From Ultra to Theatre Nights: Your Ultimate Joburg Long Weekend Guide (24–27 April)

If the forecast is anything to go by, Joburg is in for a wet and chilly long weekend. But this city has never needed perfect weather to put on a good show. From massive music festivals and live theatre to fashion, art, family outings and food-filled day trips, there is plenty happening across Johannesburg and beyond between 24 and 27 April.

So if you are determined not to spend the entire weekend under a blanket, here are the best events and experiences worth stepping out for.

Ultra Music Festival South Africa

If you are in the mood for a high-energy weekend blowout, Ultra South Africa is the obvious headliner. The Joburg edition of the global EDM festival returns to Nasrec with a lineup packed with international stars like Afrojack, DJ Snake and Axwell, alongside major local names including Scorpion Kings, DBN Gogo, Kyle Watson, Kitty Amor, Caiiro and Da Capo.

It is the kind of event that turns a regular Saturday into a full-scale occasion, and for dance music fans, it is one of the biggest dates on the calendar.

Cost: From R795pp for general access, from R1500pp for VIP and from R3500pp for VVIP. Book online
When: Saturday, 25 April
Where: Nasrec Expo Centre, Nasrec Rd corner Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Deep In The City Open Air Festival

Montecasino keeps the music momentum going on Sunday with Deep In The City, the open-air deep house festival curated by Themba, formerly Euphonik. Expect a huge local lineup, street food vendors and a crowd ready to stretch the long weekend just a little further.

This year’s bill includes Ape Drums, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small with a special Afrohouse set, plus Sun-El Musician, DJ Kent, Vinny Da Vinci and DJ Christos.

Cost: From R300pp for general admission, from R900pp for VIP and R2200 for table packages. Book via Howler
When: Sunday, 26 April from 12pm to 10pm
Where: Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

WONDERFEST: 30 years of WONDERboom

South African rock fans are in for a nostalgic one. WONDERboom is celebrating 30 years in the industry with a once-off festival experience that brings together bands from different decades of the group’s journey.

It promises a night of loud guitars, big memories and the kind of songs that defined whole eras of the local alternative scene.

Cost: From R400pp, from R1650pp for VIP. Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 25 April from 4pm to 11pm, from 3pm for VIPs
Where: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Rd, Strydompark, Johannesburg

Things We Love with Simmy and Rowlene

Still on the music front, Sognage hosts another standout event this weekend with Things We Love, featuring Simmy and Rowlene. Simmy brings her signature blend of neo-soul, Afro-house and maskandi, while Rowlene adds her smooth mix of R&B and Afro-pop.

Wandile Mbambeni and DJ duo Nouveaux round out the lineup, making this a strong pick for anyone looking for a stylish Friday night out.

Cost: R260pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Friday, 24 April from 6pm to 1.30am
Where: Sognage, 304 Tungsten Rd, Strydompark, Johannesburg

Groove Biennale Festival

If you are after something a little more alternative, Groove Biennale presents its third festival edition across several Johannesburg venues. This year’s format stretches over multiple days and leans into themes of queering, worldbuilding and placemaking in South Africa.

The music selection moves away from the mainstream, with genres like Gqom, ballroom, Jersey and Baltimore club, techno, house, Chicago footwork and electronica all in the mix.

Cost: Various prices, starting at no cost. Book via Quicket
When: Running from 22 to 29 April, various times
Where: Carfax, 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi St, Newtown, Johannesburg; Luxee Lounge, Access City Building, 14 Staib St, Maboneng, Johannesburg; Flame Studios, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Music meets science with The Black Hole Symphony

For something completely different, The Black Hole Symphony at the Linder Auditorium offers a meeting point between orchestral music, science and imagination. Created by Universe on Stage with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the production explores black holes through a six-movement orchestral story.

It is composed and performed by Yasheen Modi, with narration by Dr Luca Pontiggia and visuals by Darius Botha.

Cost: From R180pp to R620pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Thursday, 23 April and Saturday, 25 April. Thursday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, Wits Parktown Education Campus, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

Zoë Modiga’s The Vault: Album Launch

Zoë Modiga takes over the John Kani Theatre for The Vault: Album Launch Live at the Market Theatre. The multi-award-winning artist and Standard Bank Young Artist for Music 2023 is launching her fourth self-written and self-produced album, described as an experimental, alternative-soul body of work.

The album draws on unreleased music created between 2007 and 2025, making this performance feel like both a launch and a retrospective.

Cost: R450pp. Book via Webtickets
When: Thursday, 23 April from 7.30pm
Where: John Kani Theatre at The Market Theatre, 138 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg

Behind The Crimson Door

Fashion and theatre collide in Behind The Crimson Door, a new production by performance company The Cirk in collaboration with designer Gert-Johan Coetzee for his Spring Summer 2027 showcase at South African Fashion Week.

The show combines couture, aerial performance and storytelling in a production centred on courage, ambition and transformation. It is one of the more original live concepts on this weekend’s lineup.

Cost: R200pp to R350pp. Book online
When: Running from 24 April to 14 June 2026. Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 7pm and limited Sundays at 2pm
Where: The Cirk, Cresta Shopping Centre, Randburg

South African Fashion Week returns

South African Fashion Week is back with an in-person programme after its strategic pause, continuing its role as one of the country’s key platforms for both established and emerging designers.

The 2026 edition opens with Gert-Johan Coetzee’s Behind The Crimson Door before continuing at VRTUOSUS studio in Hyde Park, with names like Helon Melon, Black Coffee, Naked Ape, Zamaswazi and Fundudzi on the schedule.

For local fashion lovers, it is one of the standout culture events of the weekend.

Cost: From R375pp. Book via Quicket
When: Running from Wednesday to Saturday, 22 to 25 April from 6pm to 9.30pm nightly
Where: VRTUOSIS, 5 Summit Rd, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg

Thoughtforms: The Page as a Liminal Field at the Wits Art Museum

For a slower cultural stop, Thoughtforms: The Page as a Liminal Field explores the book not as a finished object, but as a living site of thinking, annotation and imagination.

The exhibition traces a fascinating thread from early printed books with space for reader marks to modern artists’ books that use redaction, alteration and layered notes as creative practice. It is a strong option for art lovers, readers and anyone craving a quiet, reflective outing.

Cost: Free entry
When: Running from 24 March to 5 June 2026 during JGCBA opening hours. Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. First walkabout is Saturday, 2 May at 11.30am
Where: Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts, Wits Art Museum, University of the Witwatersrand, corner Jorissen and Bertha St, Johannesburg

Family-friendly entertainment as Mall of Africa turns 10

Mall of Africa is celebrating a decade in business this April, and the birthday activation adds a little more reason to swing by if you are already in Midrand.

Visitors can check out a thread installation in the Crystal Court, where tenants contribute coloured threads representing their brands, as well as an interactive timeline charting the mall’s 10-year journey. There is also a chance to win R10 000 through an in-mall competition entered via QR code.

Cost: Free entry
When: Installations run from Friday, 24 April 2026. The in-mall competition runs from 24 April to 1 May 2026
Where: Crystal Court, Mall of Africa, Magwa Cres, Waterval 5-Ir, Midrand

The April Express Promotion at Woodlands Spa

If your long weekend mood is less crowds and more calm, Woodlands Healing Spa in Muldersdrift is running its April Express Promotion right through the month.

The offer includes the Woodlands Wonder Ocean Therapy treatment, with a back exfoliation, nourishing wrap and 30-minute back massage. For Joburgers who feel like the year has already been running at full speed, this is a good excuse to step out of the rush for a while.

Cost: R650pp. Book via [email protected], WhatsApp on 083 805 0661 or call 010 010 5026
When: Running until 30 April 2026. Valid Monday to Friday and Sundays in April
Where: Woodlands Spa, R114 next to Avianto, Muldersdrift, Gauteng

Argentinian Festival at Imbabali Retreat & Venue

For those happy to leave the city for the day, Imbabali Retreat & Venue is hosting an Argentinian Festival set against the Magaliesberg Mountain Range.

Expect live entertainment, authentic Argentinian cuisine including an Asado braai, traditional sweet treats and scenic views over two dams and landscaped gardens. It is a good pick for anyone wanting a slower, food-centred weekend outing.

Cost: R295pp, R150 for children aged 10 years and younger. Book online
When: Saturday, 25 April from 11am till late
Where: Imbabali Retreat & Venue, Plot RH27, R560 Hekpoort Road, Hekpoort, Magaliesburg

Michael opens in cinemas this weekend

If the weather turns and you want to keep things simple, Michael opens in cinemas on 24 April. The film stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson and is directed by Antoine Fuqua.

The cast also includes Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Kat Graham, Miles Teller, Larenz Tate and Kendrick Sampson, making this one of the most talked-about cinema releases for the weekend.

When: Opens in theatres on 24 April 2026
Where to watch: Select Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro cinemas and IMAX locations nationwide

Wine Forty Four Endless Summer Edition

Wine lovers can make their way to 44 Stanley on Sunday for the Endless Summer Edition of Wine Forty Four. Hosted by 44 Stanley and Vinosity, and powered by Yoco, the tasting event features 15 winemakers and producers, unlimited tasters and a wine glass included in the ticket.

It is one of those long weekend gatherings that feels very Joburg, stylish but still relaxed, social without being chaotic.

Cost: From R450pp. Book via Quicket. Corporate packages for groups of 10 to 30 are available via [email protected]
When: Sunday, 26 April from 10am to 4pm
Where: 44 Stanley, 44 Stanley Avenue, Millpark, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg

JoyJozi Holiday Festival and “Kids Eat Free Always” special

Families looking for something child-friendly can head to JoyJozi in Dunkeld, where the month-long holiday festival continues this long weekend.

The programme includes arts and crafts, treasure hunts, egg painting, LEGO building, sunglasses decorating, daily kids’ activities, Disco Baby sessions and pastry classes with Chef Abi. Sundays end with outdoor movie nights, and there is also a “Kids Eat Free Always” special where children can choose a meal from a dedicated menu.

When: Running from 2 April to 3 May, open daily from 9am to 9pm
Where: 51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg

Costa’s Corner Kefi

For a comedy night with a distinctly local flavour, comedian Costa Carastavrakis brings Costa’s Corner Kefi to Soul Souvlaki in Bedfordview.

The show leans into stories of life as a Joburg Greek, with plenty of laughs and all proceeds going to the Cypriot Youth Association of South Africa and the Student Hellenic Association. After a successful 2025 run, Costa has also been nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award for Best Solo Comedy Performance.

Cost: From R150pp. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 24 April from 7pm to 9.30pm
Where: Soul Souvlaki Bedfordview, Shop B1 A and B, Bedford Arcade Shopping Centre, Hawley Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

Bryan Adams: Roll with the Punches

If you do not mind a drive to Pretoria, Bryan Adams is bringing Roll with the Punches to SunBet Arena for two nights this weekend.

With hits like Summer of ’69, Heaven, Everything I Do, I Do It for You and Run To You, the Canadian star’s Pretoria stop is likely to pull plenty of Gauteng fans looking for a big live music moment outside Joburg.

Cost: From R940pp. Book via Ticketmaster
When: Saturday, 25 April at 8pm and Sunday, 26 April at 7pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria

Vinyl Fair at Stash Records

Music lovers with more niche tastes can head to Irene for the monthly Vinyl Fair at Stash Records, the longest-running vinyl market in Pretoria.

With four dealers and a wide spread of genres from rock and pop to alternative, RnB and soul, it is the sort of outing that suits collectors, casual diggers and anyone who still loves the thrill of finding a great record in a crate.

Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 25 April from 10am to 2pm
Where: Stash Records, 2 Hack Rd, Irene, Pretoria

Freedom Day Botanical Garden Parkrun

If you want to do something active on the public holiday itself, the Freedom Day Botanical Garden Parkrun offers a free 5km run or walk in the secure surroundings of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

It is a simple, low-cost way to start Monday morning, especially if the rest of the weekend has been all food, festivals and late nights.

Cost: Free entry
When: Monday, 27 April. Run or walk starts at 8am
Where: Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Adventure Boot Camp Brummeria, 97 Cussonia Ave, Tshwane

One long weekend, plenty of ways to do Joburg

That is the beauty of a Joburg long weekend. You can go full festival mode at Ultra, dress up for deep house in Fourways, catch live theatre at Montecasino, wander through an art exhibition in Braamfontein, treat the kids to a full day out, or escape for wine, comedy, shopping or a spa treatment.

Even with the cold and rain on the cards, this is one of those weekends where staying home might mean missing out.

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