Top Things To Do This Long Weekend In Joburg And Beyond

School’s out, Easter has arrived, and Joburg is in full long-weekend mode. That means families looking for child-friendly fun, couples hunting for a stylish lunch spot, music lovers ready to dance all day, and theatre fans keen for something moving and memorable are all spoiled for choice.

This year’s Easter break comes with a little bit of everything. There are major sport fixtures, polished picnic experiences, giant family outings, old-school antique markets, chocolate-themed pop-ups, scenic egg hunts, luxe staycations and stage productions worth planning your day around. And if you are willing to venture a little beyond Joburg, Pretoria and the surrounds are also packed with reasons to hit the road.

Here is your full guide to what to do this long weekend in Joburg and beyond.

Basketball Africa League Takes The Spotlight

If you want to kick off the weekend with real energy, the Basketball Africa League’s Kalahari Conference is one of the biggest draws on the calendar right now. The final stretch of fixtures takes place in Pretoria, giving local fans the chance to watch some of the continent’s top clubs battle it out for a place at the finals.

The closing schedule includes Dar City Basketball Club, Al Ahly Ly, Nairobi City Thunder, Petro de Luanda, RSSB TIGERS and Johannesburg Giants, with games running across the weekend. For local basketball fans, it is the kind of event that brings serious continental sport right to Gauteng’s doorstep.

Cost: From R75pp to R2000pp per game. Home team packages start from R300pp to R3200pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Running from 27 March to 5 April
Where: Sunbet Arena at Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria

Music Festivals Bring The Heat

Long weekends in Gauteng tend to come with a soundtrack, and this one is absolutely stacked.

Anjunadeep Open Air Festival

Anjunadeep Open Air returns to Johannesburg after the strong reception to its debut local run in 2024. Fans of house, dance and electronic music can expect a polished outdoor production with a lineup that includes Above & Beyond, Zakes Bantwini, DJ Buhle, BokkieULT, HANA and more.

Cost: From R350pp, book via Howler
When: Friday, 3 April from 12pm till late
Where: The River Cabin, 34 R114, Nietgedacht, Johannesburg

Made In Jozi Festival

Made In Jozi leans fully into the city’s personality. This daytime-to-late celebration is built around South African music, food and culture, with a lineup that spans Amapiano, Afro-house, hip-hop and deep house. Big names include Uncle Waffles, MDU aka TRP, Chowmein, Kabza De Small and MÖRDA.

It is exactly the kind of event that feels rooted in Johannesburg’s rhythm, style and swagger.

Cost: From R150pp; from R250pp for VIP; from R350pp for VVIP table packages; from R300pp for backstage pass. Book via Howler
When: Friday, 3 April from 2pm to 2am
Where: Maracanã, 58 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley, Sandton

Balcony Mix Africa

Major League DJz’s Balcony Mix Africa lands at Huddle Park for what promises to be one of the most talked-about music gatherings of the weekend. Kelvin Momo, DJ Kent, Kabza De Small, Sun-El Musician and Oscar MBO are among the featured acts.

For Amapiano fans, this is less an event and more a cultural fixture.

Cost: From R650pp; from R1100pp for VIP; from R3333.34pp for VIP table packages. Book via Howler
When: Saturday, 4 April from 12pm to 10pm
Where: Huddle Park, Club St, Linksfield

Easter Activities For Families

Easter in Joburg is never just one thing. It is markets, crafts, sweets, games, busy malls and outdoor family memories all rolled into one.

The Rand Show Returns

The Rand Show remains one of the country’s most recognisable family events, and the 2026 edition is back with five full days of rides, food, shopping and entertainment. For many South Africans, it is a tradition that stretches back generations, and this year’s edition promises renewed energy and reimagined zones.

Whether you are heading there for thrills, snacks or simply a nostalgic family outing, this is still one of the biggest long weekend attractions in Joburg.

Cost: R120pp for adults aged 13 and older; R90 per child aged 3 to 12 and per pensioner; children under 3 enter free; R340 for a family package of 2 adults and 2 children, available online only.

Opening Day Special on Thursday, 2 April is R50 for all ages. Book via Ticketpro

When: Thursday to Monday, 2 to 6 April 2026, open 9am to 7pm daily
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Rd, corner Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Clearwater Mall Easter Market And Boba Buddies

Clearwater Mall is going big this Easter with a market that brings together over 106 vendors under one roof. Shoppers can browse handmade goods, treats and seasonal finds in a single-store format with one checkout point, which makes the whole experience far less stressful than the average market crawl.

For families with children, Boba Buddies adds another layer of fun, with bubble tea workshops and a line-up of creative activities.

Cost: Market is free to enter. Boba Buddies costs R50pp, book via Webtickets
When: Market runs from 27 March to 11 April 2026, open daily from 9am to 7pm. Boba Buddies runs from 27 March to 5 April, open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 11am to 7pm, Friday from 11am to 8pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm
Where: Upper level parking and Rochester Court, Clearwater Mall, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort

Sandton City’s Chocolate Café: Sweet Edition

Sandton City’s Chocolate Café is back with a Sweet Edition that feels tailor-made for Easter weekend. Guests can fill containers with sweets from giant candy tubes, try their luck with fun games, browse favourites from major chocolate brands and enjoy family-friendly activities in one colourful space.

There is also coffee for the adults and sugar-fuelled fun for the little ones, from Build-A-Bar to bunny ribbon personalisation.

Cost: Free entry
When: Running from 26 March to 6 April, open 9am to 6pm daily
Where: Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton

The Scoop Shop At Eastgate

Eastgate Shopping Centre joins the Easter action with The Scoop Shop, this year themed Scooped with Woolworths. Families can stop by for soft serve ice cream in a cone or cup with Easter-inspired toppings, plus access to creative kids’ activities built into the space.

It is simple, sweet and perfect for a shorter outing.

Cost: R50pp, includes one soft serve ice cream with toppings and access to all activities. Pay in person
When: Running from 1 to 6 April 2026, open daily from 10am to 6pm
Where: Strelitzia Court, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

Easter Lunches And Long Table Moments

One of the biggest pleasures of the Easter weekend is sitting down properly. Not grabbing a rushed meal, but settling in for a full afternoon with family, good food and nowhere urgent to be.

The Kitchen At L’antico Four-Course Easter Sunday Lunch

If you want something a little removed from city bustle, The Kitchen at L’antico in Lanseria is offering a four-course Easter Sunday lunch that feels special without tipping into over-the-top pricing. It is a chance to gather friends and family for a long, thoughtful meal in a scenic setting.

Cost: R680 per adult; R280 per child aged 12 and under. Book online
When: Sunday, 5 April from 3pm
Where: The Forum L’antico Giardino, Pelindaba Road, Nietgedacht 535-Jq

Easter Sunday Lunch At Chief’s Boma

Chief’s Boma at the Indaba Hotel is leaning into a festive African-style celebration, complete with grills, local dishes, buffet favourites and traditional entertainment. If you are after a lively Easter lunch with a distinctly South African feel, this one is worth considering.

Cost: R420pp; R210pp for children aged 6 to 12; children aged 5 and under eat free. Book online, via email at [email protected] or via tel at 011 840 6658
When: Sunday, 5 April from 12pm
Where: Chief’s Boma Restaurant at Indaba Hotel, cnr Winnie Mandela Drive and Pieter Wenning Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Easter Sunday At Brambles Restaurant

For those who want a more polished Easter lunch with the kids properly entertained, Brambles Restaurant at Vivari Hotel and Spa is offering a buffet feast with bunny mascots, face painting, live entertainment and an Easter egg hunt.

Cost: R1600pp; R750 per child under 12. Book directly via Dineplan, tel 010 594 4100, email [email protected] or WhatsApp 071 240 7443
When: Sunday, 5 April
Where: Brambles Restaurant at Vivari Hotel and Spa, Ext 8, 1 Riviera Ln, Featherbrooke Estate, Johannesburg

Staycations And Slow Weekend Escapes

Not everybody wants a packed event schedule. Sometimes the long weekend is about checking out of your routine for a night or two.

Picnics, Markets And Stylish Day Outs

Sunday Society Picnic At The Maslow

This chic outdoor experience heads back to The Maslow Sandton for its April edition. Guests can expect gourmet picnic baskets, live music, Graham Beck bubbly and a buffet-style harvest table in the hotel’s gardens. The dress code is Denim and White, which tells you everything you need to know about the tone of the day.

Cost: R1750 per couple, including welcome drink, a bottle of champagne, basket menu treats and buffet-style dining. Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 5 April from 1pm to 5pm
Where: Lawns of The Maslow, cnr Grayston Dr and Rivonia Rd, Sandton

The Antique Fair At Brooklyn Mall

Pretoria also gets its own antique fix this weekend with the Brooklyn Mall Antique Fair, one of the province’s major monthly showcases for antiques and fine art. Visitors can browse precious finds, smaller trinkets, handmade jewellery and collectibles, and even bring items in for valuation.

Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 4 April from 9am to 3pm
Where: Brooklyn Mall, corner of Veale Street and Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria

Theatre And Live Performances Worth Planning Around

Man With No Surname At Joburg Theatre

Joburg Theatre’s Man With No Surname is one of the more emotionally layered productions on the current local theatre calendar. The story centres on Thabo, a doctor and former freedom fighter facing a profound moral crisis, and Moruti, a writer returning from self-imposed exile in the United States. Together, they navigate memory, masculinity, identity and the lingering tensions of the past.

For anyone wanting a long weekend activity with more depth and emotional weight, this is a strong pick.

Cost: R150pp to R300pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 27 March to 12 April. Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Saturday also at 3pm, Sunday at 3pm
Where: The Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Once Upon A Time: Reimagined

At The Cirk in Cresta, Once Upon a Time: Reimagined turns classic fairy tales into a theatrical spectacle of dance, music and aerial performance. It draws on familiar worlds like Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and Moana, making it a great choice for families and fantasy lovers.

Cost: From R200pp to R290pp, book online
When: Running from 28 February to 12 April. Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 2pm
Where: The Cirk, Cresta Shopping Centre, Weltervreden Road and Beyers Naude, Randburg

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory In Centurion

Pretoria Youth Theatre brings Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Irene Village Theatre, with Sibu Molaba and Jaden Taferner taking on the role of Willy Wonka. With songs inspired by multiple Wonka productions and a playful stage treatment, it is pitched as a family treat for all ages.

Cost: From R140pp, book via Quicket
When: Running from 19 March to 18 April, select days at 10am, 2pm or 6pm
Where: Irene Village Theatre, 1 Pioneer Rd, Irene Security Estate, Centurion

Outdoor Easter Adventures

The Field Berry Farm’s Scenic Easter Egg Hunt

If you are after a more wholesome countryside Easter outing, Field Berry Farm offers a lovely alternative to the city’s mall-heavy activities. Children can hunt for coloured stones hidden among raspberry bushes, then trade them in for chocolate eggs. There is also raspberry picking and a guided Easter Story walk.

It is charming, tactile and wonderfully old-fashioned in the best way.

Cost: R110 per child, including Easter Egg Hunt and farm entrance fee. Accompanying adults pay R60 each. Book online
When: Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 5 April from 9am to 3pm
Where: The Field Berry Farm, De Deur, 1876 Walkerville

Running And Rugby Beyond Joburg

Irene Festival Of Running

Runners can head to Centurion for the Irene Festival of Running, which includes a 48km ultra marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km road run and a 5km fun run. Event shirts are available online, all finishers receive medals and prize givings will honour the top performers.

Cost: From R56.90pp to R457.80pp. Runners over 70 enter free. Book online
When: Saturday, 4 April 2026
Where: Irene Athletics Club Race Venue, Doringkloof, Centurion

Make The Most Of The Long Weekend

What makes this particular long weekend so appealing is the sheer range of experiences on offer. You can watch continental basketball in Pretoria, dress up for bubbly in Sandton, take the kids to hunt for eggs in Walkerville, browse antiques in Rosebank, eat your way through Easter lunch in Fourways or spend your day dancing under the sun at a major music festival.

That is the beauty of a Joburg long weekend. You do not have to pick just one version of fun.

You can do a little bit of everything.

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