8 things to do this weekend: Cosplay, food and culture

Johannesburg is packed with things to do this weekend, from food and wine experiences and creative markets to Comic Con Africa, live music and family-friendly outings.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed Sunday outing or something a little different, here are eight things to add to your plans for 26–27 September.

Browse local finds at the Linden Market

The Linden Market Spring Edition returns to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia this weekend, bringing more than 150 local artisans, makers and food vendors together.

Visitors can browse handmade goods while enjoying street food, craft beverages and live music. Children can also get involved in creative activities, while dogs are welcome on leads.

• Date: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
• Location: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia
• Cost: R70 per person; children under 12 free. Parking is R30
• Tip: Arrive early for easier parking and more time to browse the stalls.
• Facebook: Linden Market

Feast at Chefs & Chenin

Foodies can spend the weekend at Chefs & Chenin, a two-day celebration of open-fire cooking and South African Chenin Blanc at Crawford International Sandton College.

The programme includes open-fire cooking, wine tastings, live entertainment, an art exhibition and a harvest market. Daily masterclasses take place at 15:00, with Chef Lihle Mahambehlala on Saturday and Chef Mokgadi Itsweng on Sunday.

• Date: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
• Location: Crawford International Sandton College, Sandton
• Cost: General access R750|  kids’ access R500 | Chef’s Table R2 000
• Tip: Book ahead if you want to attend a masterclass or make a full day of the food and wine programme.

Make the most of Comic Con Africa’s final day

Comic Con Africa wraps up at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec on Sunday, giving fans one final chance to experience the pop-culture festival. Expect comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, celebrity panels, artist showcases, esports, tabletop gaming and merchandise.

• Date: Sunday 27 September
• Location: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec
• Cost: R270 for a one-day pass
• Tip: Check the programme before arriving and plan which panels, signings and attractions you want to see. Parking is R50.
• Website: Comic Con Africa
• Socials: Instagram- Comic Con Africa

Spend Sunday at Rosebank Sunday Market

Make Sunday a market day at Rosebank Sunday Market, where visitors can browse food, fashion, vintage finds, crafts and local products.

The market takes place on the rooftop of Rosebank Mall, making it easy to combine a browse with breakfast or lunch in Rosebank.

• Date: Sunday 27 September
• Location: Level 4, Rosebank Mall, Rosebank
• Cost: Free entry
• Tip: Go earlier in the day for a more relaxed browse before the afternoon crowds.
• Website: Rosebank Sunday Market
• Facebook: Instagram- Rosebank Sunday Market

Catch live music at Untitled Basement

For a live-music experience, head to Untitled Basement in Braamfontein for Tank and the Bangas: Jazzing Around – Live at the Basement.

The New Orleans collective blends funk, soul, hip-hop, rock, jazz and spoken word, offering a more intimate alternative to a large festival stage.

• Date: 26 September at 19:00 to Sunday 27 September 01:00
• Location: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein
• Cost: R500 via Quicket or R600 at the door
• Tip: Doors open at 18:00, so arrive early if you want to settle in before the performance.

Get creative at a spring sip-and-paint

Swap the usual Saturday plans for an afternoon of painting at the Spring Sip & Paint Experience. The Artjamming Sandton experience gives guests a canvas and the opportunity to create their own artwork in a relaxed setting. It makes for a creative date, friends’ afternoon or solo outing.

• Date: Saturday 26 September, 13:00
• Location: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton
• Cost: R420 to R450
• Tip: This is one to book ahead rather than simply arriving at the venue.

Experience Italian culture at SAGRA

Spend Sunday surrounded by Italian food, culture, music and classic cars at SAGRA 2026 at The Italian Sporting Club Johannesburg in Bedfordview.

The family-friendly festival features Italian cuisine, speciality products, fashion, leather goods, jewellery and gifts, alongside displays of classic and modern Italian cars and motorbikes.

• Date: Sunday 27 September
• Location: Italian Sporting Club, Bedfordview
• Cost: Check the organiser’s current ticket information
• Tip: Make a day of it by arriving early for the food and car displays before the afternoon entertainment.
• Website: Italian Sporting Club Johannesburg
• Facebook: Italian Sporting Club Johannesburg

Catch a show at Joburg Theatre

For something more cultural, head to Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein for a live performance this weekend.

The theatre offers a rotating programme of productions, making it a good option for readers looking to swap a market or shopping trip for an afternoon or evening of live entertainment.

• Date: Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 September
• Location: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
• Cost: Varies by production
• Tip: Check the theatre’s current programme and book directly through the venue before heading out.
• Website: Joburg Theatre
• Instagram: Joburg City Theatres