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10 Best Festivals in Johannesburg You Don’t Want to Miss!
I remember attending festivals as a kid, surrounded by music, food, art, and other fascinating displays. My dad took me to this motor festival and had me watch him test drive a sports car. I was so jealous!
Now that I’m older, I make a point of checking out these events. I vibed to music, admired artworks, and even got to take a Continental GT for a spin!
If you’re keen to explore, I’ve got some festival recommendations that’ll show you the city’s rich culture. Here are the best festivals in Johannesburg you won’t want to miss!
Raspberry Festival
Media From: thefieldberryfarm
When: January to April
Where: The Field Berry Farm
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R55
- Kids – R45
Start your year off at the Raspberry Festival at The Field Berry Farm in Walkerville. Since 2006, this annual event marks the start of raspberry-picking season.
It includes activities that suit the whole family. You’ll find food stalls selling raspberry treats like jam, frozen yoghurt, and more. Children can play in the outdoor areas, ride bicycles on the track, or explore the jungle gyms.
My family and I had a great time picking raspberries while listening to live music here. It was a lovely day spent enjoying the fresh air.
Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it with your family while taking in the beautiful scenery.
On the Lawn
Media From: largeonthelawn
When: February
Where: Marks Park
Admission Cost:
- Adult – R295
- Children Below 5 – Free
Since its launch in 2020, On the Lawn has become an anticipated event in Joburg. Here, you can enjoy performances by international acts like Hollow Coves alongside local favourites such as Matthew Mole.
The festival offers plenty to enjoy, with food stalls and bars. It’s perfect for a picnic vibe, relaxing with your snacks while taking in the music. You might even discover new artists to follow!
I went here in 2023 and found some amazing new music. My favourite act was 4AM who blended indie, folk, ska, and pop rock. Their relatable lyrics made it easy to connect with their sound.
Tip: Outside drinks aren’t allowed, so leave your tumblers at home.
Festival of Motoring
Media From: shaneassad
When: October
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Admission Cost:
- Adults – R200
- Kids – R100
Are you a car enthusiast? Visit the Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, held every October. This event brings together car lovers and industry professionals to enjoy the latest vehicle innovations and thrilling motorsport displays.
Apart from admiring the cars on show, you can test-drive some of the vehicles on offer. There are also educational talks about automotive technology and trends, perfect for anyone keen to learn more about the industry.
Last year, I took my sons to the festival since they love cars. We saw incredible models like the Bentley Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur. The highlight for me was test-driving the Lamborghini Revuelto, which goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds!
Tips:
- Try the simulator competitions and 4×4 challenges for some friendly fun.
- For an extra fee, join a hot-lap session with a professional driver for a thrilling ride around the main track.
Rand Show
Media From: lenzinfo
When: March
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre
Admission Cost:
- Adult – R110
- Children Under 12 – R70
- Pensioners – R70
Experience South Africa’s rich culture and lifestyle at the Rand Show. Running since 1895, the show moved to Joburg’s Expo Centre in 1984. It’s a lifestyle exhibition featuring agricultural products, livestock, and innovative industrial displays.
Along with brand exhibits like Simba, Beacon, and MTN, you can enjoy aerial shows by aerobatic teams and strongman competitions. Kids will love the dog shows, camel rides, and fun activities in the KidZone. There’s also a variety of local food to sample, and you can relax with a beer in the garden areas.
Last year, my family and I enjoyed the exhibits, but the live performances stood out the most. Rob Lake, the world-renowned illusionist, amazed us, and we had a blast at the Adrenaline Zone.
Tip: Get the family package for only R320, covering two adults and two kids under 12.
Arts Alive Festival
Media From: joburg_artsalive
When: September
Where: Newtown
Admission Cost:
- Adult – R350
- Kids Under 12 – R100
- Pensioners – R200
The Arts Alive Festival is one of South Africa’s historical festivals. Established in 1992 after apartheid and held every September, the festival showcases local talent and highlights the city’s vibrant artistic scene.
It features a mix of live music, theatre, comedy, and more. You can explore public art installations that reflect the festival’s themes or join creative workshops to learn directly from artists.
Here, I personally loved the skits that addressed social issues. The acting was excellent and the lines were thought-provoking.
Tip: Don’t miss the street markets with crafts, food, and local fashion. Vendors often do live demonstrations!
Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival
Media From: sowetowinefestival
When: September
Where: Soweto
Admission Cost:
- General Friday Pass – R150
- General Saturday Pass – R180
- General Sunday Pass: R150
- Full Festival Passes: R280
Love wine? Don’t miss the annual Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival. Since 2017, it has been offering a wide selection of wines from both local and international wineries like Blake Family Wines, Boekenhoutskloof, and Doolhof Wines.
Curated tasting sessions let you try dishes that perfectly complement specific wines. While enjoying your wine and food, you can also watch dance performances!
I enjoy taking my wife to this festival to explore the wines. My favourite is Boekenhoutskloof’s Chocolate Block, with its rich notes of dark berries, lilac, violets, mocha, and fine chocolate. It’s an incredible wine to savour.
Tip: Make sure to attend the wine masterclasses included with your pass. They’re a great way to learn about different wine varieties and regions.
DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival
Media From: dstvdeliciousfestival
When: September
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Admission Cost:
- General Admission – R300
- VIP Package – R600
Since 2013, the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival has brought together diverse cultures and culinary traditions. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves good food and great music.
Watch celebrity chefs demonstrate their signature dishes or join cooking classes to pick up new skills. You can also enjoy food pairing sessions where you can learn how to match wines or craft beers with your meals.
If you’re bringing kids, the festival has a Kid Zone with bouncy castles and inflatable rides to keep them entertained.
I attended the festival in 2023, and it was an amazing experience. I loved the variety of gourmet street food, especially the hot dogs and burgers, which were perfect while watching Maxwell and my favourite R&B band, Shalamar.
Tip: Don’t skip the free samples from food stalls. You might discover your next favourite dish!
Chinese New Year Festival
Media From: sseriina
When: January
Where: Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple
Admission Cost: Free
Celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival and enjoy the traditions and customs of the Chinese community in South Africa. This event has been part of local life since Chinese immigrants settled here in the 1800s.
Witness Lion and Dragon dances, fireworks, and martial arts displays. There are also colourful parades with traditional outfits and food stalls selling dishes like dumplings, noodles, and sweet rice cakes.
I enjoy going to the workshops at the festival. My favourite is the lantern-making workshop, where I made a lantern that I can use to brighten my home.
Tip: Take part in rituals like offering sacrifices to ancestors and lighting firecrackers. These traditions are believed to bring good luck for the new year.
Jo’burg Shopping Festival
When: July
Where: Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank Mall, Oriental Plaza, East Rand Mall, and Maponya Mall
Admission Cost: Free
Save more while shopping more at the Jo’burg Shopping Festival. This yearly event takes place in major malls like Sandton City, Rosebank, East Rand, and Oriental Plaza. It’s all about boosting sales with big discounts for shoppers.
Besides discounts, there are contests where you can win prizes like shopping vouchers, holidays, and luxury goods. Enjoy the food stalls and listen to live music while you shop!
I enjoy this festival because I save over 50% on brands like New Balance and North Face, perfect for my climbing gear. It’s also a great time to buy my wife her favourite beauty products.
Tip: Visit the craft workshops by Freehand ART Studio in Sandton City to make your own handmade creations.
Ultra South Africa
Media From: ultrasouthafrica
When: May
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre
Admission Cost:
- General Admission – R1,295
- VIP Tickets – R2,500
- VVIP Tickets – R5,500
Join Ultra South Africa, one of the country’s biggest electronic music festivals. Since 2014, it has been delivering energetic performances by top names in electronic music.
You’ll even enjoy impressive stage setups, dazzling light displays, and fireworks.
The festival hosts multiple stages, each featuring renowned DJs from around the world as well as home-grown favourites. You’ll surely love it if you’re into house, techno, or EDM.
In 2019, I attended the festival with my wife, and it was an amazing experience. We watched acts like Afrojack, Dash Berlin, and Steve Aoki. The highlight was dancing to Martin Garrix as he played tracks like “Animals” and “In the Name of Love.”
Tip: Use public transport or ridesharing to avoid parking hassles during the event.
