Jozi Journeys
What’s On in Joburg This Weekend: 20 to 22 June – From Jazz to Gin and Everything In Between
Your Ultimate Joburg Weekend Guide: 20 to 22 June 2025
Winter is in full swing, but Joburgers aren’t slowing down. This weekend is jam-packed with fiery festivals, musical magic, bike adventures, and brilliant comedy to keep spirits high and hearts warm. Whether you’re in the mood for world-class cinema, soulful jazz, a food-filled market day, or a cheeky beer-and-gin run, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your full lowdown.
Lights, Camera, Real Life: Encounters Documentary Festival Returns
The Encounters Documentary Festival, South Africa’s most anticipated doccie event, kicks off this weekend with 11 days of powerful storytelling. With over 40 countries represented, 31 bold short films, and thought-provoking panel discussions, expect to walk away changed, inspired, or even shaken.
Where: The Zone @ Rosebank, The Bioscope in Milpark, Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
When: 19–29 June
Entry: Free for panels; R90 for film tickets
Symphony Season Warms Up Winter Nights
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra presents its third concert of the Winter Symphony Season with conductor Conrad van Alphen and violinist Andrey Baranov. Expect to be swept away by Debussy, Lalo, and Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony.
Where: Linder Auditorium, Parktown
When: Thursday, 19 June at 7:30pm
Tickets: From R170 on Quicket
Jazz Meets Storytelling: Silent Treatment Exhibition Part 3
Celebrating the rich legacy of South African jazz, the Silent Treatment Series documents the soul of the House on the Hill jazz community. Exhibition 3 includes live performances by Yonela Mnana and trio Threequency and showcases Episodes 13–18 of the Jazz Community Series.
Where: Goethe-Institut, Parkwood
When: 20 June (live event sold out, exhibition open until 21 July)
Entry: Free
Ons Vibe Afrikaans: A Weekend of Local Legends
Joburg’s Afrikaans music scene takes the spotlight with Ons Vibe Afrikaans at The Lyric Theatre. Big names like Jack Parow, Early B, Chris Steyn, and Eloff take the stage for two high-energy nights.
Where: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City
When: 20 & 21 June at 7:30pm
Tickets: R180–R500 on Webtickets
Fête de la Musique at Victoria Yards
The beloved Fête de la Musique Joburg returns with a stellar lineup featuring Sun-El Musician and Bongeziwe Mabandla. Hosted by the French Institute, this free celebration blends art, food, and irresistible live music.
Where: Victoria Yards, Lorentzville
When: Saturday, 21 June from 1pm
Entry: Free
Sass After Sunset: Dinner, Drama and Dance
If bold performances paired with gourmet eats are your thing, Sass After Sunset at Eclipse Restaurant is your Friday night fix. Expect live theatrics, a welcome drink, and a two-course meal.
Where: Eclipse Restaurant, Hotel Sky Sandton
When: Friday, 20 June from 6:30pm
Cost: R550pp (dinner & show); R250pp (show only)
Staycay Deal: Two-for-One Night at Hotel Sky
Looking for a budget-friendly city escape? Hotel Sky Sandton is offering a pay-for-one, stay-for-two deal, including breakfast for two. Yes, really.
Where: Hotel Sky Sandton
When: Offer valid now
From: R1328 per night
The Happiness Economy with Goliath & Goliath
Comedy duo Jason and Nicholas Goliath return with “The Happiness Economy,” a hilariously insightful show diving into everyday joy and the quirks of modern life.
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino
When: 18 June – 6 July
Tickets: R200–R250 on Webtickets
Drakies Take the Stage: Drakensberg Boys Choir
Catch the internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys Choir as they light up the Music in the City stage with diverse genres and African flair.
Where: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
When: 18–21 June
Tickets: R200–R420 on Webtickets
The Jailbreak Ride: Pedal for Freedom
Break out of routine with the Jailbreak Ride at Prison Break Market. Whether you’re riding 10km or 40km, dress up, have fun, and maybe win some prizes.
Where: Glenferness AH, Johannesburg
When: Saturday, 21 June from 7:30am
Entry: R165–R390
Beer & Gin Mile: Run, Sip, Repeat
Who said running can’t be fun? At the Beer & Gin Mile, you’ll down four drinks over a 1.6km course. Costumes encouraged, laughs guaranteed.
Where: The Campus, Bryanston
When: Saturday, 21 June, from 8am
Tickets: R250pp or R800 for a group
Worthogs Winter Beer Festival
Beer lovers, this one’s for you. Worthogs Homebrewers are serving over 40 unique winter beers with unlimited tastings and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Dynamite Distilling Co, Lethabong
When: Saturday, 21 June from 10:30am
Cost: R150 on Quicket
Catan National League Finals at Nexus
Board game lovers, your time has come. The Unplug Yourself Catan League wraps up with a competitive final at Nexus Hub. Who will be crowned Joburg’s ultimate strategist?
Where: Ferndale, Randburg
When: Saturday, 21 June from 10am
Entry: From R50
GoldLink, Sasha Keable & Shekhinah Live in Joburg
Global meets local at Once Upon a Time in Joburg, with Grammy-nominated GoldLink, UK R&B sensation Sasha Keable, and SA’s Shekhinah lighting up the stage.
Where: James & Ethel Gray Park, Melrose
When: Saturday, 21 June from 12pm
Tickets: From R350 on Quicket
Drive 2 Unite Charity Auto Show
Love cars and giving back? The Drive 2 Unite parade ends with a supercar showcase at Montecasino.
Drive 2 Unite brings together car and bike enthusiasts for a purpose-driven parade around Johannesburg, ending in an exclusive vehicle showcase at Montecasino.
Curated by the idle Events team, Drive 2 Unite is more than just a motoring experience — it’s a powerful movement supporting Blessing Lives, an NPO focused on breaking the silence around period poverty and supporting schoolgirls in underprivileged communities. Bring sanitary pads for the donation drive.
Where: Montecasino, Fourways
When: Sunday, 22 June from 11am
Entry: Free
Syringa Park Food Market: Global Eats, Local Vibes
From Argentinian to Halaal, the Syringa Park Market in Muldersdrift is a feast for every palate. Coffee at AfricaBlack? Always a good idea. With 14 gourmet eateries, you’re really spoilt for choice.
Where: Avianto Estate, Muldersdrift
When: Friday to Sunday, 10am–9pm
Winter Fire Festival in Pretoria
Artisans, fire dancers, and live music bring warmth to the charming Rosemary Hill Farm for the Winter Fire Festival. Crafts, workshops, and soul food galore, it’s a real treat and the perfect way to spend time together as a family this weekend.
Where: Pretoria East
When: Friday, 20 June from 3pm
Entry: Free
Best of Bordeaux Pop-Up Dinner
Get ready for a dreamy culinary evening that awaits at LeSi Restaurant, with a four-course dinner paired with Zevenwacht wines. An elegant escape into wine country, right in Pretoria.
Where: Lynnwood Manor
When: Friday, 20 June from 11am
Cost: R495pp (excl. service)
National Extreme Festival: Fast, Loud, Unmissable
Zwartkops Raceway becomes a petrolhead’s paradise for the National Extreme Festival. Expect high-octane racing, drifting demos, and fun for the whole family.
Where: Pretoria
When: Saturday, 21 June from 8:15am
Tickets: R140 (adults), R100 (students), kids under 12 free
Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert Returns
Legends like Judith Sephuma, Bongo Maffin, and Mafikizolo headline the Gauteng Soul & Jazz Concert at SunBet Arena. Expect smooth sounds and big energy.
Where: Time Square Casino, Pretoria
When: Saturday, 21 June from 5pm
Tickets: From R590 on Ticketpro
There you have it, Joburg
Whether you’re sipping, singing, spinning your wheels or soaking in culture, there’s no excuse to stay in this weekend. The city’s alive — and you should be too.
Let us know where you’re headed on social media !
Source:Whats On in Joburg
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