Contra.Joburg 2026: Two Days of Radical Contemporary Art

The fifth edition of Contra.Joburg runs on 29 and 30 August 2026, inviting visitors to experience Johannesburg through the artists, makers, performers and creative communities who make the city such a rich creative and cultural destination.

Right from the start, this concept art festival in Johannesburg has always been about breaking down barriers, bringing artists and audiences into direct dialogue, and fostering a sense of pride and ownership of the city.

In 2026, Contra offers an even more immersive journey into Johannesburg’s dynamic art scene, highlighting culture’s vital role in shaping our lives. Here, art is not static or incredibly polished; it is alive, unbridled, and in constant conversation.

Visitors are invited to witness the process as much as the product, engaging with the raw energy of creation.

Contra Joburg art festival in Johannesburg | What's on in Joburg

Contra.Joburg 2026 is an immersive journey through Joburg’s rich art world

Contra.Joburg is founded on the belief that culture should be encountered, not confined. What makes Contra different is that the art stays close to the people and places where it is made.

Visitors can step into working studios, meet artists, see performances in unexpected places, make things themselves, eat, drink and discover parts of Johannesburg they may never normally encounter. And the two days are deliberately different, with hop-on hop-off shuttle services available to take you through each encounter:

Saturday’s programme

Contra.Joburg’s Saturday programme takes visitors into the energy of the city with live performance, dance, art, architecture, making and music.

Visitors start at the historic Rand Club, where Thabo Pie’s RDP (Redevelopment & Deconstruction Programme) brings live performance into one of Johannesburg’s most distinctive heritage spaces. Explore contemporary African photography on the fourth floor, before Joburg Ballet transforms the Rand Club into a living stage at 2.30pm.

From there, head to Jozi Gold Brewing Company for a brewery tour and tasting with the master brewer, before ending the day with acclaimed bassist and composer Herbie Tsoaeli performing live at 6.30pm.

There is also plenty to discover along the Saturday route, including Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, Asisebenze Art Gallery, The Bus Factory, Little Artists School, Play Braamfontein and Creative Uprising at Transwerke – where visitors can meet artists and makers and, along the way, make their own resistance poster.

Sunday’s programme

Sunday gets closer to the creative heart of the city.

Start at August House where the Kids’ Area offers art-making, face painting and hands-on creative activities. Child minders are available at the Kids’ Area, and activities are free for children attending Contra.

Meanwhile, a film installation titled A Gritty Fairytale, live music from DJ Jupiter King and the Different Is Good Market bring the building to life.

At Ellis House, visitors can explore five floors of open studios, while at Victoria Yards, you can become part of BodyWeaving, an interactive artwork made with people, movement and thread.

The Sunday route also includes Living Artists Emporium, Oovookoo and the working studio of renowned artist Usha Seejarim, offering a rare opportunity to see artists in their own creative environments.

For those who want to shop, collect or simply browse, there are local markets and makers, plus 74 artworks on auction entitled “Collect Contra”, in partnership with Stephan Welz & Co. Visitors can also discover conservation framing, iconic USM modular furniture and chocolates that look like miniature artworks at 223 Jan Smuts.

Check out everything there is to do at Contra.Joburg 2026 online.

Open Studios at Contra.Joburg 2026

Studios open on Saturday, 29 August:

Asisebenze Art Gallery – Gallery and coffee shop (Street parking only)
Little Artists – Exhibition, Kids area and a pop up (Street parking only)
Jozi Gold – Concert, the Rugby and a pop up (Street parking only)
Bag Factory – Artist studios, gallery and drinks (Street parking only)
Bus Factory – Imbali Student’s market and Umhlabati Gallery (No parking)
Play Braamfontein – Studios, Panel Discussion, drinks and food (Street parking only)
Rand Club – Gallery, Performance, food and drinks (Street parking only)
Creative Uprising Hub @Transwerke – Studios, Exhibitions, Kids Area (Underground secure parking)
Stephan Welz & Co – Exhibition (Underground secure parking here)
Asisebenze Art Atelier – Studio Space, Kids Area and exhibition (Underground parking)
Candice Berman Gallery – Gallery, Residency, Studio Space and Coffee (On Street parking)

Studios open Sunday, 30 August include:

August House – Gallery, studios, food and drinks (Street parking only)
Ellis House – Gallery, studios and drinks (Street parking only)
Living Artists Emporium – Gallery and drinks (Secure parking)
Victoria Yards – Gallery, studios, food and drinks (Street parking only)
Usha Seejarim’s Studio – Studio, food and drinks (Street parking only)
Stephan Welz & Co – Exhibition (Underground secure parking here)
Candice Berman Gallery – Gallery, Residency, Studio Space and Coffee (On Street parking)

Deeper impact for Joburg’s art community

Since its launch, Contra.Joburg has facilitated millions in direct art sales, enabling working artists to grow their practices while offering access to both new and seasoned collectors.

This year’s edition proceeds in that vein through a continued partnership with Africa Collect. The offer makes collecting art more accessible than ever, offering buyers flexible payment solutions. In collaboration with VE LUX, the festival charts routes from suburb to city, street to luxury.

Joburg’s civic champions at Jozi My Jozi are also involved in the festival this year to help forge connections between art and daily life across Johannesburg.

Need to know before you go

A complimentary shuttle service will run each Contra.Joburg day from 10am, looping between venues every 20 minutes. Parking is available at each site, with shuttle access from every stop.

*Note that Joburg Ballet at Rand Club and Herbie Tsoaeli at Jozi Brewing Company require additional tickets.

Cost: R150pp for single-day passes, R280pp for a weekend pass. All kids under 18 enter free. Book via Quicket