Joburg This Weekend: High Tea,Markets, Music, MMA and Women’s Day Celebrations (8–10 August)

Whether you’re winding down or revving up, Joburg is buzzing this weekend — and it’s not just the Women’s Day energy in the air. From spa indulgences to symphony performances, and strongmen to street food, the city is packed with ways to make the most of your 8 to 10 August. Here’s your weekend decoded.

Women’s Day vibes: sip, spa and celebrate

Dermalogica Ladies Afternoon Tea at 54 on Bath

Celebrate Women’s Day in style with an indulgent afternoon tea hosted by Dermalogica at the elegant 54 on Bath hotel in Rosebank. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing iced tea and a presentation from Dermalogica, followed by a premium tea service featuring TWG tea leaves, tea sandwiches, seasonal fruit posset, savouries, tea cakes and freshly baked scones with cream, cheese and preserves.
Live entertainment will be provided by resident pianist Will Sibeko, and each guest will receive a complimentary Dermalogica gift to take home.
When: Saturday, 9 August from 12.30pm to 4pm
Where: Level Four Restaurant, 54 on Bath, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Cost: R550pp | Book via [email protected] or call 011 344 8442

Wine on Route at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm

This Women’s Day weekend, Hartbeespoort is the backdrop for a scenic 4km wine walk complete with Van Gaalen’s legendary cheeses and over 50 South African wines. Live music seals the deal.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 August from 10am
Where: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, Hartbeespoort
Cost: R25 to R520pp | Book via Computicket

August Signature Experience at Woodlands Spa

Need to unplug? Woodlands Spa is offering a 90-minute facial and massage combo with free aroma oil or hot stone therapy. It’s a weekday treat running all month, with cappuccino on the house.
When: Valid Monday to Friday & Sundays in August
Where: Woodlands Spa, Muldersdrift
Cost: R1050pp | Book via [email protected]

Lucky Bread x Weylandts High Tea

In Pretoria? Join the garden-inspired high tea at Castle Gate featuring bubbles, hand-blended teas, and delicious savoury bites.
When: Friday, 8 August from 11am to 3pm
Where: Weylandts Castle Gate, Pretoria
Cost: R500pp | Book via Webtickets

For the culture: music, art and mindfulness

Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Early Spring Season

Kick off Thursday evening with a dose of classical brilliance as Dingaan Chabalala lights up the Linder stage with the JPO.
When: Thursday, 7 August at 7.30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, Parktown
Cost: From R180pp | Book via Quicket

Words That Heal at Sandton City

Join the Riky Rick Foundation’s mental health campaign by submitting a voice note of encouragement. Your words might end up in a collaborative song of hope.
When: Submit by 17 August
Where: Sandton City
Send via: WhatsApp to 063 980 5816

Markets galore: vintage, vinyl and global flavours

Vinyl Vintage Market at Victoria Yards

It’s a record-lover’s paradise this Saturday — rare vinyls, vintage finds, and throwback DJ sets in a creative haven.
When: Saturday, 9 August
Where: Victoria Yards, Lorentzville
Cost: Free entry

The Field Market in Sandton

Think local eats, fresh air, and handcrafted goods under the trees. Perfect for a mellow Saturday stroll.
When: Saturday, 9 August from 9am to 3pm
Where: Field & Study Park, Parkmore
Cost: Free entry

Clearwater’s Indian Market & 21st Birthday Challenge

Celebrate Indian culture with bold flavours, fashion, and music at Clearwater Mall. On Saturday, catch the Just Dance competition for a chance to win a R2100 gift card.
When: Market runs daily until 17 August
Challenge: Saturday, 9 August from 12pm
Where: Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort
Cost: Market R10pp | Challenge free entry

Pretoria’s Vintage, Decor & Gift Show + Seafood & Wine Fest

This two-for-one treat offers quirky collectables and antiques plus a seafood feast — lobster donuts, sushi and more await.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 August from 8.30am to 5pm
Where: Irene Village Mall, Centurion
Cost: Free entry

For the adventurous: gaming, MMA and medieval madness

MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience

The country’s biggest mall-based gaming tournament returns with national titles in EAFC 25 and Beat Saber. Open to all ages.
When: 8 to 10 August
Where: Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort
Cost: Free entry

PFL Africa Quarterfinals – MMA showdown

Catch fierce matchups including Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme vs Guinea’s Mohamed Camara. Angola’s Shido Boris Esperanca also headlines the night.
When: Saturday, 9 August. Doors open at 5pm
Where: Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Brakpan
Cost: From R400pp | Book via Ticketpro

Medieval Fantasy Fair

The fair returns with royal parades, wand-making, scavenger hunts, falconry and immersive medieval fun.
When: Saturday, 9 August from 10am to 6pm
Where: Leopard Creek Equestrian, Benoni
Cost: R20 to R220pp | Book via Quicket

Strongman Challenge at Randridge Mall

Truck pulls. Car deadlifts. Sandbag to shoulder. Come cheer on Joburg’s strongest.
When: Saturday, 9 August from 10am to 2pm
Where: Randridge Mall, Randburg
Cost: Free entry

Family fun and feel-good events

3-2-1 Liftoff! at Wits Digital Dome

A space-themed animated show perfect for kids aged 6 to 12. Follow Alan the hamster and a robot on a heartwarming adventure.
When: Saturdays from 9 August to 4 October at 10am
Where: Wits Digital Dome, Braamfontein
Cost: R40–R70pp | Book via Webtickets

Wimpy Ninapark Fun Run/Walk

Put on your craziest outfit and join this family-friendly charity walk in Pretoria.
When: Saturday, 9 August at 7am
Where: Wimpy, Ninapark
Cost: R70–R250pp | Book via Webtickets

Pantone Sundays – Butter Yellow Edition

Wrap up the weekend in mellow yellow with DJs, drinks and summer vibes in Braamfontein.
When: Sunday, 10 August from 1pm to 7pm
Where: 5 De Beer Street, Braamfontein
Cost: R150pp | Book via Quicket

What’s trending in the city?

On social media, the buzz is strong around the Medieval Fantasy Fair, with Joburg’s cosplay community already sharing sneak peeks of their royal looks. TikTok is filled with gamers hyping up the MTN SHIFT finals and foodie influencers are flocking to the Indian Market at Clearwater Mall. Meanwhile, mental health advocates are praising the ‘Words That Heal’ initiative as a timely and meaningful way to give back.

Whether you’re indulging in spa luxury, dancing in the streets, diving into medieval fantasy or just looking for a laid-back market day, Joburg has your weekend sorted.