Long Weekend in Joburg: Food, Festivals, Theatre and Markets You Can’t Miss (30 April to 3 May)

After a chilly end to April, Joburg looks ready to ease into May with clearer skies, full calendars and plenty of reasons to leave the house.

From final Restaurant Week bookings and rooftop markets to live music, theatre, comedy, sport and family fun, the long weekend is stacked. Whether you’re keeping it low-key, dressing up for a night out, or planning a full day with the kids, here’s what to add to your diary.

Final Week Of Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week South Africa is wrapping up on 3 May, which means this is your last chance to book one of its special two or three-course dining experiences.

The concept gives diners access to set menus at top restaurants across Johannesburg, Pretoria and other major cities. Drinks are usually for your own account, and some venues may require a small deposit via Dineplan.

Cost: Varies by restaurant
When: Running until Sunday, 3 May
Where: Various venues in Johannesburg, Pretoria and nationwide

Ground To Sea At Ground The Venue

Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift is serving up a coastal-inspired afternoon with a three-course seafood feast, Fryer’s Cove wine and live music by TONA Latin American Band.

Cost: R975pp
When: Friday, 1 May, 12pm to 5pm
Where: Ground The Venue, Plot 19 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift

Hobby-X

Hobby-X returns with its 2026 theme, Retro Rewind, celebrating classic crafts, vintage techniques and creative hobbies. Expect workshops, demos, competitions and plenty of inspiration for makers.

Cost: From R55pp to R485pp
When: 30 April to 3 May
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre, Midrand

Behind The Crimson Door At The Cirk

Fashion meets aerial performance in this striking production by The Cirk and designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. The show blends couture, movement and storytelling in a bold stage experience.

Cost: R200pp to R350pp
When: Until 14 June, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, limited Sundays at 2pm
Where: The Cirk, Cresta Shopping Centre, Randburg

Fourways Mall Night Market

Fourways Mall’s rooftop Night Market is back after being postponed. Expect food, craft vendors, kids’ entertainment and live music under the open sky.

Cost: Free entry
When: Friday, 1 May, 4pm to 9pm
Where: Level 7 rooftop parking, Fourways Mall

Goethe-Institut Silent Book Club

Bring your current read or pick something from the Goethe library and enjoy a few hours of quiet communal reading with fellow book lovers.

Cost: Free entry
When: Wednesday, 29 April, 6.30pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, Parkwood

Hello Kitty At Fourways Mall

Hello Kitty brings family-friendly fun to Fourways Mall with colouring corners, photo moments, face painting and hands-on play areas.

Cost: Free entry
When: Friday to Sunday, 1 to 3 May, 10am to 3pm
Where: Fourways Mall Main Promotions Court

Pretty Woman: The Musical

The beloved Hollywood romance gets the Broadway treatment at Montecasino, complete with music by Bryan Adams and a nostalgic nod to the 1990 film.

Cost: From R280pp
When: Until 24 May
Where: Teatro at Montecasino, Fourways

KAMERS/Makers Autumn Market

KAMERS/Makers returns to Sandton with local fashion, food, wellness, jewellery, décor and design. Pets are welcome, provided dogs are leashed.

Cost: R110pp single day, R150pp multi-day, under 18s free
When: Until Sunday, 3 May, 9am to 5pm
Where: St David’s College Inanda, Sandton

Festival De Mexico

Montecasino’s Outdoor Event Arena transforms into a tequila and Mexican food fiesta with street food, cocktails, a chilli eating contest, piñata fun and performances by Jeremy Loops, Lloyiso, Lady Zamar, Sun-El Musician and more.

Cost: From R150pp, kids R80pp
When: Saturday, 2 May, 12pm to 10pm
Where: Montecasino Outdoor Arena, Fourways

Mall Of Africa Turns 10

Mall of Africa marks its 10th birthday with a thread installation, interactive timeline, in-mall competition and birthday celebrations.

Cost: Free entry
When: Installations from 24 April, competition until 1 May
Where: Crystal Court, Mall of Africa, Midrand

The Devil Wears Prada 2 In Cinemas

Miranda Priestly returns in the highly anticipated sequel, with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci back on screen.

When: Opens Thursday, 30 April
Where: Select Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide

!AITSA At The Wits Digital Dome

Dane Dodds’ award-winning documentary explores ancient Khoi/San knowledge and modern radio astronomy at the SKA site in the Great Karoo. Your ticket also includes access to the Origins Centre during May.

Cost: From R150pp
When: Sunday, 2 May, 2pm
Where: Wits Digital Dome, Braamfontein

Good Morning Festival

Good Morning brings music, food and community energy to Constitution Hill with a lineup including Msaki, PH, Fif Laaa, Stephen Kent and Lelowhatsgood.

Cost: From R300pp
When: Sunday, 2 May, 10am to 8pm
Where: Constitution Hill, Braamfontein

The Antique Fair At The Firs

Browse vintage fashion, jewellery, pre-loved gems, collectibles, art and antiques from more than 70 dealers.

Cost: Free entry
When: Sunday, 3 May, 10am to 4pm
Where: The Firs, Rosebank

VNJ Bodega X Fagwinter X Homeground

Three Joburg underground collectives come together for a night of queer culture, African electronic music and live performances across three stages in Newtown.

Cost: From R80pp
When: Friday, 1 May, 10pm to 5am
Where: Club AM and Bad Manors, Newtown

Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards

Celebrate South Africa’s comedy scene at the 13th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, with 12 awards and a variety show packed with laughs.

Cost: R220pp to R295pp
When: Saturday, 2 May, 6pm to 10pm
Where: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City

Round Table Lunches At Mamakashaka

Mamakashaka’s monthly Sunday Lunch Club features chefs Eric Mphela and Tiisetso, with a menu including crispy naan, jeera rice, butter chicken mussel pot, tandoori chicken, samosas and dessert.

Cost: R500pp
When: Sunday, 3 May, 1pm to 4pm
Where: 5 De Beer Street, Braamfontein

Kujenga And Keenan Meyer

Kujenga and SAMA-nominated pianist Keenan Meyer share the stage for a powerful live music experience rooted in South Africa’s Black band tradition, jazz and contemporary sound.

Cost: From R350pp
When: Saturday, 2 May, 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Where: Jozi Gold Brewing Company, Braamfontein

G.A.G. At Ratz Bar

Melville’s Ratz Bar hosts G.A.G. with Peezus and Bionic spinning jungle, house, three-step and more into the early hours.

Cost: Free entry
When: Friday, 1 May, 10pm to 2am
Where: Ratz Bar, Melville

Colgate Road Race

Boksburg Athletic Club hosts the Colgate Road Race, with 5km, 15km and 32km events. It’s a popular Comrades prep race with a flat and fast route.

Cost: R140pp to R360pp
When: Sunday, 3 May, from 6.30am
Where: Boksburg Stadium

The Palace Masquerade At Katys Bar

Katys Palace Bar brings together masks, music, aerial acts, fireworks, food and a live lineup featuring Abby Nurock and more.

Cost: From R250pp
When: Thursday, 30 April, 6pm to 2am
Where: Katys Palace Bar, Kramerville

The Return Of Elvis Du Pisanie

Catch the final performances of Paul Slabolepszy’s acclaimed production starring Ashley Dowds. The story follows Eddie du Pisanie, an East Rand salesman facing retrenchment, memory and a life-changing moment from his childhood.

Cost: R180pp to R200pp
When: Until Sunday, 3 May
Where: Theatre on the Square, Sandton

Soke: Celebrate Africa

Soke is a daytime celebration of African music, fashion, food and culture. Guests are encouraged to add African flair to their outfits.

Cost: From R199pp
When: Sunday, 3 May, 1pm to 10pm
Where: Maracana, Wierda Valley, Sandton

Facing The Heat In South Africa

Prof Vishwas Satgar’s exhibition at the Wits Origins Centre uses a decade of photographic documentation to explore climate shocks, injustice and resistance in Southern Africa.

Cost: R70 adults, R40 students
When: Until 6 May
Where: Origins Centre, Wits University, Braamfontein

Pretoria’s Vintage And Decor Show

Irene Village Mall hosts a vintage and décor pop-up with antiques, fashion, jewellery, furniture, food trucks and a special ABBA and Greek Food Fest.

Cost: Free entry
When: Friday, 1 May, 8.30am to 5pm
Where: Irene Village Mall, Centurion

Fijnwyn Fiesta Food And Wine Market

Fijnwyn Fiesta brings together more than 35 wine farms, live music and a colourful wine-tasting experience.

Cost: R250pp, children 12 to 17 R80pp, under 12s free
When: Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 2 May, 10am to 5pm
Where: Shokran Events Venue, Pretoria

Antique Fair At Brooklyn Mall

The Antique Fair at Brooklyn Mall offers antiques, fine art, jewellery, collectibles and valuations for amateur collectors.

Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 2 May, 9am to 3pm
Where: Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria

The Picnic Carnival

The Picnic Club returns with a carnival-themed day of music, food, drinks and picnic fun. The lineup includes Van Pletzen, Yo Nax, Hoofmeisie, Zoe, Sugarbird and more.

Cost: From R250pp, VIP from R600pp
When: Saturday, 2 May, 10am to 6pm
Where: Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria

UP Classical Concert Series Presents Fantasy

Violinist Piet Koornhof and pianist Jana Mathee perform a programme featuring works by Arvo Pärt, Maurice Ravel, Milosz Magin, Robert Fuchs and Giya Kancheli.

Cost: From R80pp
When: Sunday, 3 May, 11am to 12.30pm
Where: University of Pretoria, Musaion and Amphitheatre

Tierlantynkies Kuier En Koopfees

Tierlantynkies brings together more than 100 vendors, local fashion, handmade décor, live music, kids’ entertainment, food, coffee and craft drinks. The event is also pet friendly.

Cost: R60pp, under 16s free
When: Until Friday, 1 May
Where: Moreleta Kampus, Pretoria