Johannesburg will host the Rand Show 2026 from 2 to 6 April at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, with organisers confirming five days of live entertainment, family attractions and interactive experiences. The event, one of South Africa’s largest consumer shows, is expected to draw thousands of visitors across Gauteng during the Easter period. For residents, the timing matters as it coincides with school holidays and public holiday travel, increasing both attendance and activity around Nasrec.
According to organisers, this year’s edition is designed as a full day experience, combining shopping, entertainment and education within a single ticket offering.
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Rand Show 2026 Brings Five Day Easter Festival to Johannesburg Expo Centre
The Rand Show will run daily from 09:00 to 19:00, with gates closing at 18:00.
Key event details include:
- Dates: 2 to 6 April 2026
- Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec
- Duration: Five consecutive days
- Format: Multi zone festival style experience
Organisers describe the event as a large scale public gathering combining entertainment, retail and interactive exhibits, positioned to attract families, young adults and tourists.
Rand Show 2026 Line Up: JazziQ, Kelvin Momo and More Headline Performers
The Rand Show Music Festival will run across all five days, featuring local artists performing on the main stage.
Confirmed performers include:
- JazziQ
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Morda
- Zola Seven
- Kelvin Momo
- DJ Young
- Soweto’s Finest
- OVERJOY
- Mr Keyz
According to organisers, performances are scheduled throughout the day, with headline acts typically appearing in the afternoon and early evening slots.
The music programme remains one of the key attractions, drawing both younger audiences and long time festival attendees.
What’s New at Rand Show 2026: Jungle Magic, Gaming Zones and Interactive Experiences
A major addition this year is Jungle Magic, an immersive indoor attraction located in Hall 8.
Organisers say the experience includes:
- Large scale jungle themed installations
- Soundscapes and visual effects
- Giant feature creatures
- An indoor waterfall feature
- A “brave zone” with interactive elements for children
The attraction is included in the ticket price and is expected to be one of the most visited areas.
In addition, the event introduces a Tech and Gaming Arena, designed to combine entertainment with education.
According to organisers, the space will include:
- Coding and robotics demonstrations
- Gaming activations and tournaments
- Digital literacy and skills exposure
- Career and study pathway insights
The department said this addition reflects a broader shift toward “future ready” learning experiences integrated into entertainment environments.
Kids Zone and Family Attractions at Rand Show 2026: What to Expect
Family entertainment remains central to the event.
Hall 8 will host a dedicated Kids Zone, featuring:
- Dienkie and Doodles daily shows
- Freddy the Frog and Ivy’s Wild Adventure performances
- Play zones and trampoline areas
- Interactive learning spaces
- Parent relaxation areas
Organisers say the aim is to provide a full day experience for families without requiring multiple additional purchases.
Beyond the indoor zones, visitors can also expect:
- Outdoor play areas
- Demonstration spaces
- Continuous live entertainment
Things to Do at Rand Show 2026: Full List of Attractions and Activities
The Rand Show is structured as a multi activity event with a mix of entertainment, education and retail.
Key attractions include:
- Live music performances across five days
- Jungle Magic immersive experience
- Tech and Gaming Arena
- Kids Zone and stage shows
- Retail and shopping exhibitions
- Food stalls and themed dining options
- Interactive displays and demonstrations
Organisers said the goal is to ensure visitors can spend an entire day at the venue without needing to move between multiple locations.
Event Format Reflects Shift in Gauteng’s Entertainment Trends
The Rand Show’s repositioning as a festival style event reflects broader changes in how large scale public events are structured.
According to organisers, audiences are increasingly looking for:
- Interactive experiences
- Multi activity environments
- Family friendly programming
- Value based ticket offerings
The department said the 2026 edition has been designed to respond to these expectations by combining multiple experiences within a single venue.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The return of the Rand Show has broader implications beyond entertainment.
For Gauteng residents, the event means:
- Increased traffic and activity around Nasrec and surrounding routes
- Access to a large scale Easter holiday event in Johannesburg
- Opportunities for local vendors, performers and small businesses
- Increased tourism and hospitality activity in the province
Large events such as the Rand Show also contribute to Gauteng’s events economy, particularly during peak holiday periods.
Rand Show 2026 FAQ: Dates, Tickets, Prices and What to Know
When does the Rand Show 2026 start?
The event runs from 2 to 6 April 2026.
Where is it being held?
At the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.
What time does the event open and close?
Daily from 09:00 to 19:00, with gates closing at 18:00.
What attractions are included?
Live music, Kids Zone, Jungle Magic, gaming experiences and various exhibitions.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. The event includes multiple family focused attractions and activities.
What Happens Next as Rand Show 2026 Begins
With the event set to open this week, organisers are finalising logistics, including venue operations, crowd management and scheduling.
Further updates on performance timings, traffic management and on-site operations are expected to be released ahead of opening day. Authorities may also issue travel advisories for areas surrounding Nasrec as visitor numbers increase.
The Rand Show’s 2026 edition will serve as a key test of its festival style format, with attendance and visitor engagement likely to shape how future editions are structured.
