Each week we round up the latest concerts, markets, parties, tours and other cool 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 newsletter guide to Joburg published every Thursday morning.
Here’s our pick of cool events to put on your calendar this weekend.
Femme is Fatale at The Bioscope
THU MAY 19–SAT MAY 21 Actress and singer Elzabé Zietsman presents Femme Is Fatale, a passionate and powerful new one-woman cabaret show that mixes song and storytelling, to discuss the chronic scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. Performances start at 20:00. Tickets R180, available online here.
Design Joburg 2022
THU MAY 19–SAT MAY 21 An annual showcase of the very best in African design, from fashion to furniture, interiors, and architecture, Design Joburg is Africa’s premium décor and design event. Happening at Sandton Convention Centre, this year visitors can look forward to dozens of cool custom showrooms and design collabs, interactive exhibitions and installations, a brilliant design talks programme, a fantastic shopping arcade, pop-up gin bar and restaurant, and more. Tickets cost R130 per day. Find out more and book tickets here.
Bokani Dyer introduces Radio Sechaba
FRI MAY 20 Catch pianist, songwriter and producer Bokani Dyer at the Untitled Basement in Braamfontein for the launch of his new project Radio Sechaba. Described as a ”new take on Jazz”, the new tracks expand poon Dyer’s growing experiments with mixing jazz and soul sounds with the possibilities of electronic music. Doors open 20:00, performance starts at 21:30. Tickets R200 online, R300 on the door.
A Place Called Home by Trevor Stuurman
FRI MAY 20– SUN JUN 19 Stylist, photographer and fashion icon Trevor Stuurman presents his first solo exhibition in Joburg, A Place Called Home. A collaboration with top decor brand Weylandts, the immersive exhibition takes place at a private Parktown home at 26 Rhodes Avenue, Parktown. The exhibition is open Mon–Sat, 11:00–17:00 and you should first buy tickets to visit online. Tickets R50, available online here.
Kingsmead Book Fair
SAT MAY 21 The Kingsmead Book Fair finally returns after two years of ‘hybrid’ online events. The day-long programme of events at Kingsmead College in Rosebank includes talks, readings and panel discussions by a host of famous local novelists, poets, academics and journalists. There’s also a great book sale and as always plenty of outdoor space and a courtyard in which to socialise over food and drinks. Tickets R100, kids under 12 R50. Entrance to individual talks sessions R60, available online here.
I Am Live by Bassline Fest featuring Nakhane
SAT MAY 21 Award-winning musician, actor, and writer Nakhane, plays his first gig on the South African stage since he moved to London two years. Taking place at Constitution Hill, this is an exciting day of live music featuring some of the biggest contemporary names, with other artists on the bill including Sun El Musician, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Ms Party, Nomisupasta and Aurus. Gates open at 14:00, tickets R320, available online here.
Peace concert at Nirox Sculpture Park
SUN MAY 22 Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz and poetry readings in the tranquil surroundings of the elegant Nirox Sculpture Park, at this special concert day dedicated to world peace. In addition to the live music, there’s also food and drinks available from the gourmet Epicurean Emporium and the opportunity to explore the newly opened winter sculpture exhibition ‘Good Neighbours’. Gates open from 10:00, tickets R400, available online here.
Russell Kaplan Autumn Wunderkammer auction
UNTIL MAY 29 We love Russell Kaplan Auctioneers’ vibrant ‘Wunderkammer’ auctions for their eclecticism and variety. With hundreds of items on sale, ranging from furniture to fashion, art and antiques, it’s always an enticing opportunity to pick up something unusual that you wouldn’t ordinarily find anywhere else. The Autumn Wunderkammer auction is open for bidding until Sun May 29. Visit the glittering showroom at the Bram Fischer Centre in Ferndale, Thu May 19–Sat May 21 and Mon May 23–Wed May 25 from 09:30–16:30. Register to bid online at rkauctioneers.co.za.