Almost five decades ago, on 16 June 1976, the young people of apartheid South Africa came together in protest against the oppressive Bantu Education laws of the country. Now, on that same day of each year, we remember the voices raised and the lives lost on that fateful day.
Here are a few ways that you can celebrate and commemorate Youth Day and Youth Month this 2025, from youth festivals to historic hikes, and more.
Redhill Arts Festival
The Redhill Arts Festival promises four full days of creative experiences over the Youth Day long weekend.
This year’s programme combines dynamic live music, powerful theatre, children’s entertainment, a buzzing artisanal market, immersive art exhibitions, and a curated comedy festival. As a leading youth-driven station under the SABC, 5FM brings its trademark mix of Top 40 hits, entertaining segments, and bold personalities to the festival experience.
Over three nights, the main stage will come alive with performances by some of South Africa’s most acclaimed musical talents such as Booshle G (Friday), Matthew Mole, Mzansi Youth Choir, and Rubber Duc (Saturday), and Arno Carstens, Zolani Mahola, and Wavelength City (Sunday).
To mark Youth Day, the final day of the festival celebrates the next generation of talent with YouthFest.
Cost: Prices vary based on which events you are attending. Book online
When: Friday to Monday, 13 to 16 June | From 4pm on Friday. From 10am (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Redhill School, Morningside, Johannesburg
Rising Fest is a Youth Day celebration with SA’s top performers
Arts Connected x Speedsta Productions present Rising Fest, a celebration of South African music and youth culture.
This special Youth Day edition brings together remarkable talent performing from day into night. Performing acts include Sjava, Dlala Thukzin, Lulo Café, Lamiez Holworthy, and of course, DJ Speedsta himself, with Thato Immaculate as host.
The festival combines exceptional live music with a meaningful purpose, as a portion of ticket sales supports youth development programs across South Africa. It’s a cultural experience that honours creative expression while creating opportunities for the next generation.
Cost: R200pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 14 June from 12pm
Where: Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark
Sarafina! at Joburg Theatre
Just in time for Youth Month, Joburg Theatre is re-staging a special season of Sarafina! ending this Youth Day weekend.
The critically acclaimed musical pays homage to the legacy of its creator, Mbongeni Ngema and his Family. This must-see musical is a story of inspiration and empowerment for the youth, while also paying tribute to the brave women who played vital roles in the struggle against oppression.
Cost: From R120pp to R450pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until 15 June. Various times
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Get the details on the play
16 ON 16: Hiking Through Soweto’s Uprising Legacy
Step into history and embrace the spirit of Soweto with the 16 on 16 Hike, a unique series of urban hikes commemorating the pivotal events of June 16.
Over three days, immerse yourself in Soweto’s vibrant culture, rich history, and resilient community. Retrace the historic march of the Soweto Uprising, visiting key landmarks and meeting points of that fateful day.
Cost: From R120pp per day. R500 for all three days | Book via Quicket
When: Saturday to Monday, 14 to 16 June. From 7am daily
Where: Soweto. Detailed meeting locations are provided upon registration (via email or WhatsApp)
Secret Sunrise – Youth Day Edition
It’s Youth Day in Johannesburg AND Pride Month, and while things are cooling down weather-wise, Secret Sunrise is certainly going to heat them up again.
This special edition of Secret Sunrise is bringing the full colour spectrum and big vibes to Jozi, honouring and uplifting the youth and queer identities in our communities through dance!
Come dressed in technicolour – in rainbow or vibrant colours, bring your technicolour dream coat, come in tutus or tassels, whatever you want. When you arrive, you’ll be given headsets and guided by accredited facilitators through an exciting pop-up dance party.
Cost: From R150pp (adult). From R12500 (kids u/12) | Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 15 June from 8.30am to 9.30am
Where: Mall of Africa, Magwa Cres, Waterval 5-Ir, Midrand
MiFitness Kids Syringa Park
MiFitness Kids Syringa Park is one of Africa’s largest and best playparks in the heart of the countryside in Muldersdrift, and though it is typically open on weekends, it will also be open this Youth Day.
Bring the kids to Syringa park and let them explore various features including one of the largest jumping pillows in the world (300m2), a kindy playground, a zip line, four large playgrounds, an 8m climbing pyramid, a giant inflatable soccer pitch, a large jungle theme jumping castle, a mega obstacle course jumping castle, and a giant target.
There’s also a splash pad (make sure the little ones bring an extra set of clothes and towels), a snack shack stocked with snacks, drinks and the best soft serve in town, Syringa Park’s 14 gourmet vendor restaurants, and go kart racing, which is not included in the ticket price and can be organised with Epic Karting.
Camping chairs and picnic blankets are welcome on the premises and children under the age of two must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are not allowed entry on their own.
Cost: R120pp (children aged 2 to 12). Adults enter free | Book via Quicket
When: Friday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Saturday and Public holidays from 9am to 6pm
Where: MiFitness Kids Syringa Park, Portion 61, Driefontein Farm, Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift
Mayibuye iAfrika Concert in honour of Youth Month
Billy Monama, in partnership with Joburg Theatre, presents the third edition of The Mayibuye iAfrika Concert with the youth unleash special.
This landmark event is a powerful musical tribute to South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant history, and enduring spirit of Ubuntu—coinciding with Youth Month celebrations. Featured musical acts include Soul Brothers, Berita, Judith Sephuma, Maleh, Zoë Modiga and more.
Cost: R200pp to R450pp. R1500pp (VIP) | Book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 28 June from 7.30pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
#RebelWalk: Youth Day Culture and History Tour
#RebelWalk is a 3-5km tour through Soweto, reflecting on the young leaders of the June 16 Uprising and exploring significant landmarks of the National Uprising.
Some tour highlights include a stop at Tsietsi Mashinini’s home, where attendees get the chance to pay homage to one of the key leaders of the uprising, and a stop at the June 16 Memorial Museum, which offers insight into the day’s events.
There is also an optional hike up to Credo Mutwa Cultural Village at 6pm. There, attendees experience a panoramic view of Soweto from Oppenheimer Tower and tour the cultural village, including a visit to Credo Mutwa’s hut with mural prophecies of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
There are various other cultural stops along the way, and the night is topped off with a local beer and rustic bar menu dinner at Native Rebels.
Cost: R950pp, book via Quicket
When: Running until 30 June from 5pm to 10pm daily
Where: Meet at Starbucks @ The Zone in Rosebank, Tyrwhitt Ave & Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Free Tours at Constitution Hill this Youth Day
Celebrate Youth Day at Constitution Hill! Join on 16 June for free tours of Constitution Hill – a powerful journey through South Africa’s history.
The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.
Cost: Free entry, book online
When: Monday, 16 June
Where: Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The Gauntlet obstacle course pop-up on Youth Day weekend
The Gauntlet is South Africa’s ultimate inflatable obstacle experience—270 metres of high-energy mayhem featuring 36 outrageous challenges designed to push your speed, strategy, and spirit to the limit.
With generous six-metre-wide lanes and signature sections like Balls of Doom and The Floor is Lava, this is more than an obstacle course—it’s a full-blown adventure for families, athletes, and teams alike.
This Youth Day weekend, watch out for the ever-watchful gargoyles, silently judging every stumble at iconic features such as The Drop and the notorious Climb of Shame. Suitable for children aged five and up, The Gauntlet promises fun for all ages—though adults may find their pride tested as quickly as their reflexes.
Cost: From R120pp, book via Howler
When: Running from 13 to 16 June
Where: Harlequins Club, 58 Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria
Pretoria’s Vintage Market + Car & Bike Show
The annual Vintage Car & Bike Show + Vintage Market is a must-attend event for collectors and car / bike enthusiasts across South Africa this Youth Day.
Browse an incredible selection of vintage vehicles while shopping at South Africa’s biggest vintage and collectables market. Vintage vehicle owners can even make use of the market to sell their vintage car or bike, and motor lovers could come away with a prized vintage vehicle.
After browsing the vehicles, shop the best antiques, quirky paraphernalia and miscellaneous items of the olden days at the vintage market or grab something to eat at the many restaurants onsite.
Cost: Free entry
When: Monday, 16 June from 8.30am to 5pm
Where: Irene Village Mall, Cnr of Nellmapius Dr & Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene, Centurion
Born Free presented by Abantu Creatives
“Born Free” takes you deep into the heart of post-apartheid South Africa, where the struggles of today’s youth are real, raw, and incredibly powerful. The story follows Kamuhelo, a passionate student activist, as he fights to break free from a system that seems designed to hold him back.
From the harsh realities of an education system that’s failing to the bigger issues of social inequality, Kamuhelo’s journey is one of personal growth, tough choices, and staying true to his vision of change.
Cost: R120pp, book via Webtickets
When: 16, 21 and 22 June. Various times
Where: Abantu Creatives, 012 Central, 387 Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria
Arcade rides galore at Irene Village Mall Carnival
The annual Carnival in Irene is rolling back into town, and it’s here to bring three months of non-stop fun and excitement for the whole family.
This Youth Day, step into a world of colour, lights, and laughter with all your favourite carnival attractions, including thrilling rides,
classic kiddie rides for the little ones, fun fair games with prizes to be won, sweet treats, carnival snacks, and more.
Cost: Prices vary
When: Saturday, 24 May to Sunday, 31 August. Public Holidays from 10am to 6pm
Where: Irene Village Mall, Cnr of Nellmapius Dr &, Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene, Centurion
Weight group exhibition at The Viewing Room
Take in some art by talented artists this Youth Day.
In Weight, artists are encouraged to draw from personal experience or observation: from the weight a mother carries in nurturing a child, to the physical aspirations of a bodybuilder seeking strength; from the quiet resilience of a street vendor providing for their family, to the complex pressures of home, community, religion, and identity. Even the heaviness of grief has its own weight.
This exhibition aims to create a space where these stories can be deeply felt—a space that moves between heaviness and release, introspection and connection. A space where we transition between worlds, and where the eye lingers on both the appearance of health and the silent burdens of contentment.
Participating artists include Siyambonga Magwentshu, Kgafela Loate, Akissi Beukman, Ayola Goxo, Jackie Madide.
Cost: Free entry
When: Running until 16 June | Gallery is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. Saturday from 9am to 2pm
Where: The Viewing Room Art Gallery at St Lorient Art Gallery, 492 Fehrsen street, Circle, Brooklyn, Pretoria
