Jozi Journeys
Back to the City Festival 2025: Hip Hop’s Biggest Celebration Returns to Newtown
A hip-hop homecoming
October in Johannesburg always comes alive, but 2025 is bringing something special. The Back to the City Festival is returning for its 19th year, cementing itself as South Africa’s biggest and longest-running celebration of hip hop culture. Taking over Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Saturday, 11 October, the festival promises more than just music. It’s a gathering point for art, style, and community, where the rhythm of the streets takes centre stage.
The line-up and more
This year’s festival is pulling in over 100 artists from across South Africa and beyond. Expect an electric mix of rap, beats, and live performances that cut across generations of hip hop lovers. But the stage is only part of the experience. Around 80 stalls will fill the square, showcasing food, fashion, records, sneakers, and everything in between. From graffiti battles to freestyle sessions, it’s a full immersion into hip hop’s creative heart.
Tickets and experiences
Tickets for Back to the City 2025 range from R200 to R500 for general entry, while VIP packages go from R1,500 to R2,500. For those looking to take things up another level, table bookings are available between R10,000 and R30,000. With gates opening at 12 pm, the event runs into the evening, transforming Newtown into a city-wide block party.
Why it matters
Since its start almost two decades ago, Back to the City has become more than a music festival. It is a cultural anchor, bringing together local fans and international guests in one space that celebrates South Africa’s contribution to global hip hop. The choice of Newtown, with its history of creativity and resilience, makes the event feel deeply rooted in Johannesburg’s identity.
Each year, social media buzz builds weeks before the first beat drops. Fans post throwbacks from past festivals and share plans for outfits, meetups, and must-see sets. The 2025 edition is already sparking excitement online, with many calling it a not-to-be-missed moment for the city’s calendar.
Looking ahead
Back to the City’s return is a reminder that Johannesburg’s hip hop scene remains a global force. For first-time festivalgoers, it’s an introduction to the energy and community spirit that has kept the event going for 19 years. For longtime fans, it’s another chapter in a story that belongs not just to the artists, but to every person who fills the square with their presence.
Also read: Sounds of the Cradle: A New Festival Experience in the Cradle of Humankind
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Webtickets, back to the city festival
Featured Image: Facebook/Back to the City Festival
