Your Weekend In Joburg: Festivals, Theatre, Markets And More (13 To 15 March)

Johannesburg never really does quiet weekends. From buzzing music festivals and theatre shows to markets, film screenings and running races, the city always finds a way to keep things moving.

The weekend of 13 to 15 March is packed with experiences across the city and surrounding areas. Whether you want to explore nature, dance at a festival, watch live performances or simply enjoy good food and culture, there is something happening in nearly every corner of Joburg.

Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Joburg this weekend.

Explore Nature For Free During National Gardens Week

Nature lovers have a special reason to head outdoors this week as SANBI National Gardens Week offers free entry for South African citizens and residents to several botanical gardens.

The initiative celebrates South Africa’s natural heritage while encouraging people to reconnect with the country’s landscapes. Visitors can expect guided walks, bird and insect spotting, plant sales, wellness activities and hands-on conservation learning.

The programme also introduces visitors to indigenous plants, medicinal plant knowledge and water-wise gardening techniques.

Participating Gauteng venues include the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

The celebration continues with a special offer at the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria, where locals can enter for just R26 on 14 and 15 March as the zoo marks its 126-year conservation legacy.

Visitors must bring proof of South African residency such as an ID or driver’s licence.

When: 9 to 15 March
Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Pretoria National Botanical Garden and National Zoological Garden

Watch A Powerful Documentary At Wits

The Origins Centre at Wits University will host a screening of Language Of My Soul (2024), a moving documentary directed by Gregory Molale.

The film tells the story of Ouma Katrina Esau, the last fluent speaker of the critically endangered N|uu language.

After years of hiding her San identity, she began working to revive the language and pass it on to younger generations. The documentary has already been nominated for a SAFTA for Best Feature Documentary.

A Q&A session will follow the screening, with the filmmakers joined online by Ouma Katrina and her mentee David van Wyk.

When: Thursday, 12 March at 6pm
Where: Origins Centre, Wits University

Discover Creativity At A Block Printing Workshop

Art lovers can try their hand at a centuries-old textile technique at the Blocks & Hue Block Printing Workshop.

These three-hour sessions introduce participants to the craft of block printing using more than 200 handcrafted Indian stamps and vibrant non-toxic paints.

Guests create their own printed textile piece while learning about this traditional art form in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

When: Sunday, 15 March from 10am to 1pm
Where: Prison Break Market, Midrand

Run Through The Zoo For A Good Cause

The Cotlands Run To Play race combines exercise with community support.

Taking place at the Johannesburg Zoo, the event raises funds for programmes that support early childhood development for vulnerable children.

Participants can choose between 2km, 5km or 8km distances, while families can enjoy music, children’s activities and food stalls after the race.

When: Saturday, 14 March from 8am
Where: Johannesburg Zoo

Take On The Warrior Race Challenge

Adventure seekers can test their limits at the Warrior Race, which launches the first event in its 2026 series.

The obstacle race pushes participants through muddy terrain, climbing challenges and endurance obstacles designed to test teamwork and determination.

When: Saturday, 14 March
Where: Syringa Park, Avianto Estate, Muldersdrift

Enjoy Street Food At The Harvest Place Night Market

Markets remain one of Joburg’s favourite weekend traditions.

The Harvest Place Night Market in Kempton Park offers live music, handmade crafts, and a wide variety of street food vendors. Visitors can stroll through stalls, sample local flavours and enjoy the atmosphere as the market lights up after sunset.

When: Friday, 13 March
Where: Harvest Place, Kempton Park

Dance At The Catch A Fire Reggae Festival

Reggae fans will gather in Soweto for the Catch A Fire Reggae Music Festival, a celebration of African and global reggae culture.

This year’s lineup includes Boom Shaka, Kingblack Yellow, Bhubesi Simba and Rastaman Nkhushu.

Beyond the music, the Catch A Fire Culture Market showcases African crafts, fashion and food.

When: Saturday, 14 March
Where: Ubuntu Kraal, Soweto

Step Into Theatre With The Opera Singer

Theatre On The Square hosts The Opera Singer, starring acclaimed actress Fiona Ramsay.

The play explores the emotional and psychological complexities of life as a performer through a meeting between a journalist and an enigmatic opera star.

When: Running from 12 to 28 March
Where: Theatre On The Square, Sandton

Take The Kids To Shrek The Musical JR

Families can enjoy a lively stage production of Shrek The Musical JR at the Peoples Theatre.

Based on the DreamWorks film, the story follows Shrek and Donkey on their quest to rescue Princess Fiona.

When: Weekends until 19 April
Where: Peoples Theatre, Joburg Theatre

Watch A Virtual Safari At The Wits Digital Dome

Wildlife lovers can step into an immersive cinematic experience at the Wits Digital Dome with Close Encounters.

The show blends breathtaking visuals and surround sound to bring audiences face to face with Africa’s wildlife while highlighting conservation challenges.

When: Saturday, 14 March
Where: Wits Digital Dome, Braamfontein

See The Life Size LEGO Mercedes F1 Car

Motorsport and LEGO fans have a final chance to see the life-size LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 build at Sandton City.

The installation also features interactive activities where visitors can build miniature race cars and test their reaction speed.

When: Until 15 March
Where: Sandton City

Join The AFRO Freedom Book Club

Readers can gather for the AFRO Freedom Book Club, a community discussion space celebrating African writers.

This month’s book is Why Am I Like This? by Qaanitha Hunter, a novel about grief, self-discovery and personal growth.

When: Wednesday, 11 March
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa

Cook, Dance And Socialise At The Sunday Culture Experience

Food and music meet at the Sunday Culture Soul And RnB Cook Along Experience.

Guests take part in a chef-led cooking masterclass, enjoy wine tastings and dance to live DJ sets playing soul and RnB classics.

When: Saturday, 14 March
Where: Beaurain Venue, Heidelberg

A Weekend That Shows Off Joburg’s Energy

From Soweto festivals and theatre productions to nature walks, film screenings and markets, this weekend shows the many sides of Johannesburg.

Whether you’re chasing live music, exploring local culture or simply spending time outdoors, 13 to 15 March offers more than enough reasons to step out and experience the city.

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