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.
Here’s a look at 5 of the freshest Joburg events this weekend.
Festival of Lights at Joburg Zoo
UNTIL JAN 2 Explore Joburg Zoo by night and enjoy a glittering festive light display every evening from 19:00. Providing entertainment this weekend at the Festival of Lights are contemporary dance troupe the Art of Dance and folk and soul by singer-songwriter Xoli B. Tickets cost R150, kids under 12 R75, pensioners R90 and can be bought online here.
Toyland Factory at Sandton City
UNTIL JAN 9 A massive toy extravaganza comes to Sandton City with activations by brands such as Hamleys, Build-a-Bear, Toy Kingdom and Lego, as well as a live daily acrobat show (at 12:00 and 16:00) and live ballet dance performance (daily at 14:00 and 18:00). Santa Claus is also there daily to meet kids and hear their wishes.
The Field Market Christmas edition
SAT DEC 11: The last edition of this family-friendly market hosted in the tranquil green surrounds of Sandton’s Field & Study centre is a special Christmas edition. Enjoy local produce and artisanal foods under the trees and shop for local arts and crafts while the kids enjoy an array of child-friendly activities. There’s also live music all afternoon courtesy of Michael Baloyi, Simone Govender, Will Rayz and Jesse Harvey. Open 09:00 until 15:00 at Sandton Field & Study Park. Entrance is free.
Nine Lives at Market Theatre
UNTIL SUN DEC 19 Multi-award-winning actor Warren Masemola stars in this one-man play about a gay Zimbabwean asylum seeker in Leeds, UK who is awaiting a Home Office decision that could potentially save his life. A powerful look at the many challenges faced by asylum seekers trying to find a place of safety in contemporary Europe. Showing at Market Theatre, tickets R150 online here.
Breakfast @Khujos
SUN DEC 12 After being postponed due to the incessant rain, The Dig’s Sunday Breakfast at Khujo’s finally gets to host its second birthday party at the Women’s Gaol at Constitution Hill. DJs on the decks include Mr Khujo himself and Just Themba. 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.
ALSO HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
UNTIL DEC 19 Sandton City Drive-In Cinema Christmas edition
UNTIL DEC 23 Clive van den Berg’s Underscape is on show at Goodman Gallery
SAT DEC 11 & SUN DEC 13 Lolo Rollins, Nonhlanhla & Femi Koya perform at Festive Live on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square
SUN DEC 12 Rosebank Sunday Market’s car boot sale
UNTIL DEC 24 Janice Honeyman’s Adventures in Pantoland – Cinderella at Joburg Theatre (no performances on Dec 9 and 10)