This Heritage Month, celebrate what it means to you to be South African with some special, heritage-themed events taking place in and around Johannesburg. Choose how to commemorate this special occasion from a selection of events that feature heritage-themed food and drink experiences, a folklore festival, heritage site tours, commemorative performances, and more.
Explore the Pretoria Vintage & Decor Show
Pretoria’s Vintage & Decor Show features over 120 stallholders selling handpicked collectables at good prices.
Visitors can browse vintage jewellery and fashion looks in great condition from a range of vendors, as stallholders are carefully handpicked by the team so that quality is ensured and prices are kept reasonably low.
Once the hunger pangs hit, head over to the selection of artisanal food trucks and stalls. Kids can run free in the outdoor space, and the market venue is wheelchair-friendly. Pets are also welcome to join, but they must be on a leash.
Cost: Free entry
When: Thursday, 24 September 2026 from 9am to 7pm
Where: Irene Village Mall, Cnr of Nellmapius Dr &, Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene, Centurion
The Parkview Heritage Festival
Hosted by the Parkview Residents’ Association, this annual festival brings everything that makes the suburb so special under a single event, from all things literature with ParkWords to kids’ fun with ParkKids, fabulous bites with ParkFood and something to sip and savour with ParkWine.
At its heart, the Parkview Heritage Festival is about bringing people together to celebrate the diversity, history and creativity of the Parkview community through books, food, wine and family entertainment.
Cost: General admission – R100 per adult; R50 per child | ParkWine tickets are R250pp and are already inclusive of entry | Lit Quiz tickets are an additional R100 | Book online
When: Saturday, 19 September 2026 from 9am to 6pm
Where: Tyrone Avenue, Parkview
Explore the Parkview Heritage Festival
Visit The John Kani Exhibition
Dr. John Kani is celebrated as one of South Africa’s most famous icons, and in addition to being an award-winning actor, writer and activist, he is also the chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Apartheid Museum, helping guide the institution for over 25 years.
Now, the Apartheid Museum will honour Kani’s contribution to the institution with an exhibition that revisits key moments in a stage and screen career that, over six decades, has taken him from Port Elizabeth rehearsal rooms to Hollywood studios.
Visitors can explore the drawing on images, text, artefacts, and film and other ideas that have occupied Kani on and off the stage, informing his vision as a mentor and visionary.
Cost: Entrance to the Apartheid Museum is R240pp as of 2026. Book via Webtickets
When: Running from Sunday, 30 August to Monday, 30 November. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 5pm
Where: Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde
Mango Groove at the Sunset Music Series
Taking over Heritage Day weekend is Mango Groove, an 11-piece Afropop group formed in 1984 in Johannesburg by John Leyden, Andy Craggs, Bertrand Mouton, and kwela artist ‘Big Voice’ Jack Lerole.
The multi-racial group is fronted by singer Claire Johnston and famous for blending traditional township styles like kwela and marabi with pop, big brass, and penny whistle.
As they emerged during the Apartheid years, their music and multiracial lineup made them synonymous with the ‘Rainbow Nation’ idea, and their self-titled debut album, released in 1989, became a massive hit, breaking sales records in South Africa and launching the group into superstardom.
With hits like ‘Special Star’, ‘Dance Sum More’, and ‘Another Country’, the group has enjoyed over 10 number 1 hits, accumulated many awards, and continues to celebrate over 40 years of the unifying power of their music.
Cost: From R195pp, book via Webtickets
When: Thursday, 24 September from 1pm to 5pm
Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort
Check out the Sunset Music Series guide
The Great Train Race
The Great Train Race, one of South Africa’s most unique heritage spectacles, returns to celebrate its monumental 11th anniversary this Heritage Month.
More than 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, aircraft, and a majestic steam locomotive will take centre stage at the 11th anniversary of the event. From the exhilarating sight of a steam train powering alongside a cavalcade of vintage cars and motorcycles, to breathtaking aerial displays and vintage aircraft, every moment is designed to captivate and inspire.
Cost: TBC | Book online
When: Saturday, 26 September from 8am to 4pm
Where: Heidelberg Airport, Heidelberg NU, Heidelberg
Kasi Republic Heritage Fest
The Kasi Republic Heritage Fest is a vibrant celebration of South African heritage, music, and true kasi culture.
Catered to the Youth Endala who grew up with the soundtrack of iKasi, the festival brings together Kwaito legends Alaska, Mzambiya, Msawawa, and Zola for an unforgettable live experience.
Cost: R260pp | R800pp (VIP), book via Ticketpro
When: Thursday, 24 September from 12pm to 10pm
Where: Riversands Farm Village, Rose Rd, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand
Dine at one of the many African-inspired restaurants in Joburg
The African restaurants in Johannesburg weave together various flavours from the West, North, and Southern parts of the continent. Africa is a melting pot of cuisine mainly influenced by landscape, colonisation, trade and tradition.
Whether it’s in the ingredients used, the dishes these ingredients appear in, or the choice of carbs that accompany each meal. Ethiopians love their flatbread, Somalis prefer rice, West Africans swear by their cassava, and here in South Africa, we love our pap, nose-to-tail meat cooked plainly, and homemade bread.
African restaurants to eat at
Explore the Wits Sterkfontein Caves
The world-renowned Wits Sterkfontein Caves reopened to the public on 15 April 2025, marking a new chapter for one of humanity’s most important palaeontological sites as it transitions to full management under Wits University.
Tourists and curious minds alike can book a tour of this important Heritage Site and explore ancient fossils, delve into the mysteries of human evolution, and more!
Cost: R150pp for adult. R100pp for pensioners (60+ years). R125pp for kids aged 6 to 18 years. Free entry for kids u/6 + on birthdays. R80pp for Museum and prep lab tour only | Book via Webtickets
When: Tuesday to Sunday (Closed Mondays). Tours depart hourly from 9am to 4pm (Last tour departs at 4pm)
Where: Wits Sterkfontein Caves, Kromdraai Rd, Johannesburg
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Africa’s premier jazz festival, takes place at the end of Heritage Month, celebrating local and international jazz icons.
Over two fun-filled days, across multiple stages, jazz lovers are reintroduced to the music, while novices discover the magic of jazz.
This year’s programme features a mix of international and South African artists across four stages, with Grammy-winning Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo leading the international bill and joined by Kamasi Washington, who makes his Joy of Jazz debut.
The South African jazz artists performing at the festival include Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Khaya Mahlangu, and Ndabo Zulu.
Cost: R1500 (day pass) | R2250 (weekend pass). Book online
When: Friday, 25 September 2026 from 6.30pm to 12.00am, Saturday, 26 September 2026 from 6.30pm -12.00am
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
Sunday Society Picnic – Heritage Edition
Make it a heritage weekend to remember and treat yourself and a loved one to a relaxing, dreamy Sunday picnic experience with bubbles in hand.
The experience includes a welcome glass of Graham Beck bubbly to toast the special people in your life, a gourmet picnic basket packed with indulgent treats, hot food selections for an elevated dining experience, and live entertainment.
With a dress code encouraging guests to come in their heritage best, this event is more than a picnic but rather a celebration of identity, unity, and unmistakable local flair in the heart of Sandton.
Cost: R875pp | R1750 per couple | R3690 (room and picnic combo per couple sharing). Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 27 September 2026 from 1pm to 6pm
Where: The Maslow Hotel conference area, 146 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton
More on the Sunday Society Picnics
Italian Sporting Club Presents: Sagra
Bring the whole family and enjoy an unforgettable day filled with authentic Italian food, drink, culture, and entertainment. Expect delicious Italian food stalls featuring top Italian restaurants from Johannesburg and Pretoria and a variety of vendors offering Italian fashion, leather goods, shoes, toys, and artisanal gifts.
Cost: From R90pp | From R60pp for u/12s. Book via Quicket.
When: Sunday, 27 September from 9am to 6pm
Where: Italian Sporting Club, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston
Spring/Summer Editon of KAMERS/Makers Market
This spring, the KAMERS/Makers market returns to Pretoria, allowing guests to shop bold fashion, inspired homeware, original gifting, and artisanal food, all in an open-air setting buzzing with energy, music and design, making this SA’s biggest, brightest and best array of proudly local artisan talent.
From fashion to footwear, skincare to ceramics, craft gin to jewellery, plus decor, accessories, deli delights and much more, you’ll be amazed by the variety and world-class quality being produced right here at home.
Cost: R110pp for a single-day pass. R150pp for a multi-day pass. Free for u/18s | Book online
When: Wednesday, 23 September to Sunday, 27 September from 9am to 5pm daily
Where: Menlyn Maine, 180 Amarand Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Find out more about the market
Hindu Cultural Festival of South Africa
The Hindu Cultural Festival of South Africa brings a day of music, dance, culture, food, and family fun.
More than a festival, the day is a celebration of heritage, unity, and joy. From traditional performances to modern beats, food stalls indoors and outdoors to fashion shows, there’s something for everyone.
It’s a great event for family and friends, and it’s a celebration of community spirit, honouring the vibrant Hindu culture under one roof.
Cost: R90pp | R60pp (pensioners) | Free U12. Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 12 September from 10am to midnight.
Where: Heartfelt Events Arena, 1000 Voortrekker Rd, Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria
The Original Oktoberfest
The Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria hosts their 48th annual Oktoberfest.
Inspired by the legendary Oktoberfest in München, Germany, this festival is the first and most authentic beer celebration in South Africa. Join the school, the German community, and over ten thousand guests in bringing German “Gemütlichkeit” to life under African skies.
The event also features an awesome lineup of live music to keep the atmosphere vibrant and entertaining, and Germany’s rich food culture with delicious options like Eisbein, Kassler, Bockwurst, Brezel, and more.
Cost: From R85pp | From R230pp (VIP opening night) | R385 – R981.25pp (Table) | R30pp (raffle ticket). Book via Howler
When: Thursday, 10 September from 6pm to 11.30pm. Friday, 11 September from 5pm to 11.30pm. Saturday, 12 September from 10am to 11.30pm.
Where: Deutsche Schule Internationale Pretoria, Simon Vermooten Rd, The Willows, Pretoria
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