This selection of June events in Johannesburg and beyond has something for everyone. Whether you are the type to brave the winter cold for the ultimate festival experience or outdoor run, or you enjoy a more intimate indoor experience, being serenaded by classical sounds, amazed by the storytelling art of dance, dined to perfection, or roared to laughter by South Africa’s funniest. This month’s highlights are not to be missed!
Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is back this June!
Constitution Hill’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is all about commemorating the youth of 1976 through creative expression. This year’s event will offer a jam-packed line-up of creative immersions and experiences and ends with the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival.
A lineup of up-and-coming artists and new local talent includes Murda Bongz, Sjava with Amagugu Ezwe, Alaska, FKA Mash, Nadia Nakai, Solo Nsizwa KaMthimkhulu, Kujenga, Holly Rey, ByLwansta, Castro, Doda, Boisanza and many more.
Cost: From R150pp to R280pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 27 to 29 June, from 10am to 12am
Where: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Join this chilled outdoor market in Muldersdrift
There’s no shortage of markets in Johannesburg and surrounds for those times when you’re after something relaxing with friends and family. But what sets From the Ground Market apart from the rest is their gorgeous setting at Ground the Venue in Muldersdrift.
This monthly market is heavily focused on locally produced fruit and veg, food pantry essentials, and more. There are also slow lifestyle goodies and a range of food and drink stations where you can build your own lunch. Live music rounds out the afternoon.
Bookings must be made via Howler, they’re incredibly popular so we highly recommend getting your tickets in advance.
Cost: R50pp, book via Howler
When: Sunday, 30 June from 10am to 4pm
Where: Ground the Venue, Plot 19, Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Joburg Ballet brings a timeless fairytale to life
A timeless fairytale of triumphant love, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ returns to the Johannesburg stage this June and July in a glittering production by Joburg Ballet. Through an evil spell, a Princess pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep from which she is awoken one hundred years later by a Prince’s kiss.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s sweepingly romantic music played live by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is a magnificent showcase for Joburg Ballet’s acclaimed dancers who will be joined this season by visiting guest artists.
Cost: R110 – R580pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 28 June to 7 July. Various showings at 11am, 2pm & 7pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Toast and taste prize-winning vintage wines at the Trophy Wine Show
The Trophy Wine Show once again welcomes wine lovers to the single-night 2024 Public Tastings in Sandton, which follow the announcement of the 2024 winners on 4 June. Attendees can find no less than 150 wines of distinction – silver, gold and trophy winners, all on show for toasting, tasting and deliberating, as well as for purchase through specialist wine retailer, Port2Port.
Highlights include the Best White and Best Red Wines of Show, the International Judges’ trophy winner, Discovery of the Show (best value wine) and Best Premium Wine with the medallists of the Most Successful Producer claiming the limelight. In addition to the host of category winners, museum-class vintages (at least four years old for white wines, eight years for red and sparkling) are also available for tasting.
Cost: R295pp (includes the sampling of all wines, a delicious deli snack (value R100) and the tasting glass to take home), book via Webtickets
When: Wednesday, 12 June from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Bill Gallagher Room, Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg
Catch eye-opening documentaries from a selection of over 50 titles at the Encounters Documentary Festival
The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is the country’s formative documentary event. For its 26th year in a row, the festival brings documentary lovers a selection of over 50 diverse films available to watch at select cinemas in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The films fall under various categories, including feature documentaries and short documentaries from international and African filmmakers. Each film offers a unique look into a specific and unique pocket of the world.
Feature documentary, 6SENSE (2023), deals with music and its role in a GQOM artist’s journey in overcoming the troubles associated with their disability, while Black People Don’t Get Depressed (2024) delves into the ways in which issues of mental health go underacknowledged within black African communities. On the international front, Bye Bye Tiberias (2023) chronicles the life and family history of the Palestinian actress, Hiam Abbas. These are just a few of the many diverse films screened at the festival that are not to be missed.
Cost: Varies depending on the chosen venue
When: Running from 20 to 30 June
Where: The Bioscope, 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg | The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Last chance to see Lukhanyo Mdingi’s new exhibition at Constitution Hill
Fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi’s new exhibition, The Provenance Part II, focuses on the preservation of Archives, looking into the deep lineage of Bantu indigenity and Black Consciousness in South Africa that has manifested. Through themes that highlight, textiles, literature and music, this body of work is forged and kindles the flame of its intellectual and creative expression.
Cost: Entrance fee to Constitution Hill applies. From R45pp to R150pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until 17 June 2024. Daily, from 9am to 5pm
Where: Women’s Jail Exhibition Wing at Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Str, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The enchanting melodies of Ayanda Jiya at Kings Kraal
Dinner with Ayanda Jiya offers the essence of South African cuisine meeting the captivating allure of Ayanda’s music. Ayanda Jiya is a sultry singer and songwriter. Musically she is influenced by a lot of genres she grew up listening to, mostly Gospel, Jazz, Neo Soul and RnB. Attendees can delight in the innovative reinterpretation of local flavours while being serenaded by Ayanda’s soulful voice. The ambience of Kings Kraal envelops guests as they indulge in a culinary and musical experience like no other.
Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 8 June from 8pm to 11.45pm
Where: Kings Kraal, M71 & Posthouse Street, Bryanston, Sandton, Johannesburg
Let music warm your heart at the JPO’s Winter Symphony Season Concerts
Following a sold-out Summer Season, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) brings an exciting and diverse programme over the winter season. The Winter Symphony Season runs from 30 May to 20 June with concerts taking place every Thursday evening. The programme includes the return of popular conductors, and debut performances by an exciting line-up of soloists.
Cost: R170 – R400pp, book via Quicket
When: Running until 20 June, from 7.30pm
Where: Wits Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
Here’s everything to know about the Winter Symphony Season
See Zane Meas back on stage for this one-man show
Tv and stage veteran Zane Meas makes a return to Joburg’s theatre scene with Van Wyk: The Storyteller of Riverlea, a one-man show written and performed by the actor and directed by Campbell Meas. The production runs at Roodepoort Theatre and offers a captivating glimpse into the colourful and word-rich life of Van Wyk, a character that has become synonymous with profound storytelling
Cost: R120pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 28 June to 12 July. Various times
Where: Main Theatre at Roodepoort Theatre, Roodepoort Theatre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Rd, Florida Park, Roodepoort
Have a laugh at Schalk Bezuidenhout’s ‘Crowd Pleaser’ show
‘Crowd Pleaser’ is not any old stand-up show. Beloved South African comedian, Schalk Bezuidenhout, brings his local fans a set that is anything but old, with brand new hilarious material to send them roaring.
It certainly isn’t regular either, being presented by one of the most unique and eclectic comedic personalities the country has to offer. Schalk takes his set to the renowned Theatre of Marcellus stage for two nights in a row, giving audiences a taste of the humour they have come to know and love from him in + performances that are sure to please the crowd.
Cost: R200pp, book via Ticketpro
When: 14 & 15 Jun, from 7.30pm nightly | Doors open at 6.30pm
Where: Theatre of Marcellus at Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park
Light up your evening with the Glow Neon Run
Glow Neon Run is a family and community fundraising event that transforms from day to night. It offers a food market, entertainment and family fun, culminating in a glow-in-the-dark 5km night run. Each ticket purchase includes a GLOW T-shirt and glowsticks, as well as a GLOW drawstring bag. Neon gear, toys and equipment, as well as food and refreshments, are available onsite.
Note that tickets for the market only are also available separately. General ticket holders are not allowed to participate in the race, nor can they receive any merchandise, but are granted all-day access to the market and entertainment.
Cost: From R120pp, book via Computicket
When: Saturday, 15 June from 12pm to 10pm
Where: John Vorster Stadion, Nigel
Be serenaded by the melodies of the Johannesburg Opera in their tribute to Puccini
The Johannesburg Opera presents the centennial commemoration of the composer Giacomo Puccini. This special performance pays tribute to the one-hundredth anniversary of Puccini’s passing on November 29, 1924, in Brussels, Belgium. Puccini started the operatic trend toward realism with his popular works, among the most often performed in opera history including ‘La Bohème’, ‘Madama Butterfly’ and ‘Tosca’.
The composer’s heart-wrenching Romantic Era melodies are skillfully expressed under the direction of Jozi Opera managing director Phenye Modiane, and through the exceptional talents of some of South Africa’s finest opera singers.
Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 30 June from from 3pm
Where: The Northwards House, 21 Rockridge Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
The Goliath Brothers bring a new stand-up comedy show
Joburg’s leading comedians, The Goliath Brothers, are hitting the stage for an exhilarating evening with their latest stand-up show. The Happiness Economy is a dive into the minds of Jason and Nicholas Goliath as they explore the hilarities of daily life, relationships, and the quest for joy in their signature style that has captured hearts nationwide. This is your chance to see a different side to the Goliaths – vulnerable, raw, real, but still ridiculously funny.
Cost: R200pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 18 to 22 June, every night at 8pm
Where: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road and 5th Street, Sandown, Sandton
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