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.
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
First Thursdays at 44 Stanley
THU JUN 2 First Thursdays made its return to Joburg in May for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Head down to 44 Stanley from 17:00 for the June edition where you can enjoy DJ sets, food and drinks at 44 Stanley’s restaurants, and explore the artist studio of the #MyLoves Art Collective.
Transcendence by Robert Rorich at Victoria Yards
FRI JUN 2–SUN JUN 5 The last weekend of Robert Rorich’s wildlife scultpure exhibition at Victoria Yards kicks off on Friday from 16:00 with an evening filled with mindful, conscious and intentional poetry readings, meditation and live music. The exhibition is also open on Saturday and Sunday.
Beats by Her at Untitled Basement
FRI JUN 3 Another exciting night of the freshest local DJ talent kicks off at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein. This regular club night is curated by Mamthug, and the all-female line-up includes DJs Faith Sam Sam, Lady Lounger, Buhle Mbongwa An.d, and Mr 55. Tickets R100 at the door. Doors open 19:00. Find Untitled Basement at 7 Reserve St, Braamfontein
Femi Koya at Leano Restaurant
FRI JUN 3 AT 19:30 Nigerian singer and saxophonist Femi Koya headlines the jazz stage at Leano Restaurant in Braamfontein together with the Lagos Afrobeat Band. We recommend booking a table and arriving early to enjoy Leano’s flavoursome South African cuisine. Tickets R200, available online here. Leano Restaurant is located at 81 De Korte St, Braamfontein
The Linden Market Boho Winter edition
SAT JUN 4 – SAT JUN 5 The Linden Market is back at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia with the Boho Winter Edition. There’s plenty to keep you busy including more than 150 stalls, food trucks and pop-up bars, a colourful tea garden, craft workshops, kids activities, live music and more. Open 09:00–16:30, entrance R30. See our guide to ten highlights from the Winter edition for more on what to look forward to.
Market weekend at Victoria Yards
SAT JUN 4 & SUN JUN 5 FIt’s a busy weekend at Victoria Yards with two markets popping up. On Saturday there’s a special Turkish Food Market where you can shop for everything from baklava to kebabs and on Sunday there’s the always popular First Sundays market. Open from 11:00–16:00, entrance is free.
Exhibition launch at Artyli Gallery – The Stories In-Between
OPENING EVENT: SAT JUN 4 FROM 15:00 Artyli Gallery at Nelson Mandela Square presents The Stories In-Between, a new group exhibition focusing on the work of Andrew Ntshabele and Toni-Ann Ballenden and also featuring sculptures by Anton Smit. Drop by the launch from 15:00 for wine, live jazz, a bite to eat and to hear an opening address from the well-known artist and academic Gordon Froud. Exhibition on show until Jul 28.
Brooklyn’s Antique Fair
SAT JUN 4 Head north to Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria for one of Gauteng’s finest antiques fairs on Saturday. Known for its carefully curated selection of top antiques dealers from the South African Antique Dealers Association, this is a place to find high-quality treasures. There’s a superb collection of high-quality vintage pieces to shop, ranging from jewellery to tableware, ceramics and collectable memorabilia. Open 09:00–15:00 at Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria.
DJ Charles Leonard at Breezeblock Cafe
SAT JUN 4 Catch the vinyl maestro DJ Charles Leonard spinning on the decks from 15:00 at the quirky 1970s retro-styled Breezeblock in Brixton on Saturday. Known for his incredibly eclectic selection of music that mixes obscure retro with the latest contemporary sounds, Leonard’s sets are always a hit. Entrance free, for bookings WhatsApp +27 78 175 2556.
Open Garden Day – Aloe Ridge
SAT JUN 4 & SUN JUN 5 Gardens of the Golden City’s open days are making a popular return. The first open garden of the winter season is at Aloe Ridge in North Riding on Joburg’s West Rand, an indigenous garden planted with 600 aloes and 300 South African indigenous tree species including ancient African olives, mountain karee, Bushman’s poison, and Common Hook thorn. Find the Aloe Ridge garden at 303c Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. Open 10:00–16:00 . Entrance R40, kids under 12 free.
Classic Movie Sundays at The Bioscope: Top Gun
SUN JUN 5 AT 16:00 Timed to coincide with the release of the new Hollywood blockbuster sequel, the Bioscope Independent Cinema in 44 Stanley is screening the iconic 1986 original Top Gun. Directed by Tony Scott and starring a young Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis at the peak of their game, this classic movie is still as brilliantly enjoyable as when it was first released. Tickets R80, available online here
Nelson Mandela Square Antiques Market
SUN JUN 5 This monthly antique fair at Nelson Mandela Square is one of the biggest of its kind with top collectors and antique dealers taking part. From furniture and homeware to decorative arts and collectable memorabilia, set aside some time browse and you’ll no doubt find something special. Takes place 10:00–16:00, entrance is free.
COMING SOON!
Joburg Iconic Views Experience
SAT JUN 25 Don’t forget to book your tickets for our next Johannesburg In Your Pocket Experience, hosted in partnership with MicroAdventure Tours and the City Sightseeing red bus. The Iconic Views Experiences includes a tour of the historic mansion Northwards and the iconic Joburg landmark Ponte with stops for bubbly, refreshments, and food along the way. Booking is essential and places are filling fast! Tickets cost R850, book your place here on Quicket.
Turbine Art Fair 2022
THU JUL 21– SUN JUL 24 The annual Turbine Art Fair (TAF) returns to Joburg for its tenth edition and tickets are now on sale! This year’s fair takes place at a new venue in Rosebank and in honour of their anniversary is a special celebratory edition. Tickets are now on sale at turbineartfair.co.za.