Top Things to Do This Weekend in Joburg

End the month off in style with these fantastic events that are sure to make this weekend in Joburg one for the books. From Joburg Pride events celebrating freedom of identity to spooktacular Halloween events and the usual incredible markets, exhilarating sports events, and delightful food experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Pride Weekend

5FMs birthday celebration in queer style

5FM turned 49 on 13 October this year and to celebrate, they are throwing a massive party in Joburg. Partygoers will have a jol with all their favourite 5FM DJs, as well as some epic resident DJs, and rub shoulders with some of the coolest people as they party the night away.

Lotion, Zanele Potelwa, Leah Jazz, Lula Odiba, Stephanie Be and Juran serve up some sizzling tunes all night, and the theme of the party is “Colourful Connections”, to celebrate the station’s diversity, as well as its support of the LGBTIQ community this Pride weekend.

Cost: R150pp at the door

When: Friday, 25 October from 8pm
Where: Babylon The Joburg Bar, 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Sandton

Johannesburg’s Pride Parade and Festival

This weekend’s Johannesburg Pride is an open invitation for all to come and take a stride for Pride. Pride 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of this celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion amongst a queer community composed of individuals from across the African continent.

This year, the march starts at 2pm through the Sandton area. Parade-goers get to enjoy music and dance performances from top local and international artists; indulge in a variety of food trucks, vendors, and beverage stations; explore stalls and booths from local organisations, artisans, and sponsors; and access health services, information booths, and wellness activities.

Cost: Free

When: Saturday, 26 October from 10am to 10pm
Where: Sandton, Johannesburg

The celebration continues with the Joburg Pride After Party

Follow the Pride Parade with the mother of all after parties this weekend at the Hotel Sky – just steps away from the Pride Village. The party starts at 9pm and doesn’t end until the sun comes up, with doors open for you to dive into an unforgettable night. Whether you’re vibing at the Pool Party or dancing under the stars at the Rooftop Party, the choice is yours.

Cost: R100pp, book via Howler

When: Saturday, 26 October from 9pm to 6am
Where: Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West Street Corner West Street and, Maude St, Sandton

Brunch of Queens is the perfect drag experience to see out Pride weekend in style

Spend the last afternoon of Pride weekend with drag queens Ina Propriette and Manila von Teez from Showmax’s hit reality show, Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. These two showstopping queens join forces for the Brunch of Queens showcase, set to blow audiences away with a performance like no other. Audiences are also welcome to enjoy brunch whilst they take in the show.

Cost: R150pp (show only) | R250pp (show and brunch) | Book via Quicket

When: Sunday, 27 October from 11am to 2pm
Where: Poppy’s Cresta, Corner Beyers Naude Drive and, Judges Ave, Cresta, Randburg

Halloween

Bedford View’s Halloween Night Market

This monthly market in Johannesburg is a treasure trove of rare craft finds and a massive range of world street food, and this weekend they’re adding their own Halloween twist to the festivities. The Bedfordview Night Market will transform into a haunted haven filled with tricks, treats, and everything in between. Expect fang-tastic food, wickedly good crafts, hauntingly good live music, and bewitching brews.

Come in costume and stand a chance to win prizes for the best dressed. Whether you’re spooky, kooky, or downright scary, you could walk away with the title.

Cost: R25pp (adults) | R10 (kids u/12 and pensioners)

When: Friday, 25 October from 5pm to 10pm
Where: Bedfordview Country Club, Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg

Spooky fun at The Haunted Forest’s family-friendly picnic and market

The Haunted Forest® is a one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed outdoor event. Visitors walk through a forest, with eerie fog, strange sights, multiple life-size scenes, and scare actors accompanied by the spine-chilling screams from the Haunted House. The event also consists of a main festival site with a big screen featuring films to draw the horror from the tips of visitors’ toes out through the little hairs behind their necks.

The festival features a bar and picnic area, accompanied by a vendor and food village with tastes for every palate. For the young ones, there is a Trick & Treat in the forest that takes place before the forest walk.

For an added fee, visitors can also tour a Haunted House at the event, and costume prizes are up for grabs for the Most Horrific Family and the Freakiest Couple.

When: Saturday, 26 October from 5pm to 11.30pm
Where: Inanda Country Base, Rose Rd &, Maple Rd, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand

Halloween movie screenings at The Bioscope

Celebrate Halloween at one of Joburg’s coolest venues, The Bioscope Independent Cinema, known for its unique atmosphere, complete with upcycled car seats. This Halloween, The Bioscope is proud to host special screenings of some of your favourite spooky films, running from Friday, 25 October to Saturday, 2 November. The programme for this weekend is as follows:

Friday, 25 Oct at 6pm – Edward Scissorhands
Saturday, 26 Oct at 2pm – Practical Magic
Saturday, 26 Oct at 8pm – Edward Scissorhands
Sunday, 27 Oct at 4pm – Shaun Of The Dead

Cost: From R80pp, book via The Bioscope

When: Running from Friday, 25 October to Saturday, 2 November
Where: The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 44 Stanley Avenue, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg

Find out what other spooky celebrations are taking place in Joburg

Two BMW's doing a drifting display at BMW M-Fest — Image by Double Apex

Extraordinary motor experiences at the BMW M-Fest

The BMW M Fest is a full weekend of hot laps, exhilarating stunts, BMW Car Club Races, live entertainment and more.

After a two-year hiatus, the festival’s return in 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever. The event features live music performances, an M-Showroom where attendees get the inside track on never-to-be repeated offers, M-Hot Laps and Drift Rides with professional drivers, BMW Test Drive experiences, food trucks and stalls, an M-Beer Garden, an M-Kids area, a BMW Lifestyle Collection store, a BMW M car display, and BMW Car Club races.

The entertainment lineup for 2024 includes Mi Casa and DJ Zinhle on the Friday, Kabza De Small, Big Zulu and Inkabi Nation on the Saturday and Rubber Duc and Uncle Waffles on the Sunday, along with a variety of other entertainers and DJs set to entertain all weekend.

Cost: R350pp (day pass) | R1 800pp (Friday preview ticket) | R3 500pp (Lounge tickets: Saturday and Sunday | Book via Howler

When: Friday, 25 October to Sunday, 27 October | Friday from 2pm to 9pm | Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm

Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Cnr R55 &, Allandale Rd, Kyalami Estate, Midrand

*Note that all Saturday tickets are sold out and the remaining Friday tickets are limited

The Slow Studio’s creative workshops

The Slow Studio hosts two creative workshops this weekend in Joburg. The first is a punch needle workshop, where participants learn how to use a needle-like tool to punch holes into fabric, weaving the yarn through to create a raised design on the material. The second is an embroidery workshop where participants learn to embellish materials with needle and thread/yarn in a design of their choosing to create a stitched work of art.

See the full weekend lineup of creative workshops here

An epic Jacaranda art challenge for South African artists, illustrators, and graphic designers

The Jacaranda Art Challenge calls on emerging and established South African illustrators, graphic artists and designers to help “count down” to the start of Jacaranda season, creating artworks that capture the essence, spirit and beauty of this much-anticipated time of year when these iconic flowers bloom.

The submission deadline is 28 October 2024. Artists are invited to submit bold and original vector-based designs online via keyesartmile.co.za/amex-jacaranda-art-challenge.

The winning artist receives a grand prize of R20,000, and the winning work will be transformed into a large-scale vinyl mural on the facade of Keyes Art Mile’s Trumpet building. This mural will be unveiled at the Keyes Art Night event on 7 November 2024.

Trail running and mountain biking with The Cradle Mountain Trophy

Join this annual popular and prestigious Mountain Bike and Trail Run / Walk challenge featuring some of the best gravel sections in the Magalies region, new and exciting routes, fun both on and off the trails, and great company. The Cradle Mountain Trophy MTB race offers distances of 95km, 54km or 38km and the Trail Running or Walking segment of the event offers routes of 5km, 10km, and 15km.

Cost: R275pp to R480pp (MTB) | R130pp to R250pp | Book via EntryNinja

When: Saturday, 26 October from 7am
Where: Valley Lodge & Spa, 13 Jennings Street, Magaliesburg

A soulful Sunday concert with isiXhosa sounds by Dumza Maswana

Dumza Maswana presents “Ingoma Emgqubeni”

This work is a deep reflection on the old Xhosa songbook that I grew up listening to and ultimately chanting to from my grandmother’s house, where I had my first music-making encounter. This songbook has been kept through memory and now echoes in the open as a sentimental gesture to those who taught us how to sing. In essence, this work acknowledges that ingoma is a communal practice that accounts for all voices. This work is an invitation to all to come as one to chant and dance.

Dumza Maswana will also perform songs from his multi award winning albums.

Cost: R350pp, book via Quicket

When: Sunday, 27 October from 6pm
Where: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

A run for a cause with Rosebank Mall’s 5km Pink Run

Rosebank Mall is hosting a colour run in partnership with the CANSA organization to create awareness for breast cancer and raise funds for the CANSA organization. Join for a vibrant and meaningful experience at Rosebank Mall, painting the town pink as you run, walk or dance your way through, all in the name of a great cause.

Cost: R80pp to R100pp, book via Webtickets

When: Saturday, 26 October from 7am
Where: Rosebank Mall, Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

An immersive fitness and dance experience with Silent Zumba and CIRCL Mobility

The Four Seasons Hotel hosts a fun fitness experience that combines the joy of music with the vibrancy of dance movement. The class is led by certified Zumba master, Michael Julius who is sure to get that heart rate pumping through his highly energising dance workout routines.

The entire experience is completed while participants blissfully listen to some lively beats through a pair of wireless headphones. Lastly, as part of the cool-down exercise participants can enjoy the stretch-intensive CIRCL Mobility class designed to promote flexibility and improve joint health.

Cost: From R650pp, book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 26 October from 9am to 11am
Where: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg

Last chance to see My Name is Lucy Barton live!

This is the story of a writer reckoning with the legacy of a scarred family life, coming to terms with the cost of her childhood and the rewards of her art. Lucy wakes after an operation to find her estranged mother at the foot of her bed. Although the pair seem to reconnect fine, just below the surface lies tension and longing that have informed every aspect of Lucy’s life.

This encounter unveils more about her troubled childhood in rural Illinois and her life as an established writer in New York City. Knitting these powerful memories together, Lucy comes to terms with her past and future as a writer.

‘My Name is Lucy Barton’ is a story for anyone questioning to what extent family defines oneself. It is a powerful narrative of hope and triumph about a woman who finds her truth and reclaims her story.

Cost: R230pp, with discounts available for senior citizens, students, scholars over 12 and groups of 10 or more. Book via Computicket. No under 12s allowed.

When: Running from 9 to 27 October. Tuesday to Friday, 7.30pm; Saturday, 4pm and 7:30pm; Sunday, 3pm. The show is 80 minutes long with no interval
Where: Theatre On The Square, Nelson Mandela Square, West St, Sandown, Sandton

A celebration of the people behind your favourite games at Joburg Games Fest

The Goethe-Institut hosts the inaugural Joburg Games Fest, a community-driven event for game makers. The Fest includes a series of talks and workshops from local and international industry professionals who represent the growing industry.

The festival also features a curated arcade, showcasing some of the best games made in the country and city alike. The event is being run in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg and major studios in the city, including Nyamakop, 24 Bit Games, ITTYNK, and Two Name Games.

Cost: Free | Secure your entry via Quicket

When: Saturday, 26 October from 9am to 10pm
Where: Goethe-Institut, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

Art in Public Places at The Wilds Nature Reserve

Discover the hidden gems of local artistry at The Wilds Nature Reserve. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of creativity as you explore the work of talented local artists, following the artistic trails and uncovering unique pieces and inspiring stories.

Attendees can also take up the opportunity to unleash their own inner artist and create their own masterpiece. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely day out, surrounded by art and beauty.

Cost: R50pp | Free (kids 12 under and under) | Book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 26 October from 10am to 3pm
Where: The Wilds Nature Reserve, Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg

The Open Market at Morning Glen Mall Foodies Feast

Join Morning Glen Mall for a vibrant open market featuring diverse food stalls and live entertainment. Bring your friends and family along for a day filled with delicious food and fun, featuring live music acts such as the Soweto Family Band, Thabiso Thabethe, and Lindo Magade.

Cost: Free entry

When: Saturday, 26 October from 10am to 6pm
Where: Morning Glen Mall, Kelvin Dr &, Bowling Ave, Morningside Manor, Johannesburg

Fire acts and ancient activities at the Beltane Fire Festival

The Beltane Fire Festival is an opportunity to eat, drink and make merry through a modern interpretation of ancient Beltane festivities.

Beltane – which roughly translates as “bright fire” – was a tradition celebrated in various forms as the starting point of summer. It marks the dawn of summer and the end of frost with bonfires, feasting and rituals meant to appease the aos si – a type of fairy folk.

This celebration reinterprets this ancient tradition, featuring thrilling fire acts and displays, and music to dance the night away to. Funds received from this event go towards the Aiding Simba/Paws from Heaven organisation.

Cost: R100pp to R150pp | R200pp (VIP) | Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 26 October from 7pm to midnight
Where: Rusty Hook, 22 Cruiser St, Kimbult AH, Roodepoort

Grammy Award-winning R&B legends, Blackstreet, perform live

R&B group, Blackstreet stops in Pretoria for a special night of musical nostalgia on their world tour. Fans can expect to hear timeless singalong hits such as ‘Don’t Leave’, ‘(Money Can’t) Buy Me Love’, ‘Before I Let You Go’ and of course, the iconic ‘No Diggity’. The group is set to bring the house down with their smooth, melodic harmonies and unforgettable grooves.

Adding to the excitement is the extraordinary South African sensation, Lwa Ndlunkulu, who supports the group during the South African leg of their tour.

Cost: R650pp to R1390pp, book via Webtickets

When: Saturday, 26 October from 6pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria

People braaing at the Pretoria Zoo Braai Festival

Family fun at the Pretoria Zoo Braai festival

Get the whole family together to indulge in a variety of mouth-watering braai dishes prepared by top chefs, enjoy refreshing drinks, and take part in exciting entertainment at the Pretoria Zoo Braai Festival. Whether you’re a braai enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, this festival has something for everyone with lots of food and great performances from an incredible DJ lineup.

The event provides braai stands with fire, paid secure parking and a picnic area, and guests are allowed to bring their own camping chairs, gazebos, umbrellas, cooler boxes (cans only), picnic baskets and blankets.

Parents need not worry either as their kids also have their own demarcated playground with activities such as go kart racing, giant water slides, colouring, jumping castles, a mobile train, face painting and more.

Cost: R180pp (adults) | R150pp (kids) | Book via Computicket

When: Sunday, 27 October from 10am to 6pm
Where: National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Boom Street, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria

All-you-can-eat Sushi Sunday

Join Kievits Kroon this weekend for an unlimited All-you-can-eat Sushi Sunday experience. For a once-off price, you have access to unlimited sushi with no restrictions on the number of sushi options you can enjoy. The custom sushi menu features specially crafted sushi by an incredible team of chefs, offering a variety of local favourites as well as innovative sushi creations.

Tickets are limited to availability, so book fast! Guests can also upgrade their experience with a three-wine, four-wine or five-wine tasting for an added fee.

Cost: R395pp. ADD a three-wine tasting for R130, four-wines for R160, five-wines for R190 | Book via Kievits Kroon

When: Sunday, 27 October from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate, 41 Reier Rd, Kameeldrift-East, Pretoria