Spring has sprung, and what better way to welcome the new season than by stepping out to some of the fantastic events lined up this month in Johannesburg. This September, see classic vehicles in action and on display, taste the finest wines, see a show-stopping play or comedy special, taste delightful cuisines, catch top local and international acts live, and so much more.
Celebrate automotive excellence at the Festival of Motoring
Attend the seventh edition of the Festival of Motoring, Africa’s premier automotive celebration, and meet industry titans, share your automotive passion with other motoring enthusiasts, and search for your dream ride. Visitors have the opportunity to explore an impressive showcase featuring over 150 exhibitors flaunting everything from automotive products and services to lifestyle offerings and custom vehicles.
Guests can also purchase VIP tickets which offer prime access, all day good cuisine and drinks, breathtaking views of the venue, and one hot lap session.
Cost: Free to R275pp (single day pass) | R620pp to R660pp (weekend pass) | R3 900pp per day (VIP) | Book via Howler
When: Friday, 30 August to Sunday, 1 September | From 8.30am daily
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Cnr Pitts Ave and Allandale Rd, Midrand, Johannesburg
Taste the best wines of 2024 at the Tim Atkin SA Wines of the Year Showcase
Tim Atkin launches his 12th Wines of the Year report in a highly anticipated wine tasting and education event featuring the Master of Wine himself. Join him for the launch of his most recent report and pick his brain about wine whilst getting a taste of his top selections of the year. This year’s selection includes over 200 wines that scored over 95 total points in his report. Guests also receive a Gabriel-Glas wine glass to take home with them.
Cost: R795pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 5 September from 4pm to 8pm
Where: Strauss & Co, 89 Central St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
See The Moscow Soloists Ensemble live in concert
Yuri Bashmet, one of the world’s most celebrated violinists and conductors, is set to conduct and perform with his Moscow Soloists Chamber Ensemble in Johannesburg this month. Witness as the renowned music powerhouse leads a team of talented musicians in a performance of works from Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Bodrov.
Cost: From R100pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 5 September from 7:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
Read more about the event here
Book seats for the thought-provoking ‘ANTIDOTE — The Musical’
This month, Simemezelo Xulu’s ‘ANTIDOTE: The Musical’ returns to Johannesburg on a national tour, ten years since its first staging. The legal drama turned musical opens its tour at the Wits Theatre for five consecutive shows. The musical features a five-piece live band and its story challenges the purpose of imprisonment, begging the question as to whether they are successful correctional facilities to the state or have rather become gangster havens for more crimes.
Cost: R150pp (adults) | R100pp (academics and staff) | R40pp (students) | Book via Quicket
When: Wednesday, 4 September to Sunday, 8 September | From 7pm to 8pm nightly
Where: Wits Theatre Complex, 24 Station St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Witness local R&B hit maker, Marcus Harvey take the stage with guest star lordkez
Transcendent fusion R&B artist, Marcus Harvey, lights up the Marabi stage in the wake of his much-celebrated sophomore album ‘NOW YOU KNOW ME’. For this special show, the star is accompanied by a four-piece band and supported by fellow label-mate and songstress, lordkez. Together, they set out to deliver a magical evening of sultry vocals and beautiful live instrumentation.
Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 5 September from 6pm to midnight
Where: Marabi Club, Hallmark House, 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg
Immerse yourself in all things art at the FNB Art Joburg fair
Africa’s leading and longest running contemporary art fair, FNB Art Joburg, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre this September. Stop by to see the best in contemporary African art from across the world, engage with master print and publishing houses and art-based organisations, and attend talks, screenings, public lectures and audio essays from industry leaders.
There is also a special VIP event hosted a night before the art fair’s weekend opening that art-lovers can RSVP for.
Cost: R175pp (day pass) | R350pp (weekend pass) | R1 500pp (VIP RSVP: 5 Sep) | Book via TixSA
When: Thursday, 5 September to Sunday, 8 September | Thursday at 6pm (VIP RSVP) | Friday from 11am to 8pm | Saturday from 11am to 7pm | Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Where: Sandton Convention Centre,161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Experience a spring evening of music, food, and dancing at the International Food and Dance Market
Bryanston Market is celebrating the start of spring with an evening of live music, delicious food, and dancing under the stars. The market has invited Dance Junxion to teach energetic Rio Samba, elegant Britain’s Waltz, and the smooth Fox Trot, and a South African Sokkie is planned for when the clock strikes 7pm.
When guests are not dancing, they can indulge in a culinary journey around the world with international cuisines at every stall. To top the evening off, there is also a candle dipping session under the twinkling stars.
Cost: Free entry | R70pp (candle dipping) | Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 6 September from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Bryanston Market, 40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Sandton
Witness a musical and acrobatic extravaganza at ‘Meatloaf – The Rebel Ride’
Cirk and Stageworx present ‘Meat Loaf – The Rebel Ride‘, a showcase that takes audiences through the discography of best-selling international artist, Meat Loaf. Under the direction of Timothy Le Roux, the show features the extraordinarily talented ‘The Voice SA’ Runner-Up, Yahto Kraft, on vocals, supported by Stageworx alumni vocalists and incredible circus acts from The Cirk acrobats.
Cost: R180pp to R280pp, book via Koid
When: Friday, 6 September to Sunday, 29 September | Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm | Sundays from 2pm
Where: The Cirk, Shop L205a, Cresta Shopping Centre Corner Beyers Naude Drive, Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, Randburg
Have some fabulous food and family fun at the Rosebank Mall Street Feast
The Rosebank Mall Street Feast is returning this year with a groovy ’90s twist. Spend your weekend a little differently – trying freshly made street food from multiple fabulous food trucks in Joburg, drinking craft liquor from renowned breweries and distilleries, listening to 90’s singalong classics, and enjoying family-friendly fun and games.
The first 100 guests to arrive at the event receive a complimentary glass of gin with a mixer of their choice.
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 7 September from 10am to 6pm
Where: The rooftop at Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Read more about the event here
Gain some garden inspiration and enjoy fine wine at Bulbs & Bubbly
Bastion House presents Bulbs and Bubbly, a morning of flower blooming discoveries and exquisite wines. Attendees can expect a Bubbly and Spring Charcuterie serving savoury treats, a delightful selection of Spier Wines, and a gift bag filled with special mementos which they can take home with them. The event highlight is the featured expert talk from Melanie Walker, who guides guests through unlocking the secrets of bulbs and discovering new floral favourites.
Cost: R180pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 7 September and Sunday, 8 September | From 10.30am to 1.30pm on both days
Where: Bastion House – Guest House in Irene, 55 Albert Rd, Irene Security Estate, Centurion
Catch Grammy-winning PJ Morton live alongside South African talent
Renowned musician and Maroon 5-member, PJ Morton, is set to electrify South Africa once again this September with his highly anticipated ‘Cape Town To Cairo Tour’. See him and the Afro Orleans band play live as part of the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens series. Audiences can also expect special performances by Afro-Soul-Jazz artist Mandisi Dyantyis and African folk and Soul artist, Wandile Mbambeni.
Cost: From R195pp, book via Webtickets
When: Sunday, 8 September from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Mushroom Farm Park, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg
Take a journey through South Africa’s culture and history on the #RebelWalk 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 and various other cultural stops along the way. The night is topped off with a local beer and rustic bar menu dinner at Native Rebels.
Cost: R950pp, book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 12 September from 5pm to 10pm
Where: Meet at Starbucks @ The Zone in Rosebank, Tyrwhitt Ave & Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Experience a cosmic production with Hidden Giants
Hidden Giants is an innovative new production that brings the mysteries of Black Holes to life through original live music, a captivating talk, and cinematic visuals. The show explores how humanity captured the most mysterious objects in the heart of our Milky Way galaxy.
The story, narrated by Dr Luca Pontiaggo, follows key figures like Einstein and the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team, delving into the nature of Black Holes and the end of our universe while explaining the core science behind these concepts simply and beautifully.
Cost: R280pp to R340pp, book via Webtickets
When: Friday, 13 September and Saturday, 14 September from 7:30pm to 9pm
Where: The Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Read more about the event here
Get the laughs going at Mpho Popps’ new comedy special, ‘The F-Show’
Comedy fans are in for a night of unfiltered, side-splitting comedy as Mpho Popps, one of South Africa’s most beloved comedians, leads a powerhouse lineup in ‘The F-Show’. Supported by comedians Vafa Naraghi and Khanyisa Bunu, the trio share their hilarious musings on the everyday chaos of life in South Africa.
Cost: R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 13 September to Sunday, 15 September | Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 10pm | Sunday from 3pm to 5pm
Where: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, West St, Sandown, Sandton
Welcome Spring with globally celebrated artists at NIROX Spring Jazz
The 2024 instalment of the NIROX Jazz event focusses on the innovative, changing character of Jazz as a leading musical genre, engrained deeply in South African culture, and all jazz lovers are invited to enjoy this exceptional display of local jazz talent. Featured acts this year include the Umgidi Ensemble, Simphiwe Dana, Radio Sechaba, and the Robin Fassie Quintet.
Attendees also get access to a variety of market-style gourmet cuisines and a curated selection of beverages.
Cost: R500pp to R700pp (general admission) | R1 500pp (Arbour Lounge tickets) | Free (u/12s)
When: Sunday, 15 September from 10am
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
See Janet Jackson and Jill Scott live at the Dstv Delicious Festival
The annual DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival is ringing in its 11th year with a spectacular celebration of exciting performances, good food, and a great vibe. This year, the two-day festival has some heavyweight headliners supported by some of the best local acts Mzansi has to offer. Pop icon, Janet Jackson headlines on the Saturday, whilst neo-soul legend, Jill Scott graces the stage on the Sunday.
Supporting local acts include Thandiswa Mazwai, Boom Shaka, Cassper Nyovest, Soweto Gospel Choir, Jesse Clegg, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Zolani Mahola and many more!
Cost: R1 050pp to R3 250pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 21 September and Sunday, 22 September | From 12pm daily
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Cnr R55 &, Allandale Rd, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
Read more about the event here
Enjoy an authentic multi-course ‘farm-to-table’ meal at the Dikeme Farms Fire Long Table Lunch
The Fire Long Table is a fab new communal dining concept giving Joburgers a chance to explore authentic farm-to-table fare cooked with the magic of fire. This exclusive multi-course food and wine experience is set at Dikeme Farms, which is surrounded by the Magaliesburg mountains and boasts breathtaking views. Guests can expect an afternoon filled with fine foods, music, gorgeous nature feels, and a chance to connect with new people.
Cost: R1 800pp, book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 22 September from 11.30am to 6pm
Where: The Pecan Pavilion and Terrace at Dikeme Farms, Maropeng, Cradle Of Humankind
Read more about the event here
Feel the jazz at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz returns with the promise of exhilarating experiences for music lovers to Feel the Jazz, Everywhere! Africa’s premier jazz festival takes place at the end of September, at the peak of springtime and features an exciting line-up of headlining jazz stars from across the world. Guests can expect sounds from Chris Botti (US), Matthew Halsall (UK), Feya Faku (SA), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Maleh (Lesotho/SA), Micasa (SA), Vusi Nova (SA), Mafikizolo (SA), Thandiswa Mazwai, and much, much more.
Cost: R1 050pp (single day) | R1 950pp (weekend package) | Book via Ticketmaster
When: Friday, 27 September and Saturday, 28 September | From 6pm both days
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
Take in a historical spectacle at the Great Train Race
The Great Train Race invites history-lovers to fully immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of an antiquated era, showcasing and celebrating vintage vehicles and attire. In celebration of a race between a Bentley and Le Train Bleu in 1930 from Monte Carlo to Calais, everyone dresses up in clothes and trinkets from a bygone age to enjoy the spectacle. Attendees get to experience vintage vehicle cavalcades, vintage aircrafts twirling the sky, live music, and cuisines from countries from all over the world.
Guests who want to elevate their experience can opt for a VIP ticket which includes a private area and a three-course lunch. Those who do not arrive in vintage wear are subject to an additional R30 surcharge fee.
Cost: R80pp | R40pp (12 and under) | R350pp (VIP) | Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 28 September from 8am to 4pm
Where: Heidelberg Airport, Heidelberg NU, Heidelberg
Participate in a variety of tabletop gaming events launched by Unplug Yourself
Unplug Yourself is the leading authority on tabletop games, hosting a varied selection of playing and trading events for gamers around the country. The games include Pokémon journey and trade events, Catan national leagues, Dungeons and Dragons, and so much more. Joburg residents are invited to partake in a variety of in-person live event taking place in the city until the end of October.
Cost: Free to R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Running until 27 October | Various times
Where: Various venues in Johannesburg
See multi-award-winning international star, James Blunt on tour
The multiple award-winning and Grammy-nominated, James Blunt, stops by The SunBet Arena this September during his South African tours in support of his brilliant new album ‘Who We Used To Be’. Grab a ticket before it’s too late and witness the pop-rock artist responsible for the smash hit ‘You’re Beautiful’ as he serves up a heartfelt and fresh performance for his South African fans.
Cost: R855pp to R2055pp, book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 14 September from 8pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
