The First Edition of Main Street Sundays in Joburg: All You Need to Know

On Sunday, 12 April, Main Street Sundays is clearing out all the cars and handing Main Street in Marshalltown back to the people for one day only. Main Street Sundays is inspired by Open Streets, an international movement that asks us to rethink our most valuable public asset: the street network.

Jozi My Jozi and Young Urbanists have worked with a range of city organisations to curate a lively festival-style programme that features art walks, pop-up markets, activities for young and old, and so much more. Entry to the event is FREE. Families, students, and residents can look forward to a day that brings some much-needed energy into the CBD:

Main Street Sundays in Johannesburg | What's On in Joburg

What is Main Street Sundays about?

This initiative is more than just a day out; it is a pilot route on Johannesburg’s Walkable Network. This is an approved city policy and investment strategy that focuses movement and activity onto priority routes so that interventions build on each other over time, rather than being spread too thinly across the city.

Dawn Robertson, Visitor & Creative Economy Catalyst at Jozi My Jozi, explains: “With Main Street closed to cars and taxis, there’s going to be less hooting and hollering, and less rushing, too. Instead of peeking through the window as you drive by, Main Street Sundays gives you a chance to meet Jozi at a chilled, walking pace.”

“This is more than an event. This is a reclamation,” Robertson adds. “Main Street Sundays isn’t a marketing stunt – it’s a rebellion against the lie that Joburg belongs to cars, not people. By bringing small businesses, artists, and real Joburgers onto the street together, we’re taking back what was always ours.”

What to look forward to

From 44 Main down to Gandhi Square, Main Street and its interconnecting side streets will be transformed into nine activation zones. These areas focus on wellness, mind and body, books and reading, active mobility, live music, and a dedicated kids’ interactive play zone.

When is the first edition of Main Street Sundays?

This free family-friendly event in Johannesburg takes place on Sunday, 12 April from 10am to 5pm. Activations, experiences, and stalls are set up from 44 Main Street right through to Gandhi Square in Marshalltown.

Getting there and around

Make the most of the day out and book an open top bus round-trip from Rosebank to Main Street Sundays and back. City Sightseeing will host special red bus tours with drop-off spots within a short walking distance from the activities.

Visitors who plan on driving can access one of the parking zones for safe and secure parking. From here, you’re free to explore the interesting stalls and pop-ups, mindful cycling, skate, or rollerblade your way through it all.

Not sure where to start? Visit the Jozi My Jozi Info Zone and find out all you need to know

Head to the Jozi My Jozi info zone to get your bearings, learn more about the Walkable Network, and find out how this initiative is part of a broader vision for a better urban South Africa.

A mindfulness pocket: Outdoor yoga, meditation, silent reading, and a social morning run

For those who want to start the day with movement, there is an early morning 5km or 10km walk/run starting from Maharishi Park (corner of Anderson and Ntemi Piliso streets) at 7:30am/8am. Kids and pets are welcome to tag along on the shorter run, and no registration is needed to join.

Throughout the day, you can also find pockets for outdoor yoga, meditation, and silent reading corners. Reminder to take your own mat for the yoga and meditation sessions.

Walk the art mile, starting from the Standard Bank Gallery

Running alongside Main Street is a walkable art mile that starts at the Standard Bank Gallery on Simmonds Street. The gallery will be open to the public on Sunday, and you must see the Homecoming exhibition, which showcases a collection of rare works that have not been shown publicly in decades.

Take a stroll further down the road to catch contemporary works at Asisebenze Gallery opposite Rand Club, as well as an open-air CONTRA exhibition on the corner of Main and Simmonds streets, where you’ll see a range of artists on show alongside interactive cultural experiences.

Dedicated kids’ area in partnership with Play Africa

Children are invited to take part in a day designed entirely for them, with a 1km stretch of safe, car-free space to explore and enjoy. The kids’ programme, in partnership with Play Africa, includes face painting, arts activities, a dedicated area for street games, and zones for skateboarding and scooters.

They’ll be turning the car-free street into a pop-up children’s museum – with hands-on play, creative learning activities, and space for little ones to explore Jozi in a whole new way. Think chalk art on the road, building, imagining, and learning right in the heart of the CBD.

Where to find food and drink

Head to Gandhi Square for a variety of food and drink options, or explore the local bistros and pop-up stalls along the route to keep you fuelled throughout the day. Sadie’s Bistro will also serve treats that you can enjoy at the venue or on the go.

Venture into rarely seen parts of the city with a cycling club

The Banditz Bicycle Club will be leading a cycling route through Jozi, inviting you to experience the city in motion, together. It’s a chance to see the CBD from a new perspective, surrounded by fellow riders.

A mini craft and design market near Sadie’s Bistro

Stop by Sadie’s Bistro for a local maker’s market where designers and crafters will be showing off their wares, offering a unique selection of local craft and design.

Free social games such as table tennis

The car-free street becomes a social hub where you can join in on games like table tennis and mini soccer, turning the tarmac into a communal sports ground for the day.

Lend a hand at the Food Garden

Join in a gardening initiative that champions homegrown produce, giving you a chance to get your hands dirty and support local food sustainability.

Skateboarding sessions and easy lessons for beginners

Both young and old can look forward to skateboarding demos and lessons in a car-free setting. The crew from Skateistan will be on hand to support beginners, cheer on the brave, and help young people see their city in a whole new way. All lessons and skateboarding experiences are free.