Johannesburg residents and visitors are invited to experience the city’s inner core on foot when Main Street Sundays returns on Sunday, 9 August 2026, coinciding with National Women’s Day. The free event will transform Main Street in Marshalltown into a pedestrian friendly public space featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, art, markets and food experiences. Organisers say the initiative aims to encourage people to reconnect with Johannesburg’s inner city by creating a safe and welcoming environment for families, cyclists, walkers and visitors.
The event follows the successful launch of Main Street Sundays in April, which attracted more than 5 000 visitors, according to Jozi My Jozi. Organisers say this second edition will celebrate the women of Johannesburg while continuing efforts to encourage residents to experience the city without cars.
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Main Street Will Become a Car Free Public Space
For one day only, a section of Main Street between 44 Main and Gandhi Square will be closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, roller skaters, skateboarders, wheelchair users and families with prams to enjoy the streets safely.
According to Jozi My Jozi, the event is designed as a community experience rather than a commercial festival.
“We invite everyone to come out and experience the inner city as a car free zone for the day,” said Dawn Robertson, Visitor and Creative Economy Catalyst at Jozi My Jozi.
She said visitors would be able to explore Johannesburg at a slower pace while spending time with family, friends and colleagues in public spaces usually dominated by vehicles.
Family Activities, Music and Markets Planned
Visitors can expect a full day of activities stretching from 44 Main to Gandhi Square.
According to organisers, attractions will include:
- Live acoustic music
- Pop up markets
- A children’s play area
- Street games
- Walking and cycling lanes
- Roller skating and skateboarding
- A walkable art mile
- Food trucks and restaurants
- A Vintage and Vinyl Market
- Outside broadcasts by Talk Radio 702 and VOW FM
The event aims to encourage residents to explore the city on foot while supporting local businesses, artists and community organisations.
Different Activity Zones Across Main Street
To help visitors navigate the event, Main Street will be divided into themed activity zones.
These include a wellness area featuring yoga and relaxation activities, an information zone, an active mobility section for cyclists and skaters, and a children’s zone hosted in partnership with Play Africa.
Families can also explore a walkable art mile featuring exhibitions at Standard Bank Gallery and a rooftop pop up exhibition at the Aegis Building on Loveday Street.
Creative markets showcasing local designers and artisans will operate alongside food vendors throughout the day.
Organisers Hope To Strengthen Connections With The Inner City
Jozi My Jozi says the initiative forms part of broader efforts to encourage people to rediscover Johannesburg’s central business district.
According to the organisers, transforming streets into public gathering spaces allows residents to experience the city differently while supporting local culture, tourism and businesses.
Roland Postma, Managing Director of Young Urbanists, said improving public streets plays an important role in strengthening cities and communities.
Robertson said the event aims to create a welcoming environment where families, visitors and residents from different parts of Johannesburg can enjoy the city together.
Plan Your Visit to Main Street Sundays
Organisers recommend using nearby parking garages, including the Standard Bank parking facility on Frederick Street.
Visitors travelling by Gautrain can use the train to Park Station before connecting to the free Gautrain midibus shuttle operating between Park Station and Main Street.
Those wishing to extend the day can also use the City Sightseeing Red Bus from Rosebank and hop off near Main Street before returning later.
Although entry is free, Jozi My Jozi encourages visitors to register online to help organisers manage attendance numbers and event planning.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Main Street Sundays offers Gauteng residents another opportunity to explore Johannesburg’s inner city through a free public event during the Women’s Day long weekend.
For families, it provides child friendly activities, safe walking spaces and cultural experiences in the city centre.
For local businesses and artists, the event creates opportunities to showcase products, performances and creative work to thousands of visitors.
The initiative also supports wider efforts to encourage tourism, public participation and the use of shared public spaces in Johannesburg’s CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Main Street Sundays taking place?
The event takes place on Sunday, 9 August 2026, on National Women’s Day.
Where will the event be held?
The event takes place along Main Street in Marshalltown, stretching between 44 Main and Gandhi Square.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. According to Jozi My Jozi, attendance is free, although visitors are encouraged to register online before attending.
Is the event suitable for families?
Yes. The programme includes a dedicated children’s zone, interactive games, wellness activities, art exhibitions, food vendors and entertainment for a wide range of ages.
How can visitors get there?
Visitors can drive and use nearby parking, travel via Gautrain to Park Station and use the free shuttle, or arrive using the City Sightseeing Red Bus.
Make Main Street Sundays Part of Your Women’s Day Weekend
As Johannesburg celebrates Women’s Day, Main Street Sundays will once again give residents the chance to experience the city’s streets from a different perspective. With free entry, family activities, live entertainment, markets and public art, organisers hope the event will continue building stronger connections between people and the inner city while celebrating the women who help shape Johannesburg.
