January in Joburg feels like a reset button with sunshine. The traffic creeps back, the WhatsApp groups start planning again, and suddenly the city’s calendar is full of reasons to leave the housewhether you want a festival crowd, a theatre seat, a garden picnic, or a day trip that feels like a mini-holiday.

If your 2026 mood is “new year, new stories,” this guide is your cheat sheet. And yes, we’re starting exactly where you asked: with Milk + Cookies.

Milk + Cookies Festival Brings Gunna And A Massive Lineup To Joburg

If you’re looking for one event that screams “January is not for staying home,” it’s this. Milk + Cookies Festival is an international music festival blending music, culture, style and tech experiencesand Joburg’s edition is headlined by international rap star Gunna.

The supporting lineup is stacked with big names across hip-hop and R&B, including Majid Jordan, DJ Kent, A-Reece, Blxckie, DWSON, DJ Speedsta, Jinji, DJ Capital and more. Expect a high-energy crowd, loud outfits, and the kind of content your timeline will be posting for days after.

Cost: From R925 pp (Book via Howler)
When: Saturday, 10 January 2026
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Road corner Rand Show Road, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Asake Live In Joburg Is Set To Be One Of The Year’s Most Anticipated Shows

Afrobeats is having a moment globallyand Joburg is right in the middle of it. Asake arrives for a one-night-only show that also marks the South African launch of CURATED BY CULTURE (CBC), a new live platform by AfroFuture (the team behind the AfroFuture Festival in Ghana).

The promise here is a cross-continental sound: Afrobeats energy meeting Amapiano rhythm, reflecting how the music of West and Southern Africa keeps shaping each other. Fans can expect major hits like “Lonely at the Top,” “Organise,” “Amapiano,” and more.

Cost: From R950pp (Book via Quicket)
When: Saturday, 3 January 2026 (Doors open 4pm)
Where: The Goldrush Dome, The Dome, Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg

New Shows At The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome Take You Into The Dark Universe

If you want something differentless party, more mind-blownthis one’s for you. The Wits Digital Dome is hosting Dark Universe, a visually spectacular show exploring the unseen forces shaping the cosmos.

Here’s the wild fact to carry into your next conversation: everything we can seestars, planets, galaxiesmakes up less than 5% of the universe. Dark Universe digs into dark matter and dark energy, from galaxy formation to the accelerating expansion of space. It was developed by the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Cost: From R45 pp to R75 pp (Book via Webtickets)
When: Running 16 January to 28 February 2026 (Various times)
Where: Wits Anglo American Digital Dome

Sunday Society Picnics Return To The Maslow For A Chic Summer Afternoon

This is the kind of event that makes you want to dress like your life is a Pinterest board. Sunday Society Picnics are back at The Maslow Sandton, set in lush gardens with live music, gourmet baskets and Graham Beck bubbly.

The dress code says it all: “Sparkle in the sun”earthy tones, breezy silhouettes, flowy fabrics, and a little shine that catches the light.

Cost: R1600 per couple (Picnic tickets)
Staycation Option: R3418 (Luxury twin or queen room) + picnic tickets
Booking: Via Quicket
When: Sunday, 25 January 2026, 1pm to 6pm
Where: The lawns of The Maslow, Cnr Grayston Dr & Rivonia Rd, Sandton

CATS The Musical Lands At Montecasino With All The Classic Magic

The theatre kids (and the theatre adults) are eating well this month. CATS arrives in Joburg brought by Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment, by arrangement with The Really Useful Group, and in association with Cape Town Opera.

This season keeps the original creative DNA: design by John Napier, choreography by the late Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunnthe award-winning team behind the show’s legacy. Expect the iconic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, including the timeless “Memory.”

Cost: From R280 pp to R580 pp (Book via Webtickets)
When: Running 17 January to 22 February 2026 (Various times)
Where: The Teatro, Montecasino, Teatro Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Ground Cru Summer Edition Brings Wine, Food And Family Fun To Muldersdrift

This one feels like a mini holiday without leaving Gauteng. Ground Cru’s Summer Edition: Passport to the Cape offers two days of sipping, snacking and sunny vibes.

Expect tastings at wine stands (each guest gets a branded glass), gourmet bites, live music, plus kid-friendly entertainment like pony rides, jumping castles and face painting. It’s a proper “bring the whole crew” kind of weekend.

Cost: R470 pp per day (Book via Howler)
When: Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February 2026, 11am to 7pm
Where: Ground The Venue, Plot 19 Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift

Lions Vs Vodacom Bulls At Ellis Park Is A Must For Rugby Fans

If your January needs a dose of noise, rivalry and stadium energy, Ellis Park is calling. The Lions vs Vodacom Bulls clash in the United Rugby Championship promises all the intensity this derby is known for.

It’s a contrast of styles too: Lions pushing a high-tempo, wide game, while the Bulls lean into forward dominance and tactical kicking.

Cost: Various (Book via TicketPro)
When: Saturday, 31 January 2026, from 2:30pm
Where: Ellis Park Stadium, Staib St, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg

Gatsby – A Cirque Extravaganza Ends Its Final Season At Cresta

If you haven’t seen Gatsby yet, this is your last call. The Cirk’s Gatsby – A Cirque Extravaganza returns in a restaged season that blends circus, dance, glamour and tragedy in a Roaring Twenties world.

Expect aerial acrobatics, contortionists, dancers, and immersive storytelling that makes the whole thing feel like you’ve stepped into a party with a dramatic twist.

Cost: R180 pp to R320 pp (Book via Koid)
When: Running 18 October 2025 to 31 January 2026
Show Times: Friday & Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm
Where: The Cirk, Shop L205a, Cresta Shopping Centre, Cnr Beyers Naudé & Weltervreden Rd, Randburg

Betway SA20 Turns Wanderers And Centurion Into A Summer Playground

SA20 match days are not just cricketthey’re full-on summer events. The Wanderers becomes a festival-style space with entertainment, colour and that loud Joburg spirit.

Gates open 3 hours before the match, and kids can go onto the field during the first hour after gates open (weather dependent). They’re encouraged to bring a bat and soft ball. There are also stilt walkers, balloon artists, and face painters.

Tickets: From R20 pp (Available at SA20.co.za and stadium ticket offices)

Matches At Wanderers

• Match 9: 1 January 2026 – Joburg Super Kings vs Durban’s Super Giants

• Match 11: 3 January 2026 – Joburg Super Kings vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape

• Match 17: 8 January 2026 – Joburg Super Kings vs Paarl Royals

• Match 20: 10 January 2026 – Joburg Super Kings vs MI Cape Town

• Match 28: 17 January 2026 – Joburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals

• Match 33: 23 January 2026 – Qualifier Two

Matches In Centurion

• Match 2: 27 December 2025 – Pretoria Capitals vs Joburg Super Kings

• Match 12: 3 January 2026 – Pretoria Capitals vs Durban’s Super Giants

• Match 14: 5 January 2026 – Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape

• Match 22: 12 January 2026 – Pretoria Capitals vs MI Cape Town

• Match 25: 15 January 2026 – Pretoria Capitals vs Paarl Royals

• Match 32: 22 January 2026 – Eliminator Round

Blueberry Hill Hotel Bridal Expo Brings Wedding Planning To Life

If 2026 is your year, this is a solid starting point. The Blueberry Hill Boutique Bridal Expo is designed to feel curated and elegant, with top local wedding vendors in one place.

Expect live demonstrations and inspiration across décor, fashion, florals, beauty and planning.

Cost: R100 pp (Book via Webtickets)
When: Saturday, 31 January 2026, from 9am
Where: Blueberry Hill Hotel, Blueberry Street, Honeydew, Roodepoort

The Park Off 5 Turns Sandton Into A Supercar Playground

Sandton is about to get loud. The Park-off 5 is a supercar showcase bringing luxury performance cars up closefrom Lamborghinis to Ferraris and hypercars that look like they belong in a video game.

It’s built for motoring fans, but even casual visitors will enjoy the spectacle, the sound, and the photo ops.

Cost: R85 pp (Book via Howler)
When: Sunday, 25 January 2026, 9am to 12pm
Where: Café 28 Sandton, 54 Wierda Road, Sandton

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Keeps The Family Theatre Vibe Going

This Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical returns after a hugely successful 2025 run. Expect fast-paced fun, familiar songs and a new young cast.

Starring Dylan Janse Van Rensburg as Joseph, Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator and Christopher Jaftha as Pharaoh.

Cost: R200 pp to R475 pp (Book via Webtickets)
When: Running 5 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 (Thursdays to Sundays, various times)
Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways

Johannesburg Festival Of Lights Ends Early January At The Zoo

If you missed it in December, you still have a few days to catch the Zoo’s Festival of Lights. Expect illuminated life-size animal displays, entertainment and a food and craft night market, all along a designated route under enchanted trees.

Cost: R175 pp adults, R75 kids (3–12), R100 pensioners, free for kids under 3 (Book via Webtickets)
When: Running 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Thursdays to Sundays, 7pm to 10pm)
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview, Randburg

The Battle Of Isandlwana Memorial Concert And Walk Brings Heritage To Constitution Hill

This is one of the most meaningful events on the calendar: a cultural pilgrimage honouring the 1879 Battle of Isandlwana, aimed at heritage education and social cohesion.

The walk begins at 10am, moving through significant points linked to the battle and the Zulu Dynasty, ending in an amahubo concert at 3pm. Performers include Mbuso Khoza and IJadu Le Afrika, joined by Nomangungu and Anella Ngwenya.

Cost: From R550 pp (Book via Quicket)
When: Sunday, 25 January 2026, 10am to 8pm
Where: Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein

Secret Sunrise Healthy Kickstart Brings Movement And Joy To Melrose Arch

This is your soft, healthy reset. Secret Sunrise offers a guided silent dance session with breathwork and community connectionan hour that feels like a workout and a mood shift.

Cost: R100 pp to R165 pp; from R125 per kid under 12 (Book via Quicket)
When: Sunday, 25 January 2026, 8:30am to 9:30am
Where: Melrose Arch Precinct, Corlett Dr, Birnam, Johannesburg

Silent Movie Organ Improvisation Turns Phantom Of The Opera Into A Live Sound Experience

German organist and composer Franz Danksagmüller creates a live improvised soundtrack to the silent film Phantom of the Opera (Rupert Julian). It’s a real-time dialogue between old cinema and modern sound designunpredictable, creative and perfect for curious minds.

Cost: From R250 pp (Book via Quicket)
When: Tuesday, 27 January 2026, 7:30pm to 9:15pm
Where: St George’s Anglican Church, Sherborne Rd, Parktown

BLOND:ISH Presents Abracadabra At Old Park Station

Canadian DJ and producer BLOND:ISH brings her first-ever Abracadabra event to Joburgpart party, part movement, built around uplifting sound and feel-good energy. Expect special guests and a night that leans into joy.

Cost: From R550 pp (Book via Howler)
When: Friday, 30 January 2026, 6pm to 2am
Where: Old Park Station, 140 Carr St, Newtown

EXPRESSED At Joburg Theatre Confronts Gender Based Violence Head On

EXPRESSED is a one-act musical that tackles the realities of Gender Based Violence in South Africa. Written and directed by Mthokozisi Zulu, it follows Leo training his wife Safia to survive in a world that too often fails women.

Starring Ayanda Nzimande as Safia, Minenhle Sikhosana as Mama, with a special appearance by Mbalenhle Mavimbela.

Cost: From R100 pp to R140 pp (Book via Webtickets)
When: Running 27 January to 1 February 2026 (Various times)
Where: The Lesedi Stage at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein

Open Water And Swimming Masterclass With Sharon van Rouwendaal

If your goals are athletic this year, this is elite access: a masterclass with 2x Olympic and 4x World Champion Sharon van Rouwendaal. Clinics are capped at 14 spots for personalised attention.

Cost: R1500 per session (Book via Howler)
When: Friday to Sunday, 30 January to 1 February 2026

• Clinic 1 (Friday): 2pm to 4:30pm

• Clinic 2 & 3 (Saturday and Sunday): 9am to 11:30am
  Where: Munyaka South, Munyaka Waterfall City, Midrand

Coming Of Age Returns To Soweto As A Cultural Moment

Founded by Kitchen Mess, Coming of Age is in its 9th edition and has grown into a celebration of South African creativity and Soweto’s collaborative spirit. The 2026 edition introduces a new visual identity inspired by street art and sound culture. Keep an eye on social media for lineup updates.

Cost: R150pp to R350pp (Book via Webtickets)
When: Saturday, 31 January 2026, from 12pm
Where: Chiawelo Community Hall (Basketball Court), Tsianda Street, Chiawelo, Johannesburg

Holiday Escapes And Getaways To Stretch The Summer Feeling

Sometimes the best January plan is leaving Joburg… without actually leaving Joburg.

A Balinese Inspired Luxury Staycation At Vivari Hotel And Spa

This limited-time package includes a two-night retreat, breakfast and dinner, spa massage, and access to the hydrotherapy suite with mineral pool and lounge.

Cost: R6500 per person sharing (Single supplement +R3000)
Booking: Email [email protected] | Tel 010 594 4100 | WhatsApp 077 607 8015
When: Valid 16 December 2025 to 5 January 2026
Where: Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis, Ext 8, 1 Riviera Ln, Featherbrooke Estate, Johannesburg

City Lodge Hotels Summer Offers In Sandton And Rosebank

City Lodge is offering up to 40% off stays with promo code Summer, plus a Family Bundle deal where kids under 16 stay and eat breakfast free (when sharing with parents at participating hotels).

Cost: Up to 40% off (Book online)
When: For stays booked 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026
Where: Courtyard Hotel Sandton | Courtyard Hotel Rosebank | City Lodge Hotel Sandton | Road Lodge Rivonia

Hotel Sky Sandton Festive Shopping And Spa Escape

This one is built for a Sandton weekend: a stylish stay plus a R1000 Sandton City gift card and 30% off spa massages.

Cost: From R2200 per night (Single) | R2250 per night (Double)
Booking: Email [email protected] | Tel 010 880 4449
When: Valid 12 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
Where: Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West St, Sandown, Sandton

Aquadome Fun At Emerald Resort And Casino

A climate-controlled swimming park with a waterslide, shipwreck and lazy river. Entry includes a free round of Adventure Golf and Wall Climbing. It gets busy, so arriving early is key.

Cost: Weekends + school/public holidays: from R150 adult, from R90 kid under 12, R70pp for chalet residents, R60 pensioner
When: Daily, two sessions: 9:30am to 2:30pm and 3pm to 8pm
Where: Aquadome, Emerald Resort and Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Pool Sundays At The Indaba Gin School

A relaxed Sunday ritual: cocktails, sunshine and poolside vibes with a Poolside Menu and gin serves from frozen blends to classic shakes.

Cost: Varies (Book online or email [email protected])
When: Sundays 10am to 6pm
Where: Gin Indaba School at Indaba Hotel, Cnr William Nicol & Pieter Wenning Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Why January In Johannesburg Feels Like A Fresh Start

Joburg in January is about choosing your own pace. One weekend can be a stadium roar, the next can be a quiet art exhibition, and the next can be a picnic where you wear sequins at 2pm like it’s completely normal.

And if the social chatter is anything to go by, 2026 is starting with people chasing experiencesmusic nights, family days, heritage walks, and “let’s just go” moments before the year gets busy again.

If you want, I can also turn this into a week-by-week January planner (with dates grouped by weekend) for easier publishing and sharing.

{Source: What’s On in Joburg}

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