Welcome to Johannesburg, a city bursting with energy and a vibrant spirit. Joburg offers an array of exciting activities and experiences for everyone, whether you're new to the city (check out our list of best Joburg tours and experiences) or a nature admirer (visit Joburg's most beautiful parks). If you love to shop for interesting items, see our round-up of Joburg's best markets.
Joburg's galleries are always active, with new shows opening weekly. You can read our exhibitions guide here. If you're a jazz lover, check out our list of places to listen to jazz in Joburg. For movie lovers, there are many cinemas in the city, plus stage productions like ballet and opera. And if you have kids or want to find family-friendly activities (check out our fun Gauteng attractions for families guide), there are plenty of options to choose from.
For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, explore our events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletter published every Thursday morning. Follow us on Instagram, where we publish daily updates on events in our Instagram stories.
Note: While we update this information regularly, Johannesburg is an ever-changing city, so make sure to click on links, follow our booking advice and, if in doubt, call ahead, as venues do not always communicate changes.
Our top picks for the week ahead (Thu, Dec 12 – Wed, Dec 18)
Thu, Dec 12 – Celebrate 10 years of Msaki's musical career at the genre-spanning concert Camagu in Symphony at SunBet Arena in Pretoria.Fri, Dec 13 – A special night of trivia and top-notch tunes at Vitamin Quiz's 100th quiz night at The Wild Side.
Fri, Dec 13 – Get your fitness game on with 65% off sports gear, activewear, and training equipment at the epic clearance sale on the Upper Level of Fourways Mall.
Fri, Dec 13 – Throw it back with Y2K Prime while listening to R&B, hip-hop, House, and gqom beats at The Twenty Twenty Club (formerly known as Rooftop at Hallmark House).
Fri, Dec 13 – Sun, 15 Dec – Have a dazzling night out with illuminated animal sculptures, sparkling trees, and live entertainment at the Festival of Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo.
Sat, Dec 14 – Sun, 15 Dec – It's big sounds and festive cheer at A Swingin' Christmas with the Johannesburg Big Band, guest stars, and jazz classics at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena.
Sat, Dec 14 – Raise your glass at the Rooftop Gin Festival with craft gin and live music at Rosebank Mall.
Sat, Dec 14 – Sun, Dec 15 – Thrift lovers, gear up for streetwear steals at Picnic and Thrift’s thrift pop-up market in Parkhurst.
Sat, Dec 14 – Start your Saturday with Good Morning, where brunch meets a live concert, blending melodies and coffee-fuelled energy for the ultimate morning party at Constitution Hill.
Sun, Dec 15 – Celebrate the grand re-opening of Badmanors in Illovo with great food, flowing drinks, and unbeatable music.
Sun, Dec 15 – Get ready for global grooves as Everyday People brings NYC’s coolest day party to Joburg at The Sheds, with DJs including Moma and DJ Lag.
Mon, Dec 16 – Commemorate the Day of Reconciliation with free tours of Joburg’s Constitution Hill, from the Mandela Cell to the Number 4 Men’s Prison.
Mon, Dec 16 – Catch the best local talent at DBN Gogo's Kwa Gogo music festival at Constitutional Hill.
Mon, Dec 16 – A market, a pop-up book workshop with Pulp Verso for the kids, and a Wicked Sing-Along at The Bioscope at 44 Stanley’s Festive Forty Four.
Until Sat, Dec 21 – Experience the glamour of the Roaring Twenties with a twist at The Cirk's Gatsby: A Cirque Extravaganza, where acrobats and jazz soar at Cresta.
Until Mon, Dec 23 – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Fourways Mall transforms into a Santa Land Adventure, with different interactive activity zones for the whole family.
Until Tue, Dec 24 – Get ready for festive fun at Mall of Africa with DreamWorks' Find the Fun. From Trolls rainbow slides to treasure hunts and live character appearances, it’s a holiday playground like no other.
Until Sun, Jan 5, 2025 – The enchanting production Momo's Magical Adventure is staged at Sandton City for the holidays, take the kids.
Until Fri, Feb 7, 2025 – Enjoy the festive season with a cinematic blast from the past! Catch cult classics and other iconic films at Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema series, with tickets at just R50.
Hot tickets
Fri, Dec 20 – Sun, Dec 22 – Celebrate 10 years of neighbourliness, street food, crafts, labels, live music, and Soweto spirit at Makhelwane Festival on Poka Street, Orlando West.
Fri, Dec 27, 2024 – Sun, Jan 12, 2025 – Groove to 70s and 80s hits with dazzling dancers and powerhouse vocalists Gold Reef City’s Disco City.
Sat, Jan 11, 2025 – Shake off those post-holiday blues and start your year with a bang at Joburg's first Milk + Cookies Festival, headlined by the incredible Kaytranada.
Sat, 18 Jan 2025 – Things are only getting warmer in January as pop star Tyla extends her homecoming tour with another show at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
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