With a fresh new year comes fresh new opportunities for entertainment in the city of gold. Start 2025 off right and take your pick from a selection of fabulous things to do this weekend in Joburg and surrounds. From live international acts to beloved local markets, exciting sporting matchups and more, there is something for all tastes.
Last chance to visit Circus Galassia in Sandton
Catch the last weekend of the Circus Galassia season. Relive the golden age of authentic circus with a captivating series of two-hour matinee and evening shows, all staged in a traditional tented circus setting.
The unique charm of Circus Galassia showcase is their intentional focus on human-only entertainment – no real animals feature in any of the acts. What’s more, the acrobats, jugglers, clowns and daredevils are all world-class talent from various parts of the globe who serve up breathtaking and death-defying stunts under the masterful eye of the ringmaster.
While you’re there, round out the festive feels with candy floss and freshly popped popcorn, and wash down warm hotdogs with a range of slushies while you and the family lap up the wonders of the circus.
Cost: R170pp to R350pp, book online via Circus Galassia
When: Running until Sunday, 12 January | Various days, from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Where: Sandown High School, Rivonia Drive, Sandown, Sandton
Read more about the event here
Relive Non-Stop 70s & 80s Hits with Disco City at the Lyric Theatre
Don’t miss the last few showings of 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. Tracy-Lee Oliver, the diva from Grabouw in Cape Town, is joined by 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 event here
Milk + Cookies Festival Weekend featuring Kaytranada
This weekend the international Milk + Cookies Festival is bringing its dynamic fusion of music, culture, style and tech experiences to the city. The weekend boasts a handful of music and culture-based activations spread through the city.
On Friday, there is a Pre-Kay Vinyl Party celebrating the timeless allure of vinyl records, featuring live DJ sets spinning rare grooves. On Saturday Kaytranada , Kitty Ca$h and an assortment of local DJ talents including 2Shoes, Desiree, Mörda, Yolophonik, Mamthug, Shamiso and more hit the stage for a main event concert highlight.
To end things off, Sunday is host to the Music Tech House Presents: Dot Connector event. Industry experts, artists, and fans come together to discuss the future of music and culture in Africa and beyond. With live DJ performances woven into the day’s programme, this event serves as both a reflection on the week’s achievements and an inspiration for what’s to come.
Cost: Main Festival – From R2200pp, book via Howler | After Party at Truth Night Club – R500pp to R800pp, book via Howler | RSVP for the Vinyl Party and Dot Connector event online
When: Friday to Sunday, 10 to 12 January | Pre-Kay Vinyl Party – 10 January from 8pm | Main Festival – Saturday, 11 January from 2pm till late | Dot Connector – 12pm to 5pm
Where: Pre-Kay Vinyl Party – Neighbarhood, 32 7th Ave, Parktown North | Main Festival – Huddle Park, Club Street, Linksfield | After Party – Truth Night Club, Old Pretoria Road, Midrand | Dot Connector – Mamakashaka and Friends, 5 De Beer St, Braamfontein
Check out more of the biggest festivals in Joburg in 2025
Raspberry Festival at Field Berry Farm
Field Berry Farm ushers in Berry Picking season with their Raspberry Festival starting this weekend. 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 entry) | 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
Rosebank Sunday Market’s Dress for Less Sundays
Stop by the first Rosebank Sunday Market of the year this weekend in Joburg. As always, indulge in a vast selection of craft stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment, and gourmet food traders inside Rosebank Mall, where the open rooftop parking space transforms into a world-class market every weekend.
This Sunday marks another edition of their Dress for Less Sundays, so expect pre-loved fashion treasures at unbeatable prices, unique vintage finds for fashion enthusiasts, a sustainable shopping experience for eco-conscious shoppers, and amazing deals for bargain hunters.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Sunday, from 9am to 4pm
Where: Rosebank Mall, 20 Baker St, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Mzansi Ballet’s The ABBA Show – A Cinderella Story
Check out 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
Bryanston Market reopens for the new year
The Bryanston Organic Market reopens for the new year this Saturday, welcoming Joburgers to explore their incredible selection of handmade crafts, beautiful home décor, unique jewelry, fresh produce, gourmet groceries, delicious ready-to-eat treats, and more.
Cost: Free entry
When: Reopens on Saturday, 11 January from 9am to 3pm
Where:40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Johannesburg
Vegan Sushi Picnic
Kickstart your “Veganuary” with Plotville’s Vegan Sushi Picnic‘s 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 this weekend’s theme is ‘Veganuary Sushi Picnic: Classic Sushi Redefined’.
Cost: R250pp (adult) | R150pp (children u/12) | Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 12 January from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Plotville, Plot 165 Sering, Vastfontein, Pretoria
Betway SA20 League presents Pretoria Capitals vs. Durban’s Super Giants
Catch a cricket head-to-head as the Pretoria Capitals take on Durban’s Super Giants this weekend in Centurion. Expect spectacular 100s, tumbling wickets, one-handed catches, dance-offs, kiss cams, kids cricket on the grass embankment, breathtaking sunsets, pyrotechnics, merch give aways, face painting and unforgettable memories.
Cost: R100pp to R310pp, book via Ticketpro
When: Sunday, 12 January from 3.30pm
Where: SuperSport Cricket Stadium, 283 West Ave, Die Hoewes, Centurion
