2025 has arrived, and what better way to celebrate a brand-new year than with a brand-new selection of fantastic things to do this January in Johannesburg? Celebrate new beginnings and try something new or enjoy more of the same excitement that the city has to offer.
Experience everything from disco showcases to theatrical showstoppers, vegan food picnics to celebrate “Veganuary”, international musical performances, and thought-provoking art exhibitions.
My Fair Lady at Montecasino
Following the sell-out success of The Sound of Music in the 2023/24 summer season, Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town Opera present Lerner & Loewe’s musical masterpiece, My Fair Lady starting this January in Johannesburg.
My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, who receives elocution lessons from Henry Higgins, a phonetics professor, so she can pass as a lady in early twentieth-century England, as part of a bet Higgins has made with a friend. As Eliza transforms, a complex relationship develops between them as she grapples with her class, her identity and the power of language.
Cost: From R240pp to R580pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from Saturday, 25 January | Various shows at 2.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm
Where: The Teatro at Montecasino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Read more about the show here
Relive Non-Stop 70s & 80s Hits with Disco City at the Lyric Theatre
Don’t miss out on Disco City, a fresh new song and dance show at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef. The show revives all the unstoppable songs and dance moves from the 70s and 80s. Expect a fun-filled, toe-tapping extravaganza where you can let loose and step back in time with groovy classics.
At the heart of Disco City are two exceptional vocalists who will bring the era’s soulful sounds to life. First, there’s Tracy-Lee Oliver, the diva from Grabouw in Cape Town. Joining her is Oscar T, a South African talent fresh off international stages.
Cost: R260pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until Sunday, 12 January | Various evenings, from 7pm
Where: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg
Read more about the show here
Calabash South Africa Music Festival
Despite British pop icon Robbie Williams having, unfortunately, to pull out of Calabash this year, American rock band Green Day make a historic debut in South Africa to headline the concert. They perform alongside punk rock legends, The Offspring, and local favourites, Fokofpolisiekar.
Witness the Grammy-winning trio with a three-decade legacy live as they set to captivate audiences with their anthemic hits like ‘Basket Case’, ‘American Idiot’, and more.
Cost: R575pp to R6 250pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Sunday, 19 January from 5pm
Where: FNB Stadium, Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg
Check out more festivals taking place in Johannesburg
Mzansi Ballet’s The ABBA Show – A Cinderella Story
Take in this magical celebration of fairytales and pop music as Mzansi Ballet returns with The ABBA Show this summer. Combining the timeless music of ABBA with the beloved story of Cinderella, this whimsical ballet promises to be an unforgettable holiday treat for all ages.
Featuring the exceptional dancers of the Mzansi Ballet, this show sparkles with fun, romance, and of course, those unforgettable ABBA melodies. There is also a gift donation initiative taking place over the course of the production, to be given to charities. Gifts are also available for purchase at the theatre prior to the performance and during the interval.
To add to the experience, Mzansi Ballet is teaming up with The Hussar Grill at Montecasino to offer an incredible deal for attendees to enjoy a 20% discount on both their tickets and dinner—but only when they use both discounts together.
Cost: R200pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until Sunday, 19 January | Wednesdays to Sundays with various shows at 3pm and 7.30pm
Where: Pieter Toerien at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Abafa(ba)zi – Those Who Die Knowing group exhibition
See the Abafa(ba)zi – Those Who Die Knowing exhibition all month at the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg. This is a collaborative exhibition including commissioned works, artistic experiments, and existing works with transdisciplinary women artists and researchers from the African continent connected to womanisms.
The exhibition is rooted in personal and familial narratives, underscoring the pivotal role of black women as shapers of everyday life and custodians of stories. It features visual and choral art from women from all over the African continent.
Cost: Free entry
When: Running until Friday, 28 February | Goethe-Institut is open Mondays to Thursdays from 8.30am to 6pm and Fridays from 8.30am to 2.30pm
Where: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Raspberry Festival at Field Berry Farm
Field Berry Farm opens for Berry Picking season this January with their annual Raspberry Festival, which will run until April. Bring the family along for raspberry picking and enjoy the farm’s other facilities including a children’s bike track, an outdoor playground, and live local music from time to time. Also, don’t miss out on their stalls selling delicious food and drinks.
Cost: R55pp (adult entry) | R45pp (kids and pensioners) | R150 per kg of berries picked | Book online
When: Running from Saturday, 11 January | Open 9am to 3pm
Where: The Field Berry Farm, De Deur, 1876 Walkerville
The Jungle Book
This summer, VR Theatrical presents a brand-new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s the ‘Jungle Book‘. Bring the kids along to experience the magic of Kipling’s beloved classic like never before in an edgy and exciting new musical adaptation.
Through the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, follow a tale of survival, friendship, and the struggle between the wild and civilization.
With unforgettable characters like the wise bear Baloo, the grumpy panther Bagheera and the menacing tiger, Shere Khan, this new musical explores themes of identity and belonging while celebrating the wonders of nature.
Cost: R150pp to R220pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from Friday, 24 January to Sunday, 16 February | Various shows between 11am and 6pm
Where: Pieter Toerien at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Secret Sunrise JHB: 2025 Kick-Off
Get ready to start the year on the right foot with Secret Sunrise JHB: 2025 Kick-Off. This global guided silent dance and mediation community is partnering up with WeWork in central Sandton to create a unique experience for all participants.
This is the New Year’s dance that you don’t want to miss as WeWork barristers prepare to serve up some delicious refreshments on the day from rich coffees to scrumptious light breakfast meals.
The hour-long session guided by accredited instructors blends elements of movement, connection and mediation to deliver a holistic light workout experience for people of all ages and fitness levels. So, remember to bring along a bottle of water for this blood pumping event.
Cost: From R100pp, book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 26 January from 8.30am to 9.30am
Where: WeWork – Coworking & Office Space, 155 West St, Sandown, Sandton
City Sightseeing Red Bus
Take the new year as an opportunity to get to know your city better with the City Sightseeing Red Bus. Explore Johannesburg’s most exciting sights from the iconic Red Bus and enjoy some interesting stops along the way.
There are various route options, including a hop-on hop-off option through the city, multiple Soweto tours, a bus and guided art tour, a bus and JHB Zoo tour, and bus and food stops at RocoMamas or Spur.
Cost: From R229pp to R785pp, book online
When: Daily
Where: Various pickup points in Johannesburg (depending on tour type selected)
Climbing at CityROCK Johannesburg
Get active this new year at CityROCK, a climbing gym which caters to climbers of all levels, from first-time kids to experienced outdoor climbers.
CityROCK’s children’s zone is all about fun, where kids can use this activity to develop fine muscle control, gain a sense of achievement and body awareness and for those who take it more seriously, develop the correct climbing skills.
Their climbing facilities include a large bouldering area (bouldering is climbing 3m – 4m high without a rope) and up to 15m high walls for roped climbing. For all top rope climbing they only use the Grigri belay device and for belayed climbing, all climbers and belayers must pass a compulsory top rope belay test.
Cost: R190pp (adults) | R170pp (student/pensioner) | R160pp (kids u/18) | Book online
When: Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9.30pm | Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays from 9am to 6pm
Where: CityROCK Johannesburg, 46 Fourth Ave S, Fontainebleau, Randburg
Vegan Sushi Picnic
Kickstart your “Veganuary” with Plotville’s Vegan Sushi Picnics courtesy of Gourmet Hippie, hosted every Sunday this summer.
On the menu is a stunning sushi board loaded with fresh, colorful veggies, creamy avocado, perfectly seasoned rice, and all the sushi fixings. There are also mouthwatering vegan desserts to satisfy those with a sweet tooth along with crisp, refreshing drinks to sip on throughout the afternoon.
Every bite is 100% vegan and served with love. This is the perfect outing for a date, catch-ups with loved ones, family outings, or simply a solo trip. Each week there is a different theme, and all January themes are in celebration of Veganuary.
Featured themes include ‘Classic Sushi Redefined’ (12 January), ‘Sushi Goes Global’ (19 January), and ‘Bold & Spicy’ (26 January).
Cost: R250pp (adult) | R150pp (children u/12) | Book via Quicket
When: Every Sunday from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Plotville, Plot 165 Sering, Vastfontein, Pretoria
Tyla’s Homecoming Tour encore show
After a successful December show, Tyla is bringing her homecoming tour to Pretoria for one more show-stopping concert. If you missed the first one, be sure not to miss out on this one. Buy tickets and earn the opportunity to sing your heart out to smash hits such as ‘Water’, PUSH 2 START’, ‘Truth or Dare’, and more from her critically acclaimed albums.
Cost: R650pp to R950pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 18 January from 8pm
Where: Sunbet Arena at Times Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Robbie Williams
British mega-star Robbie Williams presents two solo concert dates for his Gauteng-based fans to make up for having to miss the Calabash festival. With an impressive track record including six of the Top 100 best-selling albums in British history, a staggering 80 million album sales worldwide, and an incredible 14 Number 1 singles, Robbie Williams has solidified his place in music history with a record-breaking 18 BRIT Awards – more than any other artist.
Don’t miss out on this second-chance opportunity to see the pop star’s star power live in action in Pretoria.
Cost: R1 310pp to R3 375pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 January | Saturday from 9pm | Sunday from 7pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Keyshia Cole
Iconic American singer-songwriter, Keyshia Cole, brings her sultry sound to South African stages to kick off the new year.
Throughout her illustrious career, Keyshia Cole has captivated audiences with her relatable lyrics and soul-stirring voice. From the heart-wrenching ‘Let It Go’ to the empowering ‘Nobody’s Perfect’, along with other hits such as ‘Last Night’, ‘Heaven Sent’, and ‘Love’, her music continues to resonate with fans everywhere.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the highly decorated, Grammy-nominated star belting her biggest hits live in Pretoria.
Cost: R690pp to R1 590pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Friday, 24 January from 6pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
