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.
Zip Zap Circus’ MOYA at The Teatro Montecasino
THU AUG 4 Get ready to be captivated by daring aerialists, incredible juggling, and an acrobatic wheel routine that will have you spinning as MOYA — the latest live production by Cape Town’s Zip Zap Circus — makes its way to Joburg for a brief run. The circus opens at The Teatro at Montecasino from August 4 to 7 following an incredible premiere in Cape Town and an awesome run at this year’s National Arts Festival. The MOYA live show is an hour and 15 minutes with no intermission and is appropriate for children over the age of six (children under six are not allowed in venue). Bookings are open with showtimes varying from 11:00, 14:00, and 20:00. Tickets R190–R290 available online here
First Thursdays at 44 Stanley
THU AUG 4 First Thursdays at 44 Stanley is a night to view art, shop local brands, meet artists and mix with Joburg’s coolest creatives as bars, eateries, studio and gallery spaces, and some and stores stay open until 21:00 or later. Join After Work drinks with the Acre Studios team and browse through their new contemporary furniture range, pop into KusudiCo to see their locally crafted furniture and decor items, visit the complex’s Bioscope Cinema gift shop and Limited Edish clothing store.
For eats and drinks head to Peachy, who have a live music performance by Lyla Faye. Check out the full line-up online here
Beats by Her party
FRI AUG 5 Another exciting night of the freshest local DJ talent kicks off at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein with a special Women’s Month edition of the Beats by Her party. This regular club night is curated by Mamthug, and the all-female line-up for this edition includes DJs Black Villain, Sweeter Brown, DeepAncestral, and DJ Philzz. Making this extra special there are also wines behind the bar from boutique winemakers Adama Wines’ Her collection of wines. Tickets R100 online here. doors open at 19:00.
The HerStory International Theatre Festival
UNTIL SUN AUG 7 Curated by multi-award-winning creative director, playwright, poet, and performer Napo Mashean, the inaugural Herstory International Theatre Festival is a new one-of-a-kind festival that aims to amplify the voices of womxn creatives. Bringing together international theatremakers and performers from as far away as the USA, the UK, Brazil, Senegal, Sweden, and Jamaica to name a few, the festival presents 50 creative works including dialogues, drama, poetry, comedy, music, dance, and masterclasses. The festival takes place at the Soweto Theatre which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Tickets R150 per day available online here
Brooklyn’s Antique Fair
SAT AUG 6 Head north to Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria for one of Gauteng’s finest monthly antiques fairs on Saturday. Known for its carefully curated selection of top 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 and some fabulous designer winter fashion. Open 09:00–15:00 at Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria.
Wine and Cheese tasting at The Playground Market
SAT AUG 6 Braamfontein’s Playground Market hosts a cheese and wine tasting that’s guaranteed to have you leaving clued up about all things wine. Enjoy three local wines paired with local cheese and complimentary popcorn, the bottles of wine are available for purchase. Taking place from 12:00–13:00 and again from 14:00–15:00 tickets are R120 including free entrance to the market. Tickets available online here. Please note the market is open 09:00–18:00
Winter Graffiti Jam
SAT AUG 6 Calling all graffiti artists and fans, the Winter Graffiti Jam is coming to Randburg sponsored by Grayscale Gallery and Montana Cans,. This is a fun day out for fans of Joburg street art culture with new murals painted live throughout the day, b-boy and MC battles, plus DJ sets and food and drinks on sale. Taking place at a car body repair shop (25 Lyn Rd, Ferndale, Randburg) there are also some classic cars on display.
The Community Visits by The Dig
SAT AUG 6 Launched in July 2022 Season 2 of The Community Visits, the latest pop-up party series from event organisers The Dig, is well underway. On a mission to show their appreciation for the love and support that The Dig has received from communities in all corners of the city, and indeed the province, The Dig decided to take its parties directly to these communities, hosting get-togethers in Vosloorus, Sharpeville, 44 Stanley and now Soweto. The next edition of The Community Visits takes place at Native Rebels, one of Soweto’s coolest cafe-bars, located in the suburb of Jabavu. Tickets R100 online here, R150 at the door
First Sundays at Victoria Yards
SUN AUG 7 Always a Sunday favourite, First Sundays at Victoria Yards is back again this weekend. In addition to the many open artist studios and galleries to explore, there’s also a great pop-up market with loads of vintage items on sale, various food trucks and pop-up bars, and the best fish and chips in town. Takes place at 16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville. Open 10:30-16:00, entrance is free.
Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair
SUN AUG 7 This monthly antique fair at Nelson Mandela Square is one of the biggest of its kind with top collectors and antique dealers from across the country participating. From furniture and homeware to decorative arts and collectable memorabilia, set aside some time browse and you’ll always find something special. Open 10:00–16:00, entrance is free.
COMING SOON!
Don Giovanni at Joburg Theatre
FRI AUG 12– SUN AUG 21 In celebration of the theatre’s 60th birthday, Joburg Theatre stages a spectacular new production of Mozart’s classic “opera buffa” Don Giovanni. For this major celebratory show, the theatre has pulled out all the stops with an international cast of performers that includes opera singers from Germany, the USA, Portugal, and of course South Africa, a full symphony orchestra, and dazzling sets. Singing the role of Don Ottavio is South African-born tenor Musa Nkuna, who is also artistic consultant on this production. Find out more and book your tickets here.