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8 Best Music Festivals in Johannesburg That Keep Us Grooving
I’m into music but not much of a dancer. But when I saw Nasty C perform his song “Hell Naw” at a festival once, I let myself loose and danced like a little girl.
That’s when I realised how music can really bring people together. In my case, it brought out my wild side, and by that, I mean jumping around and dancing (like a robot) to the beat.
Now it’s your turn to let loose! Here are some of the best music festivals in Johannesburg that will surely keep you vibing!
Galaxy 947 Joburg Day
Media From: ultrasouthafrica
When: May
Where: Nasrec Expo Center
Admission Fee:
- General Admission Tier 3 – R1150
- General Admission Tier 4 – R1295
- VIP Tier 3 – R2500
- VIP Tier 4 – R3000
- VVIP Tier 2 – R4500
- VVIP Tier 3 – R5500
Spend a day or two dancing to the beat at Ultra South Africa, one of the biggest music festivals in Joburg. It’s an electronic dance music (EDM) festival featuring a lineup of world-class DJs and producers.
The event has multiple elaborate setups that include stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and immersive soundscapes.
Besides the music, you’ll find food and beverage stalls, merchandise stands, and art installations. If you’re a VIP, there are exclusive areas offering premium services.
I attended in 2018, joining 32,000 other festival-goers to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The lineup included artists like Afrojack, Hardwell, and Dubfire. I was among those who went wild when Armin van Buuren went to the stage and performed his hit song “Blah Blah Blah.”
Tip: Don’t go home immediately! There are plenty of after-parties at nearby clubs like Club Space and Kong where festival artists often perform.
Sowerto Spring Fiesta
Media From: sowertospringfiesta
When: October
Where: Boksburg Stadium
Admission Fee:
- General Admission – R200
- VIP Access – R450
- VVIP Access – R750
- Silver Overnight Package – R2100
- Gold Overnight Package – R2600
- Platinum Overnight Package – R3400
Since 2010, Sowerto Spring Fiesta has been one of the top music festivals to check out. It’s a vibe, especially if you’re into electronic dance, hip-hop, and techno beats.
Good news for parents: you can keep your little ones busy with the playground and jumping castles! You can also explore art installations by local talent. It’s a great mix of music, art, and fun activities for all ages.
In 2023, I went to the fiesta and caught performances by Uncle Waffles, DBN Gogo, and Sjava. My highlight was checking out the Soul Candi Classics area—proper nostalgic vibes! When Mo Flava hit the stage, I couldn’t help but cheer and sing along.
Tip: If you’re going with your partner, go for the Gold Package. It comes with 2 VIP tickets, a stay at Birchwood Hotel, and a shuttle to and from the festival.
Parklive Festival
Media From: parklive.co.za
When: April
Where: Marks Park
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R495
- Kids under 5 – Free
Discover new talent and your latest favourite music at the Parklive Festival in Marks Park. Since 2013, it has been organising live music across three stages featuring electronic, hip-hop, and pop genres. The festival has something for all ages, making it a must-visit for music lovers no matter the age.
Tickets are affordable for a festival this big. Plus, there are plenty of interactive activities and workshops on music, arts, and crafts that keep everyone entertained and creative.
In 2022, I enjoyed performances by Lee Cole, Just Jinjer, and Jeremy Loops.
The real highlights for me were the extra activities happening alongside the music. I loved the picnic area’s gourmet food, the music production workshop, and watching the Springbok vs Ireland rugby game after the event concluded.
Tip: Make sure to visit the themed booths to capture unforgettable memories of the day.
Fête de la Musique
Media From: fetedelamusiquejhb
When: June
Where: Victoria Yards
Admission Fee: Free
Fête de la Musique has been bringing good vibes to Joburg since 2010. Hosted by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), it’s a festival where everyone is welcome to join.
You don’t need tickets to enjoy a full day of live performances by both local and international artists. There are also workshops and masterclasses, which are great for aspiring musicians who want to sharpen their skills and network in the industry.
In 2022, I got to see Samthing Soweto perform, and it was unforgettable. His Afro-soul and contemporary sound really hit home, and when he sang “Akulaleki,” I felt deeply moved. The song’s message of resilience and determination resonated with everyone there.
Tip: Don’t miss the slam poetry area. It’s a great space to experience South Africa’s growing culture of expressive art.
Folklore Festival
Media From: folklorefestival.za
When: August
Where: Constitution Hill
Admission Fee:
- Early Bird Adults – R100
- Early Bird Kids – R80
- Regular Adult – R200
- Regular Kids – R150
The Folklore Festival might have started in 2022, but it’s already an event you don’t want to miss. Held annually, it celebrates South Africa’s cultural diversity and rich storytelling traditions.
It also coincides with World Folklore Day and takes place at Constitution Hill, a historic site that adds depth to the conversations about heritage and democracy.
Performances by local artists showcase African musical traditions. Performers include Tubatsi Mpho Moloi, a talented multi-instrumentalist, and Dr. Madala Kunene, the King of the Zulu Guitar.
There are also art exhibitions with cultural themes, which are a great way for you to connect with your heritage.
I made it a habit to attend this event since it started. It’s always a wonderful space for me to experience our culture through drumming circles and learning about traditional crafts.
Tip: Don’t forget to check out the craft market for unique handmade items like artwork, jewellery, and curios.
Jazz in the Lights Music Festival
Media From: jazzinthelights
When: March
Where: Johannesburg Zoo
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R350
- Pensioners/Students – R200
- Children Under 12 – R100
Jazz in the Lights Music Festival is a fresh take on the Jazz on the Lake event, which began in 2018. It’s a family-friendly festival where you can enjoy performances from top jazz artists and discover rising talent. The event celebrates the deep connection between jazz and the region’s cultural history.
Since it’s held at the Johannesburg Zoo, there’s more to do than just enjoy the music. You can interact with the animals, explore the zoo’s amenities, and visit cultural exhibitions that showcase South African music and heritage.
This is the event I look forward to every March because it’s such a great bonding activity especially if I’m with my family. The soothing jazz music creates a magical atmosphere while we interact with the animals. My kids always leave with big smiles after a day filled with music and fun.
Tip: Take your kids to the interactive exhibits and demonstrations at the zoo. It’s a great way for them to learn about animals and their habitats while enjoying live jazz.
DStv Delicious International Festival
Media From: dstvdeliciousfestival
When: September
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Admission Fee:
- General Admission – R300
- VIP Package – R600
Since 2013, the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival has been celebrating different genres and flavours. If you’re into live music or trying new dishes, this one’s for you.
I love how it caters to both adults and kids. While we explore the food stalls and sample gourmet treats, the little ones can have a blast in the Kid Zone with bouncy castles and inflatable rides.
For parents, there are cooking demos, food pairing sessions, and live performances to keep the day exciting.
When we attended in 2023, the kids loved the playful atmosphere, and I couldn’t get enough of the street food. The hot dogs and burgers hit the spot while we enjoyed incredible performances by Maxwell and Shalamar.
Tip: If you have kids, let them try the free food samples. It’s a fun way to expand their taste buds!
Back to the City Festival
Media From: backtothecityfestival
When: April
Where: Mary Fitzgerald Square
Admission Fee:
- General Admission – R450
- VIP Tickets – R850
Back to the City Festival is one of Africa’s biggest hip-hop and street culture festivals, bringing together over 100 artists from South Africa and other countries. It’s a hotspot for fans of hip-hop and urban arts.
You’ll have plenty to do here. There are street art displays, graffiti, breakdancing competitions, and market stalls. If you’d like to stay active, try the skateboarding ramps, basketball courts, and gaming zones.
Each edition of this festival has been memorable. My favourite was the 2017 event, which featured artists like Kwesta, Nasty C, Wiz Khalifa, and French Montana. They also had a DJ competition where DJs showed off their skills in a head-to-head battle!
Tips: Check out over 60 market stalls with local vendors selling fashion, art, and hip-hop merchandise for unique finds. Stay until the very end to catch the fireworks display.
