Johannesburg Festivals 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the City’s Biggest Celebrations

Johannesburg is buzzing with excitement as festival season returns in 2025, bringing together foodies, music lovers, art enthusiasts, petrolheads, and culture seekers for a year packed with unforgettable events. From the streets of Braamfontein to the high-energy circuits of Kyalami, the city is proving once again why it’s the cultural capital of South Africa.

If you’re ready to mark your calendar, here’s a guide to the standout festivals shaping Joburg’s 2025 cultural calendar.

Festival of Motoring (29–31 August 2025)

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit will once again roar to life with the Festival of Motoring, powered by WesBank. Expect the thrill of Formula 1 demos, drifting action, supercar hot laps, and free track drives that get your heart racing. It’s the kind of event where families, car fanatics, and adrenaline junkies all find their fix.

Braam Culture Fest (6 September 2025)

Braamfontein will transform into a vibrant playground of music, art, fashion, and street culture as Braam Culture Fest makes its return. Think live performances, pop-up markets, cutting-edge streetwear, and underground sounds all in one weekend that perfectly reflects the creative pulse of the inner city.

Basha Uhuru Sounds of Freedom (13 September 2025)

Creativity takes centre stage at Basha Uhuru, where established and up-and-coming artists share the spotlight. Beyond the music, the festival is known for its market, food stalls, and interactive activations. It’s more than just entertainment it’s a platform for new voices and a celebration of freedom through art and sound.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (26–28 September 2025)

Africa’s premier jazz festival returns to the Sandton Convention Centre, celebrating its 26th year. Joy of Jazz has long been a favourite for Joburgers who love the sophistication of live jazz and the energy of international lineups. Expect soul-stirring performances that remind us why this event remains one of the city’s cultural gems.

Jozi Kota Festival (4–5 October 2025)

Kota the township street food icon takes centre stage at the Jozi Kota Festival at FNB Stadium. Expect every kind of kota you can imagine, along with live entertainment and a kids’ play zone. This year’s theme is Halloween, so Joburgers are encouraged to dress up for a festive twist.

Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival (4–5 October 2025)

Wine lovers are spoilt for choice at The Wanderers Club, where ticket holders can sip and savour their way through 20 tasting tokens and indulge in gourmet creations from the Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market. This festival perfectly blends South Africa’s love of food and wine in a stylish, social setting.

Back to the City Festival (12 October 2025)

Hip hop heads, this one’s for you. Back to the City returns to Mary FitzGerald Square for its 18th edition, bringing over 100 artists and 60 stalls. As the largest hip hop festival on the continent, it’s a celebration of music, graffiti, fashion, and urban culture that has become a Joburg institution.

Standard Bank WineX (29–31 October 2025)

WineX, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, is South Africa’s biggest public wine event, bringing together award-winning producers and passionate wine drinkers. This one’s strictly for the over-18s no kids, no prams, just good wine and good vibes.

Hey Neighbour Music Festival (December 2025)

Closing off the year is Hey Neighbour, the multi-day music festival that combines international acts with South Africa’s best talent. More than a concert, it’s about connection, community, and creating a neighbourhood of music lovers. If you only attend one festival this summer, make it this one.

Why These Festivals Matter

Festivals are more than entertainment in Joburg they’re part of the city’s identity. Whether it’s a celebration of kasi street food, global jazz, or the energy of hip hop, these events create spaces where South Africans come together, connect, and celebrate culture.

On social media, locals are already sharing countdowns and outfit plans, proving that for many Joburgers, festival season is the highlight of the year. With everything from family-friendly events to late-night parties, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting cultural years yet.

Source: Joburg.co.za

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