There’s always something new in Joburg. Each week we hunt down the latest pop-up events, markets, parties, talks, tours and other happenings so you don’t miss them.
For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, check out our online events calendar and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter guide to Joburg published every Thursday morning.
We’re going to be blunt here and just say – the weekend ahead is crazy! We can’t think of the last time we have seen so many cool events kicking off at exactly the same time. The only difficulty is choosing where to go…
Here’s a look at 12 of the freshest events that caught our eye.
Johannesburg In Your Pocket Sunset Rosé Experience
SUN NOV 28 Join us as we celebrate the end of jacaranda season and the run-up to the December festive season on an open-top bus ride through Joburg’s leafy streets to Munro Drive in Houghton. We’ll be heading up to one of Joburg’s finest viewpoints to enjoy wines from Pink Valley Rose, chocolates from Chocoloza and a blazing Joburg sunset. Check in is at 16:30 for a 17:00 set off in Rosebank. Tickets R245, book online here.
Blu Betty pop-up at Katy’s Palace Bar
FRI NOV 26 and SAT NOV 27 Cult footwear label Blu Betty hosts a pop-up in Kramerville packed with all the newest Blu Betty designs, plus amazing deals on ”imperfect perfect” factory flaw items that are not usually on sale. Keeping things festive there’s also a pop-up gin bar. Doors open at 08:30 on Fri and Sat at Katy’s Palace Bar, Kramerville.
Born in Joburg food truck market
FRI NOV 26 and SAT NOV 27 The cool boutique hotel and co-living community Black Brick in Sandton Central hosts the first edition of Joburg’s new food truck market. The market launches on Friday night with live music. As well as food, live music and DJs there are also kids activities and e-scooters for hire. Open Fri Nov 26 16:00–21:00 and Sat Nov 27 10:00–15:00. Entrance R30, kids under-12 free. Tickets available here.
African Bird by Khaniysile Mthetwa
FRI NOV 26 Flautist Khaniysile Mthetwa launches her new album African Bird. Best described as ‘urban classical’ her music mixes strong classical roots with progressive jazz and blues. The concert takes place at the newly refurbished Seabrook Hall, next to the Wits Theatre on the Wits University campus in Braamfontein. Tickets R250 via Quicket.
Night Embassy – Kombonation Kaofela Kaofela
FRI NOV 26–SUN NOV 28 Part of this summer’s Night Embassy series, Kombonation hosts a three-day kasi lifestyle experience at The White House in Zone 5 Meadowlands, Soweto that includes fashion shows, games nights, writing discussions and performances by local rap and amapiano stars. Performers include the hosts themselves, plus Bilal Da DJ, Focalistic, Jägermeister Brass Cartel and scores more. Tickets R50 per day or R150 for a weekend pass. Buy yours online here.
The Linden Market Christmas Edition
SAT NOV 28 and SUN NOV 29 The Linden Market’s annual Christmas Edition takes place at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens with the biggest edition yet. Look forward to more than 150 stalls, a boutique fashion show, live music, the return of their pretty pop-up tea garden and maker’s workshops dedicated to ceramics, floristy and jewellery making. The market is open 09:00–16:30, buy your tickets online in advance (R30) here or get them at the gate.
Summer Faire & Artisanal Market at Rand Club
SAT NOV 27 Dedicated to all things vintage, this pop-up at Rand Club presents a vintage clothing, antiques and books sale plus lunch time talks with local writers and artists. There are also opportunities to join a guided tour of this grand Joburg landmark and drinks and lunch on sale at the club’s historic bar and restaurant. Open 09:00–14:00, tickets R50, kids under 12 free.
Bassline Fest — I am Here
SAT NOV 27 The Bassline Fest is back at Constitution Hill headlined by South African icon Thandiswa Mazwai who is joined on the bill by Zambia-born and Australia-based singer-songwriter Sampa The Great, rapper StogieT, vocalist LaliBoi, and many more. The festival takes place from 14:00–23:00. Tickets R400, kids under 12 R200, buy yours here.
The Feel Good Series at Victoria Yards
SAT NOV 27 The Feel Good Series party takes over the complex of makers, artists and artisans Victoria Yards on Saturday. Expect a chilled afternoon of live performances including feel-good music from rapper TSA and Afrobeats from DJ Kat Upendi, plus sets by DJ Al Da 3RD, Bambatha Jones, and 808 Smash. The party takes place 12:00–21:00, tickets R150, available online here.
Walala Wasala at 27Boxes in Melville
SAT NOV 27 This family-friendly artisanal pop-up market is back in Melville, in the lovely garden at 27 Boxes. Showcasing all things artisanal there’s great street food, vintage fashion, handmade gifts and cool local design brands. Open from 10:00–15:00, entrance is free.
One night in Kinshasa rooftop cookout
SAT NOV 27 One night in Kinshasa is a rooftop cookout centred around bringing the people as close to Kinshasa as possible through the power of food, drinks, and music. In addition to Congolese street food, there’s also DJ Kims, DJ Osmo-fusion, and DJ BK on the decks blasting classic Central African tunes. Although it’s called one night in Kinshasa, everyone is welcome to experience the 243 culture. At the IH Rooftop at IH language lab, 54 De Korte St, Braamfontein from 14:00–23:00. Tickets cost R230 for food, or R350 with food and drink. Contact Coco Mbuya on +27 72 407 6476 to book.
Breakfast at Khujo’s birthday party
SUN NOV 28 Celebrating its second birthday, The Dig’s Sunday party Breakfast at Khujo’s returns to the Women’s Gaol at Constitution Hill. DJs on the decks include Mr Khujo himself and at this edition there are also live performances by special guests including The Brother Moves On. Even though the event is called Breakfast at Khujo’s, it is an afternoon to evening affair starting from 13:00–21:00. Tickets R200 online here.