Whether it’s outdoor adventure or indoor entertainment you seek, the 2024 selection of April events offers something for everybody. From thrilling theme parks to melodic live music acts, intimate and enchanting dining and drinking experiences, exciting sports lineups and more, there is no shortage of fun to be had as we usher in the Autumn season.
Top-notch comedians take the stage for Laugh Africa Comedy Festival
Joburg is getting the first run of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, presented by Savanna and Showmax. This comedy celebrates one of the best things about South Africa, our love for laughter. Expect the best comedians from South Africa in one space for a range of special shows. Join for the epic roast of Minnie Dlamini, catch American comedian Eddie Griffin for selected performances, and laugh till you cry at the latest quips from Siv Ngesi, Celeste Ntuli, Rob van Vuuren and many more.
‘We’re redefining comedy festivals in South Africa,’ explains Stuart Taylor, comedy veteran and the festival’s Creative Director. This isn’t just a show; it’s a three-day journey through laughter, from local talents to international acts. There’s something for everyone!’
Cost: From R340pp for General Access to R7500pp for a VIP experience. Tickets can be booked via Ticketpro. What’s on in Joburg readers received a 10 % discount on all ticket prices. Use code WHATS ON at checkout
When: Running from Friday, 5 April to Sunday, 7 April
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
South African Fashion Week is serving proudly local looks at Mall of Africa
South African Fashion Week will return to Mall of Africa this month, serving up its signature style mayhem for three glorious days. Details of the 2024 programme have officially been revealed, including which designers will be showing and which runways and special events you can grab tickets to. The dress code is chic, black or neutral and the show highlights include Munkus, Viviers, and Fikile Sokhulu among others.
Cost: From R280pp, book via Quicket
When: Running from 18 to 20 April. Various times
Where: Mall of Africa, Entrance 24/Level G5, Cnr Lone Creek &, Magwa Cres, Waterval City, Midrand, Johannesburg
Cederberg Wines is bringing their annual Harvest Festival to Joburg
Harvest festivals are typically hosted in the Cape Winelands, but Cederberg Wines is bringing their annual celebration of a bountiful harvest to Johannesburg this month.
Join renowned winemaker David Nieuwoudt and his team for an unforgettable evening serving the exquisite wines of Cederberg & Ghost Corner. There will also be a sneak peek into what the 2024 harvest holds with tank and barrel samples, a lavish feast, and dance the night away to the infectious rhythms of samba tunes by a live DJ.
Cost: R850pp, book via Webtickets
When: Wednesday, 10 April from 6pm
Where: Mamasamba,
Fashion meets art with 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 from 4 April to 17 June 2024. Daily, from 9am to 5pm
Where: Women’s Jail Exhibition Wing at Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Str, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
SecretEATS presents a secret evening of culinary delights
A SecretEATS evening isn’t just any ordinary dinner party – it’s a social soiree bringing together the very best in food, drink and fun with friends. The evening begins with a welcome drink on arrival and some canapes to kick things off.
Enjoy course after course of gourmet goodness prepared by Secret Eats’ professional, classically trained Secret chef. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your evening. Perfectly paired wines complement each course and help the conversation flow as guests meet, mix and mingle to create an evening of magic.
There are also a few Secrets and surprises lined up to make sure this #SecretDinner is simply sensational.
Cost: R1550pp, book via SecretEATS
When: 12 & 13 Apr, 7pm to 10pm
Where: The secret venue is revealed on the morning of the dinner
Zakes Bantwini, Mi Casa, Sun-El Musician and more celebrate South African music and dance on Freedom Day
Zakes Bantwini debuts the very first instalment of Sikelela on Human Rights Day at Constitution Hill. The 1-day music and dance festival marks 30 years of our country’s freedom and celebrates South Africa’s rich heritage through dance and music for all ethnic groups.
Confirmed acts include Zakes Bantwini, Mi Casa, Sun-El Musician, Kelvin Momo, Young Stunna, and more.
Cost: R350pp, book via Howler
When: Saturday, 27 April from 11am to 11pm
Where: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Str, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Reservations are now open for Restaurant Week
Keen on trying some of the city’s best restaurants at a special cost? Restaurant Week South Africa is back for the Autumn instalment of their budget-friendly set menus at top restaurants in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Guests can look forward to a wide range of lunch and dinner menus created by top chefs that tie together signature dishes for a limited time only. Drinks are typically not included.
New restaurants for the season include Reign at Emperor’s Palace, Saint in Sandton, Gaucho in Linden, and Eclipse Restaurant at Hotel Sky. All bookings must be made and settled online ahead of your visit.
Cost: Lunch and dinner set menus starting from R350pp, book online
When: Running until 5 May. Daily, various times
Where: Selected restaurants in Johannesburg and Pretoria
Roger Ballen deconstructs the relationship between humans and animals
End of the Game is a new exhibition running at the Inside Out Centre of the Arts that delved into the origins of the African safari and Roger Ballen’s response to the relationship between human and animal. Part historical archive and part artistic installation, this body of work confronts us with universal questions about the meaning of the destruction of nature, its association with power, and our relationship to the natural world.
Ballen has selected and curated works from his previous series and displayed these alongside theatrical compositions of figures, taxidermies and documentary objects to create an exhibition space that probes the psychology of the hunter and of man’s engagement with the animal.
On Saturday, 6 April, renowned artist and photographer Roger Ballen will be taking visitors on an hour-and-a-half guided tour of his inaugural exhibition ‘End of the Game’ exhibit that opens on the same day. Tickets are limited to 24 people, so advance booking is essential.
Cost: R150pp includes a guided tour and exhibition catalogue, book via Quicket
When: Running from 6 April to 7 December 2024. Various times
Where: Inside Out Centre for the Arts, 48 Jan Smuts Ave, Forest Town, Johannesburg
Learn about Japanese handcrafted gin with the House Of Suntory Masterclasses & Tastings Pop-up in Hyde Park
House of Suntory warmly invites attendees to immerse themselves in a delightful sensory journey, capturing the essence of Japanese culture during the cherry blossom season. This is a unique opportunity to revel in the splendour of cherry blossoms in local land through an exclusive pop-up tasting installation.
The pop-up is rooted in the three pillars of Suntory – WA (being in harmony with Japanese nature), Omotenashi (experiences of Japanese hospitality and culture) and Monozukuri (Japanese craftsmanship). It creates an immersive experience where visitors physically and digitally step into the essence of Brand Japan. The lineup includes a comprehensive programme of tastings and masterclasses.
Cost: From R1 200pp, book via Quicket
When: Every Saturday of the month, 11am to 1pm
Where: The House of Suntory Installation, Hyde Park Corner, Cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, 6th Rd, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
Clothes swopping, live upcycling demos, and more for the Joburg edition of Swap&Mend
The Joburg edition of Twyg’s Swap&Mend is happening on Saturday, 20 April at 44 Stanley. The event features clothes swapping, watching a live upcycling session by Collen Shoko from Patch&Stich, and an informative talk on Afrocentric upcycling with Dr Erica de Greef.
‘We believe that keeping clothes in circulation and taking care of them are acts of love for the people who made your clothes and for the planet,’ explains Twyg founder Jackie May. ‘By swapping and mending your clothes you’re helping to reimagine fashion and putting care at the heart of a new fashion system.’
Cost: From R50pp, pay at entrance
When: Saturday, 20 April. Time to be confirmed
Where: 44 Stanley, 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg
Learn how to photograph architecture and cityscapes with Nikon
Landscape photographer Ashvir Maharaj, whose images we share regularly on What’s on in Joburg’s Instagram Page is joining forces with Nikon for a photography workshop.
During this hands-on workshop he will teach the basics related to Cityscapes, Architecture and Timelapse Photography. This workshop covers camera settings, types of gear needed, and how to shoot long exposures and timelapses for great city scenery.
A theoretical session will be held online via Zoom the day before and we will get to practice the next day at sunset while getting individual help and assistance.
Cost: R400pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 13 April from 4pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th Street, Sandown, Sandton
See the best stage shows in Joburg this month
If you’re up for an unforgettable night of entertainment this month, try the blockbuster staging of popular musicals such as Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic and Mamma Mia. The Queen show spotlights some of the greatest hits and biggest rock anthems with musical support from the Rock Symphony Orchestra.
Further highlights include the The Cry of Winnie Mandela at The Market Theatre and many more.
See our guide to the best musicals, comedy and theatre in Johannesburg this month
Switch off for ultimate relaxation with these special spa offers
Whether you’re looking for some much-needed ‘me’ time, a couple’s escape or an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, the monthly spa deals in Johannesburg have everything you need to indulge in complete relaxation and some serious pampering. This month’s spa specials include in-and-out beauty treatments, rejuvenating body wraps, and a themed workshop that helps you transition into autumn.
See our full guide to spa offers in Johannesburg
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark: Synth pioneers on tour
Following the announcement of their forthcoming studio album, English electronic band and synth pioneers, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD), take their newest set on tour, stopping in South Africa this April. Their new album sees the band’s most explicitly political record.
A broad, electronic, sonic masterpiece that lyrically tackles the topics of the future, the album was predominantly written, recorded, and mixed by OMD frontman Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys. Now, South African fans get to witness their electronic innovation live.
Cost: R675pp – R795pp | R1 195pp (VIP), book via Howler
When: Saturday, 20 Apr, 1pm to 8pm
Where: Marks Park Sports Fields, Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
Dress up and unwind for this Brutal Fruit Spritzer’s buzzy fashion party
Dress up in your most glam Brunch-tastic fit for Brutal Fruit Spritzer’s Saturday Brunch, whether it’s a stunning little number with floral prints, something semi-formal in bold colours, or anything in between that reflects your personality. The event is hosted in a tranquil outdoor setting at the scenic Idlewild Country Estate, with a harvest-chic meets elegant garden party atmosphere.
Curated Brunch Boxes with gorgeous bites and nibbles are available for Pre-Order only when you book your ticket. There are also a few fabulous food stalls at the venue serving a range of cuisines all day long. The DJ lineup features some of the country’s top acts who will be spinning vibey beats from brunch well into sundowners.
Cost: R290pp, includes entry fee and a complimentary Brutal Fruit Spritzer. Book online here or directly via Howler
When: Saturday, 27 April 2024, from 11am to 6pm
Where: Idlewild Country Estate, Moonlight Rd, Olifantsfontein, near Pretoria
Abdullah Ibrahim: The South African jazz icon on tour
One of South Africa’s most distinguished pianists and internationally respected master musicians, Abdullah Ibrahim, returns home to South Africa after a five-year absence to give a series of landmark concerts. Throughout his career, Ibrahim has performed with the greatest names to ever emerge from South Africa’s legendary jazz scene including his work with Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa, Kippie Moeketsi and many more.
The concerts form part of a world tour for him as he performs around the world, visiting cities and cultures that in their time were pivotal in his exiled life. The limited events include a performance in Pretoria.
Cost: R900pp – R2500pp, book via Ticketpro
When: 14 Apr, from 3.30pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Irene Festival of Running: A running festival featuring four competitive categories
Irene’s annual Running Festival returns with four competitive categories, entertainment and prizes. The festival features a 48km ultra marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km road run and a 5km fun run. Athletes of various capabilities can participate in one of these races over the two-day festival.
The first day is dedicated to the 5km, 10km and 21.1km runs, whilst the second day is reserved entirely for the ultra marathon. Participants can purchase event t-shirts online, and all athletes earn a medal upon completion of their races. Three prize givings are held over both days, awarding the top finishers for the 10km, 21.1km, and 48km races with cash prizes.
Cost: R60pp – R480pp, enter via Entry Ninja
When: 6 to 7 Apr | 6 Apr, start time 6am (half marathon, 10km) & 6.15am (5km) | 7 Apr, start time 6am (ultra marathon)
Where: Irene Athletics Club Race Venue, Doringkloof, Centurion
Catch R&B crooner, Joe Thomas, live in Pretoria
Vertex Events confirmed that legendary R&B Singer, Songwriter and Producer, Joe Thomas, will be in South Africa in April to perform for one night only at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Tuesday 30 April 2024.
The singer built up an undeniably impressive catalogue throughout the years, and ticketholders are set to be serenaded with all-time favourites and classics such as ‘I Wanna Know’, ‘All That I Am’, ‘Good Girls’, ‘Don’t Wanna Be A Player’, ‘All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do)’, ‘Stutter’, More & More’, ‘If I Was Your Man’ and ‘Thank God I Found You’.
Cost: From R650pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Sun City Superbowl – Saturday, 27 April from 6pm . Sunbet Arena – Tuesday, 30 April from 6pm
Where: Sun City Superbowl, R556, Sun City, North West | SunBet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
See all the musicals, comedy and theatre in Johannesburg this month
