Jozi Journeys
Johannesburg’s biggest events to look out for in 2026
Johannesburg does not wind down quietly. As 2026 unfolds, the city’s calendar fills up with massive concerts, cultural showcases, design expos, and year-end celebrations that keep Jozi buzzing right through to December. From Nasrec to Sandton and Soweto to Braamfontein, these are the standout events locals are already talking about and planning their leave days around.
Whether you are chasing world-class music, family-friendly festivals, or those iconic Joburg moments that feel uniquely ours, here is what is coming up before the end of the year.
A powerful start to the year with music and culture
Johannesburg kicks off 2026 in full performance mode. January alone sets the tone with international and local acts sharing stages across the city. Afrobeat fans are in for a major moment when Asake brings his global sound to Joburg early in the year, a show that has already sparked serious excitement across social media.
The city also leans into variety. BLOND:ISH presents Abracadabra, arriving in January with a mix of music, movement, and purpose, while Calum Scott’s Avenoir Tour gives pop fans something big to sing along to. Classical music lovers are not left out either, with the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival running from 1 to 8 February and drawing both seasoned audiences and curious newcomers.
February continues the cultural run with theatre and live performances, including Marabi at The Market Theatre and special one-night concert experiences around Valentine’s season.
Autumn brings Joburg’s biggest expos and lifestyle shows
By April, Johannesburg shifts into full festival and expo mode. The Rand Show returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 3 to 6 April, once again claiming its title as South Africa’s largest family-friendly lifestyle expo. For many locals, it is a nostalgic annual ritual that mixes rides, shopping, food, and live entertainment under one roof.
April also sees Ultra South Africa take over Nasrec on 25 April, drawing electronic music fans from across the country. It remains one of the city’s most talked-about music weekends, with global DJs and high production value.
May and June keep the momentum going. Hobby X lands in early May for makers, gamers, and creatives, while the Big Fat Greek Festival on 9 May brings food, music, and dancing with strong community roots. Outdoor X follows at the end of May, appealing to adventure lovers, campers, and off-road enthusiasts. June rounds things off with the East Rand Motor Show, a long-standing favourite for car fans.
Winter highlights for art, design, and pop culture fans
Winter in Joburg is anything but quiet. July belongs to Decorex Joburg, running from 23 to 26 July at the Sandton Convention Centre. It remains one of Africa’s most influential decor and design exhibitions, often setting trends that filter into homes, offices, and hospitality spaces long after the doors close.
May also hosts the RMB Latitudes Art Fair at Shepstone Gardens, a more intimate but highly respected fixture on the local art calendar. By September, Comic Con Africa takes over the Joburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September, transforming Nasrec into a hub of gaming, comics, cosplay, and pop culture.
Music lovers circle September too, thanks to the return of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival, both of which have become signature Joburg experiences.
Spring and summer turn the volume all the way up
October and November bring some of the city’s most loved outdoor and community-driven events. Back to the City Festival returns on 10 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square, celebrating hip hop and street culture at a scale few African festivals can match. Johannesburg Pride typically takes place in October as well, filling Sandton with colour, visibility, and celebration.
As the year edges toward its close, summer events take over. Outdoor concert series begin popping up across botanical gardens and parks from November. Destination Christmas lights up Melrose Arch, while major sporting events like the Soweto Marathon draw huge crowds.
December is where Joburg truly shows off. Makhelwane Festival in Soweto celebrates community and culture, Shimza’s One Man Show takes over Christmas Day in Tembisa, and Boxing Day belongs to Deep Town Jozi. The year ends with New Year’s Eve parties across Sandton, Braamfontein, and Shepstone Gardens, each offering a different flavour of how Joburg likes to welcome what comes next.
Why 2026 feels different
What stands out about Johannesburg’s 2026 events calendar is its balance. Global music tours sit comfortably alongside deeply local festivals. Big commercial expos share space with community-driven gatherings. It reflects a city that is confident in its identity and hungry for shared experiences.
Judging by early reactions online and how quickly some early-year shows are gaining traction, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Joburg’s most event-packed years yet. If you plan wisely, there is something to look forward to almost every month.
Also read: Johannesburg’s Ramadan and Eid markets to visit in 2026
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Featured Image: What’s On In Joburg
