From Music Festivals to Wellness Retreats: Your Complete Guide to Women’s Day 2025 in Joburg and Pretoria

Every August, South Africans honour the courage, resilience, and achievements of women. Women’s Day on 9 August isn’t just a public holiday — it’s a day to gather, reflect, and celebrate. This year, Joburg and Pretoria are overflowing with experiences that stretch across the whole month, from intimate creative mornings to grand musical celebrations.

Whether you’re toasting with a glass of Chenin in the countryside, dancing at sunrise in Fourways, pedalling through the streets of Braamfontein, or singing along to local music legends, there’s a celebration waiting for you. Here’s the full guide to make your Women’s Month unforgettable.

A Toast to Women: Wine, Cheese, and Countryside Charm

If your idea of celebrating involves food, wine, and fresh air, Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in Hartbeespoort is hosting its 2025 Wine on Route — a 4km social hiking event over Women’s Day weekend. Expect natural scenery, artisanal cheese tastings, and over 50 top South African wines, plus live music.

• When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 August, from 10am (registration from 9am)

• Where: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, Plot 260, Skeerpoort, Hartbeespoort

• Cost: R350pp; R520pp (Seated ticket); R50pp for kids 12–18 and non-drinkers; R25pp for kids under 12

• Booking: Computicket

Elegant Escapes: High Tea with a Twist

54 on Bath in Rosebank is bringing sophistication to Women’s Day with a Dermalogica Ladies Afternoon Tea. Enjoy iced tea on arrival, a skincare presentation, seasonal fruit posset, TWG tea, delicate sandwiches, savouries, freshly baked scones, and a live piano performance by Will Sibeko. Every guest leaves with a Dermalogica gift.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, 12.30pm–4pm

• Where: Level Four Restaurant, 54 on Bath, Rosebank

• Cost: R550pp

• Booking: [email protected] or 011 344 8442

In Pretoria, Lucky Bread x Weylandts is hosting a garden-inspired Women’s Day high tea with sweet and savoury bites, hand-blended teas, bubbly, and take-home treats.

• When: Friday, 8 August, 11am–3pm

• Where: Weylandts Castle Gate, Castle Gate Shopping Precinct, Waterkloof Ridge

• Cost: R500pp

• Booking: Webtickets

Creativity in Full Colour

If you’d rather pick up a paintbrush than a teacup, the Italian Sporting Club in Bedfordview is collaborating with the Johannesburg Italian Ladies Society for Paint & Create — a relaxed morning of art and social connection, complete with a light breakfast.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, 9am–1pm

• Where: Italian Sporting Club, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview

• Cost: From R300pp

• Booking: Quicket

In Pretoria, Villa Africa Boutique Hotel’s Sip & Paint event offers guided painting, wine, a food platter, and entertainment.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, sessions at 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm

• Where: Villa Africa Boutique Hotel, 272 Furrow Rd, Equestria

• Cost: R400pp

• Booking: 012 807 7535

Move, Groove, and Celebrate

For the active at heart, Girls on Bikes offers a city cycle through Joburg’s scenic streets. Pack water, snacks, and prepare for a few hills.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, 8.30am–12.30pm

• Where: Meet at Cycle Boutique, 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf

• Cost: From R250pp

• Booking: Quicket

At Prison Break Market, the Run Like a Woman event combines running with celebration. Choose from 5km, 10km, or 15km routes and dress in bold Women’s Day outfits for prizes.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, from 8am

• Where: Prison Break Market, 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH

• Cost: R150 (5km); R220 (10km); R270 (15km); R350 for men

• Booking: Online

For something different, Secret Sunrise JHB at the Secret Tea Garden in Fourways invites you to dance at sunrise wearing wireless headphones, blending movement, meditation, and music.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, 8.30am–9.30am

• Where: The Secret Tea Garden, Manor Recreation Centre, Fourways

• Cost: From R125pp

• Booking: Quicket

Music that Moves the Soul

Women’s Day is also about celebrating women’s voices, and this year the music scene is rich with choice.

Shekhinah’s Rosefest returns to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden with a line-up including Shekhinah, Lordkez, Elaine, and Pona & NKLY.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, 12pm–8pm

• Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort

• Cost: R150–R350pp

• Booking: Webtickets

Zee Nation Women’s Day Fest at the Johannesburg Expo Centre is hosted by DJ Zinhle, with performances from Lady Du, Thabsie, Nomfundo Moh, Oskido, Pearl Thusi, Blaq Diamond, Kamo Mphela, Nadia Nakai, and more.

• When: Saturday, 9 August, 2.30pm–1am

• Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec

• Cost: R470 (GA); R670 (Golden Circle); R1570–R2220 (VIP)

• Booking: Ticketpro

Later in the month, Malibongwe Arts Festival: Tribute to Women brings Mi Casa, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Ami Faku to Marks Park for a family-friendly picnic concert.

• When: Sunday, 24 August, 9am–6pm

• Where: Marks Park, Emmarentia

• Cost: From R145pp (kids under 5 free)

• Booking: Webtickets

For a world-class show, Belinda Davids performs her Whitney Houston tribute The Greatest Love of All at Joburg Theatre.

• When: Friday to Sunday, 22–24 August

• Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre

• Cost: R180–R390pp

• Booking: Webtickets

Why This Year Feels Special

This year’s Women’s Day events in Joburg and Pretoria aren’t just celebrations; they’re statements. They show how far we’ve come since the 1956 Women’s March, while making space for joy, creativity, and connection. From wine farms to city streets, botanical gardens to boutique hotels, the celebrations reflect the many ways women shape and inspire our communities.

On social media, locals are swapping tips on which events to attend, debating whether to go glam or casual, and sharing playlists to set the mood. The common thread? A collective excitement to honour Women’s Day together, not just in spirit, but in person.

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