Things to Do in Joburg This Weekend: From Comic Con to Scorpion Kings Live (29–31 August)

As Johannesburg eases into the final weekend of August, the city is brimming with energy. The weather is warming up, the social calendar is stacked, and there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the last days of winter. From blockbuster festivals and global pop culture moments to local markets, motorsport thrills, and outdoor runs, here is your detailed guide to what’s happening in and around Joburg this weekend.

Comic Con Africa 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre

The city’s pop culture calendar reaches its peak this weekend with the return of Comic Con Africa. Running across four days at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, the convention is set to welcome thousands of fans.

This year’s highlights include celebrity appearances from Misha Collins, best known for his role in Supernatural, and Jessie T. Usher, who stars in The Boys. Cosplay competitions, gaming arenas, and artist showcases will keep visitors entertained throughout the day, while dedicated shopping stalls offer everything from collectibles to limited-edition merchandise. Families, casual fans, and die-hard geeks are all expected to pour into the venue, creating the city’s biggest fandom gathering of the year.

When: Thursday to Sunday, 28 to 31 August, 9am to 6pm daily
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec
Cost: R180–R250 for a day pass, R750 for a four-day pass (celebrity sessions booked separately)

Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit

Motoring enthusiasts will find their fix at the Festival of Motoring, hosted at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. The festival promises to be the most immersive edition yet, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and 22 leading automotive brands.

Visitors can expect track demonstrations, test drives, and exclusive VIP experiences designed for those who want to go beyond simply looking at cars. For many Joburgers, the festival is more than just a showcase it’s a full day of sensory overload, with engines roaring, luxury cars on display, and the thrill of being on South Africa’s premier racing circuit.

When: Friday to Sunday, 29 to 31 August, 8.30am to 6pm daily
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand
Cost: R295 for adults (day pass), R665 for weekend pass, R82 for children aged 4–12, free for under-4s

Serge Alain Nitegeka’s Black Subjects Exhibition at Wits Art Museum

For those drawn to art and storytelling, the Wits Art Museum is currently hosting Serge Alain Nitegeka’s first institutional solo show in Johannesburg. Titled Black Subjects, the exhibition includes Structural Response V, a large-scale installation of black painted beams that invites visitors to navigate a maze-like pathway.

The work explores themes of forced migration, the relationship between the body and its environment, and the narratives hidden in abstraction and form. Free entry makes this exhibition an easy cultural stop for anyone wanting a moment of quiet reflection amid the weekend buzz.

When: Showing until 1 November 2025. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Where: Wits Art Museum, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein
Cost: Free entry

Game Afternoon at the Goethe-Institut

Board game enthusiasts can head to the Goethe-Institut South Africa for a relaxed Friday afternoon. The event is family-friendly, with a selection of games to play and light refreshments available from the cafeteria. For anyone looking to ease into the weekend with laughter and friendly competition, this is a low-key but enjoyable option.

When: Friday, 29 August, 3pm to 7pm
Where: Goethe-Institut, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood
Cost: Free entry

Fourways Mall Night Market

Fourways Mall continues to build its reputation as a social hub with the return of its Night Market. Taking place in the Drop-Off Zone outside Bounce, the event blends shopping, food, and live entertainment. Families can expect kids’ activities, while adults can browse artisanal stalls or enjoy local music under the night sky.

When: Friday, 29 August, 4pm to 9pm
Where: Fourways Mall, corner Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard
Cost: Free entry

Randburg Night Market Grand Opening

Joburgers who love a lively outdoor shopping experience will want to check out the launch of the Randburg Night Market. The new market officially opens at the Randburg Mets Grounds, offering a mix of street food, live performances, and craft vendors. The organisers describe it as an event for everyone whether you’re on a date, enjoying a family night out, or simply wandering solo with snacks in hand.

When: Friday, 29 August, 5pm to 10pm
Where: Randburg Mets Grounds, Silverpine Road
Cost: R25 entry for adults, R10 for kids under 12 and pensioners

Contra Joburg Art Festival

Now in its fourth year, the Contra Joburg Festival is back with an expanded programme across multiple galleries and venues. The event aims to showcase art not as static works on display, but as living, evolving processes. Visitors are encouraged to experience the energy of creation, engaging with artists and their work in an interactive way.

Shuttle services will run every 20 minutes between participating venues, making it easier to explore the festival’s wide reach across the city.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 30 to 31 August
Where: Various art venues across Joburg
Cost: R120 for a day pass, R200 for a weekend pass, free for under-18s

Scorpion Kings Live at Loftus Versfeld

Pretoria will host one of the biggest music events of the year when DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small bring Scorpion Kings Live back to the stage. Joined by major South African artists including Ami Faku, Cassper Nyovest, Focalistic, Mafikizolo, and Nkosazana Daughter, the duo will deliver a celebration of amapiano on a scale never seen before.

The hype around this event has been building for weeks, with fans on social media already calling it the “concert of the year.” With a star-studded lineup and Loftus expected to be packed to capacity, it is one of the weekend’s unmissable highlights.

When: Friday, 29 August, from 1pm
Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Cost: R300–R990 per ticket

WildJoburg Trail Run at Thaba Trails

For those who prefer their weekends outdoors and active, WildJoburg is hosting a trail run through indigenous landscapes just outside the city. Runners can choose from a moderate 5km, a challenging 10km, or a gruelling 20km route. The event offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature while taking on a professionally designed trail.

When: Saturday, 30 August. Start times: 7am (20km), 7.30am (10km), 8am (5km)
Where: Thaba Trails, Kliprivier Drive, Mulbarton
Cost: R225–R275 depending on distance

Cullinan Champagne, Chocolate and Gin Fest

Just a short drive from Joburg, Cullinan will host a food and drinks festival dedicated to locally produced MCC, craft gin, and handcrafted chocolates. Visitors can indulge in tastings while enjoying live entertainment and browsing artisan stalls. The pairing of chocolate and gin is expected to be one of the festival’s standout experiences.

When: Saturday, 30 August, 9am to 5pm
Where: Makers Village, Cullinan
Cost: From R150

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