Things to do This Weekend in Johannesburg

This weekend in Johannesburg is jam-packed with incredible events for anyone to enjoy, from theatre to live music, unique food and drink experiences to expos, creative activities to competitions, and much more. Spend the last weekend of the month in style and decide between seeing an impeccable ballet performance, grooving to the sounds of South Africa’s biggest stars, going on a speed date, indulging in a delightful variety of food, joining a dance class, and the works.

End the week with a Sunday Slow Jams listening session hosted by Wilson B. Nkosi

Let veteran radio presenter and local music expert, Wilson B. Nkosi, set the mood with smooth and suave sounds every Last Sunday of the month at Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar. Wilson will host an intimate listening session with a special playlist of mellow Sunday tunes at the restaurant. The experience is a chance to unwind while getting up close and personal with one of the city’s most respected icons while dining on a fine menu of haute cuisine.

Level Seven Restaurant may well be one of Joburg’s leading venues for extravagant dining. Fittingly perched atop the Radisson Hotel O.R. Tambo with stunning views over the suburban greenery of Bredell, the menu journeys through Executive Chef Nkosazana Nyembe’s off-beat creativity that champions local ingredients.

Cost: Free entrance, food and drink for your own account. Reserve your table via email [email protected] or call 010 541 1320

When: Every Last Sunday of the month, from 4pm to 6pm
Where: On the top floor of the Radisson Hotel O.R. Tambo, Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar, 3rd and 6th Ave, Bredell, Kempton Park, Johannesburg

Tuck into the Cradle of Humankind’s new conscious Sunday 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. The menu is mostly prepared on open fire which connects with the heritage roots of the Cradle of Humankind. At The Fire Long Table, diners feast on organic produce harvested right at the farm to bring out the best of each ingredient. Guests can expect an afternoon filled with fine foods, music, gorgeous nature feels, and a chance to connect with new people.

Cost: R1 500pp including a multi-course lunch with wine pairing | Book via Quicket

When: Sunday, 30 June from 11.30am to 5.30pm
Where: The Pecan Pavilion and Terrace at Dikeme Farms, Maropeng, Cradle Of Humankind

Catch some of SA’s biggest artists at Basha Uhuru’s Sounds of Freedom Music Festival

Johannesburg’s most anticipated creative festival, Constitution Hill’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, offers a jam-packed line-up of creative immersions and experiences, culminating in the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival to end things off. The music festival this year is headlined by local megastars including Murda Bongz, Sjava with Amagugu Ezwe, Alaska, FKA Mash, Nadia Nakai, Solo Nsizwa KaMthimkhulu, Kujenga, Holly Rey, ByLwansta, Castro, Doda, Boisanza and many more.

Cost: R150 – R280pp, book via Webtickets

When: Sat, 29 Jun from 10am to 2am Sun, 30 Jun
Where: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Get the kids’ creative juices flowing at The Creative Studio’s guided classes

Clearwater Mall is keeping kids engaged for the winter school holiday with The Creative Studio. This pop-up craft centre hosts daily supervised workshops, giving the kids the opportunity to explore clay painting, painting on drawstring bags and mugs, 3D modelling and more. There’s also a dedicated play space where the young ones can run wild before or after each session.

Cost: From R40pp to R50pp, book via Webtickets

When: Running from Friday, 28 June to Sunday, 7 July. Various times
Where: Rochester Court at Clearwater Mall (Upper Level), Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort

A fairytale comes to life with the Joburg Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

A timeless fairytale of love triumphant, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ returns to Johannesburg this winter in a glittering production by Joburg Ballet. Through an evil spell, a Princess pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep from which she is awoken one hundred years later by a Prince’s kiss. Set to Tchaikovsky’s sweepingly romantic music played live by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is a magnificent showcase for Joburg Ballet’s acclaimed dancers are joined this season by visiting guest artists.

Cost: R110 to R580pp, book via Webtickets

When: Running from Friday, 28 June to Sunday, 7 July | Shows at 2pm and 7pm this weekend
Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Spend the evening at The Bedfordview Night Market

This monthly market in Johannesburg is a treasure trove of rare craft finds and a massive range of world street food. They draw a mix of Bedfordview locals and folks from all across the city. Go hungry, their food vendors serve up some of the most delicious paella, samoosas, pasta and waffles. Usually running on the last Friday of each month, this market is a great option if you want to wind down in a buzzy outdoor atmosphere.

Cost: R25pp | R10pp (u/12s and pensioners) | Pay at the door

When: Friday, 28 June from 5pm to 10pm
Where: Bedfordview Country Club, Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg

Meet New People with In Real Life Co’s Singles’ Mixer & Speed Dating Event

The Singles’ Mixer & Speed Dating meetup creates a private and intimate setting for eligible singles to meet and engage in a relaxed speed dating activity. The concept is designed to suit a variety of social preferences and tastes, and the dress code is smart casual. The experience includes a welcoming glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival, a Main course from the set menu, and Dessert.

Cost: R650pp. A 10% discount applies for bookings of 2 or more | Book via email [email protected] or call 084 555 4109

When: Saturday, 29 June from 6pm to 10pm
Where: La Parada at Melrose Arch, Shop 005, Melrose Arch, 60 Melrose Blvd, Melrose North, Johannesburg

Catch a screening of the queer cult classic, Paris is Burning

Deconform hosts a screening of Paris is Burning (1990) to end Pride month. The film is a documentary that dives into the ballroom culture scene in New York during the 1980’s, and the drag queens who lived and died through it. The film displays the ins and outs of the ballroom competition environment and provides an intimate look into the often-tragic lives of its flamboyant and frequently socially shunned performers.

Cost: From R80pp, book via Quicket

When: Friday, 28 June from 6pm to 10pm
Where: 274 Fox St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg

Unleash your groove with Amapiano classes

Dive into the heart of South African dance with this Amapiano course. Join multi-award-winning multidisciplinary artist, Delta The Leo, this Saturday for one hour of nonstop move and groove. This is perfect for experienced dancers who wish to expand their dance styles and newcomers looking to step out of their comfort zones.

Cost: R200pp, book via Five6seven8

When: Saturday, 29 June from 9am to 10am
Where: Five6seven8 Dance Studio, Ferndale on Republic Mall, Randburg

Catch eye-opening documentaries from a selection of over 50 titles

The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is the country’s formative documentary event. For its 26th year in a row, the festival brings documentary lovers a selection of over 50 diverse films available to watch at select cinemas in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The films fall under various categories, including feature documentaries and short documentaries from international and African filmmakers. Each film offers a unique look into a specific and unique pocket of the world.

Feature documentary, 6SENSE (2023), deals with music and its role in a GQOM artist’s journey in overcoming the troubles associated with their disability, while Black People Don’t Get Depressed (2024) delves into the ways in which issues of mental health go underacknowledged within black African communities. On the international front, Bye Bye Tiberias (2023) chronicles the life and family history of the Palestinian actress, Hiam Abbas. These are just a few of the many diverse films screened at the festival that are not to be missed.

Cost: R80 per single ticket per film. Book here

When: From Thursday, 20 June to Sunday, 30 June. Various times and venues.
Where: The Zone, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank | The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark | Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood

See the action live at the 2024 SA Nationals Kyokushin Karate Championship

Experience two thrilling days of karate, featuring some of the finest fighters from South Africa and across the continent. The championship showcases the talents of Juniors, Seniors, and Veterans, competing in various weight and age categories. The events span across kata, a clicker (semi-contact), and full-contact knockdown, with the highlight of the event being the open weight categories for Senior men and women, engaging in full-contact knockdown.

Cost: R5opp (day pass – spectators) | R30pp (kids) | Book via Quicket or purchase at the door

When: Fri, 28 Jun & Sat 29 Jun | From 8am to 5pm both days
Where: Kibler Park Recreation Centre, Peggy Vera Rd & Sunningdale Dr, Kibler Park, Johannesburg South

Get some wedding inspiration at The Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo

The Oakfield Bridal Expo is a celebration of uniqueness, offering soon-to-be brides an opportunity to plan their special event as they get the chance to meet South Africa’s leading and most sought-after wedding specialists. Instead of pouring over hundreds of reviews or making never-ending follow-up calls they can meet over 100 wedding pros in just one day.

The Bridal Expo is a great way to take advantage of exclusive vendor offers for attendees and score some freebies in the process. Not to mention the prizes and giveaways, of which there are tons throughout the expo. Various food trucks and live entertainment are also available during the run of the day.

Cost: R140pp (day pass), book via Webtickets

When: Saturday, 29 June & Sunday, 30 June from 10am to 5pm both days
Where: Oakfield Farm, Plot 240 Cnr, Beyers Naudé Dr, Honeydew, Roodepoort

Visit the Masau Craft Distillery for a Spirits Tasting and Distillery Tour

Visit the countryside of Johannesburg and relax, breathe some fresh air and sip some real African Spirits. The tour and pairing lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes an African Experience with the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) Bronze medal awarded to Masau Spirits, a tasting of four Masau Spirits paired with local finger foods, 2 x 50ml samples to take home, a chance to make your own cocktail, and a guided tour of the working Masau distillery.

Cost: R275pp, book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 29 June | Session one from 12pm to 2pm | Session two from 2pm to 4pm
Where: Masau Craft Distillery, Villa Rd, Muldersdrift

Lindo Zwane exhibition piece — A piece from Lindo Zwane’s ‘INSIZI YE BHODWE’ exhibition.

Enjoy a canapé lunch and a walkabout of two solo art shows

Join the META Foundation for a winter harvest table featuring canapés and drinks, and a walkabout of two solo art shows. “Where Do I Go When I Want Home”, a solo show by Nene Mahlangu, explores the poignant journey to find a place to call home, not merely in the physical sense, but in the depths of our souls, through a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Lindo Zwane’s solo exhibition, INSIZI YE BHODWE investigates the gaze on informal traders, particularly, the working women of Kwa Mai Mai market.

Cost: R300pp, book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 29 June from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Where: August House, 4th Floor, 76 End St, Doornfontein, Johannesburg

Eat, thrift and chill at the Front Stoep Market

The folks at Freedoms Kitchin in Sandton bring Joburgers another instalment of their new Front Stoep Market at BlackBrick this Saturday. Attendees get to choose from a range of food and drink stalls, try one of the games, thrift new items, and enjoy the live music and entertainment that has been planned for the event. Email [email protected] for further information.

Cost: R30pp, pay at entrance

When: Saturday, 29 June from 3pm to 10pm
Where: BlackBrick 1, 25 Fredman Dr, Sandown, Sandton

The Fire Festival dancers captured in motion — Image Credit: Christo de Beer

Witness the beauty of flames at the Klitsgras Drumming Fire Festival

The Fire Festival, hosted by Klitsgras Drumming, is a spectacular visual evening that both the young and old can enjoy. The festival combines craftsmanship and the beauty of flames to create a visual masterpiece featuring fire dancers and a big fire display. The event also features interactive drumming sessions for the public to enjoy after they undergo a short tutorial by the Klitsgras drumming instructors. Amazing wood-fired oven pizzas and refreshments are also available.

Cost: R100 – R130pp (entrance and drum hire) | R80pp (entrance excluding drum hire) | R90 (u/12s entrance and drum hire) | R40 (u/12s entrance excluding drum hire) | Book via Quicket or purchase at the door

When: Saturday, 29 June from 4pm to 11pm
Where: Klitsgras Drumming, Garsfontein Rd, Tierpoort

Prepare for a scare during the Haunted Train Ghost Dinner experience

The Haunted Train Ghost Dinner is a unique production featuring a five-star, three-course meal, on two vintage museum-piece dining cars. The dinner is divided into three Acts. Act One begins with a ghost tour of SA’s most haunted olde Victorian train station (opened in 1895), followed by Starters. For Act Two, guests leave the dining car and enter the station’s hall where they are treated to classic countryside (veld) ghost stories from around SA before heading back into the dining cars for the Main course.

For the final act, the guests leave the dining car and enter the station’s hall again to enjoy the ‘Vaudeville Spook Stage Show,’ presented like the stage shows of the 1880s to the 1920s. Then, it is back to the dining cars for Dessert, drinks, liqueurs, coffee and/or tea.

Cost: R599pp. There is a minimum two-person booking requirement | Book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 29 June from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Adler’s Restaurant, cnr. Voortrekker &, Peperboom St, Industrial, Heidelberg

Indulge in a family-style Sunday Lunch at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel

Guests are in for the ultimate feast with this family-style Sunday Lunch in collaboration with Steenberg Wines. On the menu are a variety of starters, mains and desserts to be chosen from. Guests can indulge in assorted homemade breads and choose between a classic butternut soup or a duck salad starter.

The options for mains include grilled lamb chops, roast beef and chicken. Finally, for dessert guests can choose from sticky toffee pudding with crème anglaise, fresh berry pavlova, Nutella-filled beignets, and custard eclairs.

Cost: R750pp, book via email at [email protected] or call 011 808 7300

When: Sunday, 30 June from 12pm to 4pm
Where: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, 1 Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg

Enjoy an operatic serenade as the Jozi Opera pays tribute to Puccini

The Jozi Opera presents an afternoon of Puccini favourites at The Northwards House in Parklands, in a moving tribute to the one-hundredth anniversary of the composer’s passing. Puccini’s heart-wrenching Romantic Era melodies are skillfully expressed under the direction of Jozi Opera managing director Phenye Modiane, and through the exceptional talents of some of South Africa’s finest opera singers – promising an unforgettable afternoon.

Cost: R250pp, book via Quicket

When: Sunday, 30 June from 3pm to 5pm
Where: The Northwards House, 21 Rockridge Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

Folk in the City presents Khalanwaha by Muneyi

This evening of live music features a mix of powerful vocal performances, traditional Venda melodies, and new tracks from Muneyi. It promises to be an immersive experience where the old meets the new, allowing the audience to connect over the beautiful diversity of Venda music. This event is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of culture and an exploration of how heritage can evolve and thrive in the modern world.

Cost: R300pp, book via Quicket

When: Sunday, 30 June from 6.30pm to 12.30am Mon, 1 Jul
Where: UNTITLED BASEMENT, 7 Reserve St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg