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.
Open Studios Joburg
SAT MAY 28 & SUN MAY 29 This lively open studio weekend is the biggest edition yet with seven artist studio collectives taking part, showcasing the work of more than 100 artists. Saturday’s programme sees open studio days at Bag Factory in Fordsburg, Transwerke at Constitution Hill, and Lapa Residency in Brixton, as well as a refreshment stop at Charlie & Gerald’s Town Treasure on Fox Street. On Sunday attention turns east to August House, Ellis House, Living Artists Emporium, and Victoria Yards. Entrance is free and there is a free shuttle service running between all the venues, but you must register on Quicket to attend. Find out more and register here.
Hlakanyana at UJ Arts Centre
UNTIL WED JUN 8 UJ Arts Centre brings a brand new musical theatre production Hlakanyana to the stage, starring some of South Africa’s most exciting young actors, and directed by theatre icon Janice Honeyman. Inspired by the traditional Zulu folktale, ‘Hlakanyana’ is an Afrofuturistic fusion based on folklore that explores the challenges of present-day South Africa. Takes place at UJ Arts Centre Theatre. Tickets R180, available online here
“Nine Racists” Chester Missing and Konrad Koch at The Bioscope
THU MAY 26 –SUN MAY 29 Live stand-up comedy at the Bioscope Theatre at 44 Stanley has become a favourite for those who love to end the week on a funny note. Spreading some laughter this week is Chester Missing and his Emmy-nominated ventriloquist Conrad Koch who will be taking aim at South Africa’s racial divisions, apartheid, white privilege, and “nice racists”. This one is not for the easily offended. Tickets R150, available online here.
Africa Day Festival at Constitutional Hill
SAT MAY 28 Constitution Hill celebrates Africa Day with this special all-day festival held under the themes “Each one Teach one” and “Each one Feed one”. The festival programme includes business talks, African fashion and craft stalls, live music and DJs, and a proudly African food markets featuring traditional dishes from across the continent. The festival takes place from 12:00, tickets R150, available online here.
Feel Good Series at Victoria Yards
SAT MAY 28 One of Joburg’s best day-to-night parties. The Feel Good Series always attracts a cool crowd of local artists, musicians, and DJs with an eclectic music lineup that is fierce and fresh including a new different headline live performer every month. The May edition takes place at Victoria Yards with hip-hop soul singer Lordkez headlining. Gates open from 12:00, tickets R150, available online here
Kunene and the King at Joburg Theatre
SUN MAY 29 – SUN JUN 19 The iconic John Kani returns to the Joburg Theatre stage in this acclaimed play written by the actor and directed by Janice Honeyman. Set in 2019 South Africa, Kani plays Lunga Kunene, a nurse with a passion for Shakespeare who finds himself caring for a classically trained actor, who is undergoing a life-changing medical diagnosis. Tickets R300-R450 available for purchase online here.
Creative Native Vintage Car Show at James Hall Museum of Transport
SAT MAY 28 In celebration of International Museum Week, the largest transport museum in South Africa hosts the Creative Native Vintage Car Show. You can expect a grand showcase of vintage cars, classic motorbikes and other treasures from the museum as well as guided museum tours. The highlight of the event is of course the live music programme featuring local favourites BCUC, The Charles Géne Suite and Kitchen Mess, and a host of DJs. Takes place 10:00-18:00. Tickets are free but must be redeemed online in advance here.
Africa Day Groove at Soweto Theatre
SAT MAY 28 Soweto Theatre’s annual Africa Day party boasts a brilliant lineup of some of South Africa’s finest alternative live performers including Sjava, The Brother Moves On, BCUC and Malcolm Jiyane who will lead the Peanut Butter and Jam jazz session. In addition to the impressive music line-up, there’s an African food market and a fashion sale. Takes place at Soweto Theatre from 12:00, tickets R200-R250, 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. Register to bid online at rkauctioneers.co.za.