Music Festivals In Johannesburg: Your 2026 Guide To The Biggest Events Of The Year

If there is one thing Johannesburg does exceptionally well, it is turning a field, park, stadium or city block into a full-blown celebration. In 2026, the city’s festival calendar is once again bursting with life, bringing together everything from EDM giants and jazz royalty to Afrikaans favourites, hip hop heavyweights and family-friendly outdoor experiences.

What makes Joburg’s music scene special is not just the scale of the events. It is the mix. On one weekend you could be dancing at a global electronic festival in Nasrec, and on the next laying down a picnic blanket in Emmarentia for an afternoon of local favourites. It is that blend of international spectacle and proudly homegrown energy that keeps the city’s music lovers coming back.

So whether you are planning your year around big headline acts, searching for a relaxed daytime picnic concert, or just trying to find your next great night out, here is a reshuffled guide to the biggest music festivals in Johannesburg and around Gauteng in 2026.

April 2026 Festivals

Ultra Music Festival South Africa

If there is one event that instantly raises the pulse of Joburg’s festival season, it is Ultra South Africa. The annual EDM juggernaut returns to Johannesburg with another massive production, bringing together some of the biggest international and local names in dance music.

Previous editions have featured artists such as Armin Van Buuren, KSHMR, Martin Garrix, Massano and Mind Against, alongside South African stars including Shimza, DBN Gogo, Dlala Thukzin, Mörda and Maphorisa. For dance music fans, it remains one of the biggest tickets on the local calendar.

Cost: From R795pp for general access; from R1500pp for VIP; from R3500pp for VVIP
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Where: Nasrec Expo Centre, Nasrec Road corner Rand Show Road, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Kiss Kiss Presents Basement Jaxx

Kiss Kiss is back in Joburg with the kind of daytime festival that leans into music, food, theatre and spectacle all at once. This year’s headliners are UK electronic icons Basement Jaxx, the duo behind huge hits such as Where’s Your Head At?

Set at Emmarentia Dam, the experience promises more than just a stage and a sound system. Expect immersive performance, roaming entertainers, stilt walkers, good food and an atmosphere designed to feel playful and unexpected. Internet Girl also joins the bill, bringing their distinctive mix of pop-punk, hyperpop and indie edge.

Cost: From R595pp, book via Webtickets
When: Sunday, 12 April from 10am
Where: Emmarentia Dam, Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

Liefde By Die Dam

Now celebrating a decade, Liefde by die Dam has become one of the biggest Afrikaans music festivals in the country, and the Joburg edition remains a major draw every year. Thousands flock to Emmarentia for a full day of singalongs, nostalgia and big local performances.

The 2026 lineup includes Die Heuwels Fantasties, Early B, Zoé, Twee, Barto, Will Linley, Aking, Robbie Wessels, Appel, Mango Groove, Jack Parow and Fokofpolisiekar. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring blankets, hats and sunscreen, and any blanket left behind will be donated to Liefde Wen for those in need.

Cost: R399pp; R200pp for kids aged 4 to 12; R2999pp for VIP. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 18 April from 9am
Where: Emmarentia Dam, Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Randburg

Deep In The City Open Air Festival

Deep house lovers know this one well. Deep In The City, curated by Themba, heads to Montecasino with a lineup built for a long autumn day of smooth, soulful and high-energy sounds.

The 2026 lineup features Ape Drums, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small with a special Afrohouse set, plus Sun-El Musician, DJ Kent, Vinny Da Vinci and DJ Christos. Add street food vendors and a major outdoor setting, and it is easy to see why this one remains a staple.

Cost: From R300pp for general admission; from R900pp for VIP; R2200 for table package. Book via Howler
When: Thursday, 26 April from 12pm to 10pm
Where: Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg

Rocking The Vaal

A little further out, but still firmly in the greater Gauteng entertainment mix, Rocking the Vaal combines music, food and community support in one festive day out. Beyond the performances, the event also channels proceeds to charity and aid organisations in the Vaal area.

The lineup includes Afrikaans stars such as Adam Tas, Kurt Darren, Karlien Van Jaarsveld, Droomsindroom and Refentse, with more entertainment spread across the day.

Cost: R249pp for general admission, including festival entry, lucky draw entry and a meal; kids under 13 enter free; R650pp for VIP, including reserved seating and private cash bar access. Book via tixsa
When: Saturday, 11 April from 10am to 11pm. Music show begins at 6pm
Where: Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark

Oos Wes, Tuis Bes!

Following a successful 2025 edition, Oos Wes, Tuis Bes returns to Carnival City with a proudly local identity at its core. Built around the theme “Your Town · Your Language · Your Pride · Your Home”, the event leans into culture and connection as much as music.

This year’s lineup includes Juan Boucher, Herman Kleinhans, Tasché, Zoé, Jan Blohm and Roan Ash, with Bibi as MC.

Cost: R285pp to R700pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 11 April from 7pm
Where: Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Century Road, Elsburg Road, Brakpan

River Jam Music Festival

River Jam turns the banks of the Vaal River into a lively music destination with a mix of international and South African talent. The headline attraction this year is two-time Grammy-nominated artist Karyn White, joined by Afro-pop favourites Mafikizolo.

Also on the bill are Nomfundo Moh, Nontokozo Mkhize, Encore and DJ Young, making this one a strong option for music lovers wanting both nostalgia and newer voices.

Cost: From R250pp for general admission; from R650pp for VIP; kids under 6 enter free. Book via Webtickets
When: Sunday, 12 April from 11am to 8pm
Where: Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark

May 2026 Festivals

Now Now Festival Featuring The Human League

One of the more exciting additions to the 2026 calendar is the brand-new Now Now Festival, which arrives with serious old-school star power. Headlining the event are British synth-pop pioneers The Human League, with Blancmange joining as special guests.

For music fans who still have a soft spot for the sound of the 1980s, this one promises a nostalgic but polished live experience. The Human League’s Dare remains one of the defining albums of its era, while Blancmange also carry cult status for their blend of synth-pop and new wave.

Cost: From R795pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 9 May 2026 from 12.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

Bassline Fest

Few festivals are as rooted in Joburg’s cultural identity as Bassline Fest. Hosted at Constitution Hill, the event has grown into a key celebration of Afro-centric music and pan-African creativity.

Marking 20 years of championing this music and eight years at Constitution Hill, the festival continues to bring together icons and newer talent. So far, the lineup includes Vusi Mahlasela, Maleh and Brandon Aura, while a Culture Market adds fashion, crafts and local flavours to the experience.

Cost: R250pp to R350pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 23 May 2026 from 2pm
Where: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

June 2026 Festivals

Capital Craft Beer Festival

Under crisp winter skies, the Capital Craft Beer Festival mixes live music with food and a wide range of brews. While technically in Pretoria, it remains popular with Joburg festival-goers looking for a winter day trip with serious atmosphere.

The 2026 music lineup includes Fokofpolisiekar, Van Pletzen, Vusi Mahlasela, Desmond & the Tutus, Fuzigish, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Black Mamba Man and the Black Labone House Band. There is also a children’s play area for families.

Cost: From R250pp; R165pp for the kids’ area for ages 2 to 12; R50pp for the Candy Cane Project raffle. Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 20 June 2026 from 10am to 6pm
Where: Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Street, Brummeria, Pretoria

LIFE Fest

LIFE Fest lands in Benoni with a family-friendly formula that combines music, sport, food and community. It promises a full day designed to bring together all ages, with family zones and entertainment throughout.

Cost: To be confirmed
When: To be confirmed
Where: Benoni Northerns Sports Club, 1 Brodigan Street, Benoni

That Winter Fest

That Winter Fest returns for its fourth annual edition, bringing alternative and rock energy to Sognage. Expect five bands, strong visuals and a more hard-edged live music atmosphere than many of the city’s bigger commercial festivals.

Cost: To be confirmed
When: To be confirmed
Where: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Johannesburg

August 2026 Festivals

Zee Nation Fest By DJ Zinhle

Hosted by DJ Zinhle on Women’s Day, Zee Nation Fest celebrates women, music and South African talent in one big day-to-night event. It has quickly become one of the more meaningful additions to the local festival space, not only for its lineup but for what the day represents in South Africa.

Past lineups have featured artists such as Mawhoo, Lady Du, Thabsie, Nomfundo Moh, Oskido, Pearl Thusi, Blaq Diamond, Kamo Mphela, MÖRDA and Nadia Nakai.

Cost: From R200pp for general admission; from R300pp for golden circle. Book via Ticketpro
When: Sunday, 9 August 2026 from 2.30pm to 1am
Where: Johannesburg

In The BURG

Winter ravers will want to keep an eye on In the BURG, which returns to Newtown with five stages, more than 30 performances and a full town-takeover feel. Built for electronic fans, the event runs deep into the early hours and promises a high-intensity club-festival hybrid experience.

Cost: To be confirmed
When: To be confirmed
Where: Carfax Newtown, 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg

Malibongwe Arts Festival: Tribute To Women

Women’s Month also brings the Malibongwe Arts Festival, a daytime, picnic-style event that combines live music, food and relaxed outdoor energy. The lineup includes Mi Casa, Thandiswa Mazwai and Ami Faku, with a format that welcomes families and encourages a more easy-going experience.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

September 2026 Festivals

Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz

Few events carry the prestige of Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. Widely regarded as Africa’s premier jazz festival, it draws global stars, respected local musicians and dedicated jazz lovers to Sandton every year.

The 2025 edition featured artists such as esperanza spalding, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thandi Ntuli, Oumou Sangaré, Andile Yenana, Jazzmeia Horn, Vusi Mahlasela and Billy Monama, among many others. For 2026, it remains one of the city’s most important cultural fixtures.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg

DStv Delicious International Food And Music Festival

DStv Delicious has become one of the biggest lifestyle festivals in the country, blending food culture with major music performances and a broad, diverse audience. Set at Kyalami, it continues to draw music lovers from across Gauteng and beyond.

The 2025 edition confirmed Lauryn Hill with special guests Wyclef Jean, YG Marley and Zion Marley, as well as Don Toliver, with local support acts including Zoë Modiga, Mandisi Dyantyis, Kwesta and Lira.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, corner R55 and Allandale Road, Kyalami Estate, Midrand

Galaxy 947 Joburg Day

This long-running spring favourite attracts more than 10,000 attendees and remains one of Joburg’s best-loved large-scale outdoor music events. The formula is simple and effective: picnic blankets, sunshine and a lineup of South African stars.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Crocodile Creek, Lanseria

Corona Sunsets Festival

Few events lean as hard into atmosphere as Corona Sunsets. The festival blends live music, art, installations and outdoor lifestyle experiences into a full day designed around golden-hour energy.

Its lineup includes acts such as Abby Nurock, Dwson, DBN Gogo, Culoe De Song, Jeremy Loops, Kid Fonque, Major League DJz, MÖRDA, Oscar Mbo, Zakes Bantwini and the Ndlovu Youth Choir.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Casalinga, Rocky Ridge Road, Muldersdrift

Folklore Festival

Folklore Festival centres heritage, storytelling and African creative expression. With the Mahotella Queens leading the music bill, the event also includes indigenous instrument workshops, young African authors, food and crafts.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The National School of the Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braampark, Johannesburg

Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Jazz Festival

For those who enjoy a more formal concert setting, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Symphonic Jazz Festival offers a rich meeting point between orchestral presentation and South African jazz tradition.

The 2025 event featured the ZAR Jazz Orchestra led by Marcus Wyatt, Siya Mthembu, Siya Makuzeni and Yonela Mnana, with music spanning classics by Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Abdullah Ibrahim.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Lentedag

For university students and younger festival-goers, Lentedag continues to be a major spring event. It is known for four stages, student-friendly bar prices and an atmosphere built around big local acts and youthful energy.

The 2025 lineup included Spoegwolf, Internet Girl, Focalistic, Van Pletzen, Zaan Sonnekus, Timo ODV, Kamo Mphela, Scotts Maphuma and more.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Pretoria

October 2026 Festivals

Back To The City Festival

Back To The City is not just a concert. It is one of Africa’s biggest celebrations of hip hop culture, bringing together live music, graffiti, break-dancing, skateboarding, gaming, fashion and discussion panels.

The 2025 edition was headlined by Lupe Fiasco, with Cassper Nyovest, A Reece, Big Zulu, Emtee, Maglera Doe Boy, Brother Kupa, Mfana Touchline, 25K and Loatinover Pounds among the local acts. For hip hop fans, it remains essential.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Mary Fitzgerald Square, 120 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg

Spring Fiesta

Spring Fiesta has spent more than a decade cementing itself as one of Ekurhuleni’s most recognisable day-and-night festivals. The draw here is variety, with multiple themed stages and a strong focus on South African music across house, hip hop, amapiano, deep house and AfroTech.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Wild Waters Complex, Boksburg, Ekurhuleni

Parklive Festival

Parklive has built a loyal audience thanks to its family-friendly setup and dependable lineup of local favourites. It remains one of the city’s feel-good outdoor festivals, with live music, food, drinks and an easy atmosphere.

The 2025 lineup featured Matthew Mole, Shekhinah, The Parlotones, Ross Learmonth, Freshlyground, Ben Rodrigues and Saxby Twins.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

The Luxurious Marble Circus

After a sold-out debut, the Luxurious Marble Circus returns with a more theatrical, fine-dining take on the festival format. Expect beautiful views, highly produced staging, circus-inspired performance and live music that runs after dark.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Ground The Venue, Plot 19 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift

In The City

Brought to Johannesburg by the organisers of Rocking the Daisies, In The City offers Gauteng audiences a chance to catch major touring acts in a more concentrated one-day concert setting. Following strong demand in 2025, the event demonstrated that Pretoria and Joburg audiences will turn out in big numbers for headline international names.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Avenue, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria

November 2026 Festivals

HughFest

Named in honour of Hugh Masekela, HughFest continues to position itself as a celebration of South African creativity and intergenerational dialogue. This year’s lineup includes Shekhinah, The Soul Brothers, Mi Casa, Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba, The Brother Moves On and iComplete.

Held at NIROX Sculpture Park, it is one of those festival experiences that feels more reflective and artful than purely commercial.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, 24 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp

MAYONIE Open Air

Founded by Zakes Bantwini’s label and management agency, MAYONIE Open Air places South African dance culture front and centre. This edition features DJ Kent, Msaki, Morda and more, while fashion also gets a premium nod through a VIP experience curated by Thebe Magugu.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Citadellé Johannesburg

Set in Hall 5 at Nasrec Expo Centre, Citadellé promises an industrial-scale electronic experience where architecture, sound and light all work together. Headliners include Hugel, Antdot and Major League DJz.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Nasrec Expo Centre, corner Nasrec and Rand Show Road, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Flying Fish Presents Surprisingly Good Sets

This playful roaming DJ concept lands in what may be its most unexpected venue yet, a secret airport hangar in Lanseria. With Jade Tootla, Success SA, Somnyama and Omagoqa on the lineup, it is designed to feel quirky, social and easy to stream if you cannot attend in person.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: A secret airport hangar in Lanseria, Johannesburg

Theatre Festival

Presented by Código 1530 Tequila, Theatre Festival is pitched as a boutique event where music, design and elevated lifestyle meet. It also marks the South African debut of the tequila brand, adding a luxury angle to the entire concept.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The River Cabin, 35 R114, Nietgedacht 535-JQ, Fourways

Motherland Festival

Motherland positions itself as more than a music festival, calling itself a cultural pilgrimage focused on African art and identity. Big names such as Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo, Mahwoo and Lelowhatsgood led the 2024 edition.

Cost: To be confirmed
When: To be confirmed
Where: To be confirmed

Twilight Festival And Twilight Open Air Festival

Twilight appears in the source material in two slightly different versions, both centred on trance, camping and immersive outdoor production near the Cradle of Humankind. Across these listings, the picture is clear: this is one for fans of psychedelic and electronic sounds, with staging, mapped visuals, dance floors, pools, food stalls and optional tented accommodation.

International acts mentioned include HNGT, Unglued, Becker and Konfusia, with local names such as Ethereal and Dakota.

Cost: To be confirmed
When: To be confirmed
Where: Hornbill Lodge, Magaliesburg, and Pecan Bush Lodge, Hekpoort, Magaliesburg

Rage In The City

Rage in the City also appears more than once in the source material, underlining its presence as a youth-focused urban music event. Built around amapiano, hip hop and house, it combines DJs, chill zones, pop-ups and food into a full-on city experience.

One version of the listing notes an age restriction of no under-18s and no over-21s.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: 1 Fox Junction, 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg

Black Coffee Foundation Benefit Concert

Africa Is Not A Jungle places Black Coffee at the centre of a visually ambitious festival experience that also supports a social cause. Each ticket contributes R20 to the Black Coffee Foundation, which supports young South Africans and under-resourced communities.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Melrose Arch, 60 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose North, Johannesburg

Ramfest X Halloween

For rock and metal fans, Ramfest’s Halloween edition in Pretoria brings together international and local names including The Devil Wears Prada, Jack Parow, Bongloard, The Narrow, Hellcats, The Aviary, I Believe in Giants and Facing the Gallows.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Heartfelt Arena, 1000 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Central

Red Bull Back2Beyond

Pretoria also gets the South African debut of Red Bull Back2Beyond, a concept built around chained back-to-back DJ sets across multiple stages. The local edition features KMAT, Dlala Thukzin, Major League DJz and Sun-El Musician.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: 012 Central, 381 Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria

December 2026 Festivals

Made In Jozi NYE Festival

Few things feel more Johannesburg than closing out the year at a festival that literally wears the city’s name. Made in Jozi NYE Festival promises a premium daytime New Year’s Eve experience with strong production, good food and a lineup moving through amapiano, Afro-house, hip hop and deep house.

Confirmed performers so far include Shekhinah, Clint L and Chowmein.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Maracanã, 58 Wierda Road East, Wierda Valley, Sandton

We Are Trance And The Soundroom Present NYE Rave

For trance fans, this New Year’s Eve event offers 10 hours of music, a strong lineup and a sound-focused rave environment. Featured acts include Dirkie Coetzee, Dizzy, Morgan, Hardy Boyz, Spiro, Louis, Corrie Theron, Hein Schultz, Justine and Chris Dixon.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The Soundroom, Dytchley Road, Kyalami, Midrand

Revolution NYE

Revolution NYE brings in the new year with multiple stages and an eclectic music mix, offering festival-goers a broad range of sounds and a more open-format year-end party.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Hornbill Lodge, corner R24 and R563, Magaliesburg

January 2027 Festivals

Milk + Cookies Festival Presents Gunna

The year starts loudly with Milk + Cookies Festival, which brings international rap star Gunna to South Africa for Joburg and Cape Town editions. Supporting acts include DJ Kent, Majid Jordan, A-Reece, Blxckie, DWSON, DJ Speedsta, Jinji and DJ Capital.

For hip hop and crossover fans, this is one of the biggest early-2027 bookings on the calendar.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Road corner Rand Show Road, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Fabric London

After sold-out debut shows, fabric returns to South Africa for a three-floor takeover of AND Club and Carfax. With artists including Marcel Dettmann, Gabrielle Kwarteng, Gerd Janson, Abby Nurock, Vinny da Vinci and Sir LSG, this one is aimed squarely at serious electronic music fans.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Carfax / AND Club, 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, Johannesburg

February 2027 Festivals

Calabash South Africa

Calabash remains one of the biggest live music events of the South African summer, known for bringing major international rock acts to local stadiums. Past headliners have included Green Day, Robbie Williams, Maroon 5, Keane and The Offspring.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: FNB Stadium, Soccer City Avenue, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Lover’s Rock Festival

Presented by Coco and J-Something, Lover’s Rock aims to create a softer, more refined festival environment built around music, food, markets and moments of calm. It offers an immersive format with shaded seating, picnic boxes and a generally more curated feel.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Ground The Venue, Plot 19, Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift

Lovers & Friends

Lovers & Friends arrives in Joburg for a Valentine’s season edition built around R&B, timeless hip hop and crowd-friendly party energy.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The Beach Rivonia, 19 Wessel Road, Edenburg, Rivonia, Johannesburg

The Soirée By Stella Artois – Lover’s Edition

This countryside event at Toadbury Hall leans into intimacy, food pairings and thoughtful music programming, offering a slower, more polished take on the festival idea.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Toadbury Hall Country Hotel, Plot 64 Beyers Naude Extension, Lanseria, Krugersdorp

Sankofa Heritage Festival

Launched by Thandiswa Mazwai in 2026, the Sankofa Heritage Festival focuses on preserving and celebrating indigenous African music. Joined by artists such as Msaki and Somi, the concept bridges ancestral sounds and contemporary artistry in a way that feels especially meaningful in the South African context.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Century Road, Elsburg Road, Brakpan

SomerFees

Pretoria’s Afrikaans summer favourite returns with a lineup that previously included Van Pletzen, Droomsindroom, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Sossi, G-String, Jack Parow and Wim die Blixem. No under-18s are allowed.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Atterbury Road and Lois Avenue, Pretoria

On The Lawn

On The Lawn is preparing a family-friendly day with Australian acts Hollow Coves and Amistat, alongside local favourite Matthew Mole. It is one of the more relaxed concert-style outdoor events on the list.

Cost: To be confirmed
When: To be confirmed
Where: Marks Park, Orange Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

March 2027 Festivals

KUNYE

KUNYE continues to grow as a key Afro-house and electronic showcase, with Shimza at the centre of the experience. The March 2026 lineup included Mahmut Orhan, Arodes, Jamiie, Sun-El Musician, An.D, Mpho.Wav, The Darque Experience, DWSON, Baby Whitz and Judy Jay.

For fans of Afro-tech and deep electronic journeys, this is one of the most exciting boutique-style festivals on the Joburg circuit.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Huddle Park, Club Street, Linksfield, Johannesburg

Purified

Led by Swiss-South African DJ Nora En Pure, Purified brings its global electronic brand back to Johannesburg for a third annual edition. Known for melodic, cinematic house and carefully curated settings, it offers a more ethereal alternative to the city’s harder-edged dance festivals.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: James and Ethel Gray Park, Westwood and North Road, Melrose, Johannesburg

Catch A Fire Reggae Music Festival

Catch A Fire blends reggae music with African cultural expression, building a full experience around live performance, craft, food and storytelling. Set in Soweto, it also feels significant geographically, rooting the event in one of South Africa’s most culturally powerful spaces.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Ubuntu Kraal, 11346 Senokoanyana Street, Dube, Soweto

Bed By 10 Johannesburg

Not every festival has to run until sunrise. Bed By 10 is built for grown-ups who want the party without sacrificing the next morning. Expect nostalgic hits, glitter and a daytime setup at Sognage, with doors opening at 2pm and last entry at 5pm.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Johannesburg

Jazz In The Lights At The Johannesburg Zoo

This reimagined version of Jazz on the Lake offers a family-friendly jazz outing in one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. Its curation reportedly balances established names, youth acts, developmental talent, gender representation, disability inclusion and geographical diversity.

That wider approach gives the event real value beyond entertainment.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive, Johannesburg

Anjunadeep Open Air Festival

After successful inaugural shows in 2024, Anjunadeep Open Air returns to South Africa with more house and electronic music in a scenic outdoor setting. It is another important marker of how deeply global electronic brands now value the Joburg audience.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: The River Cabin, 34 R114, Nietgedacht, Johannesburg

Made In Jozi Festival

Outside of its New Year’s Eve edition, Made in Jozi also appears as a daytime celebration of South African music, food and city culture. Previous lineups included Uncle Waffles, MDU aka TRP, Chowmein, Kabza De Small and MÖRDA.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Maracanã, 58 Wierda Road East, Wierda Valley, Sandton

Balcony Mix Africa

Driven by Major League DJz, Balcony Mix Africa celebrates amapiano and African dance music through a large-scale shared music experience. Previous editions featured Kelvin Momo, DJ Kent, Kabza De Small, Sun-El Musician and Oscar Mbo.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Huddle Park, Club Street, Linksfield

Friends Like Me

Friends Like Me offers picnic-style daytime energy with food, drinks and soulful music. One of Homecoming Events’ offerings, it is built around a social, memory-making atmosphere.

Past acts have included Nkosazana Daughter, The Josh and Questo, Josiah De Disciple, Zango Khubeka, Shakes and Les, DJ Ganyani, DJ Fae Fae, Zendra N, Mi Casa and K.O.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Idlewild Country Estate, Moonlight Road, Olifantsfontein

Mahindra Fusion Fest

Although based in Pretoria, Mahindra Fusion Fest deserves a mention for its ambitious concept. It pairs artists from different genres for one-night-only collaborative performances, including combinations involving Zoë Modiga, Mafikizolo, Kurt Darren, Claire Johnston, BLXCKIE, Maglera Doe Boy, the Tshwane Gospel Choir, Naledi Aphiwe, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh, Mariechan, Zee Nxumalo, Focalistic and Daliwonga.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria

Mieliepop Festival

Also outside Joburg but still popular with Gauteng festival travellers, Mieliepop is known for its multi-genre booking, camping setup and anything-goes creative atmosphere in Mpumalanga.

Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Tolderia Resort, Lothair, Ermelo, Mpumalanga

Why Joburg’s Festival Calendar Still Stands Out

The biggest takeaway from the 2026 lineup is that Johannesburg is no longer just a stop on the national touring map. It is the centre of a festival culture that keeps expanding in all directions.

There is room here for giant commercial events like Ultra South Africa and DStv Delicious, but also for heritage-centred gatherings, jazz institutions, youth-driven hip hop events, Afrikaans music celebrations, picnic concerts and genre-specific dance festivals. That range says a lot about the city itself. Joburg is fast, layered, loud, creative and deeply communal, and its festival scene reflects every bit of that.

So whether your thing is trance in Magaliesburg, jazz in Sandton, amapiano in Linksfield, synth-pop in Emmarentia or hip hop in Newtown, 2026 is packed with reasons to get out, buy the ticket and experience the city properly.