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.
School of the South at JCAF
UNTIL SAT JULY 16 Book to watch the screenings of three outstanding art lectures at Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation this month. The lectures, led by prominent international researchers, explore the life and work of three iconic artists – Amrita Sher-Gil, Frida Kahlo and Irma Stern – whose works go on display at JCAF later this year. The lecture screenings are free but booking is essential and space is very limited. See the timetable of screenings and book your seat online at jcaf.org.za.
Seeing Other People by POPArt at The Bioscope
UNTIL SUN JULY 10 Indie theatre is back with the edgy POPArt presenting Joburg’s second run of the award-winning production, Seeing Other People at The Bioscope in 44 Stanley. The chaotic comedy, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Dario Fo and his actress wife Franca Rame’s The Open Couple, explores the fragility of relationships in the face of infidelity and the challenges of monogomy. Showing nightly until Sat July 9 at 19:00 and on Sun July 10 at 15:00. Tickets R120, available online here.
Night Embassy – Dormant Youth’s Groove Biennale in Alexandra
FRI JUL 8–SUN JUL 10 Jägermeister’s Night Embassy party series continues with a unique underground adventure at the Twin Park venue in Alexandra courtesy of Thelma Ndebele (aka DJ Dormant Youth). The three-day Groove Biennale party kicks off Friday with a presentation of electro and gqom sound infusions. On Saturday is a ballroom-inspired party with sounds from queer DJs such as LeloWhatsGood, Skits, and Dormant Youth, and closing off the event on Sunday is an African-electronic music party. Tickets are free but you must first register on the Night Embassy website.
The Playground
SAT JUL 9 On Saturdays, all roads lead to Braamfontein’s The Playground market with a jam-packed line-up of brilliant food, superb cocktails, live music performances, and the coolest collection of local fashion on sale. This week’s music line includes DJ Impact and DJ Shluda. The market is open 09:00–18:00, entrance free until 11:00, thereafter entry costs R20.
That’s Nice pop-up at 99 Juta
SAT JUL 9 Catch the latest edition of the That’s Nice! pop-up at the quirky 99 Juta courtyard in Braamfontein. On the decks is Sean Munnick keeping things groovy with local house tunes alongside DJs including Fka Mash, Ntsigo, Buhle Mbongwa, Lungile Shaun, Reade’s Radio, and more. You want to be there early for this one as the first 50 guests get pizza and welcome drinks. There is also a cash bar and food on sale. Doors open at 13:00. Tickets R50 available online here.
Jim Beam Welcome Sessions
SAT JUL 9 Rock and alt fans should get down to Strydompark for the Jim Beam Welcome Sessions at Sognage which brings together Smokey Mercle, a gritty, loud, and energetic four-piece psychedelic rock band from Pretoria, the Afro-alternative indie-folk-funk quartet Urban Village from Soweto, and post-punk band Dangerfields from Cape Town. Takes place at Sognage, 304 Tungsten Rd, Strydompark. Doors open at 18:00, live music starts at 20:00. Tickets R100, available online here.
Gardens of the Golden City – Shepstone Gardens
SUN JUL 10 As part of Gardens of the Golden City’s first post-pandemic season of open garden days, the gates of the beautiful wedding venue Shepstone Gardens are open to the public. Located in Mountain View on the slopes of the Observatory Ridge, Shepstone Gardens is known for its 18th Century English-inspired gardens. Explore the meandering pathways, hidden courtyards, follies and other romantic hideaways and enjoy food and refreshments from the tea garden. Located at 12 Hope Rd, Mountain View. Entrance R50, kids under 12 free, open 10:00–16:00.