga and renowned bassist and composer, Herbie Tsoaeli. The series is designed for intimate listening, offering audiences the chance to immerse themselves in the music of some of South Africa's seasoned jazz legends in a setting that feels more personal than a traditional concert venue. Abathwebuli Trio – 15 August The series hits the first note on Saturday, August 15, as the Abathwebuli Trio takes the stage, featuring saxophonist Mthunzi Mvubu, bassist Sipho Mabena and percussionist Gontse Makhene. The trio’s sound moves between African jazz, rhythmic traditions, soulful melodies and ancestral chants, seamlessly blending traditional influences into a modern sound. SuppliedCelebrate Women's Month with the legendary Abathwebuli Trio in Braamfontein. Mthunzi Mvubu has established himself as one of South Africa’s most acclaimed saxophonists and flautists. His debut album, The 1st Gospel, snatched the Best Male Jazz Artist accolade at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards in September 2023. Two months later, the album got a South African Music Awards nod with a Best Jazz Album nomination. Coming from a family of percussioni

Each Sweet Savannah collection tells a story inspired by the people and places behind it. Rather than letting seasonal trends dictate her designs, Sweet Savannah founder Mpha-Cecillia Kapasula finds inspiration in Africa’s natural wonders, celebrating the continent through fashion while inspiring curiosity about its landscape and cultural heritage. What began as a creative philosophy has grown into the foundation of the brand’s DNA and earned Mpha-Cecillia the Capitec Rising Star Award at Decorex Africa 2026.  Despite its current identity, Sweet Savannah didn’t begin as a fashion label. It all began in 2018, when Mpha-Cecilla set out to create home decor inspired by African fabrics. She produced a range of cushions, stools and furniture that celebrated the continent’s vibrant colours and bold prints. Mpha-Cecilla identified a gap in the market, which culminated in the introduction of furniture that stood apart from the neutral palettes that had become common in many homes.  Without warning, just over a year later, the Covid-19 pandemic brought its early momentum to an abrupt halt. Sales gradually dried up, which intensified the urgency for the business to pivot. Mpha-Cecilla’s determination to keep the business alive propelled her to take up a new skill new skill in sewing. With the world on lockdown, YouTube became her “fashion school” of choice, and she tested the market by producing face masks. What started as an income-generating venture soon evolved into the first step t

With artists representing multiple genres and generations, Parklive’s latest edition is packed with performances worth adding to your festival schedule. If you’re still deciding who to see or have already planned your day around your favourite, here’s why each artist deserves a spot on your Parklive itinerary.  Need the full lowdown? Head to our complete Parklive guide for venue information, ticket details and everything else you need to know about the festival.  Elaine Instagram: elaineofficial_Pretoria-born Elaine Not many can say that they have become one of the defining voices of South African R&B quite like Elaine, and that is thanks to her smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Her sound fuses modern R&B, soul and subtle trap-soul beats, while her lyrics explore the highs and lows of relationships with honesty and warmth. Listen before you go: You’re the One, Say I Do One More Dance on Spotify.   As her career has grown internationally, Elaine has stayed true to the warmth and vulnerability that first resonated with listeners. Her collaborations with Major League DJz showcased her versatility, proving she’s just as comfortable over house-inspired rhythms as she is delivering soulful R&B. Whether the mood is intimate or uplifting, Elaine delivers every performance with effortless control, never losing the emotional core of her music.  At Parklive, expect a performance that balances two sides of Elaine’s artistry. Whether she’s drawing the crowd in with soulf